Ranking of Japanese Hotel Bookings by Chinese New Year Travelers – Taiwanese Tourists Rank First Globally

▲ On the first day of the New Year in Japan, it is customary to visit shrines or temples for hatsumode (the first shrine visit of the year). (Photo / Provided by Rakuten Travel)

By Tsai Wen-jun / Staff Reporter

How much do Taiwanese travelers love visiting Japan? A look at the booking statistics from Rakuten Travel during the Chinese New Year period offers some insight. According to the data, during the New Year’s holiday, Taiwanese travelers ranked second in the world in hotel bookings, and during the Chinese New Year period, they even topped the global list.

For those looking to ring in the New Year abroad, Japan is the top choice for many Taiwanese travelers. According to the booking rankings released by Rakuten Travel for travelers visiting Japan during the New Year’s holiday, Hong Kong ranked first globally, while Taiwan came in second—with a remarkable 70% year-on-year increase. For the Chinese New Year period, Taiwanese travelers ranked first in the world, with an astonishing year-on-year growth rate of 324.8%.

▲ Japan’s rich natural landscapes and cultural attractions are highly favored by Taiwanese travelers. The photo shows Mount Fuji. (Photo / Provided by Rakuten Travel)

Ranking of Hotel Bookings by Visitors During the New Year’s Holiday
1. Hong Kong
2. Taiwan
3. Thailand
4. Singapore
5. Australia

Ranking of Hotel Bookings by Visitors During the Chinese New Year Period
1. Taiwan
2. Hong Kong
3. Thailand
4. China
5. Singapore

Additionally, a survey of popular destinations within Japan shows strong growth in areas outside the traditional “Golden Route.” Hokkaido, which ranked third last year, saw a 151.4% year-on-year increase this year. Ski resorts and snow-view hot springs such as Niseko have become extremely popular. The Furano, Biei, and Shimokawa regions saw a remarkable 386.3% increase compared to the same period last year, while the Shiga Kogen, Yudanaka, Ishibu, Hakuba, and Kitaazumi areas in Nagano Prefecture also experienced significant growth.