Hawaii Also Clicked... Japan's Top Year-End Travel Destination Ranked No. 1

Japanese Travel Agency Announces Year-End and New Year Popular Overseas Travel Destinations Ranking
Near Seoul Popularity Due to Fuel Tax Increase and Yen Depreciation

Tourists visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno-gu, Seoul are having a joyful time. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Junran] Seoul has ranked first as the most desired overseas travel destination for Japanese people this year-end. It surpassed Honolulu, Hawaii, becoming the 'top year-end travel destination' for the first time in 11 years. Korea has emerged as the most popular travel destination among Japanese, with Busan also ranking 4th.

According to the results of the 'Year-end and New Year Popular Overseas Travel Destinations' survey announced on the 27th by Japan's major travel agency HIS, Seoul rose to first place for the first time in 11 years since 2011. Seoul, which was 4th last year, climbed three spots in one year, overtaking Hawaii.

Honolulu, Hawaii, which took first place last year, dropped to second place. Bangkok, Thailand, maintained its 3rd place. Busan, which was outside the rankings in last year's survey, jumped to 4th place. Following were Guam, USA; Singapore; Taipei, Taiwan; Manila, Philippines; Paris, France; and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, all within the top 10.

Recently in Japan, the sharp rise in airline fuel surcharges and the record low value of the yen appear to have caused the rankings of traditionally popular destinations like Hawaii and Europe to fall. On the other hand, short-distance destinations such as Seoul have gained popularity. Except for Honolulu and Paris, eight of the top ten destinations are in Asia.

Regarding the particularly high popularity of Korea in the Asian region, HIS analyzed that it is "thanks to the swift easing of restrictions following the resumption of visa-free entry since August this year."

As of the 22nd, over 140 countries worldwide have restored entry requirements to levels similar to those before the spread of COVID-19. In Asia, Korea, Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia were among the first to ease restrictions. The Korean government temporarily allowed visa-free entry for tourists from Japan, Taiwan, and Macau in August and extended it until October 31. As a result, the number of tourists from these countries increased significantly compared to others.

Additionally, since Japan lifted foreigner entry restrictions last month, the increase in air routes between Korea and Japan also seems to have contributed to the rising demand for travel to Korea. Along with this, the popularity of Korean dramas and K-pop, part of the Korean Wave, also had an impact. Among Japanese tourists visiting Seoul, 70% were women, and 40% of them were young women in their late teens to twenties.

Reflecting the trend of high popularity for short-distance travel destinations, HIS forecasts that Japanese travelers will continue to flock to Korea and Taiwan next year. This ranking of popular overseas travel destinations was compiled based on HIS travel products and airline ticket reservations scheduled for departure from December 24 this year to January 3 next year.