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From Tokyo Neon To Okinawa Beaches
Japan continues to captivate Australian travellers, with more than 1 million Aussies visiting the country in 2025 — a record 15 per cent increase from the previous year. As 2026 unfolds, the destination remains a top choice for those seeking a perfect blend of ancient traditions, futuristic cities, stunning nature and world-class food, all easily accessible visa-free for up to 90 days.
Australian passport holders enjoy straightforward entry with no visa required for short-term tourism or business stays. Travellers simply need a valid passport covering the duration of their visit, proof of onward travel and sufficient funds. Direct flights from major Australian cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane make the journey convenient, with flight times around 9-10 hours to Tokyo.
Here are 10 must-visit places in Japan for Aussies planning a trip in 2026, offering a mix of iconic highlights and experiences tailored to Australian tastes for beaches, food, culture and efficient travel via the Japan Rail Pass.
1. Tokyo Japan’s bustling capital tops nearly every list for good reason. From the neon lights of Shibuya Crossing and Shinjuku to the serene grounds of the Imperial Palace and historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo delivers endless contrasts. Aussies love the efficient public transport, including the famous bullet trains, and the vast array of dining options from Michelin-starred restaurants to casual izakayas and conveyor-belt sushi. New attractions in 2026, such as expanded anime and esports zones, add fresh appeal for younger travellers. Allow at least four to five days to explore neighbourhoods like Harajuku, Akihabara and teamLab Planets.
2. Kyoto The former imperial capital remains the heart of traditional Japan, with more than 1,500 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines. Fushimi Inari-taisha’s thousands of red torii gates, the golden Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) and Arashiyama’s bamboo grove are unmissable. In spring 2026, cherry blossoms are forecast to peak around late March to early April, creating magical scenes in Maruyama Park and along the Philosopher’s Path. Aussies appreciate the walkable historic districts, geisha culture experiences and kaiseki dining. Pair it with a day trip to nearby Nara for its famous deer park.
3. Mount Fuji and Hakone No trip to Japan is complete without viewing the iconic, snow-capped Mount Fuji. The Fuji Five Lakes area offers hiking, boating and views from spots like Lake Kawaguchiko. In Hakone, Aussies can relax in onsen hot springs, ride the ropeway over volcanic valleys and even catch a glimpse of Fuji on clear days. The area is easily reached from Tokyo via the JR Pass, making it ideal for a two- or three-day side trip. Summer 2026 brings pleasant weather for outdoor activities, while autumn foliage provides another spectacular season.
4. Osaka Known as Japan’s kitchen, Osaka delivers vibrant street food, friendly locals and energetic nightlife. Must-dos include Dotonbori’s neon signs and canal views, okonomiyaki and takoyaki stalls, and Universal Studios Japan with its popular Super Nintendo World. Aussies often combine Osaka with a day trip to nearby Kobe for beef or Himeji Castle, one of Japan’s most impressive feudal fortresses. The city serves as a convenient transport hub for western Japan explorations.
5. Hiroshima and Miyajima Hiroshima offers a powerful lesson in peace and resilience at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum. A short ferry ride away, the “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island ranks among Japan’s most photographed sights, especially at high tide. Deer roam freely on the island, adding a gentle charm. Many Australian visitors appreciate the region’s moving history balanced with natural beauty and fresh seafood, including oysters. The Shinkansen makes it a straightforward day or overnight trip from Osaka or Kyoto.
6. Okinawa For a tropical escape that feels worlds away from mainland Japan, head to Okinawa’s subtropical islands. White-sand beaches, turquoise waters and coral reefs make it ideal for snorkelling, diving or simply relaxing — a welcome contrast for Aussies accustomed to beach culture at home. Naha’s Kokusai Street buzzes with local Ryukyu culture, markets and unique cuisine featuring goya champuru. The Kerama Islands offer even quieter paradises. Direct flights from some Australian cities or connections via Tokyo or Osaka make it accessible, with warmer weather extending well into autumn.
7. Sapporo and Hokkaido Hokkaido’s capital Sapporo shines for its snow festivals, fresh seafood and beer. In summer 2026, the region’s vast lavender fields, national parks and outdoor adventures appeal to nature-loving Aussies. Winter visitors can enjoy world-class skiing and the famous Yuki Matsuri ice sculptures. Hokkaido’s dairy, ramen and seafood differ noticeably from mainland fare, providing delicious variety. The island’s open spaces and cooler climate offer a refreshing change of pace.
8. Kanazawa and the Japanese Alps Often called “Little Kyoto,” Kanazawa boasts well-preserved samurai and geisha districts, Kenrokuen Garden and fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan. Nearby Takayama and Shirakawa-go’s thatched-roof villages transport visitors back in time. For those seeking mountain scenery, the Japanese Alps, including Kamikochi, deliver hiking trails and dramatic landscapes. These areas see fewer crowds than the Golden Route, suiting Aussies who prefer authentic, slower-paced experiences.
9. Nara Just a short train ride from Kyoto or Osaka, Nara earns fame for its ancient temples and the free-roaming sacred deer in Nara Park. Todai-ji Temple houses the massive Great Buddha, while the surrounding park and museums provide a peaceful half- or full-day escape. It pairs perfectly with a Kyoto itinerary and offers a gentle introduction to Japan’s deep Buddhist heritage.
10. Hakone or Izu Peninsula (for onsen and nature) Beyond the Fuji area, the Izu Peninsula and Hakone region provide excellent onsen experiences, coastal views and hiking. Aussies often enjoy the mix of relaxation and scenery, with easy access from Tokyo. New or renovated ryokan (traditional inns) in 2026 continue to elevate the luxury onsen stay, complete with kaiseki meals and private baths.
Practical tips for Australian travellers in 2026 Purchase a Japan Rail Pass before departure for unlimited Shinkansen and JR train travel — it remains excellent value despite recent price adjustments. Download apps such as Google Translate, Hyperdia or the official JR app, and consider an eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi for connectivity. Cash is still widely used alongside cards and mobile payments like Suica or Pasmo.
Book accommodation and popular experiences, including teamLab, Ghibli-related sites or Universal Studios, well in advance, especially during cherry blossom season. English signage has improved significantly, and many restaurants offer English menus or picture boards. Respect local customs: remove shoes indoors, queue patiently and speak quietly on public transport.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended to cover potential health, cancellation or adventure activity needs. Japan’s safety levels remain high, though standard precautions apply in busy tourist areas.
With record numbers of Australians discovering Japan, 2026 promises even more seamless travel as infrastructure and services continue adapting to international visitors. Whether chasing cherry blossoms in spring, summer festivals, autumn colours or winter snow, the country offers layered experiences that reward both first-timers and repeat visitors.
From the high-energy streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto and the beaches of Okinawa, these 10 destinations provide an ideal framework for an unforgettable Japanese adventure. Start planning early, embrace the efficient rail network and prepare for a destination that effortlessly balances the old and the new.
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A Gulfstream G-IV private jet on approach to Washington’s Reagan National Airport in Arlington, Virginia, June 12, 2024.
J. David Ake | Getty Images
As the Iran war pushes jet fuel prices higher, well-heeled travelers are facing hefty surcharges to fly private, sometimes on flights booked months prior, charter brokers and aviation insiders told CNBC.
Vimana Private Jets CEO Ameerh Naran said the firm recently booked a $520,000 flight from Dubai to London on a Boeing business jet for a client. That same trip cost the client $400,000 in 2023. The difference was entirely due to jet fuel prices — which now average about $4.65 a gallon globally — Naran said.
It’s yet another ripple in the recent disruptions to air travel.
More customers turned to private air travel during the pandemic to avoid crowds. The option remains popular and has become more important to the aviation sector as wealthier households prop up spending in travel and other sectors.
These deep-pocketed travelers are less likely to get priced out as airfares rise, but they have to navigate unexpected fees as brokers and charters differ on how they pass along fuel costs. Jet fuel prices in major U.S. cities were up more than 80% last month, according to Airlines for America, an industry group, citing Argus data.
Jet charter brokers like Vimana arrange flights with jet operators, which own the planes and buy fuel, on behalf of passengers. Naran said Vimana does not renegotiate contracts and does not reprice flights, but that charter prices have surged quickly.
He advised travelers to book sooner than later, saying any price hikes are likely to be sticky even if the Iran war ends soon.
Larger jet operators are slower to pass along fuel costs to passengers as they buy fuel in bulk and want to avoid alienating customers, according to Naran. However, operators will likely have to pay more at the pump when they replenish their supplies, and some are taking losses by not repricing flights, he said.
“There’s a long-term effect, because a lot of companies now will be making losses,” he said. “They’re not going to renegotiate the contract because they don’t want to spoil the relationship with the client, but if they’re making a loss today, they’ve got to recoup it.”
Jet charter prices have increased by 5% to 15% on average, with some rising by as much as 20%, since the Iran conflict began, according to charter broker Amalfi Jets’ database.
Passing costs to passengers
While some operators have raised prices on flights booked months ago and scheduled to fly in the coming weeks, Amalfi Jets CEO Kolin Jones said his company is eating the surcharges for jet card customers.
Some operators are also passing along increased war risk premiums for flights in the Gulf, though Amalfi Jets has only encountered this with three flights so far, he said. The charges added about $8,000 to $10,000 per trip, Jones said.
Gregg Brunson-Pitts of charter broker Advanced Aviation Team said that while he believes operators should honor prices for previously booked flights, repricing is a risk.
In some cases, the fees are relatively insignificant, he said, like a $1,500 surcharge for a flight from Palm Beach, Florida, to Phoenix, Arizona, on a Bombardier Challenger 300, for example. On the other hand, a round trip on a Gulfstream from the East Coast to Asia could incur $20,000 in surcharges for every dollar increase in fuel prices per gallon, he said.
Some long-haul trips have all-inclusive fuel pricing, Brunson-Pitts added.
Nearly all charter contracts include a fuel variable expense, allowing providers to charge more even if the flight was booked six months ago, according to Amanda Applegate, a partner at Soar Aviation Law.
Fractional jet owners, who share overhead costs in exchange for a set number of flight hours, typically pay an hourly rate on fuel that’s adjusted on a monthly or weekly basis. Even they may be on the hook for surcharges when fuel prices spike, Applegate said.
Private jet travelers are less price-sensitive than most flyers, and brokers told CNBC that they haven’t seen surcharges deter demand. Customers who only fly private once or twice a year for special occasions are most likely to get sticker shock, they said.
“Realistically, the individuals that are flying private, the need and want and reason of flying private does outweigh cost,” Jones said. “If you’re going to spend $25,000 on a private jet, and let’s say the cost is now $30,000, that doesn’t necessarily price people out.”
Brokers are also working to mitigate costs by refueling in countries where fuel is cheaper, even if it means additional flight time, Jones said.
Demand for private flying
So far, the business jet market is holding steady, with flights up 5% year over year in the week through March 22, according to aviation data and consultancy firm WingX.
Flexjet global CEO Andrew Collins said jet utilization by the company’s fractional aircraft owners is up 15% over last year. Clients are generally invoiced after they fly, and the company resets fuel prices toward the end of the month, taking an average of the month, he said.
Even as oil prices surge, travelers looking to avoid long lines at airports may be propping up demand for private charters.
Recent government shutdowns — a major disruption last fall and now a partial, ongoing shutdown — have left key aviation workers without pay and slowed air travel.
Most recently, that has led to hourslong lines at major U.S. airports like those serving Houston and New York as Transportation Security Administration officers called out of work while they weren’t receiving regular pay.
In the five weeks after the partial government shutdown began on Feb. 14, business jet departures increased year over year at most metropolitan airports, WingX reported.
Flexjet’s Collins said the company saw an increase in what he called “pop-up flights,” or reservations that guaranteed an aircraft within 10 hours of departure, during the recent airport chaos.
That said, Amalfi’s Jones said he has noticed some clients opting to fly on smaller aircraft to spend less.
“Some of them are very upset about that, like, ‘Hey, I used to fly on Citation Xs. Pricing is so expensive, and now I’m flying on a Hawker 800,’” Jones said. “It’s like, well, you’re still flying private. You’re going to get there maybe three minutes slower than the bigger airplane. But all in all, it’s the same kind of level of experience.”
Brunson-Pitts encouraged flyers to confirm with their broker whether they can expect a fuel surcharge or an invoice after their trip. Still, he said he expects the situation to be temporary, comparing it to oil’s rapid surge and subsequent crash from 2007 through 2008.
“This too shall pass,” he said. “That doesn’t mean it’s not painful, but the price of jet fuel rises and then it falls again.”
Samsung’s next-generation book-style foldable, the Galaxy Z Fold 8, is expected to launch in July 2026 during the company’s traditional summer Galaxy Unpacked event, with pre-orders likely opening the same day and general availability following about two weeks later, according to multiple supply chain reports and analyst projections.
The anticipated July timing continues Samsung’s established pattern for its premium foldables. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 launched on July 9, 2025, and the Fold 6 on July 10, 2024. Industry insiders and leakers, including reliable voices such as Ice Universe, point to a similar window in 2026, most likely the second week of July for the official unveiling, with retail sales commencing around July 22 or 24.
This year’s event is shaping up to be particularly significant, as Samsung is reportedly preparing not only the standard Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Galaxy Z Flip 8 but also a new “Wide” variant of the Fold 8. The wider model, sometimes referred to as the Galaxy Z Fold 8 Wide, is designed with a more expansive aspect ratio to better compete with upcoming foldable devices from rivals, including Apple’s anticipated first foldable iPhone. Carrier database listings and regulatory filings have already confirmed multiple model numbers, indicating all three devices are on track for a coordinated summer launch in the third quarter.
Expected Design and Display Improvements
Early leaks suggest the Galaxy Z Fold 8 will focus heavily on refining the foldable experience rather than overhauling the core form factor. The inner folding display is expected to measure approximately 8 inches, while the cover screen remains around 6.5 inches, both supporting smooth 120Hz refresh rates on Dynamic AMOLED panels.
A major highlight in rumors is significant progress on the persistent crease issue. Samsung is reportedly testing dual-layer ultra-thin glass combined with a laser-drilled metal support plate, aiming for a near-invisible crease when the device is unfolded. The overall chassis is expected to be thinner and lighter than previous generations, with some projections placing the weight as low as 200 grams in certain configurations.
Durability enhancements are another key theme. Stronger hinge mechanisms and improved water and dust resistance ratings are anticipated, addressing long-standing consumer feedback about foldable reliability.
Performance, Battery and Camera Upgrades
Under the hood, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 is widely tipped to feature Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 (or a Galaxy-optimized variant), paired with generous RAM options of 12GB or 16GB and storage tiers ranging from 256GB to 1TB. Advanced vapor chamber cooling is expected to keep temperatures in check during demanding tasks such as gaming or multitasking across the large inner display.
Battery capacity is another area of focus, with leaks pointing to a 5,000mAh cell — a notable increase that could deliver substantially better endurance, especially when using the unfolded screen. Faster charging speeds, potentially up to 45W wired, are also rumored, along with possible improvements in wireless charging.
On the camera front, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 could see a significant leap with a 200-megapixel main sensor, supported by a 50-megapixel ultrawide lens and a 10-megapixel telephoto with 3x optical zoom. These upgrades would position the foldable closer to Samsung’s flagship Galaxy S series in photography capabilities, enhancing its appeal for content creators who value the large unfolded canvas for editing and previewing.
Software support is expected to include One UI 9 based on the latest Android version, with Samsung promising extended years of OS and security updates to match or exceed competitors in the premium segment.
Pricing and Market Strategy
Pricing is projected to remain largely consistent with recent generations, starting around $1,999 in the United States for the base model. However, some analysts speculate a modest increase in certain markets due to enhanced materials and components. The new Wide variant may carry a premium, though exact figures have not yet surfaced.
Samsung’s decision to launch both the standard Fold 8 and the wider model simultaneously appears aimed at broadening appeal and preempting competition from Apple’s rumored foldable iPhone, expected later in 2026 or 2027. By offering different screen proportions, Samsung hopes to capture users who prefer a more tablet-like experience when unfolded or a narrower profile when folded.
Production plans reportedly prioritize the Galaxy Z Fold 8, with estimates of 3.5 million units prepared ahead of launch compared to 3 million for the Flip 8, reflecting stronger expected demand for the book-style design.
Broader Context in Samsung’s Foldable Roadmap
The 2026 foldable lineup underscores Samsung’s continued dominance in the category it helped popularize. Since introducing the original Galaxy Fold in 2019, the company has iterated steadily, improving hinge durability, display quality and software optimization with each generation.
This year’s additions, including the Wide model, signal an aggressive push to expand the foldable market beyond early adopters. Features such as enhanced S Pen support (rumored to return in improved form), better multitasking and AI integrations via Galaxy AI are expected to make the devices more productive and appealing for professional users.
Global availability is anticipated shortly after the Unpacked event, with pre-orders likely including bundled accessories, trade-in deals and carrier financing options to lower the entry barrier for interested buyers.
As the July launch window approaches, more concrete details are expected through official teasers, regulatory certifications and hands-on leaks. In the meantime, speculation continues to build around how the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and its Wide sibling will differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive foldable landscape.
For consumers considering a foldable purchase in 2026, the Galaxy Z Fold 8 appears poised to deliver meaningful refinements in nearly every area — from the display crease to battery life and photography — while maintaining the premium price point that has defined the series.
Samsung has not yet confirmed any specifics, and all details remain subject to change until the official unveiling. Enthusiasts and analysts alike will be watching closely as the company prepares what could be one of its most ambitious foldable lineups to date.
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United Airlines new Polaris seat on one of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners
Leslie Josephs/CNBC
Does it matter where you sit if you’re sipping Champagne in first class? United Airlines is betting that for some travelers looking for luxury at a discount, it doesn’t.
The carrier is launching new, cheaper tiers for its top-end Polaris and premium economy cabins that come with many of the same perks — but plenty of restrictions too.
Starting this spring, United will offer “Base” Polaris fares which will include a spot in the airline’s long-haul business class cabins featuring lie-flat seats, but will charge those customers extra for advanced seat selection.
The new ticket class will also come with only one checked bag instead of two, and with access to the United Club airport lounge but not the higher-end Polaris lounge, which include showers and other plush features. Ticket changes aren’t allowed.
The other categories for Polaris will be “Standard” and the more expensive “Flexible” option that allows for customers to pay up for the new, more spacious Polaris Studio suites.
The new fares show that United — and perhaps soon, other airlines — are dividing up the front of the plane into smaller categories, just as they have with coach over the past decade, from restrictive basic economy tickets to extra legroom fares.
United’s new strategy comes as it overhauls its nearly decade-old Polaris class with new suites that feature sliding doors and bigger screens, while customers continue to show their willingness to pay more to fly in better seats. United and its competitors have been racing to add more premium seating on its planes, sometimes removing some economy seats to do so.
A spokeswoman for United said customers in Base Polaris would get the same meals — including ice cream — as other passengers in the cabin. She declined to say what the price differences between the fares will be, but said the Base Polaris fare is meant to be an entry-level point for the premium class.
United is also launching similar segmentation for its premium economy class, Premium Plus.
The new options will be available in certain markets starting this month and will expand to other international and long-haul domestic markets later this year, United said.
Rival Delta Air Lines last year said it was also considering segmenting front-of-the-plane cabins.
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