A majority of people want a stretch of five consecutive national holidays instituted in autumn, an idea being studied by the Democratic Party of Japan to promote the tourism industry, according to a recent online survey by a major travel agency.
Fifty-three percent said they want the proposed holidays, with many saying it would be a good opportunity to go on a two- or three-day trip to hot springs, JTB Corp. said.
Younger people in particular reacted positively to the proposal, with 66 percent of those aged 20 and younger expressing support.
Respondents in their 30s agreeing to the idea totaled 60 percent. They were followed by those in their 40s at 57 percent, but for those aged 70 and older, just 22 percent were interested.
Asked how they would spend the five holidays, 83 percent cited traveling or engaging in other recreational activities, of whom 71 percent said they would like to go on a two- or three-day trip within Japan. Of this percentage, 82 percent said they would like to visit hot springs.
More workers would probably go abroad if they could add their paid holidays to the five holidays, favorably impacting the tourist industry, a JTB public relations officer said.
The online survey was conducted between July 5 and 12 and was based on responses from 5,049 people.