Land of rising arrivals

Direct flights, a favourable exchange rate, the ease of booking and getting around, food, culture and the drama of the contrasting seasons in Japan continue to lure us.

The Japan National Tourism Organisation has just reported another month in which arrivals from Australian have increased.

+ In September 2025, 96,600 Australians visited Japan — a 12.8 per cent increase on the 85,667 in September 2024.

+ Year-to-date arrivals have risen 18.5 per cent, with 755,200 Australians travelling to Japan. For the same period last year, 637,273 arrived.

“The steady growth in visitor numbers shows that Japan remains a top choice for Australians seeking a variety of travel experiences, from adventure and outdoor activities to cultural discoveries, food, wellness, and design,” says Andrew Coombs, JNTO’s media and marketing manager.

“We’re also seeing growing interest in regional and seasonal travel, as repeat visitors continue to explore more of what Japan has to offer.”

OUR TOP LIST

+ Mt Fuji and the Fuji Five Lakes region, especially Lake Kawaguchiko

+ The historic city of Kyoto.

+ Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.

+ Busy Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo.

+ Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine in Kyoto.

+ Osaka and its Dotonbori area and castle.

+ TOP TIP Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto.