Aussies love for Japan isn’t changing anytime soon with the Land of the Rising Sun offering plenty to do, see and of course, eat.
Demand for travel to the East Asian hotspot has boomed over the years, with a recent Luxury Escapes survey showing it’s up 29 per cent year-on-year.
It ranked as the number one most desirable destination for Aussies in 2026, with visitors obsessed with its unique blend of ancient tradition, futuristic modernity and renowned foodie cuisines.
Most places you visit in Japan, even those off the beaten track, offer unparalleled food options.
If you feel like a feed at 3am, rest-assured you’d easily find a buzzing eatery serving ramen.
Aussie chef and Master Chef alumni Khanh Ong, described Japan as one of the rare destinations where everyday convenience store fare can rival the excitement and flavour of the world’s finest restaurants.
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He spoke to news.com.au ahead of his 7-day Luxury Escapes foodie Signature Series tour in October that will uncover the best of Osaka, Kyoto and Tokyo.
“The cuisines in Japan are so different to what people think and that’s what I am keen to show it’s more than just sushi,” Khanh said.
His food and cultural tour kicks off on October 14, and will take a group of just 24 to Japan’s most iconic sights, powered by regular food stops at some of Khanh’s favourite restaurants and ramen bars.
“I honestly couldn’t be more excited,” he said.
Some highlights include a street food tour through Dotonbori, Osaka’s bustling culinary district, a visit to Nara Park, one of Japan’s oldest parks, home to sacred temples and freely roaming Sika deer and heading to Tsukiji Outer Fish Market in Tokyo, featuring more than 400 seafood specialty.
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Khanh said even the country’s 21,000 7-Eleven stores have an insane food variety that tourists have discovered and quickly become obsessed with.
“The humble Japanese konbini (convenience stores) have cult status for a reason,” he said.
“[From] ridiculously good egg sandos, and a head-spinning range of super fresh, seriously delicious onigiri and bento boxes, which I’m always so keen to explore,” he said.
The acclaimed Aussie chef who is of Vietnamese heritage said one of his favourite things to do in Japan is trying the dishes they have available.
“They are ridiculous,” he said.
“It’s not just a convenience store – it’s like a takeaway shop but everything is done so well. It’s high quality and you can get everything from sushi, to sandos, dessert – it’s just insane. You can even get curries there.”
The 7-day Japan tour is on sale from $6,399 per person and $5,899 for LuxPlus+ members.
AloJapan.com