Travel to Japan continues to skyrocket, with the number of Australians visiting the East Asian nation surpassing pre-pandemic numbers for the first time last month.
According to new data released by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), arrival numbers into Japan were 34 per cent lower in March 2023 compared to March 2019, but Australian travellers have bucked that trend by exceeding visitation over the same period by 2.3 per cent.
It’s a small gain, but still highly significant, and telling of our desire for international travel and travel to Japan specifically.
“Australians have a great affection for Japan as a destination and we know this sentiment has held firm throughout the pandemic, despite border closures,” JNTO Sydney Office Executive Director, Yoko Tanaka said.
“The Australian visitation numbers we have seen for March are reflective of this pent-up demand for travel to Japan and we’re excited to see so many Australians putting their long-awaited travel plans into action.”
What’s more, Australia is one of only five major markets to have increased pre-Covid travel to Japan, alongside the US, Canada, Mexico and the Middle East.
Quick comeback
The positive news also comes just five months after Japan reopened to overseas arrivals in October 2022.
Since then, the country has eased other entry rules – and it expects to drop laws that require visitors to show proof of vaccination upon arrival on 8 May 2023.
“It is exciting to see that so many Australians have decided to return to Japan in such a short time since borders reopened,” Tanaka said.
“With the cherry blossom season in full swing and the northern hemisphere summer right around the corner, we’re looking forward to seeing what lies ahead.
“Despite the already strong visitor numbers, flights to Japan from Australia are still on a recovery trajectory, and with even more direct connections between the countries expected to become available in the coming months, we hope to welcome even more Australians to Japan in the near future.”
Earlier this year, JNTO held its first-ever Japan Travel Fair in Australia
