[2026 Definitive Edition] Top 10 Places You Want to Visit for Domestic Travel

2025 was the year of the Osaka-Kansai Expo. With the Expo over, 2026 is predicted to be a year where Japanese tourism regains some composure, allowing people to 'thoroughly enjoy truly great places.'

Because of this, I felt that trips to the north in search of 'coolness' and the 'Western Japan/Sea of Japan side,' where access has improved dramatically, are hot this year!

Of course, from a financial planner's perspective, I have carefully selected places that offer 'value beyond the price (cost-performance and time-performance).'

Reflecting the latest trends in the [Top 10 Domestic Travel Destinations You'll Be Glad You Visited 2026], I will introduce the Top 10 you should visit this year.

10th Place: Noto Peninsula (Ishikawa Prefecture)

The Noto Peninsula, where reconstruction is progressing and the acceptance of tourists has begun in earnest.

Beyond just 'supportive consumption,' you will be moved once again by the beauty of its satoyama and satoumi, and the richness of its food, which has been certified as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System.

Take a little trip from Kanazawa to visit Wakura Onsen or the Wajima Morning Market (new area). It will be a memorable trip where you can experience the warmth of the people.

9th Place: Saga Prefecture

Saga Prefecture, where the effects of the opening of the West Kyushu Shinkansen have taken root, further increasing its appeal.

Recently, it has also become very popular as a 'Sauna Prefecture,' with a concentration of facilities ranked high in the 'Saunachelin.'

A new style of travel, enjoying events at the SAGA Arena as a set, has also become established. The Yobuko squid is excellent, of course, and the high level of their sake remains consistent.

8th Place: Kochi Prefecture

Kochi Prefecture, which has become the setting for NHK serial TV dramas (with the boom continuing around 2023-2025) and has gained overwhelming support from nature-loving travelers.

The clear streams of the Niyodo Blue and the magnificent scenery of the Shikoku Karst are truly Japan's hidden gems.

The point is that you can enjoy a 'life-like trip,' not just eating bonito tataki, but also walking around and eating at the Sunday markets.

7th Place: Eastern Hokkaido Area (Hokkaido)

To avoid the summer heat that gets worse every year, the value of Eastern Hokkaido (Kushiro, Shiretoko, Nemuro) as a 'summer resort' is rising rapidly.

It is cool even in summer, and you will be overwhelmed by the large-scale nature, such as wetlands and drift ice (in winter).

In 2026, it is attracting attention from all over the world as a sanctuary for environmentally friendly adventure tourism.

6th Place: Yonaguni Island (Okinawa Prefecture)

Yonaguni Island, the border island where you can see Taiwan.

Popular as the filming location for the drama 'Dr. Coto's Clinic,' in recent years it has become popular not only with divers seeking underwater ruins and hammerhead sharks, but also with those seeking a 'digital detox'.

It is free from the crowds found on the main island of Okinawa. It is an island for adults who know the luxury of having nothing.

5th Place: Nagasaki City (Nagasaki Prefecture)

The 'Nagasaki Stadium City,' which opened in the fall of 2024, has firmly established itself as the hub of the city.

This area, which integrates a soccer stadium, arena, hotel, and commercial facilities, has added 'modern entertainment' to traditional Nagasaki sightseeing (Glover Garden, Chinatown).

It is one of the most 'fun cities to walk around' in Japan, where historical atmosphere and state-of-the-art facilities fuse together.

4th Place: Fukui Prefecture

Two years after the 2024 Hokuriku Shinkansen extension to Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture has become easier to access from the Kansai, Chukyo, and Kanto regions due to an access revolution.

In addition to gourmet food like Echizen crab, there is an abundance of tourist attractions, such as the renewal of the Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum and stylish terraces in the Mikata Goko area.

It is currently the hottest area, with a rapid increase in foreign tourists avoiding crowded Kyoto to experience the spirit of 'Zen' (Eiheiji Temple).

3rd Place: Goto Islands (Nagasaki Prefecture)

World Heritage churches and emerald green seas. The popularity of the Goto Islands shows no signs of waning.

In recent years, the opening of successive luxury hotels has made it a staple destination for the wealthy and for honeymoons.

The environment is also well-equipped as a mecca for workations, and a long-term stay style while eating Goto udon and Goto beef is recommended.

2nd Place: Aomori Prefecture

Aomori Prefecture, where Japan's original landscape and art coexist.

In addition to art tours such as the Towada Art Center and the Aomori Museum of Art, trekking in the Shirakami Sanchi mountains and the Oirase Stream provides the ultimate refreshment.

With the heavy snow experience at Sukayu Onsen in winter and the cool climate in summer, it is a place where your 'five senses' are stimulated throughout the year.

1st Place: Iki Island (Nagasaki Prefecture)

In 2026, the number one spot goes to this island: Iki Island.

It offers the perfect balance of numerous power spots known as the 'Island of the Gods' and excellent accessibility, being just about an hour away from Hakata Port by high-speed ferry.

Above all, the quality of the food is exceptionally high. You can enjoy the legendary Iki beef, sea urchin, and fresh seafood at a reasonable price, with flavors that rival high-end restaurants.

It is the pinnacle of domestic travel, where you can experience both 'high-end retreat lodging' and 'untouched nature'.

Summary

Travel in 2026 is becoming polarized between 'new areas accessible by Shinkansen (Fukui/Saga)' and 'serious refreshment (remote islands/Hokkaido)'.

Please use this ranking as a reference to plan the best trip to heal your soul!