There is so much new happening in Japan right now and it’s all very exciting. From new theme parks, and immersive art, to everything kawaii, a whole new wave of attractions awaits! Here’s a preview of some of what’s opening in 2026!
After years of painstakingly careful restoration, castles from north to south are discarding their scaffolding to reveal their true iconic luster. 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. Shuri Castle reflects the history and culture of Okinawa. It was the royal court of the Ryukyu Kingdom and its refurbishment is set to finish this spring.
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 make it to the tournaments.
teamLab is continuing its high-tech achievement by evolving to new heights of innovation. 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 in the world.
The Samurai Immersive Theme Park, Uzumasa Kyoto Village, is a brand-new samurai experience in Kyoto where you can 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 from Ninja adventures, to tea ceremony, flower arrangement and Kimono experiences. You can even become a samurai and take part in battles! There is a range of local dining and even unique snacks like cotton candy made with local Kyoto ingredients.
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 from indigo-dying to kasuri textiles, along with heritage stops, mountain and coastal vistas, and cultural immersion is arranged with ease.
In Okinawa, food and cycling adventures are all the rage. Explore the beauty of this Blue Zone by bicycle, while sampling Okinawan cuisine from soba to sea grapes, slow-braised pork belly and local wagyu, ripe juicy fruits like pineapple and mango, and Okinawan signature vegetables like bitter gourd.
Don’t miss the Tohoku Food Marathon & Festival. Scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Tome City, Miyagi, Japan, this unique marathon features local Tohoku cuisine and sake at each aid station! You literally run to taste local flavors from across Tohoku, amidst gorgeous scenery. This is fast becoming one of the popular marathons in Japan, if not the tastiest!