• New luggage service makes Shinkansen travel easier

A new ‘Hands-Free Travel’ luggage service has started operating in Japan, allowing travellers to send their suitcases ahead by Shinkansen rather than carrying them onto the train. The service is designed to make rail journeys more comfortable, particularly on busy routes where luggage space can be limited, and can also help reduce the amount of large baggage being carried through crowded stations. The service is currently being introduced on selected routes, with further expansion expected.

• Shuri Castle Main Hall to reopen in November

After being destroyed by fire in 2019, the reconstruction of Shuri Castle in Okinawa has reached an important milestone. The rebuilt Main Hall is scheduled to reopen to visitors on 23 November 2026. The reopening will mark a significant moment in the restoration of one of Okinawa’s most important cultural landmarks and former centre of the Ryukyu Kingdom.

• Zenkoji Gokaicho returns in 2027

The next Zenkoji Gokaicho will take place in Nagano from 4 April to 19 June 2027. Held only once every seven years, this major Buddhist event allows visitors to participate in special ceremonies and pay their respects to the Maedachi Honzon, a historic replica of Zenkoji’s hidden Buddhist statue. The event is expected to attract significant numbers of visitors, making early planning particularly important for travel to Nagano during this period.

• Snow Monkey Park to introduce visitor limits

The Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is preparing to introduce a daily visitor cap during the coming winter season, following increasing congestion and visitor-management challenges. An online booking system is being introduced, with a possible limit of around 2,000 visitors per day. Further details, including the final capacity and implementation dates, are pending announcement. Travellers planning to visit during the peak winter period should therefore be prepared for advance booking requirements.

• KAI Matsumoto reopens after major renovation

Following a complete renovation, KAI Matsumoto in Nagano reopened on 4 August 2026. The Hoshino Resorts onsen ryokan has been redesigned around the concept of a more contemporary and refined interpretation of the traditional ryokan experience, while maintaining its connection with Matsumoto’s local culture and hot spring traditions. The reopening adds a renewed luxury accommodation option to the Nagano region.

• Fairmont Niseko announced for 2028

Accor has announced the development of Fairmont Niseko, scheduled to open in early 2028. The 165-room luxury resort will be set within nine acres of forest between Mount Yotei and Mount Annupuri, with panoramic views of Mount Yotei. The property will feature restaurants, a spa and wellness area, a kids’ club, and onsen facilities, further strengthening Niseko’s growing luxury hospitality offering.

• Sapporo Park Hotel to close in February 2027

After more than 60 years of operation, the historic Sapporo Park Hotel is scheduled to close permanently on 28 February 2027, due to the age of the property. Opened in 1964 near Nakajima Park, the hotel has hosted numerous international guests and dignitaries over the decades. Its closure comes as part of wider plans for the future redevelopment of the area.