The Asian country received a score of 97.01 points out of 100, according to the annual Readers’ Choice Awards’ survey that asks travelers to rate countries on factors such as culture, attractions, cuisine, and overall experience.
“A tourism boom is bringing more visitors to experience its celebrated food scene, soothing onsens, seasonal cherry blossoms and high-speed trains that glide through some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. Yet even in a country steeped in heritage, there is always something new to discover, from futuristic attractions to fresh cultural experiences,” the magazine wrote.
|
Visitors walk along Nakamise-dori street as they visit Sensoji temple at Asakusa District, a popular sightseeing spot in Tokyo, Japan, March 10, 2025. Photo by Reuters |
Japan welcomed more than 27 million foreign visitors in the first eight months of 2026, down 2.7% from the same period last year, amid a steep decline from Chinese tourists, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.
The Japanese government raised the single-entry visa fee for foreign nationals fivefold, from 3,000 to 15,000 yen, marking the first increase since 1978 amid inflation and a weaker yen, Kyodo News reported.
The country aims to attract 60 million foreign tourists by 2030, up from 42 million in 2025.
The Readers’ Choice Awards, selected by over 800,000 readers, is the longest-running honor in the travel industry that recognizes excellence in hotels, resorts, and destinations worldwide.