#Japan #Agoda #winter travel #Japanese destinations #Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Okinawa

Agoda's Winter Travel Insights

Agoda Company Pte. Ltd., headquartered in Singapore and led by CEO Omri Morgenshtern, has analyzed search data from Japanese travelers to showcase the top five domestic travel destinations that are gaining traction for winter 2025 (December 2025 to February 2026). For the second consecutive year, Tokyo and Osaka have held the first and second spots. However, there's also a noticeable rise in interest towards regional cities, particularly Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Okinawa, attributed to seasonal events boosting travel demand.

The Rise of Regional City Events in February

A notable takeaway from the search data is how seasonal events in February are significantly driving search interest for regional destinations. This month is characterized by a plethora of traditional events that attract both domestic and international travelers, enriching the winter travel experience.

• - Fukuoka: Michinaga Shrine's 'Path of Light' (Late February)

This mystical sunset phenomenon, which can only be seen twice a year, has gained popularity on social media, contributing to the rise in travel searches for February.

• - Sapporo: Sapporo Snow Festival (Early February)

As Japan's largest winter event, this festival attracts visitors from all over. The stunning ice and snow sculptures, vibrant light displays, and diverse food festivals make Sapporo a pivotal city for winter tourism.

• - Okinawa: Cherry Blossom Festival (Early February)

Known for having Japan's earliest blooming cherry blossoms, Okinawa’s pleasant climate and picturesque sakura scenery maintain its status as a preferred winter getaway.

These regional events concentrated in February highlight a strong trend where local attractions significantly boost domestic travel demand during the winter season.

Expert Commentary

Masaru Inukai, Agoda International Japan's Senior Country Director, remarked, “The search data indicates an increasing interest not only in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka but also in regional destinations that offer rich seasonal events in February. Unique winter experiences such as Fukuoka's 'Path of Light,' Sapporo's Snow Festival, and Okinawa's Cherry Blossom Festival pique travelers' interests, significantly driving winter travel demand.”

Furthermore, Agoda remains committed to supporting various winter travel experiences. By providing a wide selection of options and a seamless booking experience, Agoda aims to enrich travelers' journeys, making them unique and memorable.

Agoda's Extensive Offerings

Travelers can utilize Agoda's search function to seamlessly combine bookings for over six million accommodation options, more than 130,000 flight routes, and over 300,000 activities. The Agoda mobile app and official website (Agoda.com) make it easy to find affordable lodging plans.

This data is based on search activities conducted by Japanese travelers on Agoda between September and November 2025, focusing on check-ins from December 2025 to February 2026.

About Agoda

Agoda is a digital travel platform offering over six million hotels and vacation rentals, as well as airline tickets and various travel products at competitive prices. Available in 39 languages, Agoda.com and its mobile application also provide 24/7 customer support. As a subsidiary of Booking Holdings (Nasdaq: BKNG), Agoda operates from 27 locations worldwide, with over 7,000 staff dedicated to enhancing travel booking services through cutting-edge technology. Visit us at Agoda.com.