Golden Week holidays 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 yen’s recent decline against other currencies has made overseas travel more expensive, but that didn’t deter travelers like Rika Uechi, 26, who was excited to embark on a graduation trip to Singapore with a friend.

At Tokyo’s Haneda airport, the international departures hall was bustling with activity as tourists prepared to jet off to their desired destinations. One traveler returning to Taiwan expressed concern about the higher cost of souvenirs in Japan due to the weak yen, prompting her to bring extra money for her trip.

With Japan easing COVID-19 restrictions and downgrading the threat level to that of seasonal influenza, many people are eager to reunite with loved ones and explore new places. Despite lingering concerns about infection risks, travelers like Chiho Okamura are looking forward to reconnecting with family members.

Airlines reported a surge in bookings for both domestic and international flights, with over 2.6 million people scheduled to fly domestically and 490,000 for international flights during the holiday period. Additionally, railway operators announced a 16 percent increase in reserved seats for shinkansen bullet trains and other rail services compared to last year, indicating a strong demand for travel.

As Golden Week progresses, congestion is expected to peak on May 3 and 6, highlighting the enthusiasm of Japanese holidaymakers to make the most of this special time of year. With travel restrictions easing and the promise of new adventures on the horizon, it’s clear that Japan’s Golden Week holidays are off to a vibrant start.