Rising Travel Costs Impact Travel Frequency Among Japanese Residents in Recent Survey

Study on Rising Travel Costs and Opportunities for Travel

A recent survey conducted by Loyalty Marketing Inc., the company behind the popular Ponta point service, has revealed significant insights into how rising travel costs are impacting travel frequency among Japanese residents aged 20 to 60. The survey, conducted from March 7 to March 12, 2025, gathered responses from 1,042 individuals and highlights some concerning trends that could affect the travel industry.

Main Findings

Impact of Rising Travel Costs

The survey revealed that approximately 80% of respondents are acutely aware of the rising costs associated with traveling. When asked about their travel expenses, 46.5% reported feeling that costs had risen significantly, while an additional 30.5% said they felt costs had somewhat increased. This price surge has led to a noticeable reduction in travel frequency, with around 41.1% of those surveyed indicating that they have cut back on domestic trips, and 38.9% stating the same for international travel.

Increased Inbound Tourism Leads to Crowding and Elevated Accommodation Costs

The influx of international travelers has also led to noticeable impacts on tourism in Japan. About 60% of respondents reported that they have felt the effects of increased crowding at popular tourist sites, with 37.3% stating that they feel “significantly more crowded” than before, while 27.4% said they perceive a “moderate increase” in crowd density. Furthermore, over half (55.1%) acknowledged that they perceive accommodation costs as rising due to this uptick in inbound tourism, making it the most impactful area of increased travel costs. Additional categories such as dining and transportation also saw significant mentions among those surveyed, with 48.0% and 24.8% respectively noting price increases.

Domestic vs. International Travel Frequencies

Interestingly, despite these financial constraints, a little more than half of the respondents report taking domestic trips at least once a year. According to the data, 55.1% stated that they traveled domestically at least once annually. However, international travel was notably less frequent, with a staggering 82.1% indicating that they rarely embark on trips abroad, a trend consistent across all age groups.

Strategies for Cost-Effective Travel

Furthermore, the rising costs have led many to adopt more economical travel strategies. Approximately 60% of respondents are actively seeking ways to save on travel expenses. Among the most common methods identified, 35.5% indicated they opt for cheaper transportation options. Other popular cost-saving measures include reducing spending at tourist attractions (28.3%) and choosing lower-quality accommodations (27.2%). Surprisingly, when it came to selecting accommodations, 57.3% of respondents indicated they would maintain their usual preferences, while 38.4% admitted to opting for budget hotels.

Conclusion

In summary, the recent survey conducted by Loyalty Marketing Inc. sheds light on the pressing issue of rising travel costs and its substantial impact on both domestic and international travel frequencies among Japanese residents. The trend of increasing travel expenses, paired with the growing influx of inbound tourists, poses significant challenges for the industry, as individuals and families seek ways to budget their travel experiences. This information not only offers a snapshot of current travel sentiments but also raises conversations about what the future holds for the travel sector in Japan. As travelers navigate these complexities, finding a balance between enjoyment and financial responsibility will become increasingly critical in their travel planning.

Survey Methodology

The survey conducted was an online study, targeting members of the Ponta Research panel, with a response collection period from March 7 to March 12, 2025. The sample consisted of individuals aged between 20 and 60 living domestically, drawing from a pool of 1,042 valid responses.

For any citations or references to this data, please credit “Ponta Research” accordingly.