Strong Demand for JR Trains Over Bon Holiday
Japan's Shinkansen (bullet trains) and limited express trains saw an increase in passengers during the 2022 Bon holiday period, with domestic travel resuming robustly after COVID-19 restrictions eased. This surge was primarily driven by the return of traditional summer activities, the allure of combining urban and natural experiences, and greater affordability and convenience of travel.
The Kyushu region, known for its hot springs, mountain shrines, and summer festivals, was a notable destination due to its accessibility by limited express trains and Shinkansen. Areas near Tokyo offering natural escapes and cultural experiences, such as forested mountains, historic towns, and lava caves around Mt. Fuji, were also popular.
The increased train passenger flow contributed to the revitalization of local economies in the Kyushu region, raising demand for hospitality, retail, and cultural tourism businesses. It helped reinforce Kyushu as a key summer holiday destination, especially during the Bon season when many Japanese travel to honour ancestral spirits and participate in traditional festivities.
While detailed statistical numbers are not available, it is clear that the combination of cultural events, natural attractions, and improved travel connectivity significantly influenced the rise in passengers during the 2022 Bon holiday period. However, service disruptions in the Kyushu southwestern region due to record-breaking heavy rainfall may have impacted the overall passenger numbers, although specific data on this was not provided.
Elsewhere in Japan, train usage to cooler destinations in eastern Japan increased during the Bon holiday period, although the exact cause was not explicitly stated. The increase in passenger numbers partly reflects steady demand for visiting the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka. Train usage to Tohoku northeastern region and Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture also increased during the same period.
In terms of specific increases, the number of passengers using Shinkansen bullet train and limited express train services of six Japan Railways Group companies during the Bon holiday period increased by 8% compared to the previous year. Passengers using the Tokaido Shinkansen services for visiting the Kansai western region increased by 13%, while those using the Sanyo Shinkansen services for the same region increased by 7%.
In conclusion, the 2022 Bon holiday period saw a significant increase in train travel across Japan, with the Kyushu region benefiting as a major destination due to its cultural and natural attractions. While service disruptions in the Kyushu southwestern region may have affected overall passenger numbers, the trend towards increased train travel is clear, driven by a combination of factors including cultural events, natural attractions, and improved travel connectivity.
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