This International City Is Google’s No. 1 Destination for Christmas and New Year’s Travel

The U.S. is the only country with an advanced economy without guaranteed paid vacation days, which means so many people end up saving up their hard-earned days off and maximizing them around the year-end holidays. This year, Americans are ready to go the distance with Tokyo notching the No. 1 spot for top destinations for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, according to Google.

Travel + Leisure named Japan its Destination of the Year in 2018, and the Asian nation has been on a steady climb in popularity since. Its bustling capital mixes the allure of its ancient temples and shrines with its vibrant lifestyle, courtesy-first culture, and a delicate and decadent food scene. 

But what makes this time of year so coveted is that the capital gets a serious glow-up — literally. Lights spring up in every corner, typically with major illuminations in and around Tokyo Midtown’s promenade, Tokyo Dome, and Tokyo Tower, as well as notable displays like Tokyo SkyTree and the Marunouchi illumination. The neighborhoods of Omotesando, Roppongi, Ginza, Nihonbashi, Ebisu, and Nakameguro are also known for their festive decor. (This year’s celebrations have yet to be announced, so check Go Tokyo’s Winter Illumination guide before visiting.)

Though the daytime temperatures tend to be between 32 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit, there are also plenty of distinctly Japanese ways to warm up. Nabe hot pots, which fuel sumo wrestlers, make hearty meals and can be found in the Ryogoku and Okubo areas. Also an essential experience: visiting an onsen or bathhouse to take a dip in the steamy waters, which is guaranteed to recharge and refresh the soul.

While Tokyo tops Google’s list for this chilly period, the winter months are typically a strategic time to visit Japan, as it’s one of the nation’s shoulder seasons, heading into the January low season, when traditionally crowds thin out. 

Tokyo is not the only far-flung city travelers are looking at. Analyzing data on top searched cities from U.S. airports for travel from Dec. 22 through Jan. 5, Google Flights found that travelers are eyeing more international destinations at the end of the year, compared to Thanksgiving.

Also on the Top 20 list for the Christmas and New Year’s travel period are Cancun in third, London in sixth, and Paris in ninth. In fact, the last half of the list was nearly all foreign cities: Manila; Bangkok; Madrid; Mumbai; San Jose, Costa Rica; Mexico City; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Sydney; and Rome. 

Domestic destinations on the list include perennial favorites: Orlando; Miami; New York; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Honolulu, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles.

The Google data team also shared insight on the best time to book those holiday flights for the best deals. For domestic trips, Google Flights shows that the lowest prices are 58 before departure, with 36 to 72 days ahead being the best range. That means the second half of October is the time to target those flight deals. 

When it comes to international travel, Google’s rule of thumb is to always book as soon as possible. Generally speaking, the lowest prices are 101 days before takeoff, with the range lowest at 50 days or more before departure.