The rush of travelers heading abroad for the New Year's holidays peaked Thursday at Narita International Airport, with 40,000 people expected to fly out in a single day.
Passenger traffic at the airport has been picking up in the aftermath of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, Narita International Airport Corp. said.
Many travelers were heading for Asian destinations like South Korea, Taiwan and Guam, the operator said. Arrivals are expected to peak next Tuesday.
The prolonged strength of the yen is tempting many Japanese travelers to go abroad.
Naomi Shimada, 25, of Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, was heading to Singapore. "I'm looking forward to going shopping," she said. "I want to look for cosmetics and bags."
At Kansai International Airport in Osaka, the departure rush also started Thursday.
Departing passengers were projected to reach about 205,700 from Dec. 23 through Jan. 4, with the peak expected Friday, according to Kansai International Airport Co.
