It’s 7 A.M in Osaka, the sun is slowly rising higher in the east, along with the hustle and bustle of vehicles, the soft sound of chopsticks clanking can be heard in restaurants.
The roads are dusted with fallen Cherry Blossom petals, adding a subtle vibrance to the atmosphere.
For hundreds of thousands of Australians, scenes like this aren’t just something to dream about, they’re the bucket-list worthy destination waiting to be explored.
At the end of 2024, the Australian Bureau of Statistics recorded more than 76,500 Australian visitors to the Land of the Rising Sun, more than a 50 per cent increase from pre-pandemic levels, and more than 70 per cent from 2023.
Japan is the third-most visited destination for Australians, after New Zealand and Indonesia.
Earlier this year the Japanese government announced that it was raising its tourist tax, which aims to secure funds for international tourism promotion, to tackle overtourism, enhance the tourist experience and improve infrastructure.
But even rising costs don’t seem to diminish interest. So, what is it about Japan that has made it one of the fastest-growing travel destinations for Australians?
For Praneel Margale, a 21-year-old university student, who went to Japan in February this year it was the eagerness to see snow in real life and be once again immersed in Japanese culture.
“I wanted to go to Japan mainly because I already went in year 10, and I absolutely loved it, but it was a short school trip. I went in summer last time, and I was dying to see the snow this time.
“I think it’s an amazing travel destination because of the rich culture, the people, the amazing food, beautiful landscapes, and sceneries. I love nature, and Japan is adorned in beautiful natural landscapes.”
Amongst the other reasons, the cultural differences between Australia’s laid back and easy-going lifestyle and Japan’s ritual and respect driven culture, is a key reason Australian’s find the country so captivating.
“My favourite things about Japan are the culture and the people, there’s so much respect and politeness towards everyone. I built connections with strangers so quickly,” said Ms Margale.
Kyson Smith, a 22-year-old recent university graduate, has lived in Perth all his life and said his trip to Japan earlier this year felt like a completely different cultural experience.
“Some of the touristy spots that they have just look so sick, and the cultural stuff, you know. The Torii Gates, for example, there’s a mountain where there’s a thousand red gates that you walk up and it’s like a proper hike up to the top of the mountain.
The cultural stuff, that was what drew me to the country for sure.”
Ashutosh Bista, a 24-year-old Medical Student, said the premium on travel has not deterred him from his travel plans.
Having lived in both Canada and Australia, Mr Bista said he is keen to explore countries outside of the Western world.
“Without a doubt, the allure remains strong for me.
“I was and am still a bit of an anime geek, I’ve loved all things anime for as long as I can remember and wanted to go to the birthplace.”
Whilst the tourist tax does increase travel expenses a little, compared to domestic Australian travel, Japan offers a fresh and different vacation, with culturally different experiences.
“Domestic Australian flights can be cheaper, but I swear activities [in Australia] are almost double the price […] and culturally it is the same as it is in Perth,” said Ms Margale.
“It’s definitely affordable! Especially for a university student it’s so affordable. I went to Japan twice, but it has always been my number one spot. It’s cheaper to eat there and the cost of living is definitely cheaper in Japan than here in Perth.
If you exclude flights and accommodation, it would be cheaper to be in Japan than here right now,” said Mr Smith.
For Australians eager to experience a bit of culture shock, Japan provides culturally rich experiences, with beautiful scenery.
Even with the bite of increasing costs, a 50 per cent jump in Australian visitors to Japan since pre-pandemic levels suggests a shift towards travel driven by culture, experience, and connection.
