Japan Displaces Indonesia as Australian Tourists' Top Holiday Destination

Monday, 20 April 2026 | 14:30

Author: Arif S

Gili Meno terletak di lepas pantai barat laut pulau Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Barat (NTB)

Gili Meno di lepas pantai barat laut Pulau Lombok, Nusa Tenggara Barat.
Source: Envato

Summary

1. Japan surpassed Indonesia as the top Asian destination for Australian tourists in February 2026.

2. Australian visitor numbers to Japan reached 103,360 in February 2026, exceeding Indonesia's 101,630 during the same month.

3. Indonesia had previously ranked as the second most popular Asian destination for Australians in February 2025 with 106,880 visitors.

The Tourism Travel map for Australian citizens shifted in early 2026. After years of Indonesia being the top choice in Asia, Japan took over the position to become the new Favorite Destination for travelers from the Land Down Under.

Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) stated that during February 2026, 103,360 Australians traveled to Japan. In the same period, trips to Indonesia totaled 101,630 people.

The difference was narrow but sufficient to mark a trend change. For the first time in recent records, Japan surpassed Indonesia as the most popular Asian destination for Australian Tourists.

Malaysian tourists are the top contributor to Indonesia's foreign tourist arrivals.

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"For the first time, Japan became our most popular Asian destination with 103,360 trips, exceeding Indonesia's 101,630 trips," quoted from Karryon, a Sydney-based Travel news platform and production media, Friday, April 17, 2026.

This shift reflects Japan's growing appeal among Australian travelers. Its iconic winter season, efficient transport networks, pop culture, culinary offerings, and easily navigable cities became distinct attractions.

In the overall list of Australians' overseas destinations, New Zealand remained first with 113,460 trips.

Below New Zealand, Japan ranked second, followed by Indonesia in third place. Next were India (88,680 trips), China (48,710 trips), and Thailand (43,770 trips).

For Indonesia, this change was significant. In February 2025, Indonesia still held second place as the most visited country by Australians with 106,880 trips.

Even during February 2024 and pre-pandemic periods, Indonesia consistently maintained this position. Bali, Lombok, and various tropical islands had long been primary magnets for Australian tourists.

Overall, Australia recorded a 3.5% decrease in overseas trips during February 2026 compared to February 2025.

One contributing factor was the impact of the United States (US)-Israel and Iran conflicts, including airspace closures.

However, compared to February 2019, Australians' overseas trips still rose nearly 20%. This indicates travel interest remains strong, though destination preferences are shifting.

Conversely, Central Statistics Agency (BPS) data showed Australia ranked ninth as a destination for Indonesian Tourists, accounting for 1.67% of total Indonesian outbound travel in February 2026.

Southeast Asian countries remained the most visited region by Indonesian tourists.

Quick Answer

Japan Surpasses Indonesia as Top Asian Destination for Australian Tourists

Japan displaced Indonesia as the most popular Asian destination for Australian tourists in February 2026, with 103,360 visitors compared to Indonesia's 101,630. This marks the first time Japan surpassed Indonesia in recent records. New Zealand remained the overall top destination with 113,460 Australian travelers.

Japan attracted 103,360 Australian tourists in February 2026 versus Indonesia's 101,630
This ended Indonesia's long-standing position as Australia's top Asian destination
New Zealand remained the overall leader with 113,460 Australian visitors
Australian overseas travel decreased 3.5% year-over-year due to geopolitical conflicts

In February 2026, Japan became the top Asian destination for Australian tourists, ending Indonesia's long-standing position. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 103,360 Australians visited Japan that month, narrowly exceeding the 101,630 who traveled to Indonesia. This marks the first time in recent records that Japan surpassed Indonesia as the most popular Asian destination for Australian travelers.

New Zealand maintained its position as the overall favorite destination with 113,460 Australian visitors. Following Japan and Indonesia in the rankings were India (88,680 visitors), China (48,710) and Thailand (43,770). Indonesia had previously ranked second in February 2025 with 106,880 Australian visitors, maintaining consistent popularity before this shift.

Japan's growing appeal stems from its winter attractions, efficient transportation networks, pop culture, culinary offerings and easily navigable cities. Meanwhile, Indonesia's Bali and Lombok islands had long served as primary tropical destinations for Australians. Overall overseas travel by Australians decreased by 3.5% compared to February 2025, partly due to airspace disruptions from Middle Eastern conflicts. Despite this, travel remains nearly 20% higher than pre-pandemic levels.

FAQ

How many Australians visited Japan in February 2026?

103,360 Australian tourists traveled to Japan in February 2026 according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data.

Why did Indonesia lose its top position to Japan?

Japan's appeal grew due to its winter attractions, efficient transport, pop culture, cuisine and navigable cities, while Indonesia saw decreased visitors despite Bali and Lombok's traditional popularity.

What was the overall trend in Australian overseas travel?

Australian overseas trips decreased 3.5% in February 2026 compared to 2025, partly due to Middle East conflicts affecting air travel, though travel remains 20% above pre-pandemic levels.