Insure&Go offers 8 tips and tools for travellers to Japan, as record numbers expected over the next few months

Australians have a new favourite holiday destination in Japan, as unprecedented numbers of travellers flock to the Land of the Rising Sun. Award-winning travel insurance provider Insure&Go forecasts that Japan – including rising hotspots outside of Tokyo – will continue to surge in popularity among Aussies thanks to a favourable exchange rate, increased airline capacity through new flight options, and a year-round calendar of cultural and natural attractions including breathtaking cherry blossoms and world-class skiing.

According to recent travel data, departures to Japan from Australia have climbed by 50.1 per cent in January-December 2024, year on year. Specifically, that’s 920,200 visitors last year, compared with 613,062 in 2023.[1]

In a record high for foreign visitors, Japan welcomed over 36.8 million tourists in 2024 and anticipates surpassing 40 million in 2025.[2]2 This surge in popularity has raised concerns by some local governments about overcrowding, which has seen tourist and accommodation taxes introduced.

Insure&Go has done the research on the most innovative planning tools and must-have apps that can unearth hidden gems, help travellers navigate Japan, and stay safe. From real-time translation and route-finding apps to time saving travel hacks, Australians can become very resourceful to experience more of Japan’s allure. In fact, in 2023 over 70 per cent of Aussies tuned into video sites such as YouTube to help with planning their trip.[3]

Beyond finding the best deals, there’s a keen focus on responsible tourism. Many Australians are eager to observe local customs and avoid inadvertently causing offense. This includes refraining from eating while walking, keeping voices low on public transport, and learning basic Japanese phrases to show courtesy.

Australian traveller Sarah Ewenson recently embarked on a family trip to Japan in early November from Brisbane, perfectly timed to catch the start of the spectacular autumn foliage without the crush of peak-season crowds.

Another standout moment of the Ewenson family trip was visiting Miyajima, a small island near Hiroshima that is famous for its friendly deer, fresh oysters, and scenic mountain hikes.

Insure&Go’s 8 travel tips and tools to help Aussies maximise their Japan adventures:

1. Get an eSIM for reliable, hassle-free phone data: eSIMs can be more affordable that international roaming plans, and their reliable data access means you can look up train timetables, translation apps, or map routes on the go. Just ensure your device supports eSIM functionality.
2. Use Google Maps as a navigation tool: Essential for navigating the complex Tokyo Metro and local train lines throughout Japan. Real-time updates help you avoid getting lost in busy stations.
3. Use Google Translate to help with communication: Instantly translates menus, signboards and even live speech. Handy for interactions, especially if you’re venturing into less touristy areas where English is not as commonly spoken or understood.
4. Memorise a couple of key Japanese phrases: Arigato gozaimasu (thank you) and Sumimasen (excuse me/sorry) go a long way in showing respect and courtesy. Locals will appreciate your effort to speak Japanese, even if it’s just a few words.
5. Download the NHK World to receive real-time alerts: NHK World is a local Japanese news outlet that lets you stay informed about weather changes, public transport disruptions, or any local advisories, especially useful if you’re heading off the beaten path or travelling during typhoon season.
6. Carry cash and a travel money card: Japan remains a cash-oriented society, so keep enough yen on hand for small shops, restaurants, or rural areas that might not accept cards. Having a travel money card is convenient for larger payments and booking hotels online. Many banks, airlines and financial institutions offer these debit cards that you can load with foreign currencies. However, they vary in fees, exchange rates and the currencies they accept.
7. Always carry your passport: It’s required by law for tourists and may be needed for tax-free shopping. Also print out all essential documents, including travel insurance, and keep them together for added peace of mind.
8. Get the right travel cover at the time you book: Ensure you take out travel insurance as soon as you book your trip and providing the policy covers cancellations, you can be covered for any unexpected travel cancellations up until your departure date. If you plan to ski or snowboard in Japan, you’ll need to upgrade your policy with winter sports cover. Insure&Go’s winter sports upgrade also includes ice-skating, tobogganing, non-competitive ice hockey, cross-country skiing on designated routes, snowmobiling and more.

Insure&Go encourages Australians to plan carefully and embrace cultural etiquette for a truly memorable trip.

ENDS

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