It’s the moment so many travellers have been waiting for; Japan’s annual cherry blossom (sakura) forecast has been revealed, and the good news is, they’ll be kicking off earlier than normal this year with Tokyo and Osaka one of the first locations to see the colourful blooms in March.

Unlike anywhere else in the world, Japan is a country that carefully balances tradition and modernism in many facets of life. But while scores of travellers flock to Japan each year to experience its well-preserved ancient culture, from the shrines and temples to traditional hospitality, Japan offers a smorgasbord of exciting activities that’ll quell your appetite for fun, adventure, and contemporary culture.

New data released by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) shows the number of Australians visiting Japan in 2023 came close to matching levels seen in 2019, reaching 98.6% of pre-pandemic visitation numbers, despite the country only fully opening to tourists and offering visa-free travel in October 2022, and scrapping proof of vaccination requirements in May 2023.

Winter in Japan offers an array of outdoor adventure activities across the country, with skiing easily one of the most popular reasons for Australians to visit during the coldest months.

It's hard to believe that only a year has passed since Japan lifted its international travel restrictions post-pandemic. The country’s tourism industry resurgence has defied expectations and a raft of new hotels, recently awarded destinations, and unique events and experiences make Japan a must-visit destination in 2024.