February 18, 2026
Booking.com, one of the world's largest digital travel platforms, has announced the top 10 most welcoming cities in Japan for 2026 in conjunction with the 14th annual Traveller Review Awards. The selection is based on the proportion of accommodations that received the award in each city.
2026's Top 10 Most Welcoming Cities in Japan
- Takayama City (Gifu Prefecture)
- Yakushima (Kagoshima Prefecture)
- Amami City (Kagoshima Prefecture)
- Yomitan Village (Okinawa Prefecture)
- Nozawa Onsen Village (Nagano Prefecture)
- Fujiyoshida City (Yamanashi Prefecture)
- Chatan Town (Okinawa Prefecture)
- Fujikawaguchiko Town (Yamanashi Prefecture)
- Niseko Town (Hokkaido)
- Yufu City (Oita Prefecture)
The Traveller Review Awards recognize partners who consistently provide exceptional hospitality worldwide, based on more than 370 million authentic reviews from travelers on Booking.com. The "Most Welcoming Cities" are selected based on the proportion of award-winning accommodations in each location.
This year's top 10 includes Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture, which was also selected among the "World's Most Welcoming Cities" for 2026. The list spans diverse destinations from Hokkaido to Okinawa, including UNESCO World Heritage sites like Yakushima and Amami in Kagoshima Prefecture, and famous hot spring destinations such as Nozawa Onsen Village and Yufu City, which were also featured in last year's selection.
New additions to this year's list include Fujiyoshida City in Yamanashi Prefecture, known for its spectacular Mount Fuji views, as well as Yomitan Village and Chatan Town, both located in central Okinawa.
Luiz Rodrigues, Country Manager for Booking.com Japan, commented:
"The 'Most Welcoming Cities in Japan' announced by Booking.com are selected based on the proportion of accommodations that received the Traveller Review Awards. These cities represent destinations where travelers can experience exceptional hospitality and heartwarming experiences.
The 2026 selection includes diverse cities from across Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, with Takayama City receiving international recognition. It's clear that access to nature, hot springs, and local culture and lifestyles contributes to what travelers consider 'welcoming.'
On Booking.com, you can book a wide variety of accommodation types, including hotels, traditional ryokan inns, villas, cottages, and glamping facilities. We hope this inspires you to discover new travel experiences in Japanese cities you haven't visited yet."
Recommended Accommodations
Hotel Kaneyamaen (Fujiyoshida City, Yamanashi Prefecture)
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/kaneyamaen.en.html
Kawaguchiko Country Cottage Ban (Fujikawaguchiko Town, Yamanashi Prefecture)
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/kawaguchiko-country-cottage-ban.en.html
Yufuin Bettei Itsuki (Yufu City, Oita Prefecture)
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/yufuin-bettei-itsuki.en.html
Cottage Morinokokage (Yakushima, Kagoshima Prefecture)
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/cottage-morinokokage.en.html
Lequ Okinawa Chatan Spa & Resort (Chatan Town, Okinawa Prefecture)
https://www.booking.com/hotel/jp/bei-gu-wen-quan-rekuchong-nawa-bei-gu-supa-rizoto.en.html
Traveller Review Awards 2026 Criteria
Accommodations: Average review score of 8.0 or higher (out of 10) based on 3 or more reviews as of November 30, 2025, 11:59 PM CET
Car Rental Companies: Average review score of 8.0 or higher (out of 10) based on 10 or more reviews as of November 30, 2025, 11:59 PM CET
Taxi Companies: 2,000 or more completed rides with an average review score of 4.6 or higher (out of 5) as of November 30, 2025, 11:59 PM CET
Only travelers who have actually booked accommodations, rented vehicles, or taken taxi rides through the Booking.com platform can submit reviews. Reviews are never edited or modified in any way, allowing travelers to reference genuine experiences from other travelers for all accommodations and ground transportation service providers listed on Booking.com.
The "Most Welcoming Cities in Japan" are selected based on the proportion of Traveller Review Award 2026 recipients, with a minimum requirement of 50 or more eligible accommodations in each city.
