Miho Oguri, marketing and communications manager for the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) London Office, explained that as JNTO (stand N11-400) promotes regional travel, rail plays one of the key roles in achieving this.
She explained: “Japan is very well connected by rail, and many travellers already regard train journeys as part of the travel appeal to explore the country. Trains such as Shinkansen, scenic local lines, and sleeper trains often become part of the experience rather than merely a means of transport.
“With growing interest in slow and eco-conscious travel, we see rail as a trend that is gaining momentum.”
Central Japan Railway Company will introduce two new premium seating options on the Tokaido Shinkansen lines, with fully-private compartments launching in autumn 2026, and semi-private seats scheduled for the 2027 fiscal year (April 2027-March 2028).
Meanwhile, 12 national parks in Japan will mark their 90th anniversary between 2024 and 2026, including four next year: Towada-Hachimantai National Park (spanning Aomori, Iwate and Akita Prefectures); Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park (spanning Tokyo, Kanagawa, Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures); Yoshino Kumano National Park (spanning Nara, Mie and Wakayama Prefectures); and Daisen-Oki National Park (spanning Tottori, Shimane and Okayama Prefectures).
As part of the Ministry of the Environment’s initiatives, a digital brochure History of National Parks of Japan has been published, highlighting the history and cultural connections of these parks.
In terms of shoulder season travel, Oguri said JNTO is “encouraging travel to Japan during the winter months as a destination beyond skiing”.
“While Japan offers excellent powder snow, many Pacific coastal regions enjoy crisp, sunny days in winter months which are perfect for sightseeing and cultural experiences,” she said.
“We would like to showcase how travellers can enjoy both winter sports and cultural activities all in one holiday.
“Linking back to rail travel, with Japan’s extensive rail network, combining a ski holiday with a relaxing visit to an onsen (a Japanese hot spring) town is seamless.”
Elsewhere, Japan will also be showcasing an array of new luxury hotel openings at WTM London this year.
The 48-room Hoshinoya Nara Prison will be Japan's first luxury hotel housed in a designated cultural property – a restored Meiji-era red brick prison. Adjacent to the hotel, the Nara Prison Museum will be also opened on 27 April 2026, providing cultural insight into the site's architectural and social history.
Conrad Nagoya, which is set to open in the summer, will be Nagoya's first luxury hotel under Hilton's top tier brand. The hotel will occupy floors from 31 to 41 of the 41-storey Landmark Nagoya Sakae tower, directly connected to Sakae station. There will be 170 rooms, including 29 suites, alongside dining venues, a rooftop bar, spa, gym, pool and meeting facilities with panoramic city views.
The Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau (OCVB) will return to WTM London this year, for the first time since 2019, exhibiting at the JNTO stand, to showcase the latest developments and diverse attractions of Japan’s southernmost prefecture.
OCVB will also be on hand to discuss training opportunities with tour operators and agents keen to expand their knowledge of Okinawa, which comprises 160 subtropical islands boasting a year-round warm climate “comparable to Hawaii, Miami and Cancun”.
As Okinawa continues to enhance its tourism infrastructure, several new properties are set to open over the next few years, including a Four Seasons in Onna, expected in 2027.
“These developments highlight Okinawa’s growing appeal as a premier island destination, offering an expanding range of luxury, lifestyle and boutique accommodation to meet increasing international demand,” said the OCVB.
