What's new in Japan in 2026?

Openings

PokéPark Kanto (Tokyo)

We're kicking off the year with some eagerly-awaited news! To mark the 30th anniversary of the franchise, the world's first permanent Pokémon park will open its doors on February 5 at Yomiuriland, in Tokyo. The 26,000 m² space will host several immersive zones, including the Pokémon Forest, where over 600 Pokémon statues await you! Two types of ticket are available: the Trainer's Pass and the Ace Trainer's Pass, both of which include access to Yomiuriland. A Town Pass for Sedge Town (a city inspired by video games) will also be available from summer 2026 for those who prefer to concentrate on a single area of the park.

Tokyo Dream Park (Tokyo)

Scheduled to open on March 27, Tokyo Dream Park will be a cultural hub in Yaesu, close to tokyo station. It will house several performance halls, a rooftop terrace offering spectacular views of the city, an exhibition space dedicated to Doraemon, and the first Japanese installation by Atelier des Lumières (Paris), called Rêve des Lumières. This immersive experience will feature large-scale digital art projections to prolong daydreams.

Kawaii Monster Land (Tokyo)

Long-awaited by fans of the late Kawaii Monster Café (closed since 2021), Kawaii Monster Land will open its doors on February 13 in the basement of Harajuku 'sTakeshita Street. Under the artistic direction of Sebastian Masuda, this underground theme park will celebrate kawaii culturethrough colorful, interactive zones. You'll also be able to enjoy performances by the Monster Girls, the franchise's iconic café artists.

Uzumasa Kyoto Village (Kyoto)

Toei Eigamura Park in Kyoto will inaugurate a new immersive zone on March 28 : Uzumasa Kyoto Village. Aimed at adults, this project will recreate the atmosphere of the imperial city in the Edo period, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in historic Japan through film sets and craft workshops.

Tokyo DisneySea 25th Sparkling Jubilee (Tokyo)

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Tokyo DisneySea is launching the Sparkling Jubilee, an event that will officially begin on April 15, 2026 and run until March 31, 2027. On the program? Over-the-top decorations, a Sparkling Jubilee Night show and special menus, accompanied by exclusive merchandise. Something to sparkle in the eyes of young and old alike!

Universal Cool Japan 2026 (Osaka)

The event will be held at Universal Studios Japan (Osaka) from January 30 to June 30. Five franchises will be featured: Detective Conan, JUJUTSU KAISEN, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, Keigo Higashino's Masquerade series, and Monster Hunter. Visitors can enjoy immersive attractions such as a Detective Conan escape game, a Monster Hunter-inspired culinary experience, and a show based on Masquerade. So, are you ready for adventure?

Edo-Tokyo Museum (Tokyo)

After four years of renovation, the Edo-Tokyo Museum will reopen its doors on March 31. This emblematic museum, dedicated to the history of the Japanese capital since the Edo period (1603-1868), will offer a completely redesigned experience. New features include a life-size replica of the Hattori Watch Shop, a symbol of the Meiji era, and a third-floor plaza redesigned by architect Shohei Shigematsu!

Hirosaki Castle Keep (Aomori)

The Hirosaki Castle keep in Aomori is one of the few original Edo-era keeps still standing in Japan. It will return to its original position in 2026, after having been temporarily relocated for foundation work. Our advice? Visit it in spring! As the castle is famous for its 2,600 cherry trees, the experience will be all the more beautiful with the sakura trees in the background.

Closures

The dungeon of Hiroshima Castle

From March 22, Hiroshima Castle Keep will be closed to the public for major restoration work. However, you will still be able to explore the site's gardens, moat and other surrounding buildings, such as the Hiroshima History Museum. The exact duration of the work has not yet been communicated, but updates will be posted on the official website.

Nagoya Castle keep

The dungeon of Nagoya Castle, one of the most imposing in the country, will remain closed to the public until 2028 due to major restoration work. During the closure, you will still be able to admire the exterior of the keep and explore the castle gardens, as well as the Honmaru Palace. Temporary exhibitions will also be held on site.

Starting in November, Japan will reform its tax-free system, which currently allows foreign tourists to buy certain products without paying consumption tax (10%). The new rules could include:

• A higher minimum purchase threshold to qualify for the exemption.
• A restriction of eligible product categories (e.g., exclusion of certain everyday consumer goods).
• A stricter refund system, with reinforced checks at the airport or in participating stores.

Tourist tax increase in Kyoto

Kyoto will be revising its tourist tax as of March 1, with a progressive fee schedule based on the level of luxury of the accommodation:

• Hotels and ryokan high-end: up to 10,000 yen per night (currently 1,000 yen)
• Mid-range accommodation: between 2,000 and 5,000 yen per night
• Budget accommodation: maintained at around 1,000 yen