Booking.com has released the latest trends in inbound tourism to Mie Prefecture, where one of the world’s premier motorsport races is held. The analysis focused on check-in reservations between April 3 and April 7, 2025, which coincides with the event period. It revealed a notable increase in overseas travelers to Mie Prefecture, particularly from Western countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands. A significant surge in search volume was also observed in Switzerland and New Zealand.
During this period, the most popular destination within Mie Prefecture was Suzuka, home to the Suzuka Circuit. It was followed by Ise, known for visits to the Ise Grand Shrine and strolls through its historic temple town area, and Yokkaichi, which is also located in the Hokusei region along with Suzuka. Compared to the previous year, the number of tourists increased not only in Suzuka but across the entire Mie region. Although not ranked among the top destinations, areas such as Ugata—home to the Yokoyama Observatory overlooking Ago Bay—and Kumano, known for the UNESCO World Heritage Site Kumano Kodo pilgrimage routes, also saw a marked increase in interest.
Luis Rodriguez, Regional Manager for Japan and Korea at Booking.com, noted that inbound tourism demand is rising throughout Mie Prefecture, centered around Suzuka, which draws crowds with its motorsport events. He stated that in addition to Suzuka, surrounding areas including Yokkaichi are also expected to see an increase in overseas visitors. Furthermore, it is anticipated that foreign travelers visiting Japan for the event will explore various attractions in Mie, bringing vibrancy to the entire region.
The data was based on the number of accommodation searches conducted on Booking.com between February 26 and March 5, 2025. The targeted check-in period for analysis was April 3 to April 7, 2025.
Booking.com was founded in Amsterdam in 1996 and is part of Booking Holdings Inc. The company operates under the mission of “making it easier for everyone to experience the world.” It offers a user-friendly platform that allows travelers to book a wide variety of accommodations and transportation options all in one place. In addition, users who register for the Genius loyalty program can access discounts and benefits on hundreds of thousands of properties and rental cars. More details are available on the official website and social media accounts.
