Where Do Malaysians Go in Japan? Top 10 Japan Destinations Ranked

We checked real Japanese accommodation data to see where Malaysian travellers actually stay — and the results are more interesting than just Tokyo and Osaka.

Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto.

If you ask someone in Malaysia where to go in Japan, those three names will probably come up within the first 30 seconds.

But where do Malaysians actually spend their nights?

The data gives us a much better answer.

To find the Top 10 Japan Destinations for Malaysians, we looked at where Malaysian travellers actually stayed, based on official Japanese accommodation data.

In 2025, around 636,600 Malaysian visitors travelled to Japan, up 25.6% from the previous year.

And when we look at detailed accommodation data, one destination absolutely dominates — but there are also a few surprises further down the list.

For example, Hokkaido ranks ahead of Kyoto, while Mt Fuji destinations also make the Top 10.

1. Top 10 Japan Destinations for Malaysian Travellers

To avoid another internet list based on somebody's opinion, we looked at Japan's official accommodation statistics.

The ranking below uses 2024 full-year corrected guest-night data for Malaysian visitors.

One "guest night" means one traveller staying for one night. So a Malaysian staying five nights contributes five guest nights. It measures where travellers spend their time, rather than simply counting how many people entered a prefecture.

Data note: Figures are based on Japan Tourism Agency accommodation statistics for 2024, using corrected full-year data covering accommodation facilities with 10 or more employees. The percentage is each prefecture's share of the 1,790,170 Malaysian guest nights recorded in this dataset.

Source: Japan Tourism Agency – Accommodation Travel Statistics Survey , 2024 full-year final data. Ranking based on Malaysian guest nights by prefecture.

2. Why Are These Japan Destinations So Popular With Malaysians?

A ranking is interesting.

But it becomes much more useful when you understand why Malaysians are going there.

#1 Tokyo — The Obvious First Trip, And Still No.1

Tokyo accounts for around one-third of Malaysian guest nights in the data.

Not very surprising.

For a first-time traveller, Tokyo packs shopping, food, neighbourhoods, theme parks and day trips into one very large city.

You can spend the morning in Asakusa, shop in Shibuya in the afternoon, somehow lose 40 minutes inside Shinjuku Station, and still be looking for supper at 10pm.

Tokyo also works as a base for Disney, Yokohama, Hakone and Mt Fuji trips.

Best for: First-time visitors, shopping, families and travellers who want a bit of everything.

#2 Osaka — Food, USJ And An Easy Kansai Base

Osaka recorded 346,770 Malaysian guest nights, making it a clear No.2.

Its biggest advantage may actually be location.

Stay in Osaka and Kyoto, Nara and Kobe are all realistic day trips. Add Universal Studios Japan and the food around Dotonbori, and it becomes very easy to fill five or six days without moving hotel every night.

Best for: Food, USJ, families and travellers exploring Kansai.

#3 Hokkaido — Malaysians Really Like Winter

Here is where the ranking gets interesting.

Hokkaido recorded 225,970 Malaysian guest nights, comfortably ahead of Kyoto for the full-year dataset.

And the seasonal effect can become even stronger.

In January and February 2026, preliminary accommodation data placed Hokkaido second among Malaysian guest nights, behind only Tokyo.

Snow probably has something to do with it.

Sapporo, Otaru, Niseko and Furano offer a completely different Japan experience from Tokyo and Osaka — especially for Malaysians who would otherwise need to open the freezer door and stand in front of it to experience anything remotely similar.

Best for: Winter travel, snow, ski trips, scenery and repeat Japan visitors.

#4 Kyoto — The Japan You Imagined Before You Arrived

Kyoto ranks fourth with 164,990 Malaysian guest nights.

This is the temples, shrines, traditional streets and bamboo-forest side of Japan.

Many travellers combine Kyoto with Osaka rather than making it a standalone trip, which is why a typical Malaysian Kansai itinerary might look like:

Osaka → Kyoto → Nara → Osaka

Best for: Culture, temples, photography and first-time Kansai travellers.

#5 Chiba — Yes, Disneyland Counts

Chiba may not be the first name Malaysians say when planning Japan.

But it is home to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.

Narita International Airport is also in Chiba Prefecture.

Suddenly its No.5 position makes a lot more sense.

Best for: Disney trips, families and travellers using Narita Airport.

#6 Kanagawa — Yokohama, Hakone And An Easy Escape From Tokyo

Kanagawa includes Yokohama, Kamakura and part of the Hakone area.

It works particularly well when you want a break from central Tokyo without committing to another domestic flight or very long train journey.

Hakone is also a common stop for travellers looking for ryokan, onsen and Mt Fuji views.

Best for: Day trips, couples, onsen and slower travel.

#7 Yamanashi — Mt Fuji Is Basically Its Own Destination

Yamanashi is the home of places such as Kawaguchiko and Fuji Five Lakes.

For many Malaysians, saying "we're going to Mt Fuji" often means spending time around this area.

The challenge?

Once you leave Tokyo's dense train network, checking bus schedules, weather forecasts, attraction opening times and directions becomes even more important.

Best for: Mt Fuji views, Kawaguchiko, nature and photography.

#8 Fukuoka — A Different Starting Point For Japan

Fukuoka is one of the most convenient gateways into Kyushu.

Instead of repeating Tokyo and Osaka, repeat visitors can use Fukuoka as a base for food, shopping and regional trips around Kyushu.

Hakata ramen does not hurt either.

Best for: Repeat visitors, food trips and exploring Kyushu.

#9 Aichi — Nagoya Is More Than A Shinkansen Stop

Aichi is home to Nagoya and sits conveniently between Tokyo and Kansai.

Many travellers pass through on the Tokaido Shinkansen, while others use Nagoya as a base for central Japan.

Best for: Central Japan itineraries, families and travellers continuing towards Gifu.

#10 Gifu — Takayama And Shirakawa-go Push Into The Top 10

Gifu might be the biggest surprise on this list.

But once you remember Takayama and Shirakawa-go, it starts making sense.

This is the Japan for travellers who want wooden old towns, mountains and a break from the Tokyo-Osaka express lane.

Best for: Scenic trips, traditional towns and second or third visits to Japan.

3. First Time in Japan? Try One of These Routes

You do not need to visit all 10.

Please don't.

Your holiday is supposed to be a holiday, not an Amazing Race audition.

7-Day First Japan Trip

Tokyo → Mt Fuji / Kawaguchiko → Kyoto → Osaka

This gives you modern Japan, Mt Fuji, temples, food and two major cities in one trip.

It is busy, but very doable if you plan your transport properly.

7-Day Tokyo-Focused Family Trip

Tokyo → Disney → Yokohama / Hakone → Tokyo

You can keep one main hotel base and reduce the pain of dragging luggage across Japan with children.

7-Day Winter Trip

Sapporo → Otaru → Furano / Niseko

If snow is the reason you're flying to Japan, you don't necessarily need to squeeze Tokyo and Osaka into the same trip.

7-Day Kansai Trip

Osaka → Kyoto → Nara → Kobe

One of the easiest multi-city Japan trips because the destinations are relatively close together.

For Repeat Visitors

Nagoya → Takayama → Shirakawa-go

Or go in a completely different direction:

Fukuoka → wider Kyushu

4. Staying Connected While Travelling Around Japan

Japan is one of those countries where your phone quickly becomes part of the itinerary.

You may use mobile data for:

• Google Maps and walking directions
• Tokyo Metro and train routes
• Shinkansen information
• Bus schedules around Mt Fuji
• Google Translate
• Restaurant searches and reservations
• Tokyo Disney Resort or USJ apps
• Weather and snow forecasts
• WhatsApp with family back in Malaysia

In Tokyo, missing one train may mean waiting another few minutes.

Around Kawaguchiko or rural Hokkaido, missing the correct bus can be a rather more educational experience.

Roaming vs Pocket WiFi vs Japan eSIM

For many Malaysians, an eSIM is attractive because there is no physical SIM to collect and no Pocket WiFi device to return.

You can also keep your Malaysian SIM in your phone if your device supports the required dual-SIM setup.

5. Do You Need Different eSIMs for Tokyo, Osaka and Hokkaido?

No. A suitable Japan-wide eSIM can be used while travelling between Japanese cities and prefectures, subject to the coverage and network terms of the specific plan.

So if your itinerary is:

Tokyo → Kawaguchiko → Kyoto → Osaka

you should not need to buy a Tokyo eSIM, then an Osaka eSIM, then another one for Kyoto.

The better question is whether the plan offers the data amount, network coverage, validity and speed that suit your trip.

This is also why comparing the actual plan matters more than simply comparing logos.

If you're deciding between roaming and an eSIM, you can also read our Japan roaming vs eSIM comparison for Malaysian telcos.

Which Japan Destination Should Malaysian Travellers Choose?

The data gives us one clear answer: Tokyo remains the centre of Malaysian travel to Japan.

But it is definitely not the whole story.

Choose Tokyo if this is your first Japan trip and you want shopping, food, attractions and easy day trips.

Choose Osaka + Kyoto if food, culture and USJ are higher on your list.

Choose Hokkaido if snow and scenery are the main event rather than a side trip.

Choose Yamanashi if Mt Fuji is one of the main reasons you are going.

Choose Fukuoka or Gifu if you have already done Tokyo and Osaka and want to see a different side of Japan.

And if you're moving between several destinations, choose connectivity based on the whole itinerary, not just the airport you land at.

For Malaysian travellers who prefer paying in RM and having local support available, that is where a local Japan eSIM provider such as BuzzyBee becomes worth comparing.

Plan the route first. Then choose the data plan that can follow you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Japan Travel for Malaysians