December 2025 visitor data released by Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reveals a new record for Australian travellers, with 1,058,300 visiting Japan during the 2025 calendar year. 2025 is the first year that Australian visitors to Japan have broken the one million mark, an incredible 15% increase on 2024.

In a world that rarely slows down, Japan offers something increasingly rare: space to breathe, time to reflect, and traditions designed to nurture both body and mind. Long before wellness became a global travel trend, Japan was quietly perfecting the art of living well - through nature, mindfulness, balance and intention.

From pop culture, theme parks and ninja culture to Pokémon hotel rooms and Harry Potter, Japan is a dream destination for children – and the young at heart – with families embracing the country’s diverse offering which caters to everyone from toddlers and tweens to hard-to-please teens.

Across Japan, gardens are living expressions of harmony where nature, artistry, and tradition come together in perfect balance. From central and western Japan to the subtropical islands of Okinawa, Japan’s regional gardens invite visitors to slow down and experience the country’s enduring connection to the seasons.

When the sun goes down, Japan’s nightlife lights up with a raft of activities from arcades and illuminated temples to night safaris,  lantern festivals and beyond…and the action isn’t only in the city, with regional areas offering some of the most unexpected and unforgettable experiences after dark.