These are Japan’s 11 award-winning travel experiences for 2026

Planning a trip to Japan comes with no shortage of options. From brand-new facilities to seasonal attractions, the list can be tough to narrow down – especially for travellers seeking experiences that champion diversity, inclusion and sustainability alongside great design, culture and hospitality. Enter the Japan Travel Awards. 

Now in their fifth year, the awards spotlight standout destinations and operators across the country, and in 2026 they’ve recognised 11 exceptional places and organisations that are setting new benchmarks for inclusive, responsible and welcoming tourism in Japan. The winners were selected by a panel of industry experts from 15 finalists, which were in turn chosen from a total of 206 entries.

For a hefty serving of travel inspo, take a look at this year’s award-winning destinations and experiences below.

Grand Prix Winner: Ryokan Ohana (Yanagawa, Fukuoka)

Taking home the grand prize this year is Ryokan Ohana in Fukuoka. This incredible inn takes over a 400-year-old historic residence that's still run and maintained by the founding family. Its most distinctive feature is that it’s Japan’s only Nationally Designated Place of Scenic Beauty where guests can stay overnight – a rare chance to experience a cultural institution shaped by centuries of history and care.

Beyond being a truly unique place to stay, the ryokan also stands out for its commitment to inclusivity and exceptional hospitality, offering an accessible heritage setting and service that makes all guests feel welcome.

Best Accessible Travel: Inkimono (Asakusa, Tokyo)

This kimono rental shop in Tokyo is a rare find, with thoughtful, inclusive services designed for travellers with disabilities. More specifically, the shop offers wheelchair-friendly kitsuke (kimono styling), along with flexible procedures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit for guests with a range of mobility needs.

Best LGBTQ+ Travel: Inkimono (Asakusa, Tokyo)

Inkimono also takes home a second category award for its genuine, proactive approach to LGBTQ+ inclusion, with visible signage and personalised styling that ensure every guest feels safe, respected and welcome 

Best Sustainable Travel: Entô (Ama, Shimane)

This gorgeous hotel in Shimane is a standout for sustainability, championing environmental care, social inclusion and long-term economic vitality. The hotel works closely with the local community, employing area residents and sharing public spaces, all while helping to preserve the surrounding area, a part of the Oki Islands Global Geopark.

Best Inbound Travel: Secrets d’Artisans Japonais (Sustainable Tours of Aichi's Pottery Heartlands) (Seto and Tokoname, Aichi)

This unique tour programme takes the category award for best inbound travel experience thanks to the in-depth, behind-the-scenes access it provides to Japan's ceramics and pottery hubs. Run by a long-term foreign resident of Japan, the tours are available in English, French and Japanese, giving visitors the chance to interact directly with local craft communities with ease.

Best Family Travel: Kitakaruizawa Sweet Grass (Naganohara, Gunma)

Kitakaruizawa Sweet Grass is a fun, interactive campground and outdoor stay ideal for families, with cool treehouses and play zones designed to keep everyone entertained year-round. Designed to help families reconnect, it offers an immersive way to enjoy the outdoors while learning about the local environment.

Best Cultural Travel: Traditional Cultural Experience Villa Tsutaya (Saku, Nagano)

Just a two-hour trip from Tokyo, Villa Tsutaya offers travellers the chance to stay in a 110-year-old traditional house while experiencing Japanese culture through hands-on activities from indigo dyeing to making mochi. The warm, affable hosts make it feel more like visiting a relative’s home than staying in a typical accommodation. 

Best Social Impact: Fukushima Seaside (Futaba, Fukushima)

If you're looking for an educational yet rewarding experience, Fukushima Seaside gives visitors the chance to understand the region before, during and after the devastating 3.11 disaster. Through this programme, travellers are able to meet local residents and gain insight about industries and institutions in the area to see how the community has come together to support Futaba’s economic and social revitalisation.

Best Educational Experience: Miyakojima Dugong Research Tour (Miyakojima, Okinawa)

With the Miyakojima Dugong Research Tour, visitors to the island can learn about ongoing conservation efforts and scientific research helping protect the marine ecosystem and the rare dugong. The tour includes a ride on a traditional sabani boat with a local expert, offering a closer look at the surrounding waters and a deeper connection with nature.

Best Tourism Development: Ozu Castle Stay (Ozu, Ehime)

Last but not least, the luxurious Ozu Castle Stay in Ehime delivers a truly one-of-a-kind, tailor-made experience centred on the iconic castle grounds, with opportunities to connect with local residents, artisans and businesses. It highlights the power of community-led tourism in regenerating a city and elevating it as a must-visit destination.

To learn more about the winners and the Japan Travel Awards, visit the website.

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