The number of people in Japan who plan to travel abroad during the upcoming Golden Week holiday period is expected to rise 8.5% from a year earlier to 572,000, a survey by major travel agency JTB showed Thursday.

The average spending per person on overseas trips during the April 25 to May 7 period is estimated at ¥329,000, the highest figure since comparable data became available in 1996, mainly due to a weaker yen and rising prices.

Meanwhile, the total number of travelers, including those taking domestic trips, is projected to increase 1.9% to 24.47 million.

The JTB survey showed that about 80% of the envisaged overseas trips will be to Asian destinations, such as South Korea and Taiwan, while the United States and Europe are also likely to remain popular choices among travelers. Three-night, four-day trips were the most popular option among the respondents.

Travel to China, however, is expected to plunge 47.2%.

The number of people slated to go on domestic trips during the holiday period is forecast to increase by 1.7% to 23.90 million, with one-night, two-day trips being the most popular itinerary. Road trips and holidaying at parents’ or friends’ homes will likely increase.

The average spending on domestic trips is seen falling 2.1% to ¥46,000, the first decline in six years.

Between March 6 and 11, the survey covered 2,060 people who said in a preceding survey that they would or would probably travel during the Golden Week period.