Universal Studios Japan loses out? Japan’s top 10 most beloved travel destinations

By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team, compiled and reported

A well-known Japanese hotel booking website has compiled statistics on travel destination preferences, ranking domestic regions in Japan based on popularity among locals and booking volumes. The top three are Tokyo, Hokkaido, and Osaka, while the area with the highest growth in hotel bookings is Iwate Prefecture, home to Ryusendo Cave—one of Japan’s three great limestone caves—which recently reopened after being closed due to typhoon damage, attracting many visitors.

1. Tokyo
Dynamic and ever-changing Tokyo is not only a shopping paradise for tourists, but also a must-visit for its Disney theme parks and seasonal festivals. The city is also a food hub, with Tsukiji Market being one of the essential gourmet destinations. The outer market has been transformed into “Tsukiji Uogashi,” while the inner market has moved to “Toyosu Market,” which opened on October 11, 2018.

2. Hokkaido
Snowy Hokkaido is not only home to numerous ski resorts in winter, but also offers well-developed hotel services and travel packages, making it one of the favorite vacation spots for many tourists. Each winter, visitors can enjoy events such as the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, Sapporo Snow Festival, Sapporo White Illumination, Shirakaba Onsen Ice Waterfall Festival, and the Shiroi Koibito Park Illumination Tree Festival.

3. Osaka
Japan’s second-largest city, Osaka, is known for its shopping and cuisine, but Universal Studios is also a major draw for tourists, frequently introducing new attractions and events. The most popular recent addition is the Minion Park.

4. Chiba Prefecture
Chiba Prefecture’s long stretch of coastline is a highlight that attracts many tourists, who often choose to explore the scenic ocean views by bike.
 
5. Shizuoka Prefecture
The iconic Mount Fuji, along with the hot spring resort at Lake Kawaguchi at its base, is one of Japan’s premier onsen destinations. Here, visitors can enjoy the stunning views of Mount Fuji alongside the relaxing atmosphere of the hot springs. There are also many ryokan inns, attracting large numbers of foreign tourists year-round.