The number of Australians visiting Japan in the first quarter of 2024 increased by 46.3 per cent compared to the same period in 2019, new data released by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) shows. Visitor numbers in March alone were up a staggering 87.4 per cent compared to March 2019.
“These figures are fantastic to see and confirm what we had been predicting which was a strong interest in Japan as a travel destination of choice in 2024,” said JNTO Sydney office executive director, Naoki Kitazawa.
Pent-up interest in the winter snow sports season has contributed to the rise in Australians visiting Japan. Record visitor numbers are also being fuelled by new flights and increased airline capacity, favourable exchange rates with the yen, and increasing awareness of Japan’s broad appeal as a tourist destination.
“The AUD is purchasing much more JPY now compared to the lows we saw in the years leading up to the pandemic pause, and this favourable exchange rate makes Japan more affordable and accessible for Australian travellers,” Kitazawa added.
JNTO expects trend to continue
JNTO expects the positive trend to continue in 2024, with more Australians looking to travel outside of the peak seasons and seeking lesser-known destinations across the country:
“We are especially excited to see that Australians are starting to dig a little deeper and explore more of Japan. There is a new generation of adventurous visitors looking further afield for unique experiences,” Kitazawa said.
“Japan’s rugged mountains, rocky coastlines, pristine white beaches, bamboo forests and some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls are just some of the natural highlights to be enjoyed all year round.”
The country is also experiencing a growing interest in cruise travel across Japan. Cruise ship demand is also rebounding as the number of calls to the country’s ports more than doubled in 2023 to 1,854, according to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism.
