Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’d know that Japan is currently a very popular travel destination for Aussies.
Close to one million Australians visited the island country between July 2024 and June 2025, and there’s no sign of that rate slowing down.
But there’s one big mistake a lot of tourists make when they touch down in Japan.
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One million Aussies visited Japan in the last year. (Getty)
Speaking to 9Travel, Joichi Tamura, a local guide who leads tours with Walk Japan, says that he often sees travellers making a faux pas when they visit an onsen.
An onsen is a Japanese hot spring and a public bathing facility built around it, and are hugely popular.
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But if you go, Joichi says, you need to get naked.
“Two common misconceptions are that onsen hot spring baths are mixed-gender and that it is OK to wear swimming wear,” he tells 9Travel.
“With a rare few exceptions, onsen are divided between females and males, and everyone is stark naked.”
Japan is famous for its onsen. (Getty)
Walk Japan is all about exploring parts of the country that are often overlooked by most visitors. Their tours take visitors outside the typical hotspots of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka.
By exploring places on foot, Joichi says, you can really get up close to places, “allowing us to really appreciate and enjoy the country and Japanese people”.
He tells us the number one thing that first-timers to Japan should do is prioritise spending time with locals.
Walk Japan takes you to parts of the country you might not otherwise see. (Supplied)
“Spend as much time in the company of the Japanese as possible,” he says. “They really live up to their reputation for being very hospitable and friendly people.”
Another must-do on your first time in Japan is to try some local food. And we’re not just talking about sushi and ramen, either.
Joichi recommends trying natto, or fermented soya beans. “It’s sort of like Japanese Vegemite… It is very healthy, but you will either love it or hate it! Even the Japanese are divided over its appeal.”
Soba noodles with dipping sauce and wasabi is a great local dish. (Getty)
“If that is not your thing, try cold soba noodles with dipping sauce and wasabi. Make sure to pair it with a cold sake!”
As for destinations, Joichi says it’s impossible to nail down his favourite region. But he speaks very highly of Kochi Prefecture in the southwest of Shikoku.
“It is rich in history and its lovely rural countryside makes for fantastic walks,” he explains.
Kochi Prefecture is a beautiful place to walk. (Getty)
“Visit the plethora of bars and restaurants found in Hirome Ichiba in the centre of Kochi City and have a good time with the locals over sake and the region’s famed dish of katsuo bonito.”
“Even if their spoken English is limited, I can guarantee you will have a lovely and delicious time.”
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