The Peak of Summer Adventures on the Road
According to a recent survey conducted by Park24 Corporation, the number of people heading out in their cars peaks in
August, distanced by over
17 percentage points from other months. This significant trend can be attributed to family vacations and the pleasant weather conducive to outings, with
May and
December tying for second place at
13%.
When probing deeper into the reasons why families choose to travel by car during these months, the key findings revealed:
37% of respondents cited overlapping family holidays as the main driving factor, while
31% highlighted the ease of taking time off work. Furthermore,
26% appreciated the pleasant climate, particularly in May. Families tend to utilize long vacations for memorable outings in August and December, while May capitalizes on the mellow climate during Golden Week, prompting more outdoor adventures.
Popular Destinations for Car Excursions
The survey also detailed common destinations for car outings, with
shopping centers leading at an impressive
53%, followed by
onsen (hot springs) at
42% and
mountains at
29%. This preference maintained consistent rankings across various months, affirming that shopping centers and thermal springs remain top recreational spots regardless of the season. Notably,
theme parks saw an upward trend in
March, while
seaside destinations gained popularity during July and August as third choices.
Hidden Gems Accessible Only by Car
Interestingly,
46% of respondents confirmed that there are
must-visit spots only reachable by car. The top-rated recommendation was the
mountains, with iconic locations like
Mount Fuji and
Rokko Mountain being highlighted. Hot springs also ranked impressively, featuring places such as the
Hottarakashi Onsen and
Kusatsu Onsen as popular destinations. Additional data showed that
roadside stations,
campgrounds, and even the
Uratsu Blue Parking Area garnered attention as recommended spots, emphasizing the requirement of car access for a visit.
This survey accentuates that the synchronicity of holidays with family schedules and the ability to easily secure time off greatly influences car travel trends in August. Focusing the activities on shopping centers and hot springs reveals a positive balance in the pleasures of car life. With the
Silver Week approaching, many are likely planning journeys. Utilizing a car-sharing service like
Times Car enables easy access to locales harder to reach via public transport. Now is the perfect opportunity to discover these exclusive destinations reserved for car travelers, enhancing the joy of your summer excursions.
Whether you're planning spontaneous weekend getaways or organized family trips, the myriad of accessible locations awaits. Enjoy the adventure and the journey itself!