Japan Summer Travel Outlook

Travel to Japan

Historically, when most Americans plan their bucket list summer vacations they look to destinations like London, Paris and Rome across Europe. Though European classics remain popular, Japan has seen an undeniable surge in demand over the past 5 years resulting in Tokyo being ranked as one of the top destinations for travel this summer. 

Rise in Demand for Japan

Demand for trips to Japan has been rising for the last 5 years, with the most notable surges in demand in the last two years, post covid-19 travel restrictions. Today, 8% of all searches for international trips from the US are to destinations in Japan. Japan’s share of demand has more than doubled compared to summer 2018 and has nearly doubled compared to 2019.

When looking at demand for destinations within Asia, demand to Japan has also increased by more than 200%. Today, nearly 30% of searches from the US to Asia are for destinations in Japan, compared to just 14% in the summer of 2018.  Japan has won demand share from other destinations in China, the Philippines and India.

Japan, an emerging family destination

Transpacific long haul flights may not evoke the idea of family travel, but data shows that families are choosing to travel to Japan more than ever before. This summer nearly 8% of all trips booked on the Hopper app to Japan include at least one child, compared to just 3% of trips historically. Japanese cities are attractive for traveling families, offering low cost entertainment and meals, easy to navigate with public transportation and generally safe with lots to offer. With millennials continuing to prioritize travel expenditure and bucket list trips even after having kids, it’s no surprise that families with children are increasingly choosing longer haul trips abroad for vacation. 

Current Airfare to Japan

Airfare to Japan this summer is averaging $1,379 per ticket, up 2% from this time last year. Prices are 26% higher than 2019 and 2018 levels. Prices remain higher than pre-pandemic due to the still recovering capacity, higher than historic jet fuel prices and tremendous demand for travel from Americans. These three factors combined are keeping airfare high, even as capacity continues to rebuild ahead of the busy summer travel season. 

Almost all travelers headed to Japan are looking to fly into Tokyo, while a few more travelers are looking for flights to Osaka. Tokyo offers the highest volume of international arrivals for travelers looking to visit the country or the region, making it the hub for international travel to Japan.

Capacity & Covid-19 Recovery

Airlines are continuing to rebuild capacity to destinations in Asia following covid-19 travel restrictions which remained in place for 2+ years. Today about 60 flights depart the US for Japan each day, just 6% fewer than at this time in 2019. Flight capacity has increased by 22% compared to this time last year, when only 49 flights were departing daily on average to Japanese destinations. 

Capacity recovery is driving into this summer as airlines expand their seat capacity to capture Americans’ demand for trips to Japan. This summer (June, July and August) airlines are flying 9% more seats than they did in summer 2023. 1.5M seats will depart from US airports on flights throughout the summer, an increase of ~130K seats compared to what was scheduled at this time last year.

Capacity Outlook for Summer by Origin Airport

Accommodations in Japan

On average, hotel rooms in Japan will cost travelers just under $200 per night, though there is a range of prices available to travelers open to options like smaller boutique hotels or hostels. Tokyo is the top city for hotel stays and prices are around $228 per night on average for summer stays. Prices in other top cities like Osaka and Kyoto are lower, averaging under $150 per night. 

How to Save on Your Trip to Japan

• Fly with stops to save 10%: Nonstop flights to Japan come at a 10% premium compared to flights with stops. Though layovers will add to travel time, they can make prices more affordable for travelers looking to stretch their budget further. 

• Fly Mid-Week to save 10%: Saturday is the most expensive day of the week to leave on a trip to Japan this summer, while Tuesday and Wednesday are cheapest days of the week to depart. Skip the weekend departures to save an average of ~10% on airfare. With prices higher than historic levels, this means flying midweek could save you around $140 per ticket. 

• Shift travel to early fall to save 26%: Summer is the most expensive time to travel to Japan, with prices historically well over $1,500 for tickets on select dates. Shifting travel from peak July into September or early October can save travelers an average of 26% off airfare, or just under $400 per ticket! Traveling in the off-season means fewer crowds (and lines!) and lower prices for the same excellent experience.  

Deals to Japan you can book now on Hopper:

• Boston, Massachusetts to Tokyo, Japan for as low as $1010 round-trip

• Boston, Massachusetts to Fukuoka, Japan for as low as $1010 round-trip

• Charlotte, North Carolina to Osaka, Japan for as low as $1191 round-trip

• Charlotte, North Carolina to Tokyo, Japan for as low as $1316 round-trip

• Chicago, Illinois to Tokyo, Japan for as low as $969 round-trip

• Chicago, Illinois to Osaka, Japan for as low as $1041 round-trip

• Dallas, Texas to Tokyo, Japan for as low as $1283 round-trip

• Dallas, Texas to Osaka, Japan for as low as $1264 round-trip

• Houston, Texas to Tokyo, Japan for as low as $1094 round-trip

• Houston, Texas to Naha, Japan for as low as $1140 round-trip

• Los Angeles, California to Osaka, Japan for as low as $815 round-trip

• Los Angeles, California to Tokyo, Japan for as low as $810 round-trip

• New York City, New York to Osaka, Japan for as low as $1005 round-trip

• New York City, New York to Tokyo, Japan for as low as $1009 round-trip

• San Francisco, California to Tokyo, Japan for as low as $817 round-trip

• San Francisco, California to Osaka, Japan for as low as $853 round-trip

• Seattle, Washington to Tokyo, Japan for as low as $967 round-trip

• Seattle, Washington to Osaka, Japan for as low as $1069 round-trip