Cherry blossoms charm Aussies to visit Japan in their thousands

The number of Aussie travelling to Japan during the famous cherry blossom season has almost doubled since pre Covid times

The famous cherry blossoms may be fading for another year but demand from Aussies wanting to visit Japan is brighter than ever.

This year’s “sakura” season saw a surge in the number of Australians heading to the Land of the Rising Sun.

The Japan National Tourism Organisation said there has been a 46 per cent jump in Australian visitors in the first quarter of 2024, compared with the same period in 2019.

And in March, when the blossoms often appear, the rise was 87.4 per cent up on pre-Covid numbers.

Tour operator Inspiring Vacations said Japan bookings have nearly doubled compared to last year.

“We just sent a record number of travellers to experience this year’s cherry blossom season,” said Inspiring Vacations CEO Paul Ryan. The overwhelming response from our customers has us excitedly preparing for an even busier season in 2025. It’s clear that the beauty of Japan’s natural seasons continues to be a major draw for Australians.”

The Someiyoshino cherry trees in the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo were in full bloom 13 days later than average. Picture: Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images

Sydney Airport’s first quarter passenger data shows Japanese travellers to Australia are still down 16.4 per cent on the same period in 2019.

But the JNTO said favourable exchange rates and new flights and increased airline capacity between the two countries has helped fuel demand for Australians travelling to Japan.

It expects the positive trend to continue in 2024, with more Australians looking to travel outside of the peak seasons and seeking lesser-known destinations across the country.

“We are especially excited to see that Australians are starting to dig a little deeper and explore more of Japan. There is a new generation of adventurous visitors looking further afield for unique experiences,” said JNTO Sydney Office Executive Director, Naoki Kitazawa.

Inspiring Vacations is giving away $250 travel vouchers when you enter the draw to win a $50,000 tour.

Originally published as Cherry blossoms charm Aussies to visit Japan in their thousands