Shirakawa-go with Snowfall (Gifu Prefecture)
Sydney, Australia – 22 January 2026: 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. 121,300 visitors flocked to the country during December 2025, coinciding with school holidays, festive breaks and the start of the popular ski season.
The month of January saw the highest number of Australian visitors throughout the year with 140,185 visitors, and 115,235 Australians arriving in April during cherry blossom season which aligned with school holidays and the 2025 Easter long weekend. JNTO also noted growth in Australians travelling outside the peak seasons of April and the December to February ski season, with the months of September and October also seeing significant arrivals during 2025.
The love affair with Japan goes beyond Australians though with Japan also achieving a new annual record for total international arrivals during 2025, 42,683,600.
“We are thrilled to begin 2026 on such a positive note, celebrating the arrival of one million Australians during 2025,” said Naoki Kitazawa, Executive Director for JNTO Sydney. “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 & Marketing Manager, Andrew Coombs, added: “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. 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.”
For more information on inbound statistics go to Japan Tourism Statistics: https://statistics.jnto.go.jp/en/ 
*Based on October 2025 data from the Japan Tourism Agency.
- Ends -
For additional information or image requests, please contact:
Anne Wild & Associates – JNTO’s PR Representatives in Australia
Emily Watters, Senior Account Manager
ewatters@awassociates.com.au +61 449 506 064
