Why does Japan come out on top as a holiday destination?

Data from the Expedia group published in The Australian now identifies Tokyo as the number one destination for Aussies, with Osaka and Kyoto round out the top five. Let’s guess why Japan came out on top? Why is Japan Australia’s most sought after overseas holiday spot?

Japan is the most amazing tourist destination and it offers many unique experiences that you cannot find in any other part of the world. The culture of this country is an interesting blend of Eastern traditions and Western modernity that can be seen everywhere. Japan is one of the oldest civilizations and has a beautiful and diverse history. 

The stunning, diverse scenery with mountains and breathtaking views, which are much appreciated by the Japanese, offers so many different experiences that attract not only Aussie tourists. In this article Asia Vacation Group give you our best reasons why you should make a trip to this amazing country at least once in your lifetime.

Tokyo is the number one holiday destination for Aussies this summer.

Incredible Japanese Cuisine

According to a survey conducted in the departure lobbies of Japanese airports and seaports throughout 2022, for close to 95 percent of Australian tourists eating Japanese food was one of the motivations to come to Japan.

Report: Most popular activities that motivate tourists from Australia to come to Japan in 2022

Most popular activities that motivate tourists from Australia to come to Japan in 2022

(Published by Alexandru Arba, May 12, 2023).

Japan’s culinary landscape can only be described in one word: incredible. Some of the usual experiences are the sushi conveyor belt and sake bars and don’t forget to try some fresh sushi at Tsukiji Fish Market or the delicious street food like takoyaki in Osaka.

For many visitors, a trip to Japan provides the opportunity to indulge in some authentic Kaiseki food. Kaiseki is a traditional form of cuisine that has evolved over a period of thousands of years, using ingredients that are hardly found in any other part of the world. Tokyo has more Michelin stars than any other city in the world, with also the most three-star restaurants (12) in the world.

Japan’s culinary landscape can only be described in one word: incredible.

Diverse sightseeing from World Heritage sites to pristine natural scenery. Sakura – Glorious cherry blossoms to view

Japan is home to no less than 23 UNESCO World Heritage Sites; 19 Cultural Heritage Sites and 4 Natural Heritage Sites. Ranging from historically important shrines like Itsukushima Shinto Shrine on Miyajima to unique natural ecological treasures like Mount Fuji or Shiretoko National Park. 

Besides, Japan is a nature lover’s paradise as well. From the wilderness in Hokkaido to the white pristine beaches of Okinawa, Japan’s nature is incredibly diverse. The rugged mountains, rocky coastlines, pristine white beaches, bamboo forests and some of the world’s most beautiful waterfalls are just some of the natural beauty to be enjoyed all year round.

Itsukushima Shrine is another highlight that you shouldn’t miss in Hiroshima.

Moreover, Australians are desperate to get in Japan for cherry blossoms. No visit to Japan in spring is complete without sakura. For two weeks, everyone and everything in the spirit of the beautiful flowers. Everyone wants to see this million dollar view and hanami (blossom viewing parties) are everywhere. Japan is very passionate about picnicking under the cherry trees in full blossom.

Mount Fuji offers the best views to witness the full bloom.

Discover 12 DAY WONDERFUL JAPAN in cherry blossom season

Tokyo and Mount Fuji are a beautiful location for hanami. Ueno Park (Tokyo) is a home to 1,000 cherry blossoms, as well as museums, shrines and ponds. Spending a two-week season (from late March to early April) in these places is an ideal choice to gaze up at the beautiful blossoms scene.

Safety

Japan is amongst the safest countries in the world, with an extremely low crime rate. This is something the Japanese are, understandably, quite proud of. Japanese people often leave their doors unlocked, children are perfectly safe traveling on the subway by themselves, and visitors are able to walk around the cities at night without having to worry.

Japan is so safe, you can fall asleep on the train in Tokyo, the world’s biggest city, and wake up with your wallet and phone still in your possession. 

Japan is amongst the safest countries in the world, with an extremely low crime rate.

People are friendly & like to help

People in Japan have the attitude to bother the people in their environment as little as possible. You will notice it as soon as you enter the train because it is amazing how silent it is in the train. Everyone is as respectful as possible and also incredibly helpful. If you have a question or seem to be confused about something you will always find someone who can help you.

It is difficult to describe a meaningful feeling like this with words when you travel to a strange country so you should definitely experience it on your own.

Maiko girls, Geisha apprentices, Kyoto, Japan.

Efficient public transportation

This is not too surprising when your trip to Japan does not require an escort to and from the airport. Because the public transportation network in Japan is simply amazing. Especially when you are in the bigger cities, the system is just incredible. With trains or metro’s departing every few minutes (during the day) it is amazing how fast you can commute from one part of the city to another part within a short period of time.

The famous shinkansen, also known as the bullet train, takes you to all parts of the country. The extensive high-speed train network in Japan, connecting Hokkaido, Honshu and Kyushu, is extremely reliable with frequent departures throughout the day. The Tokaido Shinkansen line, connecting Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, is Japan’s busiest and most popular line with 370 departures each day! As a tourist it is definitely the most convenient, reliable, fastest way of discovering Japan. The best part for international tourists is that they can purchase a Japan Rail Pass that will give them unlimited travel for a designated period of time throughout the country.

Hand holding tickets railway Japan.

Paradise shopping & more attainable Japan holiday

Much more attainable when Tokyo and other major cities have world-class shopping centers as well as traditional markets where you can spend for local handicrafts and souvenirs. If you are traveling to Tokyo, then you should visit the popular areas in Harajuku, Ginza and Akihabara. If you go to Osaka, Umeda and Shinsaibashi are also popular shopping destinations. 

According to Wexchange, “the AUD is purchasing much more JPY now compared to the lows we’ve seen over the past few years, it’s as if the stars have perfectly aligned for your Japanese escapade”. Each Aussie dollar you exchange will get you more yen to make the most out of your journey to the Land of the Rising Sun. The Australian dollar is currently fetching 97 yen, compared to as little as 65 yen at the start of the pandemic. The favorable exchange rate makes Japan more affordable and accessible than ever before for Australian travelers.

Shinjuku shopping district, Tokyo, Japan.

From feasting on delicious meals, visiting intriguing attractions, to indulging in unique cultural experiences, Japan has become more affordable and accessible than ever before.

Direct flights from Australian to Japan 

More direct and daily flights from Australia to Japan make traveling more convenient than ever. According to recent reports, Qantas Airways will double the number of flights to Japan later this year as part of an international service expansion. Australia’s flagship carrier will increase flights linking Japan and the country to 28 a week starting Nov. 26 from the current 14, with two flights a day between Tokyo and Sydney. The airline will operate flights to the Japanese capital from Melbourne and Brisbane daily instead of three or four times a week.

Meanwhile, News.com.au recorded Virgin Australia will launch a new route to Japan from Cairns which means more value and choice for Australians wanting to travel to Japan. There will officially be a route between Australia’s ‘tropical capital’ and Tokyo’s Haneda airport.

More than ever before, Japan would be the best choice for Aussies to explore, uncover hidden gems, witness cherry blossoms and savor delicious food in the rich cultural and best safe country all over the world.

Expedia’s latest trending data reveals Asian destinations have also dominated the top 10 locations Aussies want to visit over the Christmas and New Year period. Let’s get ready for your dream holiday and Asia Vacation Group will be your trusted guide, ensuring an experience that goes beyond the ordinary.