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- Regional Events in February Drive Travel Demand Following Tokyo and Osaka
- Seasonal events such as Fukuoka's "Path of Light," Sapporo's "Sapporo Snow Festival," and Okinawa's "Cherry Blossom Festival" contribute to rising interest in regional cities
TOKYO, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda, operated by Agoda Company Pte. Ltd. (Headquartered in Singapore, CEO: Omri Morgenshtern), today announced the top five domestic destinations in Japan gaining booking momentum this winter (December 2025 – February 2026), based on search data from Japanese travelers.
In the 2025 winter travel search trends, Tokyo and Osaka continued to lead the ranking, maintaining the top two positions from the previous year. At the same time, regional cities again demonstrated strong appeal, with Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Okinawa Main Island all placing in the top five. The data suggests that seasonal winter events have significantly contributed to increased search interest in these cities.
Domestic Winter Travel Destination Ranking (Dec–Feb)
| Ranking | 2024 | 2025 |
| 1 | Tokyo | Tokyo |
| 2 | Osaka | Osaka |
| 3 | Fukuoka | Fukuoka |
| 4 | Kyoto | Sapporo |
| 5 | Okinawa Main Island | Okinawa Main Island |
February Regional Events Fuel Search Growth
A notable trend revealed in the search data is the strong influence of February seasonal events in boosting interest in regional destinations.
- Fukuoka: Miyajidake Shrine "Path of Light" (February) - A mystical sunset phenomenon visible only twice a year, the "Path of Light" has become popular on social media, contributing to increased February travel searches.
- Sapporo: Sapporo Snow Festival (Early February) - Japan's largest winter event, attracting visitors from Japan and abroad. With its ice sculptures, illuminated displays, and food festivals, Sapporo remains a leading city for winter travel demand.
- Okinawa Main Island: Cherry Blossom Festival (Early February) - Okinawa is the first place in Japan where cherry blossoms bloom each year. The island's warm climate combined with early-blooming sakura maintains its steady popularity as a winter getaway.
Overall, the data clearly indicates that seasonal events concentrated in February are a major driver of domestic winter travel demand.
Tadashi Ikai, Senior Country Director, Agoda International Japan, shared: "Agoda's latest search data shows that, in addition to major metropolitan areas such as Tokyo and Osaka, regional cities hosting rich seasonal events in February are also receiving a high volume of searches. Experiences unique to winter - such as Fukuoka's 'Path of Light,' Sapporo's 'Sapporo Snow Festival,' and Okinawa Main Island's 'Cherry Blossom Festival', are capturing travelers' interest and strongly driving demand for winter travel. At Agoda, we remain committed to helping travelers fully enjoy these diverse winter experiences. By continuing to offer a wide range of domestic options and a seamless booking experience, we aim to make every journey more fulfilling and memorable for our users."
Travelers can seamlessly search and book more than 6 million accommodations, 130,000+ flight routes, and 300,000+ activities through Agoda's platform. Attractive accommodation deals can be easily found via the Agoda mobile app or official website (Agoda.com).
- Regional Events in February Drive Travel Demand Following Tokyo and Osaka
- Seasonal events such as Fukuoka's "Path of Light," Sapporo's "Sapporo Snow Festival," and Okinawa's "Cherry Blossom Festival" contribute to rising interest in regional cities
TOKYO, Dec. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Digital travel platform Agoda, operated by Agoda Company Pte. Ltd. (Headquartered in Singapore, CEO: Omri Morgenshtern), today announced the top five domestic destinations in Japan gaining booking momentum this winter (December 2025 – February 2026), based on search data from Japanese travelers.
In the 2025 winter travel search trends, Tokyo and Osaka continued to lead the ranking, maintaining the top two positions from the previous year. At the same time, regional cities again demonstrated strong appeal, with Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Okinawa Main Island all placing in the top five. The data suggests that seasonal winter events have significantly contributed to increased search interest in these cities.
Domestic Winter Travel Destination Ranking (Dec–Feb)
Ranking
2024
2025
1
Tokyo
Tokyo
2
Osaka
Osaka
3
Fukuoka
Fukuoka
4
Kyoto
Sapporo
5
Okinawa Main Island
Okinawa Main Island
February Regional Events Fuel Search Growth
A notable trend revealed in the search data is the strong influence of February seasonal events in boosting interest in regional destinations.
- Fukuoka: Miyajidake Shrine "Path of Light" (February) - A mystical sunset phenomenon visible only twice a year, the "Path of Light" has become popular on social media, contributing to increased February travel searches.
- Sapporo: Sapporo Snow Festival (Early February) - Japan's largest winter event, attracting visitors from Japan and abroad. With its ice sculptures, illuminated displays, and food festivals, Sapporo remains a leading city for winter travel demand.
- Okinawa Main Island: Cherry Blossom Festival (Early February) - Okinawa is the first place in Japan where cherry blossoms bloom each year. The island's warm climate combined with early-blooming sakura maintains its steady popularity as a winter getaway.
Overall, the data clearly indicates that seasonal events concentrated in February are a major driver of domestic winter travel demand.
Tadashi Ikai, Senior Country Director, Agoda International Japan, shared: "Agoda's latest search data shows that, in addition to major metropolitan areas such as Tokyo and Osaka, regional cities hosting rich seasonal events in February are also receiving a high volume of searches. Experiences unique to winter - such as Fukuoka's 'Path of Light,' Sapporo's 'Sapporo Snow Festival,' and Okinawa Main Island's 'Cherry Blossom Festival', are capturing travelers' interest and strongly driving demand for winter travel. At Agoda, we remain committed to helping travelers fully enjoy these diverse winter experiences. By continuing to offer a wide range of domestic options and a seamless booking experience, we aim to make every journey more fulfilling and memorable for our users."
Travelers can seamlessly search and book more than 6 million accommodations, 130,000+ flight routes, and 300,000+ activities through Agoda's platform. Attractive accommodation deals can be easily found via the Agoda mobile app or official website (Agoda.com).
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Agoda Releases Ranking of Japan's Most Popular Domestic Winter Travel Destinations
TOKYO, June 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Anime Kagurabachi, based on a next-generation flagship title from Weekly Shonen Jump, has unveiled the character visual and character trailer for its protagonist, Chihiro Rokuhira.
Kagurabachi (Original Author: Takeru Hokazono), currently serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump, has surpassed a cumulative circulation of 4 million copies.
A stellar team of creators has been assembled for the project. Production will be handled by CyberAgent group company animation studio, Cypic (Umamusume: Cinderella Gray, The Summer Hikaru Died), the anime boasts an all-star staff, including Director Tetsuya Takeuchi (Action Animation Director on Sword Art Online II, Battle Scene Storyboards/Episode Director/Animation Director on Heavenly Delusion) and Character Designer Keigo Sasaki (Blue Exorcist, The Seven Deadly Sins). The protagonist, Chihiro Rokuhira, is voiced by Taihi Kimura, winner of the Best New Actor award at the 2025 Seiyu Awards.
Chihiro Rokuhira Character Visual & Character Trailer Unveiled!
Character Introduction
A quiet boy who sets out on a journey to avenge his father, who was killed by the Hishaku, and to recover the six stolen Enchanted Blades. With the remaining seventh Enchanted Blade in hand, he walks a blood-soaked path.
In the newly unveiled character trailer, the protagonist, Chihiro Rokuhira, emerges with a piercing gaze that seems to shoot right through the viewer.
"I can't allow slime like you to wield katana." — These words harbor his unwavering conviction and his resolve to bear the weight of it all.
Clad in a jet-black coat and accompanied by the black goldfish, his figure exudes a quiet yet overwhelming presence, foreshadowing the epic battles that are about to unfold.
Chihiro Rokuhira Character Trailer:
https://youtu.be/Al6rwOaqI7I
"KAGURABACHI" Anime World Tour Part 1 Begins!
▼ "KAGURABACHI" Anime World Tour Special Site
https://anime.kagurabachi.jp/en/worldtour/
▼ [Anime Expo] "Kagurabachi" Anime World Tour – World Premiere Screening at Anime Expo
Location: Los Angeles
Date & Time: Friday, July 3, 2026
4:45 - 6:05 PM PDT
Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center (Room: JW Marriott Diamond)
Details:
・Screening of the first 20 minutes of Episode 1
・Special appearance by anime cast and staff
Panel Session Guests:
Taihi Kimura (as Chihiro Rokuhira), Takuro Imamura (Editor of "Kagurabachi" Manga), Koichi Yasuda (Producer of "Kagurabachi" Anime) *Honorifics omitted
*Event details are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Official Website: https://www.anime-expo.org
▼ [Japan Expo] "Kagurabachi" Anime World Tour – Premiere Screening at Japan Expo
Location: Paris
Date & Time: Thursday, July 9, 2026
3:30 - 4:30 PM CEST
Venue: Parc des Expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte (Room: Yuzu Stage)
Details:
・Screening of the first 20 minutes of Episode 1
・Special appearance by anime staff
Panel Session Guests:
Riki Azuma (Cross-Media Producer of "Kagurabachi" Manga ), Koichi Yasuda (Producer of "Kagurabachi" Anime) *Honorifics omitted
*Event details are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Official Website: https://www.japan-expo-france.jp/
▼ [AnimagiC] "Kagurabachi" Anime World Tour – Premiere Screening at AnimagiC
Location: Mannheim
Date & Time: Saturday, August 1, 2026
10:30 -11:00 PM CEST
Venue: Rosengarten Mannheim (Room: Mozart Hall)
Details:
・Screening of the first 20 minutes of Episode 1
*Event details are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Official Website: https://animagic.de/
▼ [Anime NYC 2026] "Kagurabachi" Anime World Tour – Premiere Screening at Anime NYC
Location: New York
Date & Time: Saturday, August 22, 2026 Time to be announced
Venue: Javits Convention Center (Room: Main Stage)
Details:
・Screening of the first 20 minutes of Episode 1
*Event details are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Official Website: https://animenyc.com/
About KAGURABACHI
View Teaser Trailer: https://youtu.be/pC39732i1bA
Broadcasting and Streaming information
April 2027
MUSE, and SMG HOLDINGS, among others
Introduction
A single stroke opens a new era, cutting a path from Japan to the world—
Weekly Shonen Jump's Neo-Japanese Sword Action series begins here!
From day one, the Kagurabachi manga has captivated fans, weaving a blood-soaked tale of revenge through breathtaking sword-fight sequences.
And now, known for its uncompromising quality, animation studio Cypic brings the story to life with jaw-dropping visuals!
Story
Flames of resolve, kindled by hatred.
Chihiro Rokuhira is a boy who aspires to become a swordsmith, and took daily training under his father Kunishige, a renowned swordsmith. Their days, once filled with laughter, are brutally torn apart by an attack from the mysterious sorcerer organization, the Hishaku.
What is stolen from them are the six Enchanted Blades—swords of immense power capable of shaping the fate of the nation—and the gentle, warm life they once shared.
From that day on, everything changed. In a world engulfed in darkness, Chihiro takes up Enten, the seventh Enchanted Blade left behind by his father, and sets out on a blood-soaked path of revenge.
Staff
Original Work: "Kagurabachi" by Takeru Hokazono (Serialized in Shueisha's Weekly Shonen Jump)
Director: Tetsuya Takeuchi
Character Design: Keigo Sasaki
Production: Cypic
Production Committee Leads: Shochiku & CyberAgent
Cast
Chihiro Rokuhira: Taihi Kimura
Official Links
- Official Website: https://anime.kagurabachi.jp/
- Official X: ＠kb_anime_en（https://x.com/kb_anime_en）
- Official TikTok: @kb_anime_en（https://www.tiktok.com/@kb_anime_en）
- Official Instagram: @kb_anime_en（https://www.instagram.com/kb_anime_en/）
Original Work
Cumulative circulation has surpassed 4 million copies (including digital editions)!
Title: Kagurabachi
Author: Takeru Hokazono
Previously Published: Available online on MANGA Plus by SHUEISHA and published in print and digital by Viz Media (English Version).
Copyright Notices
*When featuring the cover art for Kagurabachi Volume 1 or the original illustration by Takeru Hokazono, please ensure the following copyright notice is included.
©Takeru Hokazono/SHUEISHA
*When featuring anime image assets, please ensure the following copyright notice is included.
©Takeru Hokazono/SHUEISHA,Project Kagurabachi
*Copyrights must be indicated when posting or using the images/materials
*Single space is needed between "Takeru" and "Hokazono," and between "Project" and "Kagurabachi."
*No space needed after "/(slash)" and ",(comma)."
** This press release is distributed by PR Newswire through automated distribution system, for which the client assumes full responsibility. **
Anime "KAGURABACHI" Unveils Chihiro Rokuhira Character Visual & Character Trailer
