Best Acoustic Guitars Made In Japan in 2026
Here are the top acoustic guitars made in Japan . You should expect a high-quality guitar with excellent quality control. It can be compared to guitars made in the US, which is why they're also expensive.
After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.
There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.
After comparing the 2000+ guitars in our database, these are the best scoring ones with these characteristics. You can use our filters to the left to narrow down these results, or click on "Compare" to get a deep comparison between them. Our automated scoring system takes into account the ratings from ours users who own the guitar, and dozens of parameters to determine the build quality, playability, pickups quality, value for money, and more.
There are affiliate links on this page that may earn us a commission if you purchase after clicking. We are members of the Amazon Associates Program, and many others. However, we compare each guitar against each other under the same parameters, so this doesn't influence our scoring.
1. Ibanez AE440
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Show All Specs
| Ibanez AE440 | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Ibanez | |
| Year: | 2021 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | AE | |
| Colors: | ||
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid African Mahogany | |
| Sides Material: | Mahogany | |
| Back Material: | Mahogany | |
| Bridge: | Macassar Ebony scalloped | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Ibanez | |
| Fretboard: | Macassar Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | African Mahogany/Pau Ferro | |
| Decoration: | Specially designed Wooden Vine inlay | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Advanced Comfort Grip | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.787'' (20mm) - 12th Fret: 0.827'' (21mm) | |
| Frets: | 20 Jumbo | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15.748" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 44mm (1.732'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Ibanez AP11 Magnetic, T-bar Undersaddle & Contact (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Ibanez AE440
Ibanez AE440
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Electronics
- Bone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Top Brand Pickups
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
2. Alvarez GYM70CESHB
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: V (2 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (2 votes)
Show All Specs
| Alvarez GYM70CESHB | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Alvarez | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Yairi | |
| Colors: | Shadowburst | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid AAA Sitka Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
| Back Material: | Rosewood | |
| Bridge: | Ebony Direct Coupled | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh 510's Gold with Ebony Buttons | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony with 12th AA Fret Inlay | |
| Neck Material: | One piece mahogany, 50/50 Semi gloss finish, Extended neck joint | |
| Decoration: | Abalone Design at 12th fret | |
| Scale Size: | 25.512" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Alvarez | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15.75" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 44mm (1.732'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | LR Baggs VTC Element System (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Alvarez GYM70CESHB
Alvarez GYM70CESHB
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Ivory Tusq Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
3. Yamaha A5M ARE
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: C (24 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (19 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (4 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (4 votes)
Show All Specs
| Yamaha A5M ARE | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Yamaha | |
| Year: | 2017 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | A | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Sitka Spruce A.R.E. w/Scalloped Bracing | |
| Sides Material: | Mahogany | |
| Back Material: | Mahogany | |
| Bridge: | Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Open Gear Chrome (Gotoh) | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | African Mahogany (3-ply) | |
| Decoration: | Dots | |
| Scale Size: | 25.6" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic C | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15.75" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 43mm (1.693'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | SYSTEM71(SRT2 System) + SRT Piezo Pickup (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Yamaha A5M ARE
Yamaha A5M ARE
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Electronics
- Ivory Tusq Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Top Brand Pickups
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
4. Takamine CRN-TS1
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (5 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (6 votes)
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| Takamine CRN-TS1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Takamine | |
| Year: | 2019 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | TT | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Thermal Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Sapele | |
| Back Material: | Sapele | |
| Bridge: | Fixed | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Takamine | |
| Fretboard: | Ovangkol | |
| Neck Material: | Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | Abalone Dots | |
| Scale Size: | 24.8" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Asymmetrical C | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 42.5mm (1.673'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | CT4B II (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Takamine CRN-TS1
Takamine CRN-TS1
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Bone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- Laminated Side Wood
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
5. Cort Seven Stars Limited
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: D (1 vote)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (1 vote)
Show All Specs
| Cort Seven Stars Limited | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Cort | |
| Year: | 2019 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Limited | |
| Colors: | Black | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Adirondack Spruce(Master Grade) | |
| Sides Material: | Flame Maple | |
| Back Material: | Flame Maple | |
| Bridge: | Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh SGL510Z Gold | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Walnut Reinforced Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | Constellation Inlay | |
| Scale Size: | 25.3" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Cort Neck | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15.748" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 45mm (1.772'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | L.R.Baggs Anthem (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Cort Seven Stars Limited
Cort Seven Stars Limited
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Bone Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Bone Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
6. Alvarez FYM70CE
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: V (2 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (2 votes)
Show All Specs
| Alvarez FYM70CE | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Alvarez | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Yairi | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid AAA Sitka Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
| Back Material: | Rosewood | |
| Bridge: | Ebony Direct Coupled | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh 510's Gold with Ebony Buttons | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony with 12th AA Fret Inlay | |
| Neck Material: | One piece mahogany, 50/50 Semi gloss finish, Extended neck joint | |
| Decoration: | Abalone Design at 12th fret | |
| Scale Size: | 25" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Alvarez | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15.75" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 44mm (1.732'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | LR Baggs VTC Element System (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Black & Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Alvarez FYM70CE
Alvarez FYM70CE
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Ivory Tusq Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
7. Alvarez DYM70CESHB
Compare
What our users think
- Neck profile shape: V (2 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (2 votes)
Show All Specs
| Alvarez DYM70CESHB | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Alvarez | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Yairi | |
| Colors: | Shadowburst | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid AAA Sitka Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
| Back Material: | Rosewood | |
| Bridge: | Ebony Direct Coupled | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh 510's Gold with Ebony Buttons | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony / 12th Fret Inlay | |
| Neck Material: | One piece mahogany, 50/50 Semi gloss finish, Extended neck joint | |
| Decoration: | Abalone Design at 12th fret | |
| Scale Size: | 25.512" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Alvarez | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15.75" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 44mm (1.732'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | LR Baggs VTC Element System (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Black & Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Alvarez DYM70CESHB
Alvarez DYM70CESHB
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Ivory Tusq Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
8. Yamaha A5R ARE
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Easy (2 votes)
- Fret edges: Smooth (2 votes)
- Tuning stability: Holds tune well (2 votes)
- Weight: Lightweight (2 votes)
- Neck profile shape: C (24 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (19 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (4 votes)
- Pickups power: Clean (4 votes)
Show All Specs
| Yamaha A5R ARE | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Yamaha | |
| Year: | 2017 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | A | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Sitka Spruce A.R.E. w/Scalloped Bracing | |
| Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
| Back Material: | Rosewood | |
| Bridge: | Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Open Gear Chrome (Gotoh) | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | African Mahogany (3-ply) | |
| Decoration: | Dots | |
| Scale Size: | 25.6" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic C | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15.75" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 43mm (1.693'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | SYSTEM71(SRT2 System) + SRT Piezo Pickup (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Yamaha A5R ARE
Yamaha A5R ARE
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Electronics
- Ivory Tusq Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Top Brand Pickups
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
9. Alvarez JYM80CE
Compare
What our users think
- Neck profile shape: V (2 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (2 votes)
Show All Specs
| Alvarez JYM80CE | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Alvarez | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Yairi | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid AAA Sitka Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Flame Maple | |
| Back Material: | Flame Maple | |
| Bridge: | Ebony Direct Coupled | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh 510's Gold with Ebony Buttons | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony / 12th Fret Inlay | |
| Neck Material: | One piece mahogany, 50/50 Semi gloss finish, Extended neck joint | |
| Decoration: | Abalone Design at 12th fret | |
| Scale Size: | 25.512" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Alvarez | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15.75" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 44mm (1.732'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | LR Baggs VTC Element System (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Black & Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Alvarez JYM80CE
Alvarez JYM80CE
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Ivory Tusq Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
All Prices
10. Alvarez DYM70CE
Compare
What our users think
- Neck profile shape: V (2 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Balanced (2 votes)
Show All Specs
| Alvarez DYM70CE | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Alvarez | |
| Year: | 2022 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Yairi | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid AAA Sitka Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
| Back Material: | Rosewood | |
| Bridge: | Ebony Direct Coupled | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Gotoh 510's Gold with Ebony Buttons | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony with 12th AA Fret Inlay | |
| Neck Material: | One piece mahogany, 50/50 Semi gloss finish, Extended neck joint | |
| Decoration: | Abalone Design at 12th fret | |
| Scale Size: | 25.512" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Alvarez | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15.75" | |
| Nut: | Ivory Tusq | |
| Nut Width: | 44mm (1.732'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | LR Baggs VTC Element System (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Black & Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Alvarez DYM70CE
Alvarez DYM70CE
- Made in Japan
- Expensive Wood
- Ivory Tusq Nut
- Top Brand Pickups
- Electronics
- Ivory Tusq Saddle
- Solid Top Wood
- Solid Side Wood
- Solid Back Wood
- Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
- No Locking Tuners
- No Compound Radius Fretboard
- No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
- No Strap Lock
