Niigata is Japan's only pick on National Geographic's Best of the World 2027 list
In short
National Geographic named Niigata Prefecture one of 25 destinations to visit in 2027 in its "Best of the World 2027" list, announced on 20 October. Niigata is the only Japanese selection, and the outlets cite the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial and fermentation culture among the reasons. Governor Hideyo Hanazumi (花角英世) called it a great honour.
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National Geographic, a U.S. travel media outlet, named Niigata Prefecture one of 25 destinations to visit in 2027. It announced "Best of the World 2027" on its website on 20 October. Nippon TV News gave the title as "The Best Places in the World to Travel to in 2027". Niigata is the only Japanese selection, according to Nippon TV, Mainichi Shimbun, TBS NEWS DIG, Nikkei and Yomiuri Shimbun. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
Mainichi said National Geographic cited Niigata's snow country, which draws skiers from around the world, and the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial, held every three years, which will have its 10th edition in 2027. Nikkei said the list described the triennial, held in Tokamachi and Tsunan, as a model for both reuse of architecture and regional revitalisation, and said it opens from 17 July to 7 November 2027. TBS and Yomiuri said fermentation culture, including sake, was also recognised. Yomiuri added that the fermentation and brewing culture of Nagaoka's Setaya district and the prefecture's ski areas, with good access from Tokyo, were mentioned. [ 1 , 3 , 5 , 6 ]
Nippon TV said the entry shows a photo of an Echigo Line train running between rice paddies. It said the entry presents the region, which has received little attention until now, as a chance to explore with new eyes. Nikkei said the list featured a self-contained guesthouse in Nagaoka called HAKKO HOUSE, run by the restaurant operator Susutaki (寿々瀧). Mainichi said the recommended places in the prefecture include Nagaoka, with its fireworks and breweries, Sado Island, where work to protect the toki is under way, and the Fuji Rock Festival in Yuzawa. [ 2 , 3 , 5 ]
The other destinations include Norway's Vestland, Penang in Malaysia and Luxor in Egypt, Nippon TV said. Mainichi listed Norway's fjord region, Luxor and Puerto Rico. [ 2 , 3 ]
The prefecture's international tourism promotion division said this is the fifth selection in Japan, and Nippon TV reported it is the first time Niigata has been chosen. Nippon TV named Kanazawa and Yamagata among earlier ones. Yomiuri listed Hokkaido, Kyoto, Kanazawa and Yamagata. [ 2 , 6 ]
Governor Hanazumi said, "It is a great honour", according to TBS NEWS DIG. Mainichi quoted him telling reporters on 21 October that National Geographic draws high attention and that he wants residents to share the prefecture's appeal with confidence. Yomiuri said he spoke at a regular press conference on 21 October and said he would put more effort into expanding inbound exchange. The prefectural tourism association, according to Nikkei, called the selection one result of its inbound promotion work with the prefecture and said it will keep promoting the region at home and abroad. [ 1 , 3 , 5 , 6 ]
TBS and Yomiuri said National Geographic operates in more than 170 countries and has more than 500 million social media followers. [ 1 , 6 ]
Why it matters
Prefectural officials and the tourism association link the selection to efforts to attract foreign visitors. The documents give no figures on any effect on visitor numbers.
Key facts
- National Geographic announced "Best of the World 2027" on its website on 20 October, and Niigata Prefecture is among the 25 destinations. [ 1 , 3 , 4 ]
- Niigata is the only selection from Japan. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
- The prefecture's international tourism promotion division says this is the fifth such selection in Japan; Nippon TV News reported it is also Niigata's first. [ 2 , 6 ]
- Reasons cited include the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial and fermentation traditions such as sake. [ 1 , 2 , 3 , 5 , 6 ]
- The next triennial is the 10th and is scheduled for 17 July to 7 November 2027. [ 3 , 5 ]
- Other destinations on the list include Penang in Malaysia, Luxor in Egypt and Puerto Rico. [ 2 , 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- Niigata Prefecture was selected for National Geographic's 2027 list of 25 places to visit, and it is the only Japanese selection. [ 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ]
- The prefectural international tourism promotion division said Niigata is the fifth selection in Japan. [ 2 , 6 ]
- Governor Hanazumi called the selection an honour. [ 1 , 3 , 6 ]
Still unclear
- What effect the selection will have on visitor numbers The documents give no figures or forecasts.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- TBS NEWS DIG reported the selection on 21 October, citing a 20 October announcement. [ 1 ]
- Nippon TV News reported that the prefectural tourism division said this is Niigata's first selection. [ 2 ]
- Mainichi Shimbun reported the governor's remarks to reporters on 21 October. [ 3 ]
- Nikkei reported that the prefectural tourism association called the selection one result of its inbound tourism measures. [ 5 ]
- Yomiuri Shimbun reported on 22 October that the prefecture announced the selection on 21 October. [ 6 ]