As the end of the year approaches, Thais are planning their travels for the coming festive season and in 2023. On the back of relaxed entry rules and visa-free entry for Thais, Japan is one of the top destinations Thais are looking to travel to and airlines are adding more routes and flights to accommodate

As the end of the year approaches, Thais are planning their travels for the coming festive season and in 2023. On the back of relaxed entry rules and visa-free entry for Thais, Japan is one of the top destinations Thais are looking to travel to and airlines are adding more routes and flights to accommodate this sharp spike in travel demand.

A recent survey commissioned by Airbnb* found that four in five (80 percent) Thai adults intend to travel to Japan when they are able to, with 50 percent saying Japan is their number one wishlist destination.

A quarter of Thais surveyed intend to visit Japan more frequently in the future, and more are looking to get off the beaten path and visit lesser known destinations. Notably, more than a third (36 percent) are opting for destinations outside the major cities and almost a quarter are prioritizing exploring smaller towns where they can connect with locals*.

Speaking of her Japan travel plans, artist and content creator Chanaradee Chatrakul Na Ayudhya (Julie Baker), shared, “I was so excited to be traveling overseas again after the pandemic and Japan is one of the destinations I love. I love Japan – from the art to the culture, nature, cuisine and the great memories I have from working there. Going back to Japan this time felt like I was coming back home and it felt nostalgic. While there, I took in the sights, explored the local neighborhoods near my Airbnb stay, visited my old friends and of course enjoyed the food!”

Here are 5 Airbnb stays to inspire for your next trip to Japan:

Charming Traditional Villa in Yui Valley, Fujieda
This traditional wooden farmer’s house is surrounded by bamboo forests, mountains and tea fields. A countryside retreat ideal for nature-lovers, travelers can enjoy hiking as well as the hot springs, bamboo weaving workshop, shiatsu or acupuncture treatment and more nearby.

Niseko Mountain Guides Lodge, Hokkaido
At the foothills of Yotei-san, Niseko’s iconic volcano, this lodge comes complete with wood-burning stove and is ideal for ski-lovers during winter. When the snow clears in spring and summer, the cherry blossoms, trekking and dining alfresco are a must.

Machiya Home, Kyoto
Situated inside Chomyoji Temple, this refurbished 100-year old Machiya with a private garden combines the traditional with the modern. Offering guests a tranquil and zen stay, the subway, shops and local amenities are all within walking distance making this an ideal stay for exploring Kyoto.

Modern Pine Tree House, Shimoda
This newly built pinewood home, complete with private hot spring and open-air bath, is an ideal stay for those looking to relax while the large interior has lots of space for those looking to set up a remote workstation. Shimoda’s stunning beaches and coastline are just 5 minutes away by car.

Kouhaku Machiya, Kyoto
Air conditioning and floor heating makes this Machiya an ideal stay all year round. Equipped with modern conveniences, the stay is just a two minute walk to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine and after a day out exploring the local neighborhood you can relax in the outdoor bath made of Shigaraki ceramic.

All Homes referenced are intended purely to inspire and illustrate. Airbnb does not recommend or endorse specific Home listings on the Airbnb platform.

*Based on an online survey of 1041 respondents in Thailand commissioned by Airbnb and conducted by YouGov between 5-10 October 2022.

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