(Based on materials provided by KKday JAPAN Co., Ltd.)
KKday JAPAN Co., Ltd. has announced the ranking of Japan’s most popular prefectures among inbound tourists during the 2025 Chinese New Year holiday. Based on KKday’s reservation data, Tokyo ranked first, followed by Osaka, Kyoto, Hokkaido, and Okinawa. This year’s Chinese New Year has drawn attention to snow-related experiences, influenced by increased exposure on social media and higher-than-average snowfall.
In urban areas such as Tokyo, Osaka, Aichi, and Fukuoka, while reservations for leisure facilities are showing a downward trend, gourmet experiences are gaining popularity. The demand for gourmet reservations in metropolitan areas has been increasing, and inbound-focused gourmet bookings, supported by last year’s partnership between KKday and Tabelog, are on the rise. Trending spots on social media include Katsuo-ji Temple in Osaka, Itoshima in Fukuoka, and Inuyama Castle in Aichi, with Itoshima recording more than 2.6 times the reservations compared to the previous year.
(Based on materials provided by KKday JAPAN Co., Ltd.)
The ranking of rapidly rising experience spots highlights the growing attention on the Tohoku region, particularly Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures. Popular attractions include Zao Fox Village, Zao’s snow monsters, and bus tours to Ginzan Onsen, with reservation numbers more than doubling from the previous year. Contributing factors include social media exposure and improved access, such as new or reinstated international flights at Sendai and Aomori airports. In 2024, Sendai Airport launched a new direct flight to Hong Kong, while Aomori Airport resumed direct flights to South Korea and Taiwan in January 2024.
According to forecasts by the Japan Meteorological Agency, snowfall this winter is expected to be at or above average levels, fueling strong demand for ski resorts. In particular, Ishimaru Ski Resort in Niigata Prefecture is gaining recognition for its accessibility and overseas promotional efforts, establishing “Niigata = Ski Destination” as a reputation across Asia. Other notable destinations include Shiga Kogen and Spring Valley Sendai Izumi Ski Resort, where bus tours featuring snow play experiences are also popular.
To meet the growing inbound demand, KKday is collaborating with ski resorts to implement multilingual online sales and a fast ticketing system. These measures aim to reduce on-site congestion while enhancing convenience for travelers. By continuing to provide high-quality services, KKday is garnering attention as a key player supporting tourism in Japan.