2026 Tokyo’s Hottest & Trendiest Travel Trending(Constantly Updated) | Trip.com

From May 11 to September 6, 2026, Tokyo Tower presents the summer projection-mapping event "TOKYO TOWER CITY LIGHT FANTASIA ～Summer landscape 2026～". With the beautiful night view from the Main Deck as the backdrop, the show uses projection mapping to evoke nostalgic, heartfelt scenes of a quintessential Japanese summer. Hydrangeas in a light rain, a summer sky with towering thunderheads, sudden showers, sunflowers glowing in the red of sunset, and finally layers of fireworks blooming across the sky turn Tokyo’s night into a dreamlike panorama. From June 19 to September 6, a centerpiece installation of bamboo and driftwood candles by CANDLE JUNE appears within the projection, creating a fresh Japanese style × summer play of light and shadow. Newly added laser lights and pattern lights further heighten the immersion. Delicate yellow lights evoking fireflies float through the summer space, while colorful fireworks patterns spread beneath your feet. Come to Tokyo Tower, take in the Tokyo nightscape, feel the flow of a Japanese summer, and revel in this visual feast!

July 15, 2026–May 31, 2027, the hit Korean exhibition Sanrio characters Exhibition Hotel Floria Tokyo (Hotel Floria Tokyo) makes its Japan debut at Tokyu Kabukicho Tower in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward. With a dream hotel imagined by Sanrio characters as its theme, the exhibition delivers an immersive hotel room tour. Check in just like at a real hotel, then step into themed guest rooms designed by Hello Kitty, My Melody, Kuromi, and more to soak in a fantasy world of light and color. You will also find a lineup of original merchandise, including plush toys, keychains, luggage tags, and more, perfect for every fan’s collection. Highlights span multiple themed zones: at the entrance, check in alongside the Sanrio characters; in the guest rooms, experience their uniquely dreamy designs; in the garden, join a party hosted by Little Twin Stars Kiki and Lala; in the ballroom, dance with the characters; and on the pink beach, bask in a romantic, tech-driven resort vibe. Every area bursts with surprises and photo-worthy moments—an unmissable spot for Sanrio fans. At Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, dive into the adorable world of Sanrio characters and embark on a one-of-a-kind dream journey!

Here is a list of limited-time pop-up themed cafés coming to Tokyo and across Japan in 2026. Beyond permanent themed restaurants, many pop-ups are teaming up with hit characters, movies, and games. Come taste great coffee with a playful twist from your favorite anime characters! Sumida Aquarium afternoon tea Tokyo: Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo July 1–August 31, 2026 A Tokyo hotel partners with Sumida Aquarium to serve a special ocean-themed afternoon tea. Pingu afternoon tea Yokohama: Shin Yokohama Prince Hotel June 15–August 31, 2026 Savor a summer-festival-themed Pingu afternoon tea at a Yokohama hotel (easy for a day trip or afternoon outing from Tokyo). The hotel also offers Pingu-themed guest rooms. Cinnamoroll afternoon tea Tokyo: MOSKA by Ginger Garden, Aoyama June 24–August 23, 2026 Enjoy a refined Cinnamoroll-themed afternoon tea in a flower-filled, beautiful café. Aquarium dessert buffet Fukuoka: ANA Crowne Plaza Fukuoka May 30–September 27, 2026 In collaboration with Marine World Uminonakamichi. A stylish aquarium-themed dessert buffet in Fukuoka featuring 40 different sweets. Sumikko Gurashi snack day Fukuoka: Hilton Fukuoka Sea Hawk July 1–August 30, 2026 The cutest treats—an adorable menu with Sumikko Gurashi faces on the snacks. Star Wars Café: Galactic Diner Tokyo: Box Cafe & Space, Shibuya 109 June 4–August 16, 2026 Osaka: Callab Index, Shinsaibashi May 28–July 12, 2026 To celebrate The Mandalorian and Grogu, Star Wars pop-up cafés open in Tokyo and Osaka. There is even the "cutest in the galaxy" stew, with rice shaped like Grogu! Cinnamoroll dessert buffet Osaka: Hotel New Otani Osaka July 1–August 16, 2026 Osaka hosts the adorable "Cinnamoroll Summer Sky Trip" dessert buffet, featuring super-cute sweets plus a few savory dishes. Sumikko Gurashi x @Home Maid Cafe Tokyo: @Home Maid Cafe, Akihabara May 15–July 31, 2026 Osaka: @Home Maid Cafe August 7–September 14, 2026 @Home is a well-known maid café (super cute). During this collab with the beloved Sumikko Gurashi characters, the café will offer a special menu. On May 6, a stage will be set up at Kanda Myoujin Shrine (within walking distance of Akihabara) for a fun performance featuring @Home and Sumikko Gurashi. Kuromi summer dessert party Tokyo: Aoyama St. Grace Cathedral June 18–August 30, 2026 Yokohama: Art Grace Portside Villa, gallery June 18–August 30, 2026 Omiya: Art Grace Wedding Castle June 19–August 30, 2026 Tokyo Bay: Art Grace Wedding Coast (Shin-Urayasu) June 13–August 28, 2026 Nagoya: The Strings Hotel June 14–August 31, 2026 Osaka: St. Grace Villa June 14–August 28, 2026 Osaka: Art Grace Wedding Coast Osaka June 14–August 29, 2026 Kyoto: Art Grace Wedding Hills June 18–August 29, 2026 Dressed as Cupid, Kuromi hosts love-and-romance-themed afternoon tea and dessert buffets at seven locations across Japan. Several venues are wedding spaces styled like Western chapels. Miffy afternoon tea Nagoya: Courtyard Nagoya, lounge June 1–August 31 Not a full themed café, but it offers a themed afternoon tea—plus a Miffy cake set option.

Remember the dazzling bathhouse in "Spirited Away"? Tiered wooden buildings reflected on the water, red lanterns swaying with a warm glow—almost as if Yubaba might lean out the window at any moment. In Japan, scenes like this aren’t far away. The century-old, three-story wooden pavilion of Dogo Onsen Honkan in Ehime Prefecture is the most widely known inspiration for the bathhouse; 30 historic buildings relocated to the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum on Tokyo’s outskirts—with wooden beams, paper lanterns, and tatami corridors—are practically a real-life rendition of the bathhouse interior. And Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Taisha, with its thousand torii gates, forms a 4 km vermilion corridor where light and shadow weave into an otherworldly tunnel, echoing Chihiro’s portal into the spirit realm. But you may not know that China has five nightscapes that feel straight out of Spirited Away. 🏮 Chongqing · Hongya Cave An 11‑story complex of stilted houses clings to the hillside, and at night, thousands of lights flicker on at once, mirroring across the Jialing River. Its layered structure parallels the bathhouse—walk out from the 1st floor and you’re on a street; walk out from the 11th floor and you’re still on a street—earning its reputation as China’s version of the bathhouse. Inside, you’ll find hot pot, street snacks, and handicrafts—perfect for browsing and tasting all evening. 🏮 Hunan · Fenghuang Ancient Town Stilted houses along both banks of the Tuo River glow with warm yellow lights after dark. The river is a mirror, and wooden boats glide by. Fenghuang’s night is quieter and more poetic than Hongya Cave, ideal for strolling along the river or grabbing a seat on bar street to savor the gentle charm of Xiangxi, the hometown of Shen Congwen. Miao silver jewelry and ginger candy make great souvenirs. 🏮 Yunnan · Old Town of Lijiang A World Cultural Heritage site, where Naxi wooden architecture unfolds along canals. At night, lanterns brighten Square Street, folk songs and guitar drift from bar street, and waterwheels creak as they turn. Lijiang’s nights are bold and boisterous—meet friends for a local craft beer, listen to "In an Instant," and let your journey play out like a movie. 🏮 Zhejiang · Wuzhen West Zone (Xizha) The ultimate Jiangnan water town. Stone bridges, black-awning boats, and white walls with dark tiles; at night, lanterns light up one by one along the river, turning the water into a long corridor of light and shadow. Wuzhen’s night is restrained and refined—best enjoyed aboard a sculling boat through the water lanes or with a cup of Hangbaiju chrysanthemum tea in a riverside teahouse. 🏮 Zhejiang · Xitang Historic Town of China As famous as Wuzhen, but more down-to-earth and full of local buzz. The thousand-meter roofed corridor is uniquely Xitang—riverfront arcades shield you from wind and rain; at night, lanterns glow while shops, taverns, and inns line the way. Xitang’s night is perfect for strolling in Hanfu—every snap can be a stunning, classic-style shot. From Dogo Onsen to Hongya Cave, from a thousand torii gates to the Tuo River in Fenghuang, the lights of Spirited Away never fade. Choose a night view and give yourself a reason to step into another world.

On August 20, 2026, STARLUX Airlines and Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama launched their second A350-1000 art aircraft, AIRSORAYAMA GOLD "Sorayama Gold," which officially entered service operating Taipei–Tokyo Narita route JX800. This art aircraft showcases Sorayama's signature metallic aesthetic and, together with the previously introduced "Sorayama Silver," forms a distinctive gold-and-silver duo. ✈️ Taipei–Tokyo Narita route AIRSORAYAMA GOLD "Sorayama Gold" will operate the Taipei–Tokyo Narita route, flight number JX800. On August 20, both "Sorayama Gold" and "Sorayama Silver" made their first joint appearance on the tarmac at Narita International Airport, creating a one-of-a-kind visual spectacle. ✈️ Taipei–Bangkok route Starting August 26, 2026, "Sorayama Gold" will also operate the Taipei–Bangkok route, bringing more travelers the perfect fusion of cross-disciplinary art and aerospace technology. ⏰ Time: From August 20, 2026 Come experience STARLUX Airlines' art aircraft journey and feel the unique allure of Sorayama's metallic aesthetic!

The Tokyo Skytree Town® summer beer festival is now open! The event takes place at Sky Arena on the 4th floor of Tokyo Skytree Town, with a theme of a lawn-side beer garden & BBQ under the tower for a cool, refreshing summer escape. A fine-mist system keeps you comfortable even during the hottest days. Highlights include a bring-nothing BBQ experience, so you can eat and drink to your heart’s content. There are also 5 booths serving signature dishes from around the world, perfectly paired with iconic Japanese and international beers. Summer must-haves like shaved ice and chilled desserts add even more options. Whether you’re meeting up with friends or heading out with family, this spot delivers on your summer plans. Come to Tokyo Skytree Town to savor the best of beer and food, and enjoy a breezy, carefree summer night!

On August 8, Chinese imaging brand Insta360 opened its first directly operated flagship store in Japan next to Sensō-ji in Tokyo. Japanese consumers queued in the blazing heat to snap up the new X6 360 camera, with some traveling all the way from Osaka. The store handed out 450 admission tickets, which were quickly gone. Hello Kitty served as "store manager for a day." Sales in the first half-day exceeded JPY 3,000,000, and in the camera kingdom, lining up to buy a Chinese camera became a hot topic on social media this week. For tech-savvy travelers and photography enthusiasts, the Asakusa store is the only place in Japan to try the full Insta360 lineup in person—from the X6 360 camera to thumb cameras and action cameras—with hands-on trials and software tutorials available. As one of Tokyo’s most popular cultural landmarks, Sensō-ji pairs perfectly with a quick stop at the flagship store, making it easy to cover culture + technology in a single itinerary. 📍 Store address: Next to Sensō-ji, Taito Ward, Tokyo 📅 Business hours: Opens on August 8 🗼 Suggested itinerary: Sensō-ji > Nakamise Shopping Street > Insta360 flagship store, all within walking distance In Japan, the camera kingdom, consumers lining up for a Chinese camera brand is a travel story in itself.

This time, we'll introduce a carefully selected list of spots in the Kanto region where you can feel the cool air, all easily accessible from Tokyo. Let's get through the hot summer at these refreshing spots! 1. Have the "Shima Blue" all to yourself on a natural water slide?! "Canyoning" (Gunma) Lake Okushima in Shima, Gunma Prefecture, is loved by many for its beautiful, highly transparent cobalt blue water, known as "Shima Blue." But there's an activity that lets you not just gaze at this Shima Blue, but experience it with your whole body! Green Discovery, which offers various activity tours, has a course called "Shima Canyoning" that lets you get into the Shima Blue. In the ravines of the Shima River, which flows from Lake Okushima, you'll descend the river using just your body, enjoying natural water slides and jumping in. 2. "Todoroki Ravine," a healing power spot in Tokyo! (Tokyo) Located in the middle of Setagaya Ward, Todoroki Ravine makes you feel as if you've wandered into another world. It's conveniently located, with the entrance to the ravine just a three-minute walk from Todoroki Station on the Tokyu Oimachi Line. As soon as you descend the stairs, you'll be struck by the difference in the air. Enveloped in the cool, clear air, it's hard to believe you were just in the crowds of the station and train. Depending on the time of day and season, there can be a temperature difference of nearly 10°C between the inside and outside of the ravine. 3. Experience passing through a waterfall full of negative ions at "Tsukimachi Waterfall"! (Ibaraki) Tsukimachi Waterfall is located in the mountains of Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture. It's a "husband and wife" waterfall with two streams flowing from an overhanging rock face, with a drop of about 17 meters and a width of about 12 meters. When the water level rises, a "child" waterfall appears between the two, which is why a Kannon statue of the Nijuusanyason, a deity of safe childbirth, is enshrined here. Since you can go behind the waterfall without getting wet, it's also known as "Urami no Taki" (Rear-view Waterfall) or "Kuguri Taki" (Pass-through Waterfall). It's also popular as a spot where you can bathe in plenty of negative ions. Many maple trees are planted along the path to the waterfall, making the autumn foliage season exceptional. There is also a teahouse near the waterfall where you can enjoy special dishes made with natural water, such as soba made from home-ground flour, coffee, and sweets. In winter, you might even see the waterfall frozen solid. 4. Cool down with the ice pillars of "Fugaku Wind Cave," where the average temperature is 3°C! (Yamanashi) Fugaku Wind Cave is one of the most representative lava tubes, along with Narusawa Ice Cave. It is a large, horizontal cave with a total length of 201 meters and a height of 8.7 meters, and it is designated as a National Natural Monument. Inside, it's chilly and cool, with an average temperature of just 3°C! In addition to seeing ice pillars that don't melt even in summer, lava shelves, and lava stalactites, the innermost part still has traces of where silkworm eggs were stored during the Meiji era. The Jukai Course of the Tokai Nature Trail runs between it and the Narusawa Ice Cave, allowing for a cool 20-minute walk. 5. Find love and cool off at a beautiful spring! "Izumi Shrine" (Ibaraki) About a 15-minute walk from Omika Station on the JR Joban Line, a dense forest suddenly appears in a residential area. Passing through the torii gate, which looks like an entrance to another dimension, you'll find Izumi Shrine. This is a powerful spot that can help you form various connections. After praying at the main hall and going down the side path, you will see an emerald green spring in the forest. The shrine's records state that "a sacred jewel fell from the heavens, and water gushed forth, becoming a spring," and this spring water is said to be the source of its power. The way the sand at the bottom of the spring swirls as water gushes out is like the breath of the earth! You can feel the power. It is also said that if you use a photo of this spring as your phone's wallpaper, you will have a wonderful encounter. It's about a 40-minute walk from the Akanuma bus stop. You will arrive at an area where a wooden path continues through an open wetland. The appeal here is the view of the majestic Mount Nantai.

Spine-tingling tales for late summer and early fall are here! Curated by popular creator たっくー, the large-scale horror event Ueno Scary Summer Festival is landing at Ueno Park in Tokyo. Ready to dive into an immersive world of Japanese ghost stories and urban legends in the heart of the city? ✨ Highlights and must-try experiences Diverse horror experiences: On-site programming includes rakugo ghost stories, horror film screenings, and a uniquely eerie horror Bon dance. The Japanese horror vibe will be in full force. Dark-themed food specials: Take a break to try limited-time horror-themed bites. If you dare, don’t miss this double thrill for your taste buds and your nerves. 💡 Pro tips Time and place: Sep 19 (Sat)–Sep 23 (Wed, public holiday), 2026; Ueno Park, Tokyo. Ticket tips: Free admission. Stop by after work or while traveling in Tokyo to soak up a different kind of late-summer festival vibe.

SHIBUYA SKY is an open-air rooftop observatory atop Shibuya Scramble Square in Tokyo, perched about 229m above sea level and delivering a breathtaking 360° panorama of the city. Here you can gaze down at the famous Shibuya Crossing—often called the world’s busiest intersection—and look out toward Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Skytree. On clear days, you can even spot Mount Fuji. Ride the Sky Elevator from the 14th floor straight to the observation level, with kinetic ceiling lights along the way. On the 46th floor, the indoor Sky Gallery features digital installations and interactive art. Up on the rooftop, Sky Stage includes the glass walkway Sky Edge and the Cloud Hammock loungers—prime spots for capturing cinematic sunsets, neon-lit crowds, or the night skyline. After dark, the Crossing Light show illuminates the sky every 30 mins, setting a romantic mood. Day or night, SHIBUYA SKY puts you at the heart of the city, inviting you to feel Tokyo’s rhythm and the play of light and shadow from a fresh perspective.

Held at Asakusa Rokku Broadway, the Asakusa Night Festival lights up the district every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Here, light and shadow intertwine with melodious music, delicious food pairs perfectly with fine drinks, and dazzling performances take turns on stage, making Asakusa’s nights unforgettably vibrant. To amplify the fun, a free show—"Sanctuary of Popular Arts: Asakusa -NIGHT SHOW-"—features traditional Japanese instrumentalists alongside wordless performers in elegant Japanese style, delivering an immersive artistic spectacle. Once a month, look forward to the surprise-filled "Sanctuary of Popular Arts: Asakusa -SPECIAL NIGHT SHOW-". Come for the lively atmosphere, relax, and savor Asakusa’s one-of-a-kind nightlife charm. Getting here is a breeze: step out of Asakusa Station at Exit A1 and you’re already there; from Tsukuba Express Asakusa Station Exit 3, it’s an 8-minute walk; you can also take the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line. Visit Asakusa and embark on an unforgettable night tour!

teamLab Planets TOKYO is an immersive art museum located in Toyosu, Tokyo. Visitors can reach the museum in approximately 15 minutes by taxi from Tokyo Station or via a 15-minute drive from Haneda Airport. This unique museum invites guests to fully engage with art by walking through water and experiencing interactive installations. The artworks are dynamic, changing in response to the presence and movements of visitors, creating a personalized experience for each individual. At teamLab Planets, guests can expect to perceive and become one with the art, offering a blend of visual and sensory experiences that are both captivating and thought-provoking. This innovative approach to art encourages exploration and interaction, making it a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Consider planning your visit to teamLab Planets TOKYO to experience this extraordinary fusion of art and technology!

Tokyo amusement park:YOMIURILAND will host the "JERA × QuizKnock 'Zero Emissions School Independent Research Lab in YOMIURILAND'" event from July 18–August 31, 2026. Co-created by knowledge-entertainment media QuizKnock and Japanese electric power company JERA, the event is themed around making independent research fun, helping visitors discover the importance of energy and understand environmental issues through engaging interactions. Event highlights include the "Quiz & Research Handbook" quiz rally in the experience zone, where visitors learn through interaction and can receive a "Zero Emissions School admission certificate" after answering all questions. The exhibition zone offers rich educational experiences. In the open area, uniforms featured in QuizKnock members’ videos and popular character puppets are on free display, and limited-edition merchandise is available for purchase. The event takes place in the park’s new indoor facility "Good Job!! Space." Opening hours: from park opening until 7:00 PM (until 6:00 PM on some dates). This summer, head to Tokyo amusement park:YOMIURILAND for a unique edutainment experience!