The trend among expectant parents taking so-called “babymoon” trips before childbirth is changing. While destinations such as Guam and Southeast Asia were once popular choices, Japanese cities such as Tokyo and Osaka are increasingly emerging as preferred destinations. Japan has long been favored for babymoons because of its relatively short travel time from Korea and food that tends to suit Korean tastes. But the recent trend is notably different from the past, when Okinawa, a resort destination, was the Japanese destination most sought after by expectant parents. According to a review by Hankook Ilbo on Wednesday, posts and videos featuring successful purchases of baby products in Japan are increasingly easy to find on Korean online portals and social media. Akachan Honpo, Japan’s best-known specialty retailer for baby and childcare products, has long been considered a “must-visit” destination among Korean expectant parents. Some shoppers even share tips on how to transport their purchases safely. These include buying cushioning materials at stores in Japan to protect the pr