Qantas boosts path to slippery slopes

 

Qantas is making big moves to cater for the ski set heading for Japan. 

The Australian flag carrier has increased capacity on its popular Sydney-Sapporo route for the 2026-27 season, with flights expanding from three per week to up to five per week in response to increased  demand during the current ski season.

The enhanced schedule represents a 50% capacity increase for next season, adding more than 10,000 additional seats to cater for Australians heading to Hokkaido's snow resorts, and a total of nearly 35,000 seats between the two cities.

This comes after new data from the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) revealed that over one million Australians visited Japan in 2025, an increase of 15% on an already record-breaking 2024, with 121,300 visitors visiting the country during the December school holiday rush alone and start of the popular winter season.

Qantas is the only airline to establish a non-stop link between Sydney and Sapporo, with the seasonal service launching in December 2025. 

Sapporo also became the 100th destination to join the airline’s international network, boosting tourism in both directions and catering to the increasing demand from Australians looking to experience Japan’s ski slopes.

“Since launching flights from Sydney to Sapporo last month the response from customers has been incredibly strong," says Qantas International CEO Cam Wallace.

"We’re only halfway through the current season and already we’ve carried almost 10,000 customers on the route and demand is high for the rest of the season.

“Japan remains a key focus for Qantas in the Asia region. By adding more flights next season, it cements our dedication to strengthening ties between our two countries and gives Australian travellers more choice and seamless direct access to Hokkaido’s snow.”

Return economy fares from Sydney to Sapporo are available from $1,473 at qantas.com.

Nagano offers a different slice of Japan

While popular Japanese destinations like Kyoto and Tokyo are trying to cut down on tourism numbers, others are lifting their promotional efforts to draw more visitors.

The lovely Nagano region is campaigning to draw more Australians off the beaten track to explore its traditional villages while taking in the mountain views.

A popular northern winter escape for Aussie skiers and snowboarders, Nagano is also showcasing other attractions that are a feature of the area all year round, including trekking and cycling .

The alpine region - about 250km north-west of Tokyo - wants to appeal to visitors interested in its traditions, culture and cuisine.

Visitors are being encouraged to look beyond the high-profile attractions which include Zenko-ji Temple, Matsumoto Castle and the Jigokudani Monkey Park, where snow monkeys bathe in the springs.

“Unlike the bustling cities of Tokyo and Kyoto, we are looking at attracting travellers to experience a more authentic, less touristy side of Japan,” said Helen Wong, Australian representative of the Nagano Tourism Organization.

“We aim to unearth a side of Nagano that will appeal and surprise Australians looking for an escape from the typical tourist crowds and in search of a special experience.

“In doing so, we are focusing on the alpine area’s traditional villages and the spectacular rural settings that surround them.”

One such example is the Nakasendo, a 534km ancient trail that connects Kyoto with Tokyo. Built during the Edo Period (1603-1868), it was one of the longest but safest routes to travel along between the old and new capitals.

It was one of five major roads established at the time, but unlike others that have succumbed to modern development, much of the Nakasendo in the Nagano Prefecture has remained untouched.

Parts of the road that people travelled along hundreds of years ago, as well as the towns in which they stayed during the long journeys, can still be seen today.

“Magome, Tsumago and Narai are the most well-preserved and popular towns to visit,” said Wong.

“Visitors can walk among these ancient settlements and along the old roads that connected them, and you will experience a slice of Japan’s history that many of today’s guests miss."

Recent figures released by the Nagano Tourism Organisation show the Australian market at number two behind Japan’s neighbours Taiwan for time spent in Nagano.

For more details see https://www.go-nagano.net/en/

Walk the walk: Nagano wants an all-year reputation

A popular winter sports destination with Australian travellers, the Japanese alpine city of Nagano is looking to build on that popularity by luring outdoor enthusiasts during the warmer months.

Among the major regional attractions is the famous ancient route Nakasendo, which for more than 400 years has cut a path through the mountainous heart of main island Honshu.

As one of five major historic roads - known as Gokaido - to connect corners of Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1868), Nakasendo links the imperial capital of Kyoto with Tokyo, passing through the Nagano Prefecture.

It is the longest of the historic links, stretching more than 540 kilometres, although today’s hikers mainly choose to trek sections rather than the entire route.

“We aim to increase tourist interest in Nagano beyond the ski slopes, the hot springs and the bathing snow monkeys,” said Helen Wong, the Australian representative for Nagano Tourism Organization.

“Nakasendo was an important thoroughfare utilised by Daimyo lords, peasants, traders and religious pilgrims,” she said.

“To stretch the legs on a section of the road opens a fascinating insight into what life was like in Japan during the Edo Period. Equally appealing are the many panoramic viewing points and villages visited along the way.”

The move to promote Nagano as a summer destination came with the release of the latest tourism nine-month statistics (January-August) which showed a 25% growth in night stays by Australians compared with the same period last year.

To highlight what Nakasendo has to offer to Australians, a webinar will take place in March, covering the best walks along the winding trails, the mountainous scenery, various inns and bubbling hot springs.

A date for the webinar will be confirmed in the early new year.

Interest will also focus on the food scene, the fresh local ingredients used to create seasonal dishes that are distinct from other areas of Japan.

See Go Nagano (go-nagano.net)