Pure stress on vacation: Tokyo and Osaka are the travel killers of 2025!
A study reveals the world's most stressful holiday destinations, with Tokyo at the top. Discover the reasons for increased stress factors.

Pure stress on vacation: Tokyo and Osaka are the travel killers of 2025!
A current analysis by Radical Storage shows which holiday destinations are particularly stressful for tourists. According to the study, which analyzed over 97,400 reviews of tourist attractions in 100 of the most visited cities worldwide, Tokyo stands out. The Japanese capital is identified as the world's most stressful travel destination, with 25.2% of reviews containing anxiety-related terms such as "crowded" and "noise." These results demonstrate the high level of stress that tourists are exposed to in crowded metropolises.
The analysis includes not only Tokyo, but also other Japanese cities that are also in the upper echelons of the most stressful travel destinations. Osaka comes in second, followed by Kyoto in third place. These cities are known for their many tourist attractions, which often results in overcrowding, which has been identified as a major cause of stress among visitors. Particularly in Tokyo, a high proportion of reviews describe the feeling of tightness, which contributes to the emotional strain.
Top stress factors worldwide
The study identified specific stressors that tourists find overwhelming. The most common terms in reviews include “crowds” and “overwhelm.” The analysis also found that 60% of anxiety indicators in Tokyo address feelings of confinement. This shows that not only the number of people, but also the limited space contributes to high levels of stress.
The results are not just limited to Japan. London, known for busy places like Oxford Street and Borough Market, comes fourth in the ranking of the most stressful cities. Shanghai follows immediately behind in fifth place. These metropolises are notorious for their attractions, which attract countless tourists and contribute to increased perceptions of stress.
Relaxed alternatives
Unlike the most stressful cities, Tallinn in Estonia offers a relaxing environment for travelers. Only 1.6% of Tallinn reviews contain fear-related terms. Other relaxing destinations include Vilnius in Lithuania, Thessaloniki in Greece and Stockholm in Sweden. Some cities in China, such as Zhuai, Guilin and Guangzhou, are also perceived as relaxing. These results highlight that travelers can seek alternatives to busy cities to enjoy a stress-free vacation.
In summary, Radical Storage's analysis shows that overcrowding in popular travel destinations in particular is leading to a significant increase in stress and anxiety among tourists. The comprehensive data from the research provides valuable insights for travelers who want to carefully choose their vacation destinations for the best possible experience. Further information can be found in the reports T Online and 20 minutes be read.