Japanese Tourist Destinations Ranking & Their Appeal
Hello! This time, we’ll introduce the Top 10 tourist destinations in Japan that are popular among Korean travelers.
You might even see some unexpected spots that surprise you!
Recently, there’s been a boom in Japanese travel among Koreans, especially among young people in their 20s and 30s and women, with many sharing photos and videos on SNS.
So, what are the attractive destinations in Japan chosen by Korean tourists? Let’s take a look in ranking order!
10th Place: Nagoya (Aichi Prefecture)
Calm atmosphere and great food make it highly revisited.
Nagoya is famous for its miso katsu (pork cutlet with miso sauce) and hitsumabushi (grilled eel over rice). Korean travelers increasingly return because it is less crowded than Tokyo or Osaka.
With photo-worthy spots like Ghibli Park and Nagoya Castle, it’s also popular among Korean women’s travel groups doing café tours.
9th Place: Hakone (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Experience hot springs, nature, and traditional culture.
Easily accessible from Tokyo, many Koreans think, “I want to try Hakone hot springs at least once.”
Autumn foliage and winter snow are especially popular, and staying at a traditional ryokan is praised as an authentic Japanese experience.
8th Place: Sapporo (Hokkaido)
Winter scenery and gourmet destination.
Since Korea has little snow, many visit Hokkaido to see snowy landscapes.
The Sapporo Snow Festival is popular on SNS every year, and travelers enjoy local foods like Ramen Yokocho or seafood rice bowls.
Recently, more active travelers visit for snowboarding and skiing.
7th Place: Okinawa (Okinawa Prefecture)
Relaxing at a southern resort.
Okinawa offers a unique, non-ordinary experience in Japan.
Blue seas, beautiful beaches, and unique cuisine (taco rice, Okinawa soba) are attractive to Koreans.
It’s also a popular couple’s trip or honeymoon destination.
6th Place: Kyoto (Kyoto Prefecture)
Captivated by the ancient charm.
Kimono rentals and strolls are highly popular.
Spots like Arashiyama, Kiyomizu-dera, and Fushimi Inari Taisha are must-visits for Korean tourists.
A city where tradition and modernity blend, Kyoto remains fascinating no matter how many times you visit.
5th Place: Fukuoka (Fukuoka Prefecture)\
Close and affordable — the “gateway for Koreans.”
Only about 1.5 hours from Seoul by plane, Fukuoka is very accessible.
Shopping (Tenjin, Hakata) and food (motsunabe, tonkotsu ramen), along with yatai (street food stalls), are highly attractive.
With the rise of low-cost carriers (LCCs), weekend mini-trips to Fukuoka are trending.
4th Place: Universal Studios Japan (Osaka)
A favorite theme park among Koreans.
USJ offers Japanese entertainment that Korean youth love.
Experiences like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World cannot be experienced in Korea.
Hotels and shopping around the park make it popular for family trips as well.
3rd Place: Asakusa & Ueno (Tokyo)
Classic Tokyo sightseeing course.
Visiting Asakusa Temple or taking photos at Kaminarimon Gate are typical activities for Korean tourists.
In Ueno, shopping at Ameyoko Market or visiting the panda zoo is popular.
This area blends tradition and modernity, giving Koreans a true sense of Tokyo.
2nd Place: Shinjuku, Shibuya & Harajuku (Tokyo)
Experience the cutting edge of trends.
Korean youth are very trend-conscious.
Places like Shibuya Scramble Crossing, 109, Takeshita Street in Harajuku, and Omotesando Hills allow them to experience “current Japan.”
The café culture is also thriving, making Japanese café tours a travel goal for many.
1st Place: Osaka (Osaka Prefecture)
The perfect combination of shopping, food, and sightseeing!
Osaka is considered by Koreans as a city with everything in one place.
Take photos at Dotonbori Glico sign, eat takoyaki, enjoy seafood at Kuromon Market, and combine it with Universal Studios Japan.
It’s loved by families and young travelers alike for being convenient for shopping, gourmet food, and sightseeing all at once.
Summary: Why Japan Is Popular Among Koreans
- Excellent flight accessibility — easy to visit even for a short trip
- Unique Japanese appeal — cleanliness, attentive service, and safe streets
- Four seasons and diverse events — natural beauty year-round
- Experiences hard to find in Korea — hot springs, ryokan stays, shrines, and temples
- Recently, traveling to Japan has become so common it’s considered almost a cultural norm in Korea
By paying attention to Korean tourist trends, we can continue to rediscover the charm of each region in Japan.
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