- Image
- Video
Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo ... Japan is becoming an increasingly popular destination for Australian travellers. Source: Supplied
Welcome to My Japan; 私の日本、ようこそ
Japan has been my home for the past four and a half years. I want to share some of its beauty with you and show you why I've stayed this long. All of these videos were taken by me personally (or of me).
AUSTRALIANS’ enduring love affair with Bali could be under threat from Japan, which is emerging as the new holiday hot spot for 2015.
Aided by an increasing number of direct flights out of Australia, official visitor numbers grew 34 per cent in the year to September from 19,000 to 25,600, and even stronger growth is anticipated this year.
Jetstar Australia and New Zealand CEO David Hall said their own flight bookings to Japan had soared by 70 per cent in the past six months as a result of more capacity being added to the international route.
The budget carrier now offers 25 flights a week between the two countries, or more than 8000 seats.
Qantas has also upped capacity on the route and will be flying direct 14 times a week by August this year.
Superior powder snow ... a big drawcard for Japan for many. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied
Dale Goulding from Deep Powder Snow Holidays said demand for Japan was at an all time high.
“It’s not something that’s happened overnight — although having said that, we’ve just come off our biggest season,” said Mr Goulding.
“The 2011 tsunami took its toll but only for a year. It’s come back much stronger, largely thanks to the (Japanese) government’s aggressive tourism push.
“For many years they only concentrated on trade, but they now see tourism as a big revenue stream for their country.”
The Snow Crystal Apartments in Niseko ... one of 400 resorts in the country. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied
Liquid Snow Tours owner Quentin Nolan said as the closest northern hemisphere ski destination to Australia, it was surprising it had taken so long for Aussies to discover Japan.
“Nine years ago we took 40 people to Japan, this year we’re taking 6000,” said Mr Nolan.
“That’s up 30 per cent on last year.”
He said Japan’s appeal was multifaceted, but the ski market had served as a platform for other attractions.
“It’s the same time zone as Australia so there’s no jet lag, it’s the fastest place to get to for a northern hemisphere ski holiday and the snow quality is the best in the world,” Mr Nolan said.
“People can also tie in a cultural holiday, it’s a safe place and the people are so friendly.”
It did not hurt that the Australian dollar was holding its value against the Yen, making it more cost effective than the United States, he said.
“It’s actually no dearer than an Australian ski holiday when you add in lift prices, ski hire and getting there.”
April’s Cherry Blossom Festival ... a popular time to visit. Pic: Supplied Source: Supplied
Escape Travel’s Darren Lloyd said there was much more to Japan than skiing as evidenced by an 87 per cent surge in bookings to Osaka in the last year.
“Travellers appreciate the city’s unique mix of culture, technology and attractions,” Mr Lloyd said.
“Days can be sent exploring Universal Studios Japan, the 17th Century Osaka Castle Park that’s particularly appealing during Cherry Blossom season and wandering the streets filled with some of the best neon lights in Asia.”
Không có nhận xét nào:
Đăng nhận xét