Japan Snow Update: January 9th 2026 – Honshu Finally Delivers!

🎿 UPDATE: January 9, 2026 – Game Changer! What a difference a few days makes! I’m writing this update after returning from Hakuba yesterday, and honestly, Honshu absolutely delivered. After weeks of thin coverage and concerns about base areas, the snow gods finally showed up. My firsthand report from Hakuba (Jan 8th): We experienced 20-30cm … Read more

Dollar Back Up Over 100 Yen!

Australian dollar to Japanese yen exchange rate graphic showing A$1 equals 100 yen in flag colours

Good news for anyone planning a Japan trip – your wallet just got a bit thicker. The Aussie dollar has cracked the 100 yen mark for the first time since November last year, sitting at around ¥100.06 as of today. What this means for you: The numbers: Where’s it heading? Currency forecasters are bullish on … Read more

Japan Autumn Foliage Forecast 2025: Best Times & Places to See Fall Colours

Autumn Colours in Japan

Experience the Magic of Autumn in Japan! Japan’s autumn foliage season is a spectacular display of nature that rivals the famous cherry blossoms. If you’re planning to witness this incredible event in 2025, my guide provides the essential dates, top locations, and insider tips to help you catch Japan at its most colourful. Why Time … Read more

Record-Breaking Year: Aussies Flock to Japan in 2024

Aussie tourists in Japan

If it feels like everyone you know is either planning a trip to Japan or has just returned from one, you’re not imagining it. According to preliminary figures released by the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO), a staggering 920,200 Australians visited Japan in 2024 – the highest number on record! This marks an impressive 50.1% increase compared to 2023, … Read more

Japan Sees Record-Breaking 17.7 Million Foreign Tourists in First Half of 2024

Record numbers of overseas tourists in Japan (pictured Asakusa, Tokyo)

Japan has witnessed a record-breaking influx of overseas tourists in the first half of 2024, with over 17.7 million visitors from January to June. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) reported 17,777,200 foreign arrivals during this period, with June alone welcoming 3,135,600 visitors – the fourth consecutive month exceeding 3 million. This surge, partly fuelled … Read more