Australia's love affair with Japan has continued with December 2025 visitor data released by the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) revealing a new record for Australian travellers.
No fewer than 1,058,300 Australians visited Japan during the 2025 calendar year, making it the first year that Australian visitors to Japan have broken the one million mark.
That marked a 15% increase on 2024.
A total of 121,300 visitors flocked to the country during December 2025, coinciding with school holidays, festive breaks and the start of the ski season.
The month of January saw the highest number of Australian visitors throughout the year with 140,185 visitors. There were 115,235 Australians arriving in April during cherry blossom season.
The month of January saw the highest number of Australian visitors throughout the year with 140,185 visitors. There were 115,235 Australians arriving in April during cherry blossom season.
The love affair with Japan goes beyond Australians, with Japan also achieving a new annual record for total international arrivals during 2025, 42,683,600.
“We are thrilled to begin 2026 on such a positive note, celebrating the arrival of one million Australians during 2025,” said Naoki Kitazawa, executive director for JNTO Sydney.
“We are thrilled to begin 2026 on such a positive note, celebrating the arrival of one million Australians during 2025,” said Naoki Kitazawa, executive director for JNTO Sydney.
“What is particularly pleasing is the growth in visitors in addition to the popular Golden Route of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, with prefectures such as Fukuoka, Gifu, Niigata and Iwate showing a significant increase in stays over the past 12 months.
"During 2026, we are encouraging Australian travellers, to take the time to travel far and wide and discover the lesser-known regions of Japan, from rural retreats and remote hiking trails to coastal camping and tranquil islands, in order to raise awareness of Japan’s diverse experiences, and to share the economic benefits nationwide.”
JNTO Sydney media and marketing manager Andrew Coombs added: “We are seeing a new segment of travellers who are embracing Japan’s wilderness and adventure activities and seeking authentic cultural immersion, from staying in traditional inns and joining local craft workshops to meditating with monks, and attending fascinating festivals.
JNTO Sydney media and marketing manager Andrew Coombs added: “We are seeing a new segment of travellers who are embracing Japan’s wilderness and adventure activities and seeking authentic cultural immersion, from staying in traditional inns and joining local craft workshops to meditating with monks, and attending fascinating festivals.
"Japan is a truly multi-dimensional destination with something for everyone, from families and wellness travellers to hikers, cyclists and lovers of luxury. We look forward to continuing to welcome responsible Australian travellers to discover it all during 2026.”
Image: Shibuya, Winsor Dobbin
Image: Shibuya, Winsor Dobbin
No comments:
Post a Comment