Koreans Flock to Japan Despite Strong Yen — Record Visits Driven by Nearby, Safer Travel and Small-Town Appeal
Creatrip Team
4 months ago
Korean travel to Japan surged to a record 8.82 million visitors last year, and January–October visits rose 6.4% year-on-year to 7.66 million. Despite concerns the rising yen might suppress demand, Japanese trips remain popular as Japan is seen as relatively safe and less affected by currency swings. Travelers are shifting from repeat visits to major cities toward quieter regional destinations; bookings for smaller Japanese towns jumped — Fujinomiya (Shizuoka) bookings increased more than 38-fold and Naha (Okinawa) grew over 60%. Fujinomiya offers views of Mount Fuji, local cuisine, shopping and onsen (hot spring) experiences, while Naha — often called “Japan’s Hawaii” — is known for beaches, marine activities and resorts. Incheon Airport has expanded direct routes to Japan (now 32 routes to 31 cities), adding new services to Obihiro and Ibaraki. Meanwhile, travel companies reported weaker third-quarter results due to a late Chuseok holiday and softer regional travel sentiment.
