'Japan in Chaos' as Unprecedented Outbreak Spreads ... "Four Days Is Too Short," Yet Japan Remains Top Travel Pick

Despite Measles and Typhoon Concerns,
Japan Remains Top Chuseok Overseas Destination
Osaka, Fukuoka, and Tokyo Take the Top Three Spots
Short Holiday Drives Demand for Nearby Japan

This year, as the Chuseok holiday is shortened to around four days including the weekend, a surge in reservations for trips to nearby Japan has been observed among Korean travelers. However, concerns have also emerged among those preparing to visit Japan, as the number of measles cases in Japan has risen to the highest level in a decade, and an exceptionally large typhoon is approaching, prompting some travelers to consider changing or canceling their travel plans.

Travelers are heading to the departure hall at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan. Photo by Kyodo News

According to travel reservation data for the Chuseok holiday and the September–October holiday periods in major Asian countries, released on the 22nd by Trip.com Group, which operates the global online travel platform Trip.com, Japan was the most popular overseas destination booked by Korean travelers for the upcoming Chuseok holiday from September 24 to 27. By city, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Tokyo ranked first to third, followed by Da Nang and Nha Trang in Vietnam, and Shanghai in China.

Japan Gains Popularity Due to Short Holiday ... Travelers Leave a Day Early

This year's Chuseok holiday lasts only four days, including the weekend. Compared to last year, when the holiday extended from October 3 to 9 with about seven days available, the time available for travel has been significantly reduced.

As a result, there has been a clear trend toward choosing short-haul overseas travel that involves less time in transit compared to long-distance trips. Notably, the number of people with reservations to depart on the 23rd, one day before the first official holiday on the 24th, was about 5% higher than departures on the 24th. This is interpreted as a reflection of demand to use a vacation day to slightly extend the shorter holidays.

"Is It Safe to Visit Japan?" ... Concerns Over Measles and Typhoon

However, some travelers planning to visit Japan have voiced concerns about local conditions. According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, as of the end of August this year, there were 549 cases of measles in Japan, the highest number reported in the past decade. Measles is a highly contagious airborne infectious disease. For those who have not completed the two recommended doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine or whose vaccination status is unclear, it is advisable to confirm vaccination records before departure.

On the 21st, as the large typhoon Dujuan approached, a ramen shop building in Chiba Prefecture, Japan, was submerged in water. Photo by Kyodo News

Typhoon risks have also become a variable. As Typhoon Dujuan, the 25th typhoon of the season, approached the Kanto region of Japan, road flooding and landslides occurred in succession, and in some areas, rainfall exceeded 680 mm in a single day, breaking the previous September record for rainfall. At Haneda Airport, a series of flight cancellations prompted a surge in passengers requesting changes or refunds for their reservations.

Transportation disruptions were reported in major areas such as Tokyo, and some events at the Asian Games, including equestrian and rowing, were postponed. The Japan Meteorological Agency forecasted that Dujuan would reach the eastern sea off Japan on the morning of the 22nd and would become an extratropical cyclone by the evening of the same day.

As both infectious disease concerns and adverse weather conditions occur in Japan, an atmosphere of uncertainty has been detected among domestic travelers with Chuseok reservations, with many wondering whether to alter or cancel their plans. On various travel community forums and social networking services (SNS), posts such as "I'm going with my child, but I'm debating whether to cancel our flight," "I'm worried all our plans will be disrupted by the heavy rain," "They're saying it's record-breaking rainfall—could it be too dangerous?" and "Looks like my flight might be canceled" have been shared. Nevertheless, based on current booking trends, Japan remains the overwhelmingly preferred destination.

Okinawa Naha Airport information desk providing precautions related to measles. Photo by Kyodo News

Hong Jongmin, head of Trip.com Korea, stated, "This year, with a shorter Chuseok holiday, there is a clear trend toward short-haul trips using annual leave and relaxing in small domestic cities," adding, "We plan to further expand products and benefits that connect domestic tourist destinations with global travelers, responding to the increased inbound travel demand driven by Asia's holiday season."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.