Explera DMC Japan reads JNTO's 2027 list as a useful planning map: Nara, Kagawa, Shimane, Niigata and Kanagawa each have a dated reason to visit next year, from a new World Heritage site to an art festival and a garden expo. All five work for groups, and most pair easily with the routes clients already buy.
On 29 September 2026 the Japan National Tourism Organization published "Where to Go in 2027: Japan Edition", a release for overseas travellers and the trade that picks five prefectures. Travel Voice reported the list in Japan on 6 October. Below is what JNTO highlights for each, and how we would use it.
Why did JNTO pick these five?
- Nara. JNTO says the Ancient Capitals of Asuka and Fujiwara, 19 archaeological sites from the late sixth century onwards, were added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in July 2026. HOSHINOYA Asuka is due to open in Asuka Village in 2027, and HOSHINOYA Nara Prison, a luxury hotel in a former prison, opened in June 2026.
- Kagawa. Called the "art prefecture". JNTO lists Mandarin Oriental Takamatsu and Mandarin Oriental Naoshima, both planned for summer 2027, and MIMOCA, the Marugame art museum, which reopens in spring 2027 after renovation.
- Shimane. In 2027 the Iwami Ginzan silver mine marks 500 years since its discovery and 20 years as a World Heritage site. Izumo Taisha, one of Japan's oldest shrines, and the Adachi Museum of Art and its gardens complete the picture.
- Niigata. The 10th Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale runs from 17 July to 7 November 2027. JNTO also points to Niigata's rice and sake, and to the Sado Island Gold Mine, added to the World Heritage List in 2024.
- Kanagawa. GREEN×EXPO 2027 in Yokohama runs from 19 March to 26 September 2027. HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE is set to open on 15 December 2026 and Conrad Yokohama in 2027.
How would we build them into programmes?
- Nara and Asuka fit a Kyoto or Osaka stay as a full day; see our Nara day trip guide.
- Kagawa pairs with the art islands of the Seto Inland Sea; see our Takamatsu and Kagawa guide.
- Shimane works as a San'in leg of two or three nights; see our Matsue and Izumo guide.
- Niigata suits food, sake and art groups, with Sado as an overnight; see our Niigata and Sado guide.
- Kanagawa is an easy day or overnight from Tokyo; see our GREEN×EXPO 2027 trade guide.
What to watch when quoting
New hotels open on announced dates that can slip, so we quote them only once the hotel confirms. Event years bring busier hotels: the Echigo-Tsumari summer and the expo months in Yokohama need rooms held early. And anniversary years at heritage sites can mean timed entry or extra events, which we check as the dates approach. See also our Japan events calendar.
Sources: JNTO press release "Where to Go in 2027: Japan Edition", 29 September 2026 and Travel Voice report, 6 October 2026 (Japanese).
FAQ
Which five prefectures did JNTO choose for 2027? Nara, Kagawa, Shimane, Niigata and Kanagawa, in its "Where to Go in 2027: Japan Edition" release of 29 September 2026.
When is the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale in 2027? JNTO gives 17 July to 7 November 2027 for the 10th edition, in southern Niigata.
What is special about Iwami Ginzan in 2027? It marks 500 years since the silver mine's discovery and 20 years since it became a World Heritage site.
Can these places fit a first-time Japan itinerary? Nara and Kanagawa fit easily as day trips from Kyoto, Osaka or Tokyo. Kagawa, Shimane and Niigata suit a second trip or an extra two or three nights.
Planning 2027 for your clients? Write to b2b@explera.jp, message the trade desk on WhatsApp at +66 93 656 8090, or register on the B2B portal. Proposals within 24 hours. IATA TIDS 96215733, ASTA member 900408341.
