Increase in the number of Australians visiting Japan

The number of Australians visiting Japan in the first quarter of 2024 increased by 46.3% compared to the same period in 2019, new data from the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) shows. In March alone, visitor numbers were no less than 87.4% higher than in March 2019.

“These figures are fantastic to see and confirm what we predicted, which is strong interest in Japan as a travel destination of choice in 2024,” said Naoki Kitazawa, Executive Director of JNTO Sydney Office.

Pent-up interest in the winter sports season has contributed to the increase in the number of Australians visiting Japan. Record visitor numbers are also being driven by new flights and increased airline capacity, favorable exchange rates with the yen and increasing awareness of Japan’s broad appeal as a tourist destination.

“The AUD is now buying much more JPY than the lows we saw in the years leading up to the pandemic pause, and this favorable exchange rate makes Japan more affordable and accessible to Australian travellers,” Kitazawa added.

JNTO expects the trend to continue

JNTO expects the positive trend to continue in 2024, with more Australians looking to travel out of peak season and seek out lesser-known destinations across the country:

“We’re especially excited to see Australians starting to dig a little deeper and explore more of Japan. There is a new generation of adventurous visitors who are looking further afield for unique experiences,” said Kitazawa.

“Japan’s rugged mountains, rocky coastlines, pristine white beaches, bamboo forests and some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world are just some of the natural highlights you can enjoy all year round.”

The country is also experiencing a growing interest in cruise travel through Japan. Demand for cruise ships is also recovering as the number of visits to the country’s ports more than doubles to 1,854 by 2023, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.