‘Japan is insane’: Pictures prove why nation is so hot right now

If you have been itching to visit Japan, now would be the best time with this single image proving why you need to pack your bags now.

Tourists are sharing photos of the impressive meals they have scored in Japan for less than $10 – as the yen falls to the lowest in decades.

Steph Smith, a Canadian who works remotely and travels the world, shared a dish of sashimi, rice and miso soup for less than $5 in a post that has been viewed more than 1.8 million times on X.

“A huge mistake not to spend some time in Japan while the yen is the lowest in 30+ years. This cost less than $5 and some of the freshest fish I’ve ever had,” she wrote.

Converted from Canadian dollars (CAD) that is just over $5 AUD.

This picture has attracted hundreds of comments and more than 13,000 likes. Picture: X/stephsmithio

She then shared a video for those who needed “any more convincing” of a multi-course Michelin star meal for $100 per person — $A110.

“This looks really good …” one person wrote, along with many asking for the name of the restaurant.

It prompted other travellers to share their own photos and experiences of cheap meals in Japan.

One tourist from Hawaii wrote, “Japan is insane,” alongside a $6 ($A9) meal with five different elements.

One American traveller described Japan as ‘insane’ for this $6 meal (about $9 AUD). Picture: X /yaaagin_

“I had $20 five course meals. So delicious,” added someone else.

“I spent most of April in Japan (my first visit). I couldn’t believe how inexpensive it was to eat out. Train travel was cheap too,” shared a fourth traveller.

A digital nomad said the food was a huge reason they are considering going back.

“This was breakfast in Hiroshima last October. I usually spend a month abroad each year, and always pick a different destination. I may return to Japan instead of a new place, just for this reason,” they wrote.

Another tourist said this also cost them $6 (about $A9). Picture: X/dogcoingambler

Elise Hodgson from tour operator InsideJapan said it had never been a more affordable time for Aussies to visit.

“The favourable currency exchange means the Aussie dollar goes further on the ground, giving travellers the opportunity to book experiences that may have stretched their budgets in the past,” she told news.com.au.

“For example, eating out at higher-end restaurants and exploring the culinary culture is more affordable, as well as staying in a traditional-style ryokan (Japanese inn), which offers a really authentic experience.

“It’s also a great time to get out of the major tourist hubs such as Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, and venture to lesser-seen regions that show a totally different side of the country.”

The company recently launched a ‘Hidden Zen’ itinerary to meet this demand of travellers wanting a taste of local life and culture off the beaten track.

A tourist’s breakfast in Hiroshima. Picture: X /JonnyNomadic

In the first five months of the year the number of Australians visiting Japan increased by 38.2 per cent compared to the same period in 2019, according to data from the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO).

The latest monthly figures show there were 66,500 Australian visitors to Japan in May this year, compared to 46,223 in May 2019 (up 43.9 per cent).

Speaking back in April, JNTO sydney office executive director Naoki Kitazawa said: “The AUD is purchasing much more JPY now compared to the lows we saw in the years leading up to the pandemic pause, and this favourable exchange rate makes Japan more affordable and accessible for Australian travellers.”

She said they were happy to see Aussies also looking to travel outside of the peak seasons and seeking lesser-known destinations.

As of today’s market exchange rates, one Aussie dollar is buying 107 yen.

Speaking to news.com.au in May, Travel Money Group (FCTG’s foreign currency business) general manager Scott McCullough said: “This time last year 1 AUD was exchanging for around 87 JPY. And five years ago, it was only exchanging for around 63 JPY.

“At current retail exchange rates, a mid-range holiday in Japan that may have cost around $4000 12-months ago, is costing only around $3500 today.”