Agoda Reports Surge in Travel Interest Ahead of Major Sports Event in Japan

Growing Interest in Travel for the Upcoming Major Sports Event in Japan

Agoda Company Pte. Ltd., based in Singapore and led by CEO Omri Morgenshtern, recently analyzed the accommodation search data for the major Asian sports event scheduled to take place in Japan from September 19 to October 4, 2026. The findings reveal a surge in travel interest towards the Aichi-Nagoya area, where the event will be held.

Dominant Cities in Accommodation Searches

According to Agoda’s data, Nagoya City is the most searched destination for accommodations, followed by Toyota City, Toyohashi City, Okazaki City, and Ichinomiya City. Notably, comparing travel interest three weeks before the event, Toyota City saw an impressive increase of 715%, with Ichinomiya at 504%, and Kariya at 324%. These numbers indicate a growing interest in cities throughout Aichi Prefecture, not just in Nagoya.

Top 10 Cities for Search Interest During the Event

1. Nagoya City
2. Toyota City
3. Toyohashi City
4. Okazaki City
5. Ichinomiya City
6. Kariya City
7. Kasugai City
8. Komaki City
9. Nishio City
10. Shinshiro City

In Nagoya, a wide range of sports will be featured, including water polo, track and field, basketball, judo, soccer, rugby, gymnastics, and tennis. The appeal lies not just in the sports, but also the opportunity to experience local cuisine, shopping, and sightseeing, making it a highly attractive destination for autumn travel.

Explosive Growth in Nearby Cities

As the excitement builds around the major event, interest in accommodation searches is climbing in various cities within Aichi Prefecture. Toyota City topped the list with a phenomenal 715% growth, while other key cities such as Ichinomiya and Kariya manifested notable increases of 504% and 324%, respectively. Events like badminton in Ichinomiya and soccer in Kariya are particularly adding value to travel for fans, indicating an unforgettable sports tournament ahead.

Increased Interest from Across Asia

This sports event is driving significant interest not only among domestic travelers but also in the broader Asian market. The highest search interest for the event city comes from Taiwan, followed closely by South Korea, Hong Kong, the Philippines, and China.

Top 5 Overseas Markets by Search Volume

1. Taiwan
2. South Korea
3. Hong Kong
4. Philippines
5. China

Diving deeper into the growth by country, China reported a staggering 724% increase in search interest, followed by the Philippines at 249%. The high enthusiasm from China can be attributed to the recognition gained from the previous Hangzhou event and the coinciding timing with the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays.

In turn, the Philippines had their own exhilarating journey, capturing the gold medal in men’s basketball after 61 years in the last tournament, creating a buzz around the “defending champions.”

Insight from Agoda's President

Masaru Ikai, president of Agoda International Japan, commented on the event's influence on travel. He noted that the sports event is not only about enjoying the competition but also a catalyst for exploring various regions in Aichi-Nagoya, particularly locations like Toyota, Ichinomiya, and Kariya. The spikes in search queries suggest a welcoming invitation to uncover unique local attractions, cuisine, and culture—all promising rewards for both domestic and international travelers.

Agoda is dedicated to supporting travelers as they embark on their journeys to enjoy the event, offering a wide range of accommodation options and flights. Their commitment extends to aiding travelers in discovering exciting activities and experiences, all while taking advantage of special offers during the "August Mega Sale," where travelers can book selected hotels at discounts of up to 60% from August 17 to 31, 2023.

Conclusion

With the forthcoming sports event on the horizon, Agora is poised to facilitate unforgettable travel experiences for its customers. The increase in interest for accommodation, not just in Nagoya but in nearby cities as well, demonstrates the excitement surrounding this major event. Travelers in the region can expect an enriching experience that combines thrilling sports action with the unique offerings of Aichi and Nagoya.

Data Overview

The data is based on accommodation searches conducted between April and July 2026 for stays from September 18 to October 4, estimating growth rates by comparing searches from three weeks prior to the event.

About Agoda
Agoda serves over 6 million hotels and vacation rentals worldwide along with flight bookings and activities at competitive prices. Available in 39 languages, Agoda's site and mobile app also offer 24/7 customer support. Owned by Booking Holdings (NASDAQ BKNG), Agoda operates from 26 locations across Asia with a dedicated team of more than 7,000 staff members focused on providing innovative travel reservation services.

For additional information, visit Agoda.com.