Is Japan for Gen Z What India Was for Millennials? The New “Big Trip” Explained
Every Generation Has The Destination
Some places become more than just stamps in a passport; they become cultural touchstones that seem to define an era. A decade ago, that destination was unquestionably India. Millennials packed their backpacks, bought lightweight linen trousers, downloaded inspirational quotes to their phones, and headed off in search of adventure, enlightenment, or at the very least a dramatic story to tell at dinner parties. India held a powerful appeal—wildly vibrant, spiritually rich, endlessly surprising, and accessible even on a modest budget. Today, however, that same energy has shifted toward Japan. With remarkable consistency, Gen Z travellers are booking flights, mapping itineraries and filling TikTok feeds with neon nights, ramen bowls and Shinto shrines. The question naturally arises: is Japan to Gen Z what India was to Millennials?
India: The Millennial Rite of Passage
For Millennials stepping into adulthood during the early 2010s, India offered a compelling mix of affordability, cultural depth and personal challenge. It was the place to go when you wanted to feel changed—when you were searching for meaning, clarity, spiritual grounding, or simply a break from the pressures of early careers and digital burnout. Travellers sought meditation retreats, yoga certifications, temple tours, long train journeys and the kind of soul-searching conversations that only seem to happen on Himalayan rooftops at sunrise. There was something transformative about surrendering to the sensory intensity of India, and for many Millennials it marked a period of growth, introspection and renewal. India represented a type of adventure that felt raw, human and deeply connected to ideas of self-discovery.
Japan: The Gen Z “Big Trip” of Today
Fast-forward to the present, and Japan has emerged as the defining destination for Gen Z—but for entirely different reasons. This generation, raised with technology at their fingertips, gravitates toward experiences that blend creativity, culture, safety and visual appeal. Japan answers every one of those desires effortlessly. It offers an enticing balance of ancient traditions and futuristic innovation, wrapped in a design sensibility that feels naturally aligned with Gen Z’s aesthetic instincts. From Tokyo’s shimmering skyline to Kyoto’s serene temples and Osaka’s food-filled streets, the country presents a palette of experiences that feel both exciting and reassuring.
From Ashrams to Anime: A Cultural Shift
While Millennials journeyed to India in pursuit of inner transformation, Gen Z’s draw to Japan tends to be more expressive and celebratory. Instead of meditation halls, they seek anime landmarks, pop culture museums, themed cafés and immersive experiences that blur the line between travel and fandom. Japan invites them into worlds they’ve admired from afar—Studio Ghibli animations, Pokémon adventures, fashion subcultures and gaming universes. Travelling there isn’t just a holiday; it feels like participating in something that has shaped their identity. Where India asked Millennials to look inward, Japan encourages Gen Z to revel outwardly in the things they love.
The Aesthetic Allure
Japan’s visual charm is impossible to ignore. Cities are polished and illuminated yet grounded in centuries-old architecture and rituals. Every street corner, convenience store and garden seems curated for beauty. For Gen Z, who live at the intersection of digital creativity and self-expression, Japan offers an endless supply of aesthetic inspiration. Photos and videos capture effortlessly—whether it’s a bowl of steaming ramen, a peaceful shrine, a whimsical snack or a perfectly organised train station. The country feels almost designed for this generation’s instinctive desire to document and share experiences in real time.
Comfort Is the New Adventure
Another significant difference lies in how each generation interprets adventure. Millennials were often excited by discomfort—long bus rides, unpredictable accommodations, impromptu detours and the occasional spiritual meltdown were considered part of the journey. Gen Z, however, often prefers experiences that feel safe, manageable and enjoyable without sacrificing excitement. Japan caters beautifully to this mindset. Its public transport is reliable, its cities are clean and orderly, and its hospitality is warm and respectful. Travellers can explore freely without the anxiety that sometimes accompanies unfamiliar destinations. It offers an ideal mix of novelty and structure, satisfying the desire to explore while maintaining a sense of security.
A “Dream Trip” That Feels Achievable
Like India did for Millennials, Japan holds a special place in the cultural imagination of Gen Z because it feels both aspirational and attainable. Flights have become more accessible, digital nomad culture has changed the way people plan extended travel, and social media makes long-haul destinations feel familiar before you ever step foot in them. Japan has become the long-awaited trip people save for, plan around and count down to—a cultural milestone that signifies independence, curiosity and a desire to experience something extraordinary.
A New Generation, A New Iconic Journey
So, is Japan the new India? In many ways, yes—though not because the two destinations are similar. They represent different emotional journeys for different generations. India was where Millennials went to question themselves, while Japan is where Gen Z goes to express themselves. India offered introspection and transformation; Japan offers inspiration and joyful immersion. Both have held the title of “the big trip,” the journey you take when you're ready for something meaningful, memorable and just a little bit life-shifting.
What Comes Next?
If the past decades have taught us anything, it’s that every generation eventually finds its defining destination. Millennials embraced India, Gen Z is embracing Japan, and the next wave may find itself drawn to Korea, South America or somewhere that hasn’t yet entered the cultural spotlight. For now, though, Japan remains firmly at the centre of Gen Z’s wanderlust—vibrant, expressive, comforting and endlessly captivating.
