The number of Australian arrivals to Japan in January outstripped those prior to the 2011 earthquake and tsunami as tourism officials heralded a record winter season.
Preliminary figures from the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) show 206,600 Australians visited Japan in 2012, 27% more than 2011 when arrivals were hit by the March double tragedy.
The strong performance has carried over to this year according to latest data, with January arrivals at a record 31,700, a rise of 43% on same month last year. More tellingly, it also surpassed the January 2011 figure of 30,689, which itself was a record.
JNTO said good snow conditions, strong Australian dollar and promotions all contributed to the increase.
