The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) brought its "Hidden Gems of Japan" showcase to Toronto, celebrating a remarkable milestone for Canadian travel. Japan welcomed a record 580,000 Canadian visitors in 2024, which marks a 36% increase from 2023 and an impressive 50% recovery beyond pre-pandemic levels. This upward trend shows no signs of slowing as we head into 2025.

While Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka remain the most popular destinations, travellers now have even more reasons to explore Osaka. The city is currently hosting Expo 2025 with the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives," which runs through October 2025. Details are available at www.expo2025.or.jp.

Japan offers a lot to modern travellers beyond its well-known attractions. It has stunning natural landscapes, a rich culture, a wide range of activities and experiences, and, of course, amazing cuisine.

Travel expert Adam Waxman from DINE Magazine took the stage to share insights from his multiple adventures in Japan. He revealed his carefully curated list of the country's best-kept secrets. For more information on Japan's lesser-known wonders, please click here.

The evening's cultural immersion continued with a performance by Ron Korb, the Grammy-nominated flautist and composer who was the first Japanese Canadian nominee. 

The evening would not be complete without the exclusive Sake and Sushi tasting from the modern Japanese restaurant Ki, which showcased authentic Japanese cuisine.

As the event's airline sponsor, Air Canada contributed two round-trip tickets to Japan for the prize giveaway. The airline offers the most flights between Canada and Japan, with up to six daily flights from three airports in Canada to three airports in Japan:

• Vancouver to Narita: daily flights
• Vancouver to Osaka: four weekly flights
• Toronto to Narita: daily flights
• Toronto to Haneda: daily flights
• Toronto to Osaka: three weekly flights
• Montreal to Narita: daily flights

Back in March 2025, Air Canada partnered with the Michelin-starred Chef Masaki Hashimoto to elevate Signature Class dining on Japan routes. For more information, please click here.

The Japan National Tourism Organization's Toronto presentation successfully demonstrated why Japan continues to captivate Canadian travellers. The hidden gems of Japan are waiting to be explored— isn’t it time to discover them for yourself?

By Kateryna Ivchenko