JNTO CANADA NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 2026
New Attractions and Experiences
Make Japan a Spotlight Destination in 2026
Following on the heels of record-breaking tourism in 2025, Japan is looking to carry its reputation as one of the world’s most desirable tourism destinations into the new year.
From new theme parks and immersive art to authentic cultural experiences and everything kawaii, a whole new wave of attractions is waiting to welcome visitors from abroad.
If you already have mountain pilgrimages, Hokkaido snowboarding, and sushi at Tsukiji on your bucket list, you may need to make a little room. Here’s a preview of some of what’s opening across Japan in 2026.
What's Old is New Again
|
|
|---|
|
Hirosaki Castle, Amori - Photo courtesy of JNTO |
|
|---|
|
|
After years of painstakingly careful restoration, some of Japan’s iconic castles are discarding their scaffolding to reveal renewed, iconic lustre. Japan’s castles are an inalienable part of its tourism experience: besides offering a glimpse into the country’s feudal history, they are also bastions of stunning architecture and natural beauty, and even host some of Japan’s most anticipated cultural events.
Hirosaki Castle in Aomori, a haven for cherry blossom viewing and, with its cherished botanical garden, a seat of scenic beauty, is nearing the completion of its ten-year reconstruction project. Far to the south, the crimson walls of Naha’s Shuri Castle reflect the history and culture of Okinawa. This former royal residence was the seat of power for the
Ryukyu Kingdom before its destruction in the 1940s. The restored castle has recently welcomed modern refurbishments, which are set to finish this spring.
Dinner and a Show in Tokyo
|
|
|---|
|
Photo courtesy of the Kawaii Monster Cafe |
|
|---|
|
Looking forward to 2026, Tokyo will continue to host some of Japan’s most intriguing and eclectic cultural experiences.
Two new major restaurants are set to take Tokyo by storm. One is cute, one is powerful. Kawaii Monster Land’s neon dreamscape is the jewel of Harajuku and includes rides, games and performances by
Monster Girls, in addition to its over-the-top themed menu.
In Ginza, Sumo Live Restaurant Hirakuza provides live Sumo performances and kaiseki cuisine. It’s all in English and open throughout the year for those who can’t otherwise attend a
Grand Sumo Tournament.
Experience Art, Become a Samurai
|
|
|---|
|
Forest of Resonating Lamps: One Stroke – a Year in the Mountains -
Photo courtesy of teamLab,Biovortex Kyoto |
|
|---|
|
teamLab continues to push the boundaries of high-tech achievements in immersive art. Its latest digital art museum, teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, is a universe of “high-dimensional thinking athletics” in which visitors perceive 10,000 feet of exhibitions and over 50 different immersive artworks with their bodies and think about it with “high-dimensionality.” The visuals respond to emotion and sound for an immersive art-scape like no other.
The Samurai Immersive Theme Park, Uzumasa Kyoto Village, is a brand-new samurai experience in Kyoto, inviting participants to step back into the Edo era. This Edo-period town was once the location of over 200 movies. Now, in addition to Japanese cultural performances from
noh,
kyogen and theatre, there are activities including
ninja adventures, a tea ceremony, flower arrangement and
kimono experiences. You can even become a
samurai and take part in recreated battles! There is a range of local dining and even unique snacks to try, like cotton candy made with local Kyoto ingredients.
Adventure Beyond the Golden Route
|
|
|---|
|
Car One. Photo Courtesy of Seven Stars of Kyushu |
|
|---|
|
Kyushu is home to a diversity of modern and ancient destinations and traditions. The iconic sleeper train, Seven Stars of Kyushu, which enables tourists to experience Kyushu’s wide range of cultural activities in luxury and style, has designed 2-day and 4-day journeys to showcase gourmet dining, luxury suites and immersive cultural experiences. From here, craft workshops (including indigo-dying and
kasuri textiles), along with heritage stops along mountain and coastal vistas, can be arranged with ease.
And don’t miss the Tohoku Food Marathon & Festival. Scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Tome City, Miyagi, this unique marathon features local Tohoku cuisine and sake at each aid station! You literally run to taste local flavours from across Tohoku, amidst gorgeous scenery. This is fast becoming one of the most popular marathons in Japan, if not the tastiest!
|
|
|---|
|
Photo courtesy of The Tohoku Food Marathon in Tome City |
|
|---|
|
|
|
