Japan is on track to break its record for the number of Australian tourists for the second year in a row, which has prompted a major cruise company to double its ships between the countries.
As the situation in the Middle East, Eastern Europe, and even the US with its border crackdowns remains unpredictable, travellers are opting for classic destinations, with a record 1,058,300 Aussies taking a holiday in the East Asian powerhouse in 2025.
Yet, even more tourists from Down Under have visited so far this year, according to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, with the only month failing to trump the 2025 numbers being May.
Japan in February briefly overtook Indonesia as the second-most visited country by Australian tourists, only beaten by New Zealand for first place.
That month, 103,360 Aussies returned from Japan, followed by 89,230 in March, 108,540 in April and 78,270 in May.
Princess Cruises is one of the companies responding to the massive rise in popularity by releasing its largest Southeast Asia program to date, with two ships homeporting in Japan.
The cruise line has combined its 2027 and 2028 programs into one season spanning 96 departures across 61 itineraries in nine countries.
The new program marks the first time Princess will have two ships – the Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess – setting sail from Japan, a testament to the country’s growing tourism.
Japan received a record number of Australian tourists in 2025, but is on track to break that record again in 2026
Princess Cruises responded to the rise in popularity by adding another ship to its Japan itineraries
‘This is the most immersive Japan season we’ve ever introduced and one that reflects how our guests want to experience the destination today,’ Jim Berra, Princess Cruises Chief Commercial Officer, said.
‘With Diamond Princess and Sapphire Princess homeporting in Tokyo for the first time, late-night stays timed to Japan’s most celebrated summer festivals, and sailings that visit all four main islands during cherry blossom and fall foliage seasons, we’re delivering unprecedented access to the culture, cuisine and traditions that define Japan.
‘Paired with longer, destination-rich Southeast Asia voyages that connect multiple countries in a single journey, this program offers a depth, scale and authenticity that simply doesn’t exist elsewhere in the region.’
Two sister ships, the 2,706-guest Diamond Princess and 2,678-guest Sapphire Princess, were both built in Japan and offer region-exclusive amenities.
As well as curated dining, the Diamond Princess features the Izumi Japanese Bath – the largest onsen-style bathhouse on the sea.
Princess Cruises’ Vice President Asia Pacific, Matthew Rutherford, told Daily Mail the company expects more Aussies to head to Japan in the coming years.
‘Australia is a key source market for our Japan program, with strong and growing demand from travellers seeking culturally rich, immersive experiences,’ he said.
‘Looking ahead to 2028, we expect that momentum to continue, particularly as interest in visiting regional Japan grows.
Princess Cruises focuses on offering rich cultural expereinces both onboard and at port
For the first time in 2027, Princess will have two ships homeporting in Tokyo
‘Princess Cruises remains the largest international cruise line operating in Japan, offering the widest range of itineraries and access to more than 50 unique ports.
‘We’re uniquely positioned as the only international cruise line sailing in Japan year-round, reflecting both our long-standing commitment to the destination and the strength of our local partnerships.’
Cruising with Princess also offers passengers the opportunity to visit lesser-known regions in Japan, Director Destination Management Michael Mihajlov said.
‘Including smaller, more remote ports in our program allows guests to experience Japan’s diverse geography, regional cultures and, most importantly, its people,’ he said.
‘Our Local Connections program in Japan is something special. It’s built on long-standing relationships and trust with local communities, which allows us to offer experiences that guests simply wouldn’t be able to access elsewhere.
‘These include interactions with local artists, craftspeople and chefs, many of whom don’t typically work in tourism. It’s about connecting guests with the real Japan through the people who shape its culture every day.’
Highlights on Princess’ Japan itineraries include Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, historic Himeji-jo Castle and Mount Fuji.
Year-round bookings for 2027 and 2028 are open.
The author was a guest of Princess Cruises.
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