Japan's Golden Week Holidays Begin with Surge in Domestic and International Travel

Japan's Golden Week holidays, which run from April 29 to May have started with crowded train stations and airports across the country as people travel domestically and internationally. Despite lingering concerns about COVID-19, the easing of pandemic restrictions has led to a surge in travel, with over 2.6 million people booked for domestic flights and 490,000 for international flights during the holiday period.

At Tokyo's Haneda airport, the international departures hall has resumed operation after being shut for more than three years due to the pandemic. Travelers are eager to take trips they couldn't make during the pandemic, with one woman saying she's going on a "graduation trip" to Singapore and another planning to visit her parents in Hyogo Prefecture.

However, the yen's sharp depreciation against other currencies has made overseas travel more expensive, with some travelers expressing concern about the higher costs of souvenirs and other expenses. Airlines have reported that the figure for domestic flights is nearly the same level as last year, while international flights are up about 20%.

Shinkansen bullet train and other rail services also saw a 16% increase in reserved seats compared to a year earlier. Railway companies expect congestion to peak on May 3 and 6.

Why this matters: The surge in travel during Japan's Golden Week holidays reflects a growing sense of normalcy as the country emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic. The increased domestic and international travel has significant implications for Japan's economy, particularly in the tourism and hospitality sectors, which have been hit hard by the pandemic.

As Japan continues to navigate the challenges posed by the weak yen and the lingering effects of the pandemic, the Golden Week holidays serve as an essential indicator of consumer confidence and the overall health of the nation's travel industry. With millions of people taking to the skies and rails, the coming days will provide valuable insights into Japan's post-pandemic recovery and the resilience of its tourism sector.

Key Takeaways

• Japan's Golden Week sees surge in domestic and international travel.
• Over 2.6M booked for domestic flights, 490K for international flights.
• Haneda airport's international departures hall reopens after 3+ years.
• Weak yen makes overseas travel more expensive, but travel still up.
• Golden Week travel indicates Japan's post-pandemic economic recovery.