NEWT Travel App Ranks Japan's Top Summer Scenic Municipalities
The ranking uses a data-driven mix of media buzz, search interest, and actual reservations to surface both established and quietly rising summer destinations.
Reporting from 1 source: ASCII.jp.
Travel app NEWT released its ranking of the top 30 summer scenic municipalities in Japan, based on media evaluations, search trends, and booking data. Yamagata City took first place, having been selected as Japan's only entry in National Geographic's Best of the World 2026 list. The ranking includes both popular destinations and emerging spots.
Travel app NEWT, operated by Reiwa Travel, published its ranking of the top 30 municipalities for summer scenery across Japan's 1,741 local governments. The list was derived from three data sources: media evaluations, search trend growth, and actual booking patterns. Yamagata City topped the ranking with a total score of 94, boosted by its selection as Japan's sole entry in National Geographic's Best of the World 2026 and recognition from The Japan Times. The top 10 includes a mix of well-known spots and municipalities gaining quiet attention.
- Yamagata City, Yamagata Prefecture: Score 94 (scenery 38, search surge 29, bookings 27). Selected for National Geographic Best of the World 2026 and Japan Times' first 'world-class municipality'.
- Tottori City, Tottori Prefecture: Score 88 (scenery 34, search surge 24, bookings 30). Highest booking growth in NEWT data.
- Yonago City, Tottori Prefecture: Score 84 (scenery 33, search surge 22, bookings 29). Features Kaike Onsen and views of Mt. Daisen.
- Hakodate City, Hokkaido: Score 83 (scenery 36, search surge 24, bookings 23). Night view from Mt. Hakodate is Michelin Green Guide three-star.
- Izumo City, Shimane Prefecture: Score 80 (scenery 33, search surge 20, bookings 27). Hinomisaki Lighthouse is among 'World's 100 Lighthouses'.
- Aso City, Kumamoto Prefecture: Score 79 (scenery 35, search surge 20, bookings 24). Kusa-senri-ga-hama is a national scenic spot and natural monument.
- Toyama Prefecture
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.