Not every Australian has just been to, or is going to, Japan, but it certainly feels like it (I was just fed another social post from a friend who’s over there now, and even he made a sarcastic comment about joining “the rest of Australia in Japan”). Now, fresh data backs up the anecdotal evidence that the Asian nation has never been more popular.
Citing official Japan Tourism Agency (JTA) statistics, the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) has just revealed that over one million Australians visited Japan in 2025, an increase of 15 per cent on an already record-breaking 2024.
According to the data, 1,058,300 Aussies arrived in Japan during the calendar year, with 121,300 visitors hitting the country in December alone, thanks to the school holiday rush and start of the popular winter season. This last push raised the figure over the 1 million mark for the first time.
This follows a near double-digit rise in visitation in November, with Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) data showing Aussies recorded 80,620 trips to the Asian nation.
But January was the most popular month, with 140,185 visitors kicking off the record year. April, a busy month for the cherry blossom season, and one which aligned with Australian school holidays and the 2025 Easter long weekend, also saw a whopping 115,235 Aussie arrivals.
Outside of the peak seasons, September and October – when much of Japan puts on a show of autumnal hues – also saw significant arrivals during 2025, the data reveals.
Globally, a record 42,683,600 visitors arrived in Japan during the year.
“We are thrilled to begin 2026 on such a positive note, celebrating the arrival of one million Australians during 2025,” JNTO Sydney Executive Director Naoki Kitazawa said.
“What is particularly pleasing is the growth in visitors in addition to the popular Golden Route of Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, with prefectures such as Fukuoka, Gifu, Niigata and Iwate showing a significant increase in stays over the past 12 months.
“During 2026, we are encouraging Australian travellers, to take the time to travel far and wide and discover the lesser-known regions of Japan, from rural retreats and remote hiking trails to coastal camping and tranquil islands, in order to raise awareness of Japan’s diverse experiences, and to share the economic benefits nationwide.”
JNTO Sydney Media and Marketing Manager, Andrew Coombs said many visitors were escaping the bustle of the big cities and major magnets by going rural, and seeking adventure and more immersive experiences.
“We are seeing a new segment of travellers who are embracing Japan’s wilderness and adventure activities and seeking authentic cultural immersion, from staying in traditional inns and joining local craft workshops to meditating with monks, and attending fascinating festivals,” he remarked.
“Japan is a truly multi-dimensional destination with something for everyone, from families and wellness travellers to hikers, cyclists and lovers of luxury.
“We look forward to continuing to welcome responsible Australian travellers to discover it all during 2026.”
KARRYON UNPACKS: Japan passing one million Aussie visitors confirms what travel advisors already feel: demand is deep, year-round and starting to spread regionally, creating fresh itineraries, longer stays and selling beyond Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto.
