Best Dreadnought Guitars Made In Japan in 2026
Here are the top Dreadnought style 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. Alvarez DYM70CESHB
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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
2. 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
3. Takamine CRN-TS1
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (5 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (6 votes)
Show All Specs
| 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
4. Ibanez AAD400CE
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Show All Specs
| Ibanez AAD400CE | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Ibanez | |
| Year: | 2019 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Advanced Acoustic | |
| Colors: | ||
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Sitka Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Mahogany | |
| Back Material: | Mahogany | |
| Bridge: | Macassar Ebony scalloped | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Ibanez | |
| Fretboard: | Macassar Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Thermo Aged African Mahogany / Pau Ferro | |
| Decoration: | Specially designed Maple inlay | |
| Scale Size: | 25.5" | |
| Shape: | Low Oval Grip with Rounded Fretboard Edge | |
| Thickness: | 1st Fret: 0.827'' (21mm) - 12th Fret: 0.866'' (22mm) | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15.748" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 43mm (1.693'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Ibanez AP11 Magnetic & Contact (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Ibanez AAD400CE
Ibanez AAD400CE
- 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
5. 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
6. 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
All Prices
7. Yamaha FGX5
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What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Normal (2 votes)
- Fret edges: Smooth (2 votes)
- Tuning stability: Holds tune well (3 votes)
- Weight: Lightweight (4 votes)
- Neck profile shape: C (24 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (19 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (1 vote)
- Pickups power: Clean (1 vote)
Show All Specs
| Yamaha FGX5 | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Yamaha | |
| Year: | 2019 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | FG/FS Red Label | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Sitka Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Mahogany | |
| Back Material: | Mahogany | |
| Bridge: | Ebony | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Open-Gear Chrome (Y1D) | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | African Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | Dots | |
| Scale Size: | 25" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic C | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 15.75" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 44mm (1.732'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | Atmosfeel (Undersaddle Pickup + Contact Sensor + Mic) (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Yamaha FGX5
Yamaha FGX5
- 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
8. Takamine EF400SC TT
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What our users think
- Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (5 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (6 votes)
Show All Specs
| Takamine EF400SC TT | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Takamine | |
| Year: | 2018 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 12 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | TT | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Thermal Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
| Back Material: | Rosewood | |
| Bridge: | Fixed | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Takamine | |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood | |
| Neck Material: | Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | Dots | |
| Scale Size: | 25.4" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Asymmetrical C | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 46mm (1.811'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | CT4B II (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Takamine EF400SC TT
Takamine EF400SC TT
- 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
9. Takamine EF360SC TT
Compare
What our users think
- Neck access to high frets: Easy (1 vote)
- Fret edges: Smooth (1 vote)
- Tuning stability: Holds tune well (1 vote)
- Weight: Lightweight (1 vote)
- Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (5 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (6 votes)
Show All Specs
| Takamine EF360SC TT | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Takamine | |
| Year: | 2018 | |
| 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: | Rosewood | |
| Back Material: | Rosewood | |
| Bridge: | Fixed | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Takamine | |
| Fretboard: | Rosewood | |
| Neck Material: | Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | Dots | |
| Scale Size: | 25.4" | |
| 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: | Chrome | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Takamine EF360SC TT
Takamine EF360SC TT
- 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
10. Takamine P7DC
Compare
What our users think
- Neck profile shape: Asymmetrical (5 votes)
- Neck speed (thickness): Fast (6 votes)
- Pickups noise: Noiseless (1 vote)
- Pickups power: Slightly Hot (1 vote)
Show All Specs
| Takamine P7DC | ||
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand: | Takamine | |
| Year: | 2013 | |
| Configuration: | N/A | |
| Strings: | 6 | |
| Made in: | Japan | |
| Series: | Pro Series 7 | |
| Colors: | Natural | |
| Left-Handed Version: | No | |
| Body | ||
| Type: | Hollowbody | |
| Body Material: | Solid Spruce | |
| Sides Material: | Rosewood | |
| Back Material: | Rosewood | |
| Bridge: | Rosewood | |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Joint: | Set | |
| Tuners: | Takamine Gold | |
| Fretboard: | Ebony | |
| Neck Material: | Mahogany | |
| Decoration: | Abalone Snowflakes | |
| Scale Size: | 25.4" | |
| Shape: | Acoustic Asymmetrical C | |
| Frets: | 20 Medium | |
| Fretboard Radius: | 12" | |
| Nut: | Bone | |
| Nut Width: | 45mm (1.77'') | |
| Electronics | ||
| Pickups: | CTP-3 CoolTube (Preamp / Active) | |
| Hardware | ||
| Strap Lock: | No | |
| Hardware Color: | Gold | |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Takamine P7DC
Takamine P7DC
- 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
