Record Aussie Travel to Japan Meets Winter Flight Chaos at Osaka, Sapporo Airports
SYDNEY, 24 January 2026 – Australian travellers are flocking to Japan in unprecedented numbers, with official data confirming over one million visitors from Australia made the journey in 2025. However, the surge in popularity coincides with significant operational disruptions, as a wave of winter flight cancellations and delays at major hubs like Osaka, Sapporo, and Tokyo Narita left hundreds of passengers stranded this month.
Australian Visitation Tops One Million Mark
New data from the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) reveals a record 1,058,300 Australians arrived in Japan during the 2025 calendar year, a 15 per cent increase on the previous year. This marks the first time Australian visitation has surpassed the one million threshold. January was the most popular month, with 140,185 visitors, followed by strong numbers during the April cherry blossom season and the December winter holiday rush.
JNTO Sydney Executive Director Naoki Kitazawa said the growth extended beyond the classic “Golden Route” of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. “Prefectures such as Fukuoka, Gifu, Niigata and Iwate are showing a significant increase in stays,” Mr Kitazawa noted, encouraging travellers in 2026 to explore Japan’s lesser-known regions.
January Flight Disruptions Strand Travellers
This record demand is being tested by a series of aviation disruptions in early 2026. Airlines including ANA Wings, All Nippon Airways (ANA), Ibex, and Jetstar Japan have suspended dozens of flights, primarily affecting New Chitose Airport serving Sapporo, Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Osaka International Airport (Itami) in Osaka, and Tokyo’s Narita Airport.
On 20 January alone, at least 39 flights were cancelled, with many more delayed, creating long queues at service desks and forcing passengers to seek overnight accommodation or alternative routes. The disruptions have been attributed to a combination of winter weather, operational constraints, and high seasonal demand.
| Airline | Reported Cancellations (Early Jan) | Primary Airports Affected |
|---|---|---|
| ANA Wings | 19 flights (26% of ops at affected airports) | New Chitose (Sapporo), Osaka (Itami) |
| Ibex Airlines | 4 flights | New Chitose (Sapporo) |
| All Nippon Airways (ANA) | 3 flights | New Chitose (Sapporo) |
| Jetstar Japan | 3 flights | Narita (Tokyo) |
Travel Advice for Australian Passengers
With high demand and potential for ongoing winter disruptions, travellers are advised to build flexibility into their itineraries. Experts recommend checking flight status regularly via airline apps, enrolling in notification services, and considering travel insurance that covers delays and cancellations. For travel within Japan, the high-speed rail network (Shinkansen) often provides a reliable alternative to short-haul flights on key corridors.
For those planning a visit, Osaka remains a premier destination for its food culture, historic sites like Osaka Castle, and vibrant districts such as Dotonbori and Shinsekai. The JNTO continues to promote responsible travel and encourages visitors to explore beyond major cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my flight to Japan is cancelled?
Contact your airline immediately for rebooking options. Monitor official airline communication channels (app, email, website) for updates. Familiarise yourself with your rights under the airline’s conditions of carriage. If stranded, airlines may provide meal vouchers or accommodation.
Is Osaka a good base for exploring Japan?
Yes. Osaka’s central location in the Kansai region makes it an excellent hub for day trips to Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji, all within an hour by train. The city itself is renowned for its street food, including takoyaki, okonomiyaki, and kushikatsu.
When is the best time to visit Japan to avoid crowds?
While peak seasons like cherry blossom (March-April) and autumn foliage (September-October) are beautiful, they are also the busiest. The months of May, June, and September can offer a good balance of pleasant weather and slightly fewer tourists, though demand remains high year-round.