Sydney Australia – 28 May, 2026 - 2026 brings Japan a series of landmark openings across luxury hospitality, cultural institutions and dining that blend tradition, design and experience-led travel. Here are ten notable new and recently opened experiences across the country.
1. Pokémon Openings, Ishikawa Prefecture
A series of Pokémon-themed attractions are emerging across the Ishikawa Prefecture. Headlining the openings is the transformation of Noto Satoyama Airport into the world’s first Pokémon-branded airport, launching on 7 July 2026. The terminal nicknamed “Noto Satoyama Pokémon With You Airport” features installations of all 111 flying-type Pokémon, interactive experiences, exclusive merchandise, and a floating Pikachu centrepiece in the two-storey atrium. More recently, the Wakura Pokémon Footbath opened in May 2026 in Wakura Onsen, and offers a free, family-friendly attraction that blends traditional onsen culture with playful design elements. Together, these initiatives form part of a broader collaboration with the Pokémon With You Foundation to revitalise tourism in the region, creating a distinctive Pokémon travel trail that combines Japan’s globally recognised pop culture with authentic regional experiences. For more information, see here. 
2. Shuri Castle Reconstruction Opening, Okinawa Prefecture
The reopening of Shuri Castle in Okinawa marks one of Japan’s most significant cultural restorations, with the iconic red main hall (Seiden) scheduled to be fully reconstructed and unveiled in a phased reopening in late 2026. This is a major heritage restoration project following a 2019 fire. Shuri Castle is one of Japan’s most important Ryukyu Kingdom UNESCO World Heritage sites and was originally built in the 13th century. It has been meticulously reconstructed using traditional methods. For more information, see here.
3. Cycling Shimanami 2026, Ehime Prefecture
The Shimanami Kaido is a popular cycling trail connecting the islands of the Seto Inland Sea. The area hosts a unique biennial cycling event known as Cycling Shimanami 2026 on Sunday 25 October. This international cycling event is held on the expressway which is normally closed to cyclists. It provides spectacular views with eight cycling courses from 30km to 140km, to suit a range of fitness levels. Cycling Shimanami 2026 is an opportunity to experience a casual cycling event on a world-class course, while also enjoying Japan’s omotenashi hospitality from locals. Applications fill quickly, so plan ahead. Registration opened in April. For more information, see here.
4. Azuma Farm Koiwai, Iwate Prefecture
A design-led rural retreat, Azuma Farm Koiwai, opened on 23 April as part of a wave of experiential, nature-led luxury stays in regional Japan. The 24 stand-alone villas are set across a 2,000-hectare working farm that was once a barren wilderness covered in volcanic ash. After 130 years, the landscape has regenerated and reforested, providing a lush landscape and the perfect setting for ‘slow living’. The architectural design of Azuma Farm Koiwai was completed using traditional Japanese techniques. Farm-to-table dining showcases regional delicacies using local ingredients. Guests can ride horses, hike and participate in a traditional Nanbu ironware craft experience where visitors are invited to create a bespoke Nanbu iron kettle. For more information, see here.
5. Hotel Hoshinoya Nara Prison, Nara Prefecture
This luxury hotel incorporates contemporary design inside a historic prison that was established in 1908. It is set to open in June 2026 in Nara. The property preserves the original heritage while transforming the site into a high-end hospitality destination. The red-brick prison complex has been carefully restored by Hoshino Resorts and preserves much of the building’s original architecture including the iconic radial cell block layout while transforming the interior into a high-end hospitality experience. For more information, see here.
6. KAI Kusatsu by Hoshino Resorts, Gunma Prefecture
KAI Kusatsu by Hoshino Resorts, a tranquil onsen destination, opens on 7 June 2026 in one of Gunma Prefecture's most celebrated onsen destinations. Kusatsu Onsen is known for the geothermal steam rising from wooden chutes at its iconic yubatake hot water fields in the heart of town. The property blends contemporary design with local heritage. A private tunnel connects guests directly to the surrounding resort district, with traditional and modern bathhouses, including the expansive West Riverside open-air bath. Guests can experience local culture at the Yumomi performances where onsen workers churn the waters to the rhythm of local folk songs, and taste the regional flavours of seasonal kaiseki dining and locally milled soba. For more information, see here.
7. SoNoMa by SingleThread, Kyoto
SoNoMa by SingleThread is one of the most anticipated chef-driven restaurant openings in Japan, debuting inside Capella Kyoto hotel which opened in March 2026. Chef Kyle Connaughton, a three-Michelin-star chef from SingleThread (USA), trained and worked in Japan early in his career and returns to launch his first restaurant in the country. The concept focuses on seasonality, farm sourcing and a cultural dialogue between Japanese kaiseki traditions and Californian cuisine. For more information, see here.
8. Imperial Hotel Kyoto
Kyoto welcomed a major luxury hospitality landmark in March 2026 with the opening of the Imperial Hotel Kyoto, a restoration of the historic Yasaka Kaikan building that was originally built in 1936 and is located near the iconic Gion district. The extensive renovation preserves the building’s historic façade while transforming the interior into a modern luxury hotel. For more information, see here.
9. The Museum of Narratives, Tokyo
MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives is new to the scene, having opened its doors for the first time in March 2026. It is an experimental museum located in Takanawa Gateway City, Tokyo, and functions as an innovation hub. It is an ambitious new cultural institution focused on storytelling, creativity and the evolution of Japanese culture, with a mission of ‘Transporting culture for the next 100 Years’. The facility is set to host cross-disciplinary programmes that blend Japanese culture, such as traditional performing arts, manga and anime, with cutting-edge technology. The museum hopes to become a global platform for sharing contemporary Japanese culture with the world. For more information, see here.
10. New exhibition: Masterworks from the Musee d’Orsay at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo
The Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum will host a major 100th anniversary exhibition named, What a Wonderful World: Masterworks from the Musee d’Orsay from 14 November 2026 to 28 March 2027. Approximately 110 major works from Vincent van Gogh, Claude Monet, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Paul Gauguin, and Jean-François Millet will be featured. For more information, see here.
Additionally, the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026 (19 September – 4 October) will bring Asia’s largest multi-sport event to Aichi in Nagoya Prefecture. This event is perfect for sport and culture enthusiasts, with fan festivals, live sites, food festivals and night illuminations on show.
For more information go to https://www.japan.travel/en/au/
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For additional information, please contact: jnto@gtitourism.com.au
About JNTO
Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) is a government body whose aim is to promote Japan internationally as both a leisure and business travel destination through the themes of Adventure, Travel, Sustainable Tourism, and Luxury Travel. JNTO has 26 international offices and is the ultimate resource for travel-related information on Japan.
Sydney Office, Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) services Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific region.
