Nostalgic reason Aussies are heading to Japan

“I’m beyond jealous, you win at life.”

If you haven’t been to Japan this year, chances are you know someone who has.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, the first few months of 2025 saw 429,000 Australian arrivals in Japan - a 28.6% increase from the same period in 2024.

And, there are plenty of reasons for this. Japan has delicious food, a unique blend of modern and traditional experiences, and a great exchange rate.

But, it turns out there’s one more nostalgic aspect drawing Aussies there - and honestly, it might convince me.

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Image: TikTok / @maybemackenzie

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“They have the cheese toast!”

Aussie TikTok creator @maybemackenzie shared his experience this week heading to a Sizzler in Japan.

“When I saw there was a Sizzler in Japan, I thought, I have to go in,” he said.

“And, they have the cheese toast!”

An absolute Aussie icon - despite first opening in the US back in 1958 - Sizzler was open Down Under from 1985 until November 2020, when it was unfortunately a victim of the pandemic.

“I’m pretty sure every Australian has been to Sizzler, and I really miss it,” he said.

A Sizzler restaurant in Brookside, QLD before its closure in 2017. Image: Josh Woning.

“I think I need to go to Japan now”

Aussies in the comments were shocked to see a Sizzler in Japan.

“I’m beyond jealous, you win at life,” said one person.

“THE CHEESE TOAST,” another said.

“I miss Sizzler so much,” said a third (and don’t we all).

“MY CHILDHOOD,” another commenter said.

Others said they hoped they’d be able to incorporate it into their own Japan trips.

“Excuse me sir WHERE IS THIS - research purposes obvi,” one person said.

“I think I need to go to Japan now,” said another.

“That’s it, I'm going to Japan for Sizzler,” another person said.

They’re everywhere!

In (kinda) good news for Aussies, it’s not just in Japan that you can find a Sizzler.

Once upon a time, you could find Sizzlers in Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, and China - in addition to Australia. However, all of these have now closed.

Now, there remain locations in Japan, Thailand, and across the United States.

Originally published as Nostalgic reason Aussies are heading to Japan