Airlines rejoice as Hong Kong-Japan travel spikes

Jul 31, 2023 | News On Japan

An estimated 186,300 Hong Kong visitors traveled to Japan last month.

TOKYO - Despite the continuous rise in ticket prices between Hong Kong and Japan, the demand for air travel has not slowed down one bit as flight searches in July and August from Hong Kong have revealed that over 45% were to destinations in Japan.

Of these many searches, the top Japanese cities of interest were Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Okinawa. These cities trailed in popularity alongside places like London, Seoul, Phuket, and Kaoshiung. And while bookings reflect great interest, Hong Kong visitors to Japan reached nearly 90% of pre-pandemic levels in June, becoming the fourth-biggest group of travelers.

While an estimated 2.07 million visitors to Japan that month, South Korea topped the podium with approximately 545,100 visitors. Although there is quite a difference, Hong Kong still served 186,300.

Typhoon No. 25 Batters Tokyo and Chiba

Typhoon No. 25 was making its closest approach to the Kanto region on September 21, bringing central Tokyo into the storm-force wind zone while torrential rain caused widespread flooding, landslides and road damage across Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama.

Typhoon Causes Widespread Transport Disruption Across Kanto

Typhoon No. 25 was moving away from the Kanto coast on the night of September 21 after bringing widespread disruption to flights, railways and highways, but serious transport problems were set to continue into September 22, particularly across Chiba Prefecture.

Japan's Elderly Population Hits Record 29.6%

People aged 65 and older accounted for a record 29.6% of Japan's population in 2026, the highest proportion among major countries worldwide, while the number of elderly people in employment also reached an all-time high as Japan marked Respect for the Aged Day on September 21.

Emperor and Empress Watch Asian Games Basketball

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako watched Japan defeat Kazakhstan in a women’s basketball preliminary-round game at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya.

Drone Hits Nagoya City Hall During Asian Games Light-Up

A drone filming the illuminated Nagoya City Hall headquarters crashed into a building across the road shortly before 9 p.m. on September 17, with police investigating whether the flight may have violated Japan's Civil Aeronautics Act.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Travel NEWS

Peach Launches Narita-Incheon Route

Peach Aviation began scheduled flights between Narita Airport and South Korea's Incheon International Airport on September 20, marking the low-cost carrier's first new international route from Narita in seven years.

Five-Day Silver Week Holiday Begins

Japan's Silver Week began on September 19 with five consecutive days off for the first time in 11 years, drawing crowds to food and festival events across the country despite rainy weather in the Kanto region as Typhoon No. 25 approached.

Mount Tokachi Volcano Continues to Emit Smoke

Volcanic smoke continues to rise from Mount Tokachi (Tokachidake), an active volcano in Daisetsuzan National Park in Hokkaido, one week after its eruption alert level was raised to Level 3, restricting entry to the mountain and prompting a series of cancellations at nearby hot spring inns just before the peak autumn foliage season.

Kyushu Shinkansen Back on Track for Silver Week

The Kyushu Shinkansen will resume operations along its entire route on September 18 after suffering extensive track and other damage in the Kumamoto earthquake, raising hopes that the long-awaited restoration will help revive tourism in disaster-hit areas ahead of the Silver Week holiday period.

Bear Sighting Raises Alarm at Popular Tokyo Hiking Spot

A black bear has been spotted near one of the most popular hiking trails on Mount Takao in western Tokyo, prompting authorities to urge visitors to take precautions ahead of the five-day Silver Week holiday and the approaching autumn foliage season.

Heavy Rain Disrupts Tourism Ahead of Silver Week

Prolonged rain is disrupting tourism ahead of Japan's Silver Week holidays, forcing Nagatoro's popular river cruises to remain suspended for an 11th consecutive day while increased water flow at Fukuroda Falls in Ibaraki Prefecture is drawing more visitors.

Shinkansen Introduces New Luxury Private Compartment

A new top-tier "Supreme Class" offering fully private compartments above the level of Green Car service will debut on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen on October 1, with passengers able to experience the new seating at a demonstration booth at Shin-Osaka Station.

Halloween Spooks Tokyo Disneyland

Tokyo Disney Resort will launch its annual Disney Halloween event on September 16, with a special parade previewed ahead of the opening and visitors allowed to enjoy the parks in costume during the event period.

< 2 3 4 5 >