Michelin Adds Kobe & Awaji Island — Japan's First New Region in 5 Years, Unveiled Feb 2027 Alongside Tokyo & Kansai
- Michelin adds a new selection area, 'Kobe & Awaji Island' (Kobe, Awaji, Sumoto and Minami-Awaji), its first new Japanese region in five years since Nara.
- The Kobe-Awaji list will be revealed alongside Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Nara at the 'Michelin Guide Ceremony Tokyo-Kansai 2027' in Tokyo on 16 February 2027.
- 2027 marks 20 years since the Michelin Guide first landed in Japan; listings are published in Japanese and English on the official site and app.
- The area leans into gastronomy tourism — Kobe beef, Seto Inland Sea seafood and Awaji Island produce — encouraging travelers to visit and stay for the food.
On 16 September 2026 the Michelin Guide announced a new selection area, 'Kobe & Awaji Island,' covering Kobe, Awaji, Sumoto and Minami-Awaji. It is Japan's first new region in five years since Nara — a clear signal for high-end dining and hospitality across the Kansai region.
Three things matter for readers. First, timing: the Kobe-Awaji list won't be released on its own but together with Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and Nara at the 'Michelin Guide Ceremony Tokyo-Kansai 2027' in Tokyo on 16 February 2027. The actual starred list is still five months out; for now this is a 'survey has begun' preview. Second, positioning: Michelin frames Kobe and Awaji as a single destination, leaning on Kobe beef, Seto Inland Sea seafood and Awaji produce — a 'farm-close-to-table' story aimed squarely at gastronomy tourism, encouraging travelers to make a trip for the food and stay overnight. Third, context: 2027 marks 20 years since the guide landed in Japan, so expanding now amplifies the buzz.
For those watching Japanese hospitality and dining, new areas usually lift reservations, average spend and nearby lodging. Kobe is easy to reach; Awaji is known for resort stays. Beyond the Kyoto-Osaka-Kobe core, Kansai gains one more food-led destination worth noting before the stars land next February.