Japan offers boundless experiences that delight visitors – a captivating fusion of rich cultural heritage and ultra-modern landscapes. Alongside zen gardens, shrines and hot spring baths, one can explore neon-lit cityscapes, enjoy pop culture like anime and manga, feast on sushi and ramen, go karaoke singing, and more.
From the tranquil countryside to the fast-paced cities, Japan presents countless ways to immerse in its unique atmosphere.
We present 25 fun ideas – from the popular to the offbeat – to help you plan an unforgettable trip that reveals Japan’s diverse beauty, traditions, cuisine and lifestyle. These are compelling reasons to make Japan your next destination.
Amazing Things to Do in Japan
Here are 25 fun things to try in the “Land of the Rising Sun” for an unforgettable trip.
1. See Mount Fuji
Get a majestic view of Mount Fuji, Japan’s iconic snow-capped peak and its tallest mountain. Catch it on a clear day from spots like Kawaguchiko or Hakone for some of the best views, especially during cherry blossom season.
You can also take a bus tour to the Fifth Station trailhead on Mount Fuji and climb partway up the mountain.
2. Explore Tokyo’s Wards
Each of Tokyo’s 23 wards offers something different. Try exploring a few unique city hubs, such as the Shibuya crossing, Harajuku’s youth culture, Asakusa’s ancient temples, and futuristic technology in Akihabara.
Consider getting a metro pass to easily navigate the different wards on Tokyo’s extensive railway network.
3. Relax in Hot Spring Baths
Rejuvenate yourself by soaking in the geothermal waters of an onsen hot spring. Try areas like Beppu, Noboribetsu, Hakone, and Akita, known for their mineral-rich therapeutic baths. Many Ryokan inns have private open-air baths with views of gardens or mountains.
4. See Snow Monkeys
Head to Jigokudani Monkey Park near Nagano to see the famous snow monkeys bathe and play in natural hot springs surrounded by forests. It’s a rare and fun wildlife encounter. Try visiting in winter when the scene is blanketed in white snow.
5. Try Unique Japanese Food
Indulge your taste buds with sushi, yakitori skewers, okonomiyaki savoury pancakes, ramen noodles, matcha-flavoured sweets and more unique Japanese delicacies. Be sure to sample regional specialities like Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, Hida beef, and fresh Hokkaido seafood.
6. Explore Temples & Shrines
Walk through sacred sites like Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine with its red torii gates and Tōdai-ji temple in Nara, which houses a 15-meter-tall Buddha statue. Observe spiritual traditions. Some temples, like Kiyomizu-dera in Kyoto, have extended evening illumination hours.
7. Shop in Quirky Stores
Look around novelty shops and creative marketplaces across Tokyo and Osaka, bursting with original pop culture merchandise, electronic gadgets, and kawaii-cute products. Check out character and anime stores for exclusive Japan-only souvenirs.
8. See the Nightscapes
Admire the vibrant cityscapes at night, with giant billboards and neon lights lighting up areas like Osaka’s Dotonbori Canal and the Tokyo skyline from Roppongi Hills. Make your way to a skydeck or rooftop bar for a truly stunning view.
9. People-Watch in Parks
Have a picnic and watch locals going about their day in Ueno Park in Tokyo or along the Philosopher’s Path walking trail in Kyoto lined by cherry trees. In spring, catch hanami cherry blossom viewing parties in full swing.
10. Dress up in Kimonos
Rent colourful kimonos or yukatas from speciality stores and walk around historic areas like Asakusa and Arashiyama for a fun cultural experience. Professional photoshoots are also popular. Combine your kimono rental with doing a traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
11. Sumo Wrestling Tournament
Catch a professional sumo wrestling tournament to witness impressive rituals and watch these athletes battle it in the dohyō ring, like at the Ryōgoku Kokugikan Stadium in Tokyo. Try to attend one of the six Grand Tournament events held annually.
12. Stay in Capsule Hotels
For a unique accommodation experience, spend a night in a capsule hotel, sleeping in a small, enclosed bed capsule among rows of pods. It’s affordable, tiny, and futuristic. Some capsule hotels have extensive shared bathing facilities or rooftop hot tubs.
13. See the Snow Festival
Visit Sapporo’s annual Yuki Matsuri snow festival in February and see massive ice sculptures glow under lights at night. Enjoy art displays and seasonal treats. Bundle warmly before braving the cold to explore the enormous snow mazes and structures.
14. Animate Dancing Show
Watch a colourful, lively song and dance performance with Animated characters at Tokyo’s famous Robot Restaurant in Shinjuku’s Kabukichō district. You can enjoy a bento dinner box while watching the eccentric pop performances.
15. Tea Ceremony
Experience a traditional Chanoyu tea ceremony, where expert hosts elegantly prepare and serve matcha green tea in cities like Kyoto and Kamakura. Many temples and cultural centres offer the chance to participate in a condensed version of this serene ritual.
16. Visit Animal Cafes
While interacting with the adorable resident creatures, you can have a snack or drink at a cat, dog, rabbit, owl, or reptile-themed café in Tokyo and Osaka. It’s a quirky Japanese trend. Some cafes offer takeout drinks so you can walk around with your animal friend.
17. See Sakura Cherry Blossoms
Take a hanami flower-viewing stroll under blooming Sakura trees in springtime through iconic spots like Tokyo’s Ueno Park or Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path. Try to time your visit with the cherry blossom forecast for the most brilliant blooms.
18. Try VR Gaming
Dive into virtual reality at gaming arcades in Tokyo, playing immersive simulation games, going on VR rollercoasters, and entering futuristic sci-fi worlds through 3D goggles and motion sensor equipment. Many VR zones have unique horror game rooms, too.
19. Baseball Match
Catch an exciting professional baseball game in Japan with lively cheering fans. Popular teams compete at stadiums like the Tokyo and Kyocera Dome in Osaka. You can often bring outside food and drink bought at the concourse stands.
20. Visit Deer Parks
Interact with the gentle wild deer at Nara Park, where over 1,000 deer roam freely. Watch as they bow politely to ask for senbei crackers from visitors near the Tōdai-ji temple. Don’t forget to pick up some unique deer-themed souvenirs from the nearby shops!
21. Amusement Parks
Have a blast on thrilling rollercoaster rides at amusement parks like Tokyo DisneySea and Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. These parks feature shows, games, and rides based on popular movies and characters. Most parks offer express passes to skip the regular lines.
22. Try Traditional Activities
Learn about cultural arts like the tea ceremony, ikebana flower arranging classes, taiko drum workshops, samurai sword combat lessons and more immersive experiences. Many hotels and cultural centres provide authentic hands-on programming.
23. Anime & Pop Culture
Explore Japan’s anime and gaming culture through places like the Ghibli Museum, which showcases iconic animated films, or Akihabara’s anime shops and maid cafes. Attend manga conventions, too. Escape reality for a bit by singing in a brightly coloured karaoke room.
24. Luxury Shopping
Indulge in world-class Japanese cosmetics, electronics, luxury watches, kimonos, speciality foods and high-end fashion brands along Ginza’s glamorous shopping boulevard in Tokyo. The intricately decorated store displays are almost works of art themselves.
Many Japan tour packages include visits to top shopping districts like Ginza and Shinsaibashi for a complete retail experience.
25. City Nightlife
Sing karaoke at colorful-themed bars, watch eccentric cabaret shows, dance in nightclubs, and wander through the neon-lit streets of Roppongi and Shinjuku after dark for lively urban adventures. Izakaya pubs are also popular nightlife spots.
Conclusion
Japan offers endless possibilities with its bustling cities, scenic landscapes, rich heritage, and fun pop culture. You’ll surely make wonderful memories exploring this fantastic country.
Your Japan itinerary should reflect your interests—fill it with historical sites, natural vistas, delectable cuisine, urban delights, or a taste of everything for a fulfilling trip.