InsideJapan is putting a stop to all new enquiries for trips before April 12 due to a surge in demand for first cherry blossom season open to international travellers in four years.
The specialist operator reported a “huge demand” since Japan reopened its borders to full international travel last autumn following the pandemic with particular interest in the late March to early April peak cherry blossom season.
InsideJapan has recruited more than 50 staff across since reopening announcements and has managed to bring in a number of returning employees in order to shore up numbers and keep the high quality of service.
Agent sales and marketing manager Matthew Spiller said: “2023 was going to be about travel getting back on track, but it is more a case of keeping up with incredible demand. It looks like Japan is firmly established on travel wish lists.
“It is a relief that people really do seem to want to experience Japan for themselves and now the borders are open, we are picking up where we left off after a hugely successful 2019.
“Spring and the ‘hanami’ blossom season is always popular with places such as Kyoto actually filling up their accommodation as international and domestic tourists head to the cultural capital.
“However, this year there are additional factors in play such as the diminishing number of flights, along with the pent-up demand that are forcing InsideJapan to call time in prime blossom bookings.”
The company insists that there are many options still open for people that want to experience travel to Japan in 2023.
Spiller added: “The northern Tohoku region and island of Hokkaido see the cherry trees bloom slightly later in late April and early May.
“May is also an underrated month with good weather and gardens in full bloom.
“It is the autumnal months that really give spring a run for their money in terms of beauty as the ‘Koyo’ autumn leaf viewing season kicks in from October to early December lighting up mountainsides and temple gardens with fiery reds and orange leaves.
“The winter months offer clear skies offer a veritable winter wonderland with snow covering much of the country.
“We know what makes this country special. No matter how good Japan is in the spring blossom period, we want people to understand that Japan is so good throughout the year. It is an experience not just for spring and we do our utmost to ensure that people get the best Japan they can, whenever they travel.”