Why 2026 Is the Best time to Visit Japan

If Japan has been sitting on your vision board for ages, this is your sign to stop saving it “for someday.” Don’t wait any longer to experience the cherry blossoms, neon Tokyo nights, ramen at midnight and Kyoto temples at golden hour because travel insiders are quietly saying the same thing…2026 may be the last year to experience Japan the way we all fell in love with it.

 

Japan is incredible, and people are starting to take more and more notice. 2026 is THE year to visit. Before the crowds grow bigger, before restrictions come in, prices rise, and new controls reshape the experience and before “hidden gems” become TikTok queues.

 

Japan was one of the last countries to fully reopen after the pandemic, and that pause created a perfect storm. With a combination of years of pent-up demand, a weak yen making Japan more affordable than ever, and social media making everyone obsessed with Japan’s food, fashion, and culture, tourism is getting bigger and bigger and bigger!

 

The Japanese government has said it aims to reach 60 million tourists per year by 2030, which is nearly double pre-pandemic levels. Our advice: beat the rush and go ASAP!

 

Want to join the 12-day Gals Who Travel trip to Japan in 2026? Here are all our 2026 Japan dates.

 

 

Reasons why you should go to Japan in 2026:

 

1) Visit before restrictions come in!

 

Japan is and always has been incredibly welcoming, but it’s also deeply protective of its culture and communities. So as crowds have grown, restrictions are expected to protect the magic of this country.

 

Changes we have seen in Japan in the last few months:

- Visitor caps at popular attractions
- Higher entry fees for foreigners at some sites
- Restricted access to districts like parts of Kyoto’s geisha areas

 

These are all completely understandable actions, and they are essential to stop overtoursim but it is not known how these might escalate. Our advice? Get your trip booked for 2026 to make sure you can experience Japan in the best way!

 

 

 

2) 2026 is the last chance for hassle-free travel to Japan

 

Japan is also planning to roll out an electronic travel authorisation system (JESTA) similar to the United States' ESTA by 2027. This would mean that travellers from over 70 countries would be required to complete pre-entry authorisation when visiting, another reason why travelling to Japan in 2026 will be smoother!

 

 

3) Japan is the most affordable it will ever be right now!

 

Japan offers incredible value compared to other bucket-list destinations. Hotels and hostels are great afforable, and the amazing public transport makes it super easy and relatively cheap to travel across the country.

 

It is expected that as the demand grows, prices will rise so waiting “a few more years” could mean paying significantly more for a significantly more crowded experience.

 

You're also more likely to get more authentic expereinces for a reasonable price now, waiting longer to visit these hotspot destinations increases the chances of sites and experiences becoming over commercialised and inauthentic!

 

 

4) Right now, you can experience the magic without it being overcrowded.

 

Some of the most amazing moments in Japan include wandering quiet backstreets, eating at tiny family-run restaurants and enjoying landmarks without being overwhelmed with the crowds.

 

2026 is that sweet spot where Japan is open, buzzing, but not overwhelming and overstimulating.

 

Japan isn’t disappearing. But it is changing. 2026 is your chance to experience it: Before overtourism fully reshapes the experience, Before prices rise higher, Before access becomes more limited, Before “once in a lifetime” starts to feel like “should’ve gone sooner”

 

If Japan has been on your list for the last few years - this is the year to book it and experience the magic for yourself! And if you’re going to do it? Join a Gals Who Travel Japan trip!