Popular Japanese resorts for foreigners vary depending on the purpose of their stay and the season, but the following areas are particularly popular.
Resorts to enjoy skiing and snowboarding
Niseko (Hokkaido): Known as a “holy land” for skiers and snowboarders from Europe and the US, Niseko is extremely popular for its world-class powder snow. It is also home to many luxury hotels and resort facilities, and is an area with many immigrants from overseas.
Hakuba (Nagano): Japan’s leading winter resort, visited by approximately 250,000 foreign tourists a year. Its vast slopes and rich snow quality are its attractions, and you can also enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine.
Rusutsu Resort (Hokkaido): One of the largest ski resorts in Hokkaido, where you can enjoy a variety of activities.
Zao Onsen Ski Resort (Yamagata): Famous for its frost-covered trees, it is the largest in the Tohoku area. You can also enjoy hot springs.
Nozawa Onsen Ski Resort (Nagano): A resort where you can enjoy hot springs and a full range of after-ski activities.
Resorts to enjoy beaches and marine sports
Ishigaki Island/Miyako Island (Okinawa): Enjoy marine activities such as snorkeling and diving in the beautiful, crystal clear waters. Miyako Island is especially famous for cave diving.
Nanki Shirahama (Wakayama): A beach resort blessed with white sandy beaches and hot springs, it is well known not only in the Kansai region but also around the world.
Resorts to enjoy nature and hot springs
Club Med Hokkaido Tomamu/Sahoro (Hokkaido): A resort that is popular with foreigners as a hotel.
Hoshinoya Tokyo (Tokyo): A ryokan that is popular with foreigners because it is located in the city center but allows you to experience Japanese ryokan culture.
Ito Onsen (Shizuoka): There are ryokans that are popular with foreigners, such as Hinodeya and Yokikan.
Shima Onsen (Gunma): There are ryokans that are popular with foreigners, such as Kashiwaya Ryokan.
Kawaguchiko (Yamanashi): The spectacular view of Mt. Fuji and hot springs are popular, and Wakakusa no Yado Maruei is also chosen by foreigners.
Appi Kogen (Iwate): With the opening of the ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort, the number of foreign tourists is on the rise.
Other popular areas
Kyoto: As a historical and cultural center, it is very popular with foreign tourists. Many hotels and inns are also ranked, and it is chosen as a base for sightseeing.
Osaka: It has theme parks such as Universal Studios Japan, as well as a wealth of gourmet food and entertainment.
Tokyo: A city where modern and traditional blend together, it is often chosen as a base for stays due to its easy access.
Each of these resorts offers its own charm and unique experiences, making it a popular destination for foreign tourists.
