Observations on Taiwanese Travelers Visiting Japan – Huang Yuyun: FIT Travelers on the Rise, In-depth Tourism Becomes a New Trend

▲Huang Yuyun, General Manager of Youmeng International Business Co., Ltd.

Reporter Cai Wenjun / Exclusive interview & photography

Japan is one of the top overseas travel destinations for Taiwanese travelers. In 2016 alone, 4.16 million Taiwanese visited Japan, and according to statistics from the Japan Tourism Agency, 78% of Taiwanese have traveled to Japan more than once. Huang Yuyun, General Manager of Youmeng International Business Co., Ltd., analyzes that with low-cost carriers continuously opening new routes between Taiwan and Japan, the number of Free Independent Travelers (FIT) from Taiwan has significantly increased. Traveling to less crowded rural areas for in-depth experiences has become a new trend among Taiwanese visitors to Japan.

Huang Yuyun pointed out that in 2017, Hokkaido, Kanto, Kansai (Osaka), and Nagoya were popular destinations for Taiwanese travelers. However, starting this year, the number of Taiwanese FITs traveling to Japan has risen sharply, while group tours to Kanto and Kansai regions have dropped by about 40%. The main reasons are the increasing number of routes opened by low-cost carriers and the easier accessibility of major cities, leading many travelers to prefer independent travel.

▲More and more Taiwanese travelers are visiting Japan independently.

Huang Yuyun further noted that from this autumn and winter through Lunar New Year 2018, group travel bookings have been slower, but there is still room for group tour bookings up until next Lunar New Year. With low-cost carriers continuously opening new routes between Taiwan and Japan, many travel agencies have started using these budget airlines to create group-style independent travel packages, offering travelers more choices.

In terms of destination selection, Huang Yuyun observed that Taiwanese travelers are beginning to enjoy exploring rural areas in Japan in depth, such as Wakayama with its abundant natural resources, the Kumano Kodo — known as the “Japanese version of the Camino de Santiago” — which offers a soul-cleansing experience, and Hita Onsen in Oita Prefecture, known as “Little Kyoto.” Taiwanese travelers are more inclined to visit lesser-known places to discover more of Japan’s beauty. In terms of traveler types, group tourists often join tours to explore these areas, while FITs prefer hidden gems and hot springs off the beaten path. Unique travel itineraries are especially popular.

▲The Kumano Kodo in Wakayama is known as the Japanese version of the Camino de Santiago.

▲%More and more Taiwanese travelers are venturing to rural areas in Japan for in-depth exploration and even cultural immersion experiences.%