How to avoid the crowds while traveling in Japan

30.08.2024 - 21:39 / thepointsguy.com / Glen Hauenstein

Six decades after hosting the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics — when Japan rapidly rolled out new infrastructure like its Shinkansen bullet train and accommodations like Hotel New Otani Tokyo to welcome the anticipated influx of foreigners — the country remains one of the most beloved leisure destinations in the world. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, 17.78 million foreign visitors arrived in the first half of 2024, breaking 2019's previous record of 16.63 million. And there are no signs of a slowdown: Japan aims to nearly double 2019's end-of-year record of 31.88 million tourists to a staggering 60 million annually by 2030.

Though there are countless reasons for Japan's sustained popularity — from tantalizing regional cuisine to safe public transportation systems — the recent surge can largely be credited to a slump in the Japanese yen. In early July, it hit its weakest level since 1990, and while the yen has recovered slightly in the past two months, the dollar remains very strong in Japan.

"I think when the yen was 83 [to $1], it was very difficult to be able to afford to go see Japan and all the great things that Japan has to offer," Delta president Glen Hauenstein said during a second-quarter earnings call in July. "With the yen at 160, it's a very different world for U.S. travelers, and they seem to be taking great advantage of that." (Recently, the currency has recovered slightly, with approximately 145 Japanese yen buying $1 at publication time.)

Naturally, demand for Japan-bound flights is also booming. "In 2023, Expedia data revealed that the top trending global flight route was LAX to Tokyo, with a surge of 430% compared to the year prior," Expedia travel expert Christie Hudson told TPG. "This fall, Tokyo continues to be a trending destination, with a 50% increase in flight searches."

While Japan is now within reach for more people than ever, there is a downside: relentless crowds. In response, local authorities have instituted a tourism tax for climbers on Mount Fuji, installed barriers to block Instagram-famous views of that same mountain and closed off some private alleys to tourists in Kyoto's geisha district.

Follow these tips to help alleviate the overcrowding and still have an enjoyable vacation in Japan.

Spring and fall are the peak travel seasons in popular cities like Kyoto and Osaka. To beat the crowds that come during those seasons to enjoy spectacular cherry blossoms and fall foliage, consider an offseason vacation instead. Not only will you face less congestion and queues, but you'll also be able to easily book more restaurants and experiences and find more competitive accommodation pricing.

According to Alastair McAlpine, general manager of the new Four