As the petals of the cherry blossoms and the buzz of peak season are yet again behind us, Japan moves into its quieter early summer months. This period is the perfect time to reflect on the fast-changing travel landscape – and to start preparing for the next busy season.

After several record-breaking months, Japan continues to see a strong rebound in international arrivals. April marks the third consecutive month with over 3 million tourists entering the country. While this shows how deeply travellers have fallen in love with Japan, it also highlights a growing challenge: the gap between high demand and limited supply.

Despite this upward trend, the hospitality and tourism industries still face a shortage of workers which can lead to limited availability of guides, accommodations, and services during peak season. That’s why we always strongly recommend that travellers plan one year in advance for these peak months to secure the best possible services.

At EXO Travel Japan, we are doing our best to accommodate all requests, but we also encourage our partners and clients to consider visiting during the shoulder seasons and invite travellers to explore destinations beyond the popular Golden Route, discovering hidden gems throughout Japan’s diverse regions.

With the rise in arrivals, our guests may find themselves in extremely crowded environments, particularly in transport hubs and famous sightseeing areas. It’s important to set the right expectations should they wish to visit in the peak season, and understand that some of the charm of Japan – such as its calm, cleanliness, and cultural order – depends on visitors being respectful and informed.

Here are a few key reminders to share with your clients:

• Be mindful of noise levels, especially in public transport.
• Queue respectfully and avoid cutting in line.
• Eating while walking in public areas is generally frowned upon due to litter.
• Be punctual for tours, check-ins, and reservations.

Simple gestures of respect go a long way in Japan, and also ensures a smoother travel experience for our esteemed guests. You can read more about travel etiquette for Japan in our dedicated article.