On 7 July 2026 Ishikawa’s Noto Satoyama airport reopened its doors as the Noto Satoyama Pokemon With You airport, the world’s first named after the popular Japanese media franchise.
It now features 111 installations and interactive exhibits focused on the adventures of Pokemon’s fictional characters, with the makeover designed to bring smiles and tourism back to the region after a devastating earthquake hit the Noto Peninsula in January 2024. The Pokemon theme will remain in place until September 2029.
Media and trade professionals visiting the Japan National Tourism Organization stand (N10-400) will also hear about new hotels.
Hyatt Centric Sapporo is due to open before the end of the year with 216 rooms, including nine suites. Just a short walk from Sapporo station it’s centrally located and home to two restaurants, a bar and fitness centre.
Also from the Hyatt family comes Andaz Hiroshima, a high-rise hotel located on floors 21-31 of an urban redevelopment. Its doors are set to open in 2027, when it will offer 235 rooms and suites within easy reach of the Unesco-listed Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Memorial Park.
Completing the trio is Trunk Hotel, joining Hyatt Centric in the city of Sapporo from September 2027. This unique stay will be home to a bath house consisting of 10 bathing spaces, plus the highly acclaimed Sushi Saito restaurant known for its 10-year reign in the Michelin Guide.
These openings follow in the footsteps of three recent Japanese hotel launches: Hoshino Resorts’ Kai Miyajima (July 2026); Setouchi Cycle Stays Hiroshima Ujina (April 2026); and Hotel Fork & Kife Miyajima (March 2026).
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Meanwhile, new infrastructure is expected to offer more ways to get around and explore the country.
Rail operator JR Hokkaido is introducing the Red Star and Blue Star luxury carriages created by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka, available from February and June 2027 respectively.
Cyclists will be interested to hear about a new cycle route scheduled for summer 2027, which will create a 1.8km elevated path above the Naruto whirlpools tourist attraction. It will be known as the Onaruto Bridge Cycling Road.
“Next year is shaping up to be a landmark year for Japan, giving the travel trade a brand-new toolkit of fresh, high-value products to sell,” said Airi Motokura, Executive Director for the Japan National Tourism Organization.
“From luxury boutique openings and exclusive regional retreats to major art festivals such as the 10th Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, Green×Expo 2027, Japan’s tourism offering is expanding far beyond the traditional Golden Route.
“For agents, keeping these new developments on your radar offers fresh inspiration for future Japan itineraries, while helping you stay ahead of emerging travel trends and introduce clients to new ways of experiencing the country in 2027 and beyond.”
