Japan tourism expected to surge during 2026 Silver Week holidays

The 2026 Silver Week holiday in Japan is expected to drive significant activity in the tourism sector, as the calendar provides a five-day consecutive break from September 19 to 23—the first such occurrence in 11 years. If travelers take additional leave on the preceding Thursday and Friday, the holiday could extend to nine days.

Travel agencies like JTB report that both domestic and international travel bookings are performing much better than in typical years. In regions such as Oita, there is a notable trend of travelers opting for long-distance domestic destinations like Hokkaido and Okinawa. Local businesses, including accommodations in Beppu, are looking to this period to recover from previous revenue declines caused by the Kumamoto earthquake.

To cater to this demand, tour operators like Hato Bus are offering specialized seasonal itineraries. These include gourmet-focused tours featuring unlimited sushi and tempura in Tokyo, as well as maritime enthusiast tours in Yokosuka to view Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and U.S. Navy vessels. Agricultural tourism, such as grape harvesting in Usa City, also remains a key attraction for the autumn season.