Japan Holidays 2027: What’s New and Where to Go

Table of Contents

• Why Japan 2027 Belongs at the Top of Your Holiday List
• What Changed in Japan in 2026
• What Opens in Japan in 2027
• Practical Essentials for Your 2027 Japan Holiday
• Getting Around Japan in 2027
• Best Time to Visit Japan in 2027: Seasons, Festivals, and Crowds
• 2027 Itineraries: From the Golden Route to Off-the-Beaten-Path
• Designing Your 2027 Japan Holiday With Japanspecialist
• Looking Further Ahead: Japan Beyond 2027
• Frequently Asked Questions About Japan Holidays in 2027

Key Takeaways

Japan in 2027 rewards travellers who plan around new openings and new rules. Here’s what you need to know at a glance:

• The favourable exchange rate continues, so Japan remains great value for European travellers in 2027.
• New for 2027 are a reimagined Tomorrowland at Tokyo Disneyland, the reopened Miraikan science museum in Odaiba, and a new Glico sign in Osaka.
• GREEN×EXPO 2027 in Yokohama and the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale in Niigata are the year’s headline events.
• Japan Rail Pass prices have risen, and Supreme Class private cabins are now running on key parts of the Tokaido Shinkansen.
• Tax-free shopping now works as a refund at departure, while departure tax and Kyoto’s accommodation tax have both increased.
• Beyond the classic Golden Route, the new World Heritage Site of Asuka, Fukui’s dinosaur country, and Niigata’s art-filled rice terraces reward travellers who go further.
• Japanspecialist designs Deluxe Group Tours along fully tailor-made journeys, with 24/7 support while you travel.

Why Japan 2027 Belongs at the Top of Your Holiday List

Japan has never been more popular: in the 2027 Virtuoso Luxe Report, travel advisors named it the world’s most requested destination for the first time. And it’s easy to see why. Japan is safe, great value, and full of contrasts, so you can spend the morning in a quiet Kyoto teahouse, and the evening among Tokyo’s neon-lit towers. Families, solo travellers, and anyone in need of a wellness escape in hot springs and temple stays will all find something special here, and with visitor numbers easing slightly in 2026, popular sights may even feel a little calmer.

That’s where we come in. Our team brings human expertise, real travel experience, and first-hand destination knowledge to every itinerary, so your 2027 trip is shaped by people who know and love Japan.

What Changed in Japan in 2026

2026 was a big year for Japan. On 26 July, UNESCO inscribed the Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara as Japan’s 27th World Heritage Site, adding 19 archaeological sites in Nara Prefecture to the list. It’s now one of the newest and least crowded heritage experiences near Kyoto and Osaka.

Several long-awaited attractions also opened their doors. In Tokyo, the Edo-Tokyo Museum reopened on 31 March after a four-year renovation, PokéPark KANTO, the world’s first permanent outdoor Pokémon park, opened at Yomiuriland in February, and Kengo Kuma’s MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives opened in the new Takanawa Gateway City in March. In Okinawa, the rebuilt main hall of Shuri Castle opens to the public on 23 November 2026, seven years after the 2019 fire.

Getting around and shopping have changed as well. Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) prices rose on 1 October 2026, the same day Supreme Class private cabins launched on the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen. Departure tax went up to 3,000 JPY per person in July, Kyoto introduced a higher, five-tier accommodation tax in March, and from 1 November 2026, tax-free shopping works through a new Refund Method. Our guide to Japan’s new tax-free shopping system explains it step by step.

What Opens in Japan in 2027

If 2026 was the year of reopenings, 2027 is the year of reinvention. Tokyo’s most-loved theme park is rebuilding an entire land, Osaka’s most famous sign is getting a makeover, and exciting new hotels are opening beside gardens, dinosaurs, and ancient capitals. Here’s what’s coming, and why it’s worth planning your trip around.

New Attractions in 2027

Tokyo Disneyland is rebuilding its Tomorrowland with about 100 billion JPY of investment. Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue, a Wreck-It Ralph attraction, opens in spring 2027. Space Mountain Earthrise, a completely rebuilt version of the park’s original 1983 coaster, and the surrounding Tomorrowland Plaza are due in 2027, although Disney hasn’t confirmed a season.

Tokyo Torch in Central Tokyo’s Tokiwabashi District is due to complete in fiscal 2027 (by March 2028), adding new observation decks, restaurants, and a 7,000 m² public plaza near Tokyo Station.

Miraikan, the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation in Tokyo’s Odaiba island, closed for refurbishment on 1 October 2026 and reopens on 23 April 2027 with updated exhibitions, a new restaurant and café, and renewed children’s areas.

YAESU CORE, a mixed-use redevelopment covering about 390,000 m² of floor area on the east side of Tokyo Station, is under construction and will reshape the district.

Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man sign in Dotonbori goes dark at midnight on 30 November 2026, and the seventh-generation sign is due to be unveiled in spring 2027. The pose will stay the same, and the new sign will use energy-efficient LED technology.

Major Events in 2027

GREEN×EXPO 2027 runs from 19 March to 26 September 2027 in Yokohama. The International Horticultural Expo returns to Japan for the first time since 1990, with about 10 million paid visits expected. Read our guide to GREEN×EXPO 2027 for everything travellers need to know.

The 10th Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale 2027 runs from 17 July to 7 November 2027, spanning 85 days of art across rural villages and terraced rice fields.

Food lovers can look forward to 16 February 2027, when the MICHELIN Guide marks 20 years in Japan by unveiling its Tokyo, Kyoto-Osaka, and Nara selections together for the first time.

The Asian Development Bank’s 60th Annual Meeting takes place in Aichi-Nagoya from 2 to 5 May 2027. As a business event, it mainly affects Nagoya hotel availability, so book early if you’re travelling then.

New Hotels Opening in 2027

NOHGA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden opens on 15 July 2027, with a balcony overlooking the garden in each of its 72 rooms.

HOSHINOYA Asuka opens on 22 July 2027 with 35 single-storey suites, offering one of the most exclusive stays near the new World Heritage Site.

Waldorf Astoria Tokyo Nihonbashi, Hilton’s first Waldorf Astoria in Japan, opens in autumn 2027 on floors 39 to 47 of the Nihonbashi Nomura Mitsui Tower, with 197 rooms, an indoor pool, and a spa.

Hoshino Resorts RISONARE Fukui also opens in autumn 2027, with 100 rooms inside Katsuyama Dinosaur Forest, right next to the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum.

Practical Essentials for Your 2027 Japan Holiday

Logistics for a 2027 holiday are smoother than ever, but a few new rules and a little packing know-how will make your trip even easier.

Entry Requirements and Flights

UK and EU citizens can still visit Japan without a visa for short stays, and no electronic travel authorisation is required yet. Direct flights from London to Tokyo take around 13.5 hours, and Japan is nine hours ahead of the UK in winter (eight during British Summer Time), so plan a lighter first day.

Taxes to Plan For

The international tourist tax is now 3,000 JPY per person, included in your air fare, and Kyoto’s accommodation tax can reach 10,000 JPY per person per night for the most expensive rooms. When shopping tax-free, you pay the full price at the till and receive the tax refund after customs confirms your departure, with a 5,000 JPY minimum spend per shop, per day.

Currency, Payments, and Staying Connected

Card and contactless payments are now common, but rural hot spring towns, smaller restaurants, and some ryokan still rely on cash, so carry some yen. eSIMs, pocket Wi-Fi, and IC cards make getting connected and getting around easy, and English signage is more widespread than ever.

What to Pack for Japan

Pack layers for spring and autumn, breathable fabrics for humid summers, and warm clothing for winter in Hokkaido or the Alps. Bring easy-to-remove shoes, a Type A travel adapter, and copies of your travel documents, and download Google Maps, Japan Travel by Navitime, and a translation app like Google Translate or Kuli Kuli. For a full checklist, see what to pack for Japan by season, and for language tips, read our guide to visiting Japan without speaking Japanese.

Getting Around Japan in 2027

Whether you stay in one region or explore the length of the country, Japan’s trains and public transport remain the most convenient way to get around. The rail network links every major city, while local lines and buses reach remote villages and mountain valleys.

For speed, nothing beats the Shinkansen, which connects Tokyo and Kyoto in just over two hours. Taxis are comfortable for short hops but can be hard to hail outside the cities, and renting a car gives you freedom in the countryside, although tolls and parking soon add up. If you’re visiting several cities, the Japan Rail Pass is still a great way to travel on longer itineraries, while regional passes often make more sense for trips focused on one area. For the full details on 2027 rail travel, read our guide to what’s new with the Japan Rail Pass.

Rail Updates and Upgrades

Since 1 October 2026, the nationwide Japan Rail Pass costs 53,000 JPY for 7 days, 84,000 JPY for 14 days, and 105,000 JPY for 21 days in ordinary class. Regional passes were not affected by the price rise, and you can still ride the fastest Nozomi and Mizuho trains with the JR Pass by paying a supplement (about 4,960 JPY from Tokyo to Kyoto).

There are upgrades on board too. Supreme Class private cabins now run on selected Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen services as a paid upgrade not covered by the JR Pass, and Kodama trains between Shin-Osaka and Hakata are getting a new Yurari design inspired by the Seto Inland Sea. Heading to Hokkaido? Sapporo isn’t on the Shinkansen network yet, so allow time for a regular train transfer from Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto.

Best Time to Visit Japan in 2027: Seasons, Festivals, and Crowds

Every season in Japan has its own magic. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather, but each month has something worth planning around. For a month-by-month breakdown, read our guide to the best time of year to visit Japan.

What’s Happening in Japan by Season

Here are the seasonal highlights and festivals worth building a 2027 trip around:

Spring (March to May)

Cherry blossoms open in Kyushu in mid-March and reach Hokkaido by early May, GREEN×EXPO 2027 opens in Yokohama on 19 March, and the Hirosaki Cherry Blossom Festival lights up Aomori from late April.

Summer (June to August)

Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri parades on 17 and 24 July 2027, the Kochi Yosakoi Festival fills the streets with dancers in August, and cooler mountain regions are ideal for hiking.

Autumn (September to November)

The Takayama Autumn Festival takes place on 9 and 10 October 2027, and autumn leaves peak across Honshu from November into early December.

Winter (December to February)

The ski season runs from December to April, the Sapporo Snow Festival runs from 4 to 11 February 2027, and snow monkeys bathe in the hot springs of Nagano.

Read further about seasonal travel tips on our blog.

Peak Periods in Japan in 2027

Golden Week (29 April to 5 May 2027), Obon (13 to 16 August 2027), and New Year (1 to 3 January) trigger domestic travel surges, with higher prices for flights, trains, and hotels. Book early, or let us plan your route around the busiest dates.

2027 Itineraries: From the Golden Route to Off-the-Beaten-Path

Picture your first morning in Tokyo, watching the city wake up from your hotel window. Or the moment Mount Fuji appears, snow-capped and perfectly still, above a quiet lake. The best Japan itineraries are built around moments like these. We design every journey around your travel style, combining rail, private transfers, and self-drive days in whatever way feels right for you.

The Golden Route (10 to 14 Days)

For first-timers, the Golden Route links Japan’s highlights in one unforgettable journey: Tokyo, Mount Fuji, and Hakone, then Kyoto, Nara, and Osaka, with optional extensions to Hiroshima and Miyajima. Follow it day by day with our ultimate 10-day Japan itinerary.

You can travel it with us in two ways: on one of our Deluxe Group Tours, with accommodation, transport, and meals arranged for you, or on a tailor-made individual tour built entirely around your own pace.

Tokyo and Beyond in 2027: Future City, Human Scale

Tokyo is the natural starting point for most Japan holidays, blending neon streets and new bayside districts with older quarters like Asakusa, Yanaka, and Shimokitazawa. Watch Shibuya Crossing light up at night, dive into anime culture in Akihabara, spend a day at Tokyo Disneyland’s new Tomorrowland, or take a day trip to Nikko or Hakone. Plan your perfect first visit with our 3-day Tokyo itinerary.

Kyoto, Kansai, and Timeless Culture for 2027 Travellers

Kyoto and the wider Kansai region form the cultural heart of any holiday in Japan. Walk through the thousands of torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine, admire Kinkaku-ji’s Golden Pavilion, and wander Gion’s historic streets at dusk, then join a traditional tea ceremony or kimono experience, which we can pre-book for you. Nara’s giant Buddha and friendly deer, and Osaka’s Dotonbori street food, are just a short train ride away. Our 3-day Kyoto itinerary shows how to fit it all in.

Mount Fuji, Hot Springs, and Snow Monkeys: Nature on the Golden Route

A night at a traditional ryokan in Hakone or Lake Kawaguchi brings Mount Fuji views, a kaiseki dinner, and a soak in a hot spring (onsen) under the open sky. The Japanese Alps are a natural addition between Tokyo and Kyoto, with Takayama’s old town, the thatched farmhouses of Shirakawa-go, and, from December to February, the snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs of Jigokudani in Nagano.

Culinary Journeys: Eat Your Way Through Japan in 2027

Japan is a culinary powerhouse, and Tokyo has more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world, with 160 in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide. On your first trip, don’t miss ramen, sushi at a counter or omakase bar, a multi-course kaiseki dinner, and Osaka’s takoyaki and okonomiyaki. We can also arrange sushi workshops, sake tastings, and tables at hard-to-book restaurants.

Untapped Destinations Worth Exploring in 2027

Some of the most unforgettable moments in Japan happen far from the crowds: a village festival where you’re the only visitor, a mountain path shared only with the mist, a meal cooked by a family that has run the same inn for generations. Off the beaten path is where authentic Japan reveals itself. Not sure where to begin? Book an online consultation with our Japan travel experts, and we’ll create a custom itinerary for you, whatever kind of traveller you are.

Asuka, Nara: Where Japan’s Story Began

From the late 6th century to the early 8th century, this quiet valley south of Nara was the political heart of Japan. Buddhism took root here, the country’s first codes of law took shape, and in 694 Fujiwara-kyo became Japan’s first capital laid out on a grand, Chinese-style grid. Today, you can cycle between rice fields to the giant stone tomb of Ishibutai Kofun, see Japan’s oldest dated Buddha statue at Asuka-dera, and try local Asuka-nabe, a chicken hot pot made with milk. Stay at HOSHINOYA Asuka from July 2027, or visit on a day trip from Kyoto or Nara.

Katsuyama, Fukui: Japan’s Dinosaur Kingdom

Around 80% of all dinosaur fossils found in Japan come from Fukui Prefecture, most of them from the Kitadani Dinosaur Quarry in Katsuyama, where rock layers around 120 million years old have revealed species found nowhere else, like Fukuiraptor and Fukuititan. The dome-shaped Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum is one of the world’s major dinosaur museums, and you can even try fossil hunting yourself, which makes it a hit with families. From autumn 2027, you can sleep among the dinosaurs at RISONARE Fukui. Fukui is now easily reached from Tokyo by Hokuriku Shinkansen, and fits naturally into a Tokyo–Kanazawa–Kyoto route with the JR Hokuriku Arch Pass.

Echigo-Tsumari, Niigata: Art, Rice Terraces, and Sake Country

Just two hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen, Niigata is the snow country of Kawabata’s famous novel, and one of Japan’s most overlooked regions. Foodies will love it: it’s home to prized Uonuma Koshihikari rice and more sake breweries than any other prefecture, best enjoyed with hegi soba and fresh seafood from the Sea of Japan. For art lovers, the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale returns from 17 July to 7 November 2027, filling villages and rice terraces with artworks. Permanent pieces like the Tunnel of Light in Kiyotsu Gorge and James Turrell’s House of Light, where you can stay overnight, are worth a visit any time of year. Explore by car or bicycle to discover them all.

Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku, and Matsushima: Japan’s Wild Side

For wilder landscapes, head to Hokkaido for brown bears, red-crowned cranes, and world-class powder snow, or to Kyushu for volcanoes, quiet onsen towns, and the steaming springs of Beppu. Shikoku’s river gorges and pilgrimage paths feel like another century, while Matsushima Bay’s island-dotted waters are counted among Japan’s three most scenic views. Find more inspiration in our guide to 14 natural wonders of Japan and our countryside gems in Japan that most tourists miss.

Nakasendo, Kumano Kodo, and Mount Koya: Walking Japan’s Ancient Trails

Some journeys are best experienced on foot. The Nakasendo, the old samurai highway between Kyoto and Edo, still winds through Kiso Valley post towns like Magome and Tsumago. Discover them in our guide to three towns along the Nakasendo.

Further south, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails have drawn pilgrims through the Kii Peninsula’s forests for over a thousand years, and are a UNESCO World Heritage route twinned with Spain’s Camino de Santiago. Plan your walk with our guide to the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage route.

Nearby, Mount Koya (Koyasan) offers an overnight temple stay with Buddhist monks, a vegetarian shojin ryori dinner, and a lantern-lit walk through Okunoin cemetery. Read more about exploring Mount Koya.

Designing Your 2027 Japan Holiday With Japanspecialist

Planning your first trip to Japan can feel overwhelming. Will the trains be confusing? What if nobody speaks English? How do you choose between a hundred beautiful places when you only have two weeks? These are the questions we hear every day, and answering them is exactly what we love to do.

However you picture your trip, from a first taste of the Golden Route to a slow walk along an ancient pilgrim trail, it should feel like it was made just for you. In an initial call or online form, we talk through your dates, budget, interests, and how much structure or free time you’d like. Then we create a fully customised itinerary, whether you’re a couple, a family, a solo traveller, or a small group, planned down to the last train connection.

Japanspecialist is a dedicated Japan travel agency and part of the JTB Group, with decades of experience behind every trip. In 2026, we were named Best Japan Travel Specialist 2026 at the LUXlife Resorts & Retreats Awards, recognising the deep destination knowledge we put into every itinerary. Behind that recognition is our team, who knows Japan first-hand: which ryokan has the most beautiful garden view, which train beats the crowds, and how to make a first visit feel effortless. Meet our team of Japan travel experts.

While you travel, you’re never on your own. You’ll have 24/7 emergency support and a detailed travel document with your step-by-step itinerary, tickets, stays, and daily suggestions in one place. All you need to do is fall in love with Japan.

Start planning your next adventure now. Contact us to secure 2027 peak-season dates and limited-availability ryokan stays before they fill.

Looking Further Ahead: Japan Beyond 2027

Japan never stands still, and that’s part of its magic. Whether 2027 is your first visit or your fifth, the years ahead promise plenty of reasons to come back, from record-breaking skyscrapers to a train that levitates. Here’s a glimpse of what’s next.

The Tokyo Torch district, next to Tokyo Station, is targeting completion of its Torch Tower by the end of March 2028 (the end of the 2027 fiscal year in Japan). Once finished, it will be Japan’s tallest building.

One of teamLab’s best-known facilities, teamLab Planets Tokyo, is scheduled to close at the end of 2027, according to teamLab’s official announcements. If it’s on your list, plan a visit before then.

However, teamLab TOKYO, a new museum planned for Ariake next to Odaiba, is scheduled to open in 2032. Tentatively named and planned at about 30,000 to 33,000 m², it will be teamLab’s largest facility to date.

The Chuo Shinkansen maglev line between Tokyo and Nagoya is now expected to open in 2034 at the earliest, cutting the journey to about 40 minutes.

Finally, Japan’s electronic travel authorisation system (JESTA) is planned to launch by March 2029. It will apply to visitors from visa-exempt countries, so check the requirements closer to your travel date.

Whatever year you choose, Japan will always have something new to show you, and something timeless to bring you back.

Frequently Asked Questions About Japan Holidays in 2027

Is 2027 a good year for a first-time trip to Japan?

2027 is excellent for first-timers. Infrastructure is mature, English support across transport hubs is better than at any point in the past decade, and classic highlights like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Mount Fuji are easy to combine with a few quieter countryside stays. New attractions and events, from Tokyo Disneyland’s new Tomorrowland to the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, make 2027 a strong year for a first visit.

What’s new in Japan in 2027?

Highlights include Sugar Rush: Sweet Rescue and a rebuilt Tomorrowland at Tokyo Disneyland, the reopening of Miraikan on 23 April 2027, and a new Glico Running Man sign in Osaka in spring. GREEN×EXPO 2027 runs in Yokohama from 19 March to 26 September, and the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale takes place in Niigata from 17 July to 7 November. New hotels include NOHGA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoen, HOSHINOYA Asuka, Waldorf Astoria Tokyo Nihonbashi, and RISONARE Fukui.

How far in advance should I book my 2027 Japan holiday?

For the cherry blossom season or autumn leaves, book at least 6 months ahead. Quieter months (January, June, and November) can often be arranged 3 to 6 months in advance. Ryokan and boutique hotels fill fastest, so if you want specific properties in Hakone, Kyoto, or alpine villages, early commitment matters.

Do I need a visa to visit Japan in 2027?

UK and EU citizens, along with many other nationalities, can visit Japan without a visa for short stays in 2027. Japan’s electronic travel authorisation system (JESTA) is planned to launch by March 2029, so no online pre-approval is needed yet. Always check the latest entry requirements with official sources before you travel.

Can I still use a Japan Rail Pass in 2027, and is it worth it?

Yes. The nationwide pass can be worth it for itineraries that span more than two regions, and the 7-day ordinary JR Pass now costs 53,000 JPY. For itineraries covering only Tokyo to Kyoto and back, individual tickets or regional passes may be a better choice. At Japanspecialist, we check actual 2027 prices and routes before recommending the best option for your trip, sometimes combining regional passes for the best value.

How does tax-free shopping work in Japan in 2027?

Since 1 November 2026, you pay the full price, including consumption tax, at the till. The tax is refunded after customs confirms your departure at the airport or seaport. You still need to spend at least 5,000 JPY (excluding tax) per shop, per day, and the goods must not be used in Japan.

When is the best time to visit Japan in 2027?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable weather, cherry blossoms, and autumn leaves. Spring 2027 is especially appealing, as GREEN×EXPO 2027 opens in Yokohama on 19 March. To avoid the busiest periods, plan around Golden Week (29 April to 5 May), Obon (13 to 16 August), and New Year.

Where can I avoid the crowds in Japan in 2027?

Head to Japan’s quieter regions. The new World Heritage Site of Asuka in Nara Prefecture, the dinosaur country of Katsuyama in Fukui, the Echigo-Tsumari area in Niigata, and Tohoku in northern Honshu all offer authentic experiences with far fewer visitors than Kyoto or central Tokyo.

Is Japan suitable for families and older travellers in 2027?

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, with clean cities, punctual transport, and barrier-free facilities expanding every year. Theme parks like Tokyo Disneyland suit families, while quieter countryside destinations and accessible sightseeing routes suit older travellers. Our team adapts the trip’s pace, hotel types, and activities to your needs, and a direct flight of around 13.5 hours from the UK is manageable for most age groups.

Can Japanspecialist help with business or group travel to Japan in 2027?

Yes. Japanspecialist organises Tailor-Made Group Tours for B2B and group travel, including incentive trips, themed tours, and educational groups. As part of JTB’s worldwide network, we handle logistics, meeting spaces, and special experiences. With Japan hosting GREEN×EXPO 2027 through September, the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale from July to November, and the Asian Development Bank’s 60th Annual Meeting in May, interest in corporate travel to Japan is strong.