The return rush of overseas travelers started Saturday, packing Narita international airport east of Tokyo.
Airport officials said about 44,800 people were expected to arrive at the airport Saturday, with the rush peaking on Sunday when 47,900 arriving passengers are expected.
A record for the summer holiday season of around 3,344,100 people either departing from or arriving at Narita airport is expected between July 20 and Sept. 2, airport officials said.
Major Japanese travel agency JTB Corp. said China, South Korea and Europe were popular destinations this summer.
"I toured Marrakesh and Fes," said Yuki Ono, a 33-year-old employee of the city government of Mitaka, western Tokyo, after returning from 10 days in Morocco.
"It was fun beacuse the cities are like mazes. I was also happy to have the chance to ride on a camel in the desert."