Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) recommends five prefectures for foreign visitors to visit in 2027 on its official website in English.

JNTO explains that Nara, close to Osaka or Kyoto, is a destination to enjoy unique experiences combing luxury hospitality with ancient legacies, introducing sites such as the ‘Asuka-Fujiwara Palace,’ recently designated as a World Heritage site, and "Hoshinoya Nara Prison," Japan's first luxury hotel converted from a former prison.

Kagawa is introduced as ‘Art Prefecture.’ JNTO refers to ‘Mandarin Oriental Setouchi,’ which will open in the summer 2027, art galleries such as the ‘George Nakashima Memorial’ and ‘Takeshi Kawashima Art Factory’ as well as the ‘Olive Park’ on Shodoshima Island.

Shimane is reputed as the most spiritual prefecture in Japan, as JNTO introduces ‘Iwami Ginzan,’ which will mark the 500th anniversary of its discovery and the 20th anniversary of its inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2027 as well as ‘Izumo Taisha,’ one of Japan's oldest shrines.

Niigata Prefecture is also presented as a place where ‘fine food and art merge.’ Regarding cuisine, the text highlights rice and sake, noting that ‘traditional sake brewing,’ which utilizes Japanese ‘koji' (malted rice), has been inscribed on representative list of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. In terms of art, it cites the ‘Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale,’ which is set to hold its 10th edition.

Kanagawa Prefecture, hosting to the upcoming ‘GREEN X EXPO 2027’ in Yokohama, is also included on the list, with ‘HOTEL THE MITSUI HAKONE’ (scheduled to open on December 15, 2026) and ‘Conrad Yokohama’ (scheduled to open in 2027) highlighted as notable hotels.