Exploring Seasonal Walking Trends: Insights from aruku& Survey 2025

Insights into Walking Habits and Seasonal Preferences from the aruku& Survey

The walking app aruku& (あるくと), managed by ONE COMPATH, recently conducted a comprehensive survey from October 16 to 30, 2025, targeting over 8,900 users across Japan. This survey aimed to explore the participants' preferences related to walking in different seasons, particularly emphasizing the appeal of autumn. Additionally, an exciting competitive event titled the 'Spontaneous Walking Championship' engaged users in three teams—autumn eaters, autumn athletes, and autumn readers—where they battled to achieve the highest walking steps.

According to the survey results, approximately 58.9% of participants identified as autumn eaters. In terms of daily walking averages, those who categorized themselves as autumn athletes led with an impressive average of 13,433 steps per day compared to the autumn eaters’ 11,935 steps. The findings highlight a distinctive trend among the autumn athletes, who prioritize physical activity during this visually stunning season.

Autumn: The Most Walkable Season

When asked which season is the most favorable for walking, a remarkable 81.1% of respondents pointed to autumn. Several favorable factors contributed to this preference, including the pleasant weather characterized by cool temperatures and floral scents, which encourage outdoor activities. For instance, a female participant in her 50s expressed that the fragrance of kinmokusei (sweet olive) is a huge motivator to step outside. A male respondent in his 40s also noted that autumn offers comfortable weather without the nuisance of pollen, making it favorable for walking.

In stark contrast, only 6.2% deemed summer as the ideal season for walking, illustrating a clear trend of embracing the outdoors predominantly in autumn and spring (65.1%). Interestingly, a male in his 50s stated that he enjoys hot summer days, suggesting an affinity for seasonal variety among participants.

Enjoying the Benefits of Walking

The survey also delved into the moments that participants felt they benefited most from walking, revealing distinct responses among the three groups. For autumn eaters, discovering new dining spots was a significant highlight. In contrast, autumn athletes relished in the exhilarating experiences of feeling seasonal changes and releasing stress through their activities. Lastly, autumn readers cherished moments of solitary reflection that led to inspiring ideas, showcasing the diversity of motivations among these groups.

While some respondents positively described encounters with nature, like seeing beautiful flowers or clear skies, others shared experiences of delightful surprises, including spotting cats along their walking routes.

Prioritizing Functionality in Sports Gear

When questioned about their priorities while selecting sports gear, a notable 77.1% of autumn athletes highlighted the importance of functionality, followed by 60.2% who considered pricing crucial. This suggests a trend where users seek a balance between quality and affordability, striving to procure essential items without excessive costs. Participants also noted the significance of comfort, durability, and the suitability of materials, reflecting their conscientious approach in choosing suitable equipment for their activity levels.

Engaging with Gut Health: A Seasonal Insight

Aligned with the approach of the upcoming Intestinal Health Day on December 11, a follow-up investigation explored users' dedication to gut health. An impressive 87.9% confirmed that they are mindful of improving their intestinal environment. Among those surveyed, 73.8% made efforts to consume probiotics such as lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, indicating an increasing health consciousness that is likely spurred by recent gut health trends. Additionally, significant numbers—approximately 70.6% and 69.1%—reported commitment to dietary fiber and vegetable intake, reinforcing a widespread shift toward healthier lifestyle practices.

Conclusion

This extensive survey reflects not only the preferences and behaviors of aruku& users but also illustrates the broader cultural trends around walking, seasons, and health considerations. As we navigate through various seasons, the findings reinforce that autumn, with its inviting climate and opportunities for outdoor exploration, continues to resonate strongly with the community. The clear distinctions in behaviors among users invite further inquiries into how seasonal preferences can shape our overall health and wellbeing.

For more insights into the findings, visit aruku& website.