The 5th annual Japan Travel Awards application period is now open through June 30. If you are or know of a travel destination in Japan that excels in sustainable or inclusive initiatives, please register for the Awards or leave a comment with your recommended destination, and we’ll encourage them to apply.

The Awards are presented in five core categories:

👩‍🦽 Best Accessible Travel
🌱 Best Sustainable Travel
🌏 Best Inbound Travel
🌈 Best LGBTQ+ Travel
🏆 Grand Prix: One destination that excels across all core categories.
+ Special Recognition Awards, awarded to destinations that excel in specific industry or initiative outside the core categories.

About the Japan Travel Awards

The Japan Travel Awards is currently Japan’s only travel competition that honors inclusive and sustainable travel. The purpose of the Awards is to standardize inclusion in Japan’s travel sector. Any travel business, regardless of scale, offering unique experiences for all travelers, can compete in the Awards free of charge.

The Japan Travel Awards was founded by Tokyo-based agency Shiitake Creative.

How is Japan Travel Awards different?

🧳 Tourist-focused: It centers on a traveler’s perspective, asking how a destination ensures it’s enjoyable and accessible to all.
💡 Quality over Size: A large team or a solo business owner, the scale doesn’t matter. As long as a destination offers something exceptional, anyone can apply.　
💰 Free: The competition is entirely free, from start to end.
❤️ Social Impact: The Japan Travel Awards are currently the only award in Japan that highlights DEI and social impact in the industry.
🗣️ Feedback Sharing: All non-winners receive feedback from our judges that provides guidance on how to further improve their services.