Alexandru Arba
Research expert covering Japan
Camping in Japan - statistics & facts
In the face of disappointing performances across most of Japan’s leisure industry segments during COVID-19, the camping industry stood firm. Travelers in Japan spent a substantial amount on camping trips in 2022, recording the highest performance during the past few years, despite the sluggish overall results of the travel and tourism industry. What made travelers choose camping trips over other types of travel?
Before the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, participation in camping trips was increasing. While the pandemic hindered or completely stopped many leisure activities due to requirements for social distancing, outdoor activities, such as camping, were regarded as comparatively safe. This prompted people to continue engaging in outdoor activities, especially after the relaxation of social distancing requirements in 2022.
Another reason might be the rise of “glamping,” which is a composite term that combines the words glamorous and camping. Glamping promises an authentic outdoor experience, without the discomforts associated with traditional camping. For those prepared to pay the price, glamping resorts offer modern and cozy housing facilities with many desirable amenities.
In recent years, per-person expenditure on camping trips increased. This result is consistent with findings that show an increase in the length of trips, and hence overall expenditure per trip. At the same time, it hints at the emergence of glamping as consumers seem to be willing to pay more for overnight stays at camping sites in exchange for more comfort. Among the different expenditure categories, accommodation was the priciest item, followed by expenses for mobility.
While it could be argued that pandemic circumstances diverted some consumers' attention and leisure activity plans toward camping, that otherwise might not have been the case, the industry seemed on track even before the event. It remains to be seen if camping enjoyed a short-lived boost in the minds of consumers, or if the industry will keep expanding.
Before the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic, participation in camping trips was increasing. While the pandemic hindered or completely stopped many leisure activities due to requirements for social distancing, outdoor activities, such as camping, were regarded as comparatively safe. This prompted people to continue engaging in outdoor activities, especially after the relaxation of social distancing requirements in 2022.
Another reason might be the rise of “glamping,” which is a composite term that combines the words glamorous and camping. Glamping promises an authentic outdoor experience, without the discomforts associated with traditional camping. For those prepared to pay the price, glamping resorts offer modern and cozy housing facilities with many desirable amenities.
Camping participation and expenditure
Camping is a popular outdoor activity, indicated by the fact that a significant share of Japan’s population engages in it at least once per year. Data on participant demographics shows that many campers are still relatively young, with most partaking in the activity aged 50 and under. This and the increase in average participation frequency in recent years are positive results for the industry.In recent years, per-person expenditure on camping trips increased. This result is consistent with findings that show an increase in the length of trips, and hence overall expenditure per trip. At the same time, it hints at the emergence of glamping as consumers seem to be willing to pay more for overnight stays at camping sites in exchange for more comfort. Among the different expenditure categories, accommodation was the priciest item, followed by expenses for mobility.
Camping vehicles and equipment
Not all camping trips are undertaken with a camping car or a caravan. In fact, surveys show that most trips are performed with minivans and station wagons. However, the increased popularity of camping, has, naturally, also impacted camping vehicle and camping equipment providers. The sales value of camping cars reached its highest during the past several years, and camping equipment imports, such as the imports of tents, have increased considerably in the past few years.While it could be argued that pandemic circumstances diverted some consumers' attention and leisure activity plans toward camping, that otherwise might not have been the case, the industry seemed on track even before the event. It remains to be seen if camping enjoyed a short-lived boost in the minds of consumers, or if the industry will keep expanding.
