Golden Week holidays in Japan kick off amidst a surge in post-COVID tourism and a depreciating yen

Japan’s Golden Week holidays kicked off with a bang as tourists flocked to train stations and airports across the country, eager to make up for lost time due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The easing fears of the virus, coupled with the yen’s sharp fall against other currencies, have made overseas travel more expensive but that hasn’t deterred travelers from embarking on their long-awaited vacations.

At Tokyo’s Haneda airport, the international departures hall was bustling with excited tourists, including Rika Uechi who expressed her excitement about going on a graduation trip to Singapore that was postponed due to the pandemic. “I want to enjoy a night safari,” she said with a smile.

While some travelers like a woman returning to Taiwan expressed concerns about the higher cost of souvenirs due to the weak yen, many were simply thrilled to be able to reunite with their loved ones after a long period of separation. Chiho Okamura, traveling with her three-month-old son to Hyogo Prefecture, couldn’t contain her excitement about meeting her parents despite the lingering risk of infection.

With over 2.6 million people booked for domestic flights and 490,000 for international flights during the Golden Week period, airlines are expecting a busy holiday season. Similarly, shinkansen bullet trains and other rail services have seen a 16 percent increase in reserved seats compared to last year, with congestion expected to peak on May 3 and 6.

As Japan continues to navigate the challenges of the pandemic, the Golden Week holidays serve as a reminder of the resilience and determination of its people to embrace life and travel once again.