Did you know Japan has around 800 cities? Or that there’s over 6,800 islands? Not to mention exquisite cuisine, unique fashion, the finest ski slopes plus a mix of timid and extravagant personalities.
You can travel the entire Golden Route or explore the full length of the Second Golden Route, but you’d still only be scraping the surface of what Japan has to offer.
That is, according to the country’s local tourism leaders, who say visitors are only seeing a portion of the country’s wonders.
Thankfully, Australians are more than happy to return again and again to get the full ‘Japan experience’.
Speaking to KarryOn at the ‘Japan Endless Discovery Seminar’ in Sydney earlier this month, Melissa Collett said tourism from Australia is climbing and so too is repeat visitation.
Although the country doesn’t record return figures, the Media and Marketing Assistant Manager explained that through conversations with agents and consumers it’s evident that once Aussies visit they are instantly ‘a Japan fan’
This is especially the case for the young Australians, with Ms Collett noting an increase in the number of schools taking young travellers to the country because of its unique experiences and close proximity.
“We’re fostering a love for Japan at a young age,” she laughed.
“Once they go, they want to back, this is certainly true for skiers and for young Australians.”
Melissa Collett, JNTO Media and Marketing Assistant Manager
In addition to covering the main tourist areas, she said Australians are looking for new places to visit.
To help guide you and your clients, here are four up and coming locations or four new reasons for Aussies to visit Japan:
1. Universal Studios Japan
【ウィザーディング・ワールド・オブ・ハリー・ポッター™】グランドオープンまであと2日！目を凝らせば凝らすほど、あなたを驚かせる、本物のクオリティ。ウィザーディング・ワールド・オブ・ハリー・ポッター™の圧倒的なクオリティを表現した心躍るＣＭをご覧ください。http://www.usj.co.jp/harrypotter/
Posted by ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパン / Universal Studios Japan (USJ) on Sunday, July 13, 2014
This may seem like an obvious choice, but Universal Studios Japan is surprisingly not a regular on an Aussie’s itinerary.
The theme park’s International Sales and Marketing Division Supervisor, Yasuyo Kuroda told KarryOn that it was only late last year, after the opening of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, that the Australian market increased.
“In Japan the Australian market grew by 28 percent, but for us at Universal Studios Japan it jumped by more than that.”
Yasuyo Kuroda, Universal Studios Japan International Sales and Marketing Division Supervisor
Harry definitely has a spell on us.
2. Matsumoto
Mountains, an ancient castle, cherry blossoms and wasabi ice cream – what’s not to love about the compact town of Matsumoto?
Located in the centre of Japan, it is home to the 420-year-old Matsumoto Castle.
It’s one of Japan’s oldest castles that has retained its original structure and features including wooden interiors and external stonework.
For the adventurous travellers, Mastumoto is also home to Mt Norikura – a popular trekking spot.
According to the destination’s Marketing Manager, Teddy Yamaishi, the 2,600-metre high mountain was once a volcano and is easy for visitors to climb.
3. Hyogo
First and foremost, Japan’s oldest and most authentic castle, Himeji Castle, can be found in Hyogo.
The 400+ year-old structure is so well preserved, it took developers five years to make minor structural updates. The process took so long to ensure it maintained its authentic style.
Kobe, the capital of Hyogo, is a blend of ancient meets modern Japan.
Located by the sea, it was one of the first cities to open a port in 1868. This lead to outside influence, which locals incorporated into their traditions.Also apart of Hyogo is Awaji Island – the birth place of the ancient Awaji Puppet Theatre.
4. Chiba
Chiba Prefecture is the sixth most populous in Japan and the 28th largest by land area.
It was the first location outside the USA to receive a Disneyland theme park, which is a big driver for tourism to the destination.
The Disneyland is made up to seven themed areas, including the World Bazaar; Adventureland; Westernland; Fantasyland; Tomorrowland; Critter Country; and Mickey’s Toontown.
Aside from the fairytale classics, Chiba is also famous for its strawberries and it a huge attraction for school groups, especially those from Australia.