Australian bookings to Japan have surged 47 per cent year-on-year, according to new data from Flight Centre Travel Group wholesaler Infinity Holidays, as autumn travel begins to rival the destination’s famous spring peak.
Infinity Holiday’s Destination Japan results for the 12 months to 30 June 2026 showed gross bookings and room nights both increased 47 per cent compared with the previous financial year.
Spring remained the strongest period, with February and March recording the highest room-night volumes. But November performed almost on par with those peaks, pointing to growing demand beyond cherry blossom season.
Autumn closes in on spring
The November result suggests Australians are increasingly embracing Japan’s autumn season, alongside growing interest in regional travel and experiences beyond the country’s best-known spring attractions.
Infinity Holidays Business Leader Jo Rendall said the figures showed Australians were not only travelling to the country in greater numbers, but finding new reasons to return throughout the year.
“We’re seeing strong demand not only for the traditional cherry blossom period, but also for autumn travel, regional experiences and longer-term trip planning,” Rendall said.
Australians are also planning their Japan trips further in advance, with average booking lead times rising 9 per cent year-on-year.
Infinity said the increase demonstrated continued confidence in the destination, particularly as travellers compete for accommodation and experiences during the country’s busiest seasonal periods.
Japan’s momentum continues
The wholesaler also recorded a 106 per cent year-on-year increase in net bookings, while total margin grew 33 per cent.
Japan’s mix of food, culture, major cities, regional destinations and distinct seasons continues to support its appeal among Australian travellers.
The latest results suggest the opportunity for travel advisors is also expanding beyond the traditional cherry blossom rush, with autumn emerging as another major sales period and travellers increasingly prepared to book ahead.
With demand rising by nearly half and November closing in on spring’s room-night volumes, Japan is cementing its position as a year-round favourite for Australian travellers.
KARRYON UNPACKS: Japan’s pull on Australian travellers shows no sign of fading, but the real story here is autumn creeping up on spring. With November nearly matching the blossom peak and clients booking earlier, there is a clear opening to sell shoulder-season Japan and regional experiences to travellers chasing fewer crowds.
