Top 20 Things to Do in Japan

Japan is a country where the past and future coexist in perfect harmony. Ancient temples stand beside modern skyscrapers, and centuries-old traditions thrive in a world driven by technology. Every corner of Japan offers something new to discover, from the quiet charm of Kyoto’s bamboo forests to the vibrant energy of Tokyo’s Shibuya crossing and the soothing warmth of mountain hot springs.

After exploring Japan and experiencing its contrasts, I wanted to create a guide that captures its most unforgettable moments. These are the places and experiences that reveal the true spirit of Japan, its creativity, beauty, and heritage.

Each destination in this list was carefully chosen to inspire your next journey through the Land of the Rising Sun.
Let’s explore Japan together.

1. Visit the Historic Temples of Kyoto

Kyoto’s temples are a window into Japan’s soul. With over 1,600 temples, including UNESCO sites like Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Ryoan-ji with its zen rock garden, the city offers a serene counterpoint to modern Japan. Each temple reflects different architectural styles and historical periods, ranging from ornate wooden halls to peaceful moss-covered gardens. Visitors can experience Buddhist rituals, walk among centuries-old pagodas, and hear the chime of temple bells echoing through quiet courtyards.

2. Explore Shibuya Crossing

Thailand’s floating markets offer a glimpse into traditional river-based commerce still alive today. The most famous, Damnoen Saduak, features vibrant long-tail boats loaded with tropical fruits, snacks, flowers, and souvenirs, all floating along narrow canals. Vendors cook fresh food right on the boats—try mango sticky rice or coconut pancakes. Amphawa, slightly less touristy, offers a more relaxed afternoon vibe and transforms into a charming night market. These markets are cultural experiences, not just shopping spots.

3. Discover Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walking through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove in Kyoto feels like stepping into another world. Towering green stalks stretch skyward, swaying gently and whispering with every breeze. The light filtering through creates an enchanting, ever-shifting mosaic of shadows. The path, though short, is deeply atmospheric and a favorite for photographers and nature lovers alike. It’s more than a visual spectacle—there’s a unique sound quality to the grove that immerses visitors in calm. Nearby attractions include the Tenryu-ji Temple and the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge, making Arashiyama a full sensory experience that embodies Japan’s harmony with nature.

4. Take a Day Trip to Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji, Japan’s tallest mountain and most iconic symbol, draws travelers year-round. Whether you’re climbing its trails in summer or admiring its snowy peak from afar, Fuji commands awe. Day trips from Tokyo typically include Lake Kawaguchi or Chureito Pagoda, both offering postcard-perfect views. In the surrounding area, visitors can enjoy hot springs, flower parks, and museums dedicated to the mountain. Climbing Fuji is an unforgettable adventure, but even viewing it on a clear day delivers a deep emotional impact.

5. Experience the Cherry Blossoms in Ueno Park

Every spring, Ueno Park in Tokyo erupts in shades of pink and white as over 1,000 cherry trees burst into bloom. Hanami season (blossom viewing) transforms the park into a joyful celebration with families, friends, and coworkers sharing picnics under the trees. Musicians play, vendors sell street food, and the air fills with laughter and petals. Beyond the sakura spectacle, Ueno Park houses museums, a zoo, and peaceful ponds, making it a cultural hub year-round. But during blossom season, it becomes a symbol of fleeting beauty, renewal, and the collective spirit of celebration in Japan.

6. Ride the Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

The Shinkansen, Japan’s bullet train, is more than a mode of transportation — it’s an experience that reflects the nation’s innovation and efficiency. Reaching speeds up to 320 km/h, these trains connect major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto in mere hours, offering scenic views of countryside, mountains, and coastline. With its quiet cabins, precise schedules, and comfortable seats, the Shinkansen is ideal for both convenience and comfort. It’s not just fast; it’s also remarkably smooth and punctual.

7. Wander Through Nishiki Market

Known as “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” Nishiki Market is a narrow shopping street lined with over 100 food and specialty shops. It’s the perfect place to taste Kyoto’s culinary delights, from fresh tofu and pickled vegetables to mochi and grilled seafood. The market offers a rich cultural experience, as many stalls are family-owned and have operated for generations. Wandering through the lively alleys is a feast for the senses — sights, smells, and flavors of authentic Japan.

8. Attend a Sumo Wrestling Tournament

Sumo isn’t just a sport — it’s a cultural ritual with centuries of history. Attending a live sumo match, especially during the Grand Tournaments in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, or Fukuoka, is a mesmerizing experience. Watch as massive athletes perform ceremonial stomps and chants before intense battles. From the dramatic atmosphere to the deep-rooted traditions, sumo offers a window into Japan’s heritage.

9. Explore the Streets of Dotonbori

Dotonbori is Osaka’s heart of nightlife, street food, and neon signs. This vibrant canal-side district dazzles with giant 3D billboards and a never-ending stream of people. It’s famous for its local food, including takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savory pancakes), and kushikatsu (fried skewers). From boat rides to selfie spots, Dotonbori blends fun, flavor, and the flair of Kansai culture.

10. Stay in a Traditional Ryokan

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that offers an immersive cultural retreat. Guests sleep on futons laid out on tatami mats, wear yukatas (cotton robes), and enjoy kaiseki — a multi-course seasonal dinner. Many ryokans also feature communal hot springs (onsen), adding to the relaxing ambiance. It’s a slow-paced, peaceful way to experience Japan’s hospitality, especially in towns like Hakone or Takayama.

11. Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Located in the heart of Hiroshima, this park is a profound and sobering tribute to the victims of the atomic bomb dropped on August 6, 1945. It includes the haunting remains of the Genbaku Dome, the only structure left near the bomb’s epicenter, and the Peace Memorial Museum, which documents the horrors of nuclear war through personal artifacts, photographs, and survivor testimonies. The park is beautifully landscaped with trees, flowers, and monuments dedicated to peace. Visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the value of peace and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s a must-visit for reflection and education.

12. Walk Through Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari Taisha in Kyoto is famous for its thousands of vivid red torii gates that snake through the forested slopes of Mount Inari. Dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity, the shrine complex dates back to the 8th century. As you walk the trail beneath the vermilion gates, each inscribed with the name of its donor, the atmosphere becomes increasingly tranquil. Fox statues (Inari’s messengers) line the path, adding to the mystical ambiance. While the full hike to the summit takes around 2 hours, even a short visit offers a spiritual, photogenic, and unforgettable experience.

13. Explore Nara Deer Park

Nara Park is a serene open space where over a thousand free-roaming deer wander among temples, shrines, and lakes. These deer are considered sacred in Shinto belief and are surprisingly friendly — many have learned to bow in exchange for special rice crackers sold by vendors. The park is also home to Todai-ji Temple, which houses the Great Buddha (Daibutsu), one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha in the world. With wide pathways, traditional lanterns, and cherry blossoms in spring, Nara Park is a peaceful blend of nature.

14. Shop in Harajuku’s Takeshita Street

Takeshita Street in Tokyo’s Harajuku district is a kaleidoscope of color, fashion, and youthful energy. Known worldwide as the epicenter of Japanese street style, it’s packed with tiny boutiques, accessory shops, and dessert cafes offering wild creations like rainbow cotton candy, unicorn crepes, and bubble tea. Beyond the quirky fashion, it’s a place where self-expression thrives — you might spot teens dressed in full cosplay or alternative fashion. It’s a fun, fast-paced shopping experience that also gives you a peek into Tokyo’s creative subcultures.

15. Relax in an Onsen (Hot Spring)

Bathing in an onsen is a quintessential Japanese experience that blends nature, relaxation, and ancient tradition. Found throughout Japan, especially in regions like Hakone, Beppu, and Kusatsu, these natural hot springs are rich in minerals and vary by color, scent, and health benefits. Onsens can be indoors or outdoors, with mountain or river views, and some offer private baths for couples or those with tattoos. The experience is deeply calming — a moment of peace in hot, steamy water, often after a long day of sightseeing. It’s not just bathing; it’s a mindful ritual for body and soul.

16. Visit the Ghibli Museum

Tucked away in Mitaka, a quiet suburb of Tokyo, the Ghibli Museum is a dreamland for fans of Studio Ghibli — the legendary animation studio behind films like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke. This whimsical museum blends art, imagination, and nostalgia, featuring exclusive short films, hand-drawn sketches, life-sized character models, and interactive exhibits. The building itself is designed like something out of a Ghibli film, with winding staircases, stained glass, and secret doors. Every corner invites curiosity. Though small in size, it leaves a big emotional impact. Entry requires advance tickets, which sell out quickly due to high demand.

17. Take a Sushi-Making Class

Japan’s sushi is not just food — it’s art. Taking a sushi-making class is a hands-on journey into Japanese culinary tradition. Classes are available in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, often led by experienced sushi chefs who teach you how to prepare rice, slice fish, and roll maki or nigiri. Some courses include a visit to a local fish market, giving insight into the ingredients’ origins. You not only enjoy a delicious meal at the end but also gain appreciation for the precision and discipline behind each bite. It’s educational, fun, and perfect for couples, families, or solo travelers.

18. Watch a Kabuki Theater Performance

Kabuki is one of Japan’s most iconic traditional arts — a stylized form of theater featuring exaggerated gestures, elaborate costumes, and vividly painted faces. Performances typically involve historical dramas or tales of romance and betrayal, often accompanied by traditional instruments and a unique vocal style. Even without understanding Japanese, the visual storytelling is captivating. Kabuki-za Theatre in Tokyo is the most famous venue, though performances are held in other cities too. Visitors can buy tickets for a full show or just a single act. It’s a fascinating window into Japanese culture, history, and dramatic flair that lingers in memory.

19. Explore Owakudani’s Volcanic Valley

Located in the Hakone region, Owakudani is an active volcanic valley with steaming vents, bubbling sulfur springs, and dramatic mountain views. Created from the last eruption of Mount Hakone 3,000 years ago, it feels like stepping into another planet. The air smells of sulfur, and the ground constantly steams beneath your feet. One of the highlights is trying the famous kuro-tamago — black eggs boiled in the sulfuric waters, believed to extend your life by seven years. The Hakone Ropeway offers stunning panoramic views of the area and Mount Fuji on clear days. It’s an unforgettable natural experience.

20. Visit the Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani

In the snowy mountains of Nagano lies Jigokudani Monkey Park, home to a unique population of Japanese macaques — known as “snow monkeys” — that soak in natural hot springs during winter. Watching these wild monkeys bathe, groom, and play in the steaming waters, surrounded by snow-covered rocks, is like seeing a scene from a nature documentary. The park requires a scenic 30–40-minute walk through forest trails, which adds to the magic. Visiting between December and March offers the best chance to see the monkeys in the hot springs.