Rising sun & new Asian horizons

RISING WINTER SUN

Japan’s winter appeal continues to soar. New figures show 160,700 Australians visited Japan in January 2026 — 14.6 per cent more than the previous January.

It’s not just the skiing and snowboarding in that powder snow, says a spokesperson for Japan National Tourism Organisation.

“While ‘Japow’ continues to draw skiers and snowboarders, Australia’s growing appetite for Japan extends well beyond the traditional slopes.

“Travellers are seeking immersive seasonal experiences — from soaking in open-air onsens surrounded by snow and watching snow monkeys bathe in Nagano, to wandering lantern-lit winter festivals and marvelling at surreal ‘snow monsters’ in Zao Onsen.”

OTHER BRIGHT OPTIONS

I made these points during a presentation at World Travel Fest Perth last Sunday …

+ Given the choice between travelling to Japan and to South Korea, I’d probably pick South Korea.

+ And given the choice of travelling to South Korea or Taiwan, I’d probably go to Taiwan.

To me there is a nice and natural progression for travellers who have enjoyed Japan to then explore South Korea, and then Taiwan.