TBC News Japan braces for an Asian travel rush this Lunar New Year

Vibrant street scene in a Chinatown area featuring red lanterns, a traditional pagoda structure, and decorative statues of children. People are walking around, exploring shops, and enjoying the cultural atmosphere.

If you’re thinking of booking a trip to Japan this Lunar New Year, act fast. Most people searching for hotels are coming from nearby countries.

Agoda data shows 70% of travel searches to Japan and over 25% of searches to Thailand are from travelers inside Asia. That means regional demand is surging, and rooms will fill up quickly.

The top destinations in Asia for Lunar New Year travel are Tokyo, Bangkok, Taipei, Osaka, and Seoul. Tokyo and Osaka are especially hot for Japanese trips, while Bangkok continues to draw holiday crowds.

For travelers, that translates into rising hotel prices and fewer options if you wait. Popular dates during the festival will be booked fast.

Agoda is helping hotels tap this spike with its first Mega Sale of 2026 from 10–28 February. Travelers can score up to 60% off on most bookings and up to 70% off during flash sales on 17 February.

VIP members get early access from 10–13 February, which could be the difference between snagging a cheap room or paying full price.

Andrew Smith, Agoda’s senior VP for supply, says cultural moments like Lunar New Year drive the majority of arrivals in key markets such as Japan and Thailand. Hotels that adjust prices and visibility in real time tend to attract the most bookings.

Agoda also gives partners enhanced visibility through homepage banners, landing pages, pop-ups, and exclusive badges. Flexible participation in quarterly Mega Sales means hotels can reach travelers whenever demand peaks.

For travelers, this means one thing: plan early or risk missing out on the best deals and rooms in some of Asia’s hottest destinations.

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