New tourism attractions are luring travellers from all over the world

Luckily, the world of travel has responded instantly, with deals popping up, bookings going fast and Japan insiders revealing the country is excitedly awaiting the arrival of tourists.

There are plenty of new attractions to cast your eyes over and an exciting tourism focus on the natural marvels of the country.

For international travellers, it has been an interesting road back to this point. Not surprisingly, the Federal Government's Smartraveller website is still issuing warnings for many destinations. It's not just the pandemic - there is a war going on, after all!

And the usual threats from terrorism, weather events and other health hazards still make the world a place where travellers need to prepare and be in the know if they are to stay safe.

Japan is proving a case study in caution. Cautious Covid protocols first resulted in keeping visitors to only guided tours, then unguided package tours and now, finally, visa-free travel for all holidaymakers.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said: "We are a nation that has flourished through the free flow of people, goods and capital. COVID-19, of course, interrupted all of these benefits, but from October 11, Japan will relax border control measures to be on par with the US, as well as resume visa-free travel and individual travel."

What does this mean for Australians, among the most ardent fans of holidays in Japan?

Executive Director JNTO Sydney Yoko Tanaka told Explore: "The passion that Australians have for travel to Japan is sure to be revived with this exciting news. We can't wait to see our Aussie friends return."

Flight Centre wasted no time in bringing out 12 deals for Japan, with options from the culinary delights of Osaka's back streets to skiing the powdery slopes from your base at Club Med or staying in the Tokyo Grand Hotel.

Other organisations such as Intro Travel are already reporting that places are going fast for their Japan small-group tours, beginning from January 2023.

Ms Tanaka said: "The news will be warmly welcomed by travellers planning snow-sports trips over the winter, or those booking ahead for the popular cherry blossom season next year.

"Ultimately, Japan's strength and appeal as a travel destination lies in our difference. We can offer experiences that can't be found anywhere else in the world. Where else can you soak in a natural hot spring with a view of Mount Fuji?

"In Japan, visitors can choose from an incredibly diverse range of activities. Whether you are a foodie looking to hit the city streets to discover Japan's culinary scene, an adventure seeker looking for thrills and snow sports on majestic snowy mountains, or you enjoy exploring Japan's rich and unique history and culture - it's all here."

In 2019, more than 600,000 Aussies headed to Japan, making it the seventh most popular international destination for Australians. With Covid standing in the way for so long you can only imagine there's pent-up demand as Aussies dream of returning to the beautiful country or making their way over for the first time.

The Japanese tourist landscape certainly hasn't rested on its laurels during the pandemic.

The Studio Ghibli theme park will be showing itself to the world from November 1. One of its attractions is Ghibli's Great Warehouse, with a video exhibition room, three ongoing exhibitions, souvenir stores and cafes. There's also Orionza, a gorgeous 170-seat cinema that will display a rotation of 10 Ghibli shorts, which have previously only screened at the Ghibli Museum outside Tokyo.

Next year will also mark the 40th anniversary of Tokyo Disneyland, with a huge parade planned, dubbed the "Dream-Go-Round" celebrations. Expect to see the most colourful arrangement of Disney characters and fanfare you could imagine, with it being the absolute prime time to book yourself in at Tokyo Disney Resort.

Explore more japan.travel/en/au/