Recognizing destinations for diversity in Japan Travel Awards 2024

The Japan Travel Awards 2024, now in its third year, recently announced its winners, highlighting for us the most innovative and inclusive travel destinations and operators across Japan. With a focus on diversity, inclusion, sustainability, and superior hospitality, this year’s awards showcased ten exceptional winners across four main categories, alongside five Special Recognition Awards and one coveted Grand Prix.

Among an entry pool of 163 and 18 finalists, the top honor of the Grand Prix, was awarded to Zerogravity in Amami Oshima, Kagoshima Prefecture, for its outstanding contribution to making marine activities accessible to all travelers, irrespective of physical abilities. This unique destination offers a range of inclusive activities such as scuba diving, whale watching, and snorkeling, setting a new standard for accessible travel in Japan and beyond.

In the category of Best Accessible Travel, the traditional inn Naniwa Issui in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, stood out for its commitment to accommodating travelers with disabilities. This ryokan, located on the scenic shores of Lake Shinji, features wheelchair-accessible rooms and facilities, breaking down barriers and setting a benchmark for inclusive hospitality.

Hotel Palm Royal Naha in Okinawa Prefecture was recognized as the Best LGBTQ+ Friendly destination, celebrating diversity and inclusivity in the heart of Naha’s vibrant Kokusai-Dori. The hotel’s active engagement with the LGBTQ+ community and its efforts to create a welcoming environment exemplify how travel and diversity can harmoniously coexist.

Other categories highlighted sustainable practices, cultural immersion, family-friendly experiences, transformative journeys, destination development, and outstanding accommodations, showcasing the diverse and rich travel experiences Japan has to offer. Here is the full list of winners:

• Grand Prix: ZEROGRAVITY (Amami Oshima, Kagoshima Prefecture)
• Best Accessible Travel: Naniwa Issui (Matsue, Shimane Prefecture)
• Best LGBT+ Travel: Hotel Palm Royal Naha (Naha, Okinawa Prefecture)
• Best Sustainable Travel: Okinawa Diving Service Lagoon (Onna, Okinawa Prefecture)
• Best Inbound Travel: Temple Stay Kakurinbo (Minobu, Yamanashi Prefecture)
• Best Cultural Travel: Ama Hut Satoumian (Shima, Mie Prefecture)
• Best Family Travel: Mori no Kuni Valley (Matsuno, Ehime Prefecture)
• Best Transformative Travel: INOW (Kamikatsu, Tokushima Prefecture) & Tautasya (Miyama, Kyoto Prefecture) (joint winners)
• Best destination Development: Togakushi Universal Tourism Desk (Togakushi, Nagano Prefecture)
• Best Accommodation: Naniwa Issui (Matsue, Shimane Prefecture)

The awards ceremony will be held at the Tokyo American Club in Tokyo, bringing together past winners, travel professionals, and government officials to celebrate the achievements of this year’s winners. A panel discussion on Diversity and Inclusion in the travel industry is planned, further emphasizing the importance of these values in shaping the future of travel in Japan and around the world. Guest registration (required) is available here.