What to Do

What’s to do in Japan? That depends on your interests! Fortunately, Japan offers an array of things to do and places to visit. Below is a list of the top things to do in Japan.

Soak in one of Japan’s world-class natural hot springs, also known as “onsen”. Japan’s hot springs are filled with minerals and therapeutic qualities. This is perfect for anyone interested in wellness or beauty, or someone that just needs that extra relaxation after an adventure-filled day.

After a relaxing bath, experience the highest quality Japanese “kaiseki” cuisine, recognized world-wide as edible art. This fine meal is a multi-course dinner that is meticulously prepared, where chefs focus on properly bringing out each flavor in the ingredients used, as well as presentation. Kaiseki is traditionally served at a ryokan, which introduces the next thing to do in Japan.

Stay overnight at a Japanese ryokan, which is a traditional inn that features tatami-matted floors, futons, and exceptional hospitality. Guests are often provided with comfortable yukata robes, slippers, complimentary tea, and sometimes even a private on-site onsen. Although ryokans can get pricey, this is the best way for travelers to experience traditional Japanese lifestyle.

Go geisha hunting in Kyoto! Spotting a geisha in Japan is a rare, but exciting experience. The best advice for spotting a geisha in Kyoto: head to Gion in the evening time and have patience. Gion is a famous geisha district in Kyoto, lined with wooden ochaya (teahouses) along its cobblestoned streets. If you’re lucky, you can spot a geisha scurrying in wooden sandals to her next appointment.

Head to Tokyo for the famous Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world. Often seen in films and photographs, the Shibuya Crossing is famous for its organized chaos amidst hundreds of neon signs and screens. While you’re there, stop by the Hachiko Statue, a monument dedicated to an Akita dog named Hachiko. It was built in honor of his loyalty, who waited every day at the Shibuya Station for his owner to return from work for more than 9 years, not knowing his master had passed.

Ride one of Japan’s high speed bullet trains, also called “Shinkansen”. Bullet trains reach maximum speeds of 200mph (320 km/hr) and can pretty much take you anywhere in Japan. Passes can be easily purchased in advance, saving you time and money while traveling in Japan.

Get in touch with your spiritual side at one of Japan’s shrines or temples. The Todaiji Temple in Nara is a highly recommended way to do so. Its main hall is one of the largest wooden structures in the world and is home to a 15 meter tall Buddha statue. Just outside of the temple is the Nara Park, filled with over 1,000 freely roaming Sika deer that you can greet and feed.

Attending a Japanese festival is definitely one of the top things to do in Japan. There are thousands of festivals celebrated in Japan each year, both large and small. One of the most famous in Japan is a huge dance festival called the Awa Odori Matsuri in Tokushima, which takes place from August 12 – 15. Spectators can expect lively dance performances, traditional festival instruments, and plenty of food stalls.

Think you know what ramen tastes like? You thought wrong. Visiting one of Japan’s many ramen shops is an experience itself. Typically, you purchase ramen from a ticket machine, then you hand it to an employee and watch them prepare your delicious bowl of noodles. Each ramen shop has different flavors and specialties, especially across separate regions.

If you’re traveling to Japan, you might as well check out the country’s most iconic mountain. Mt. Fuji is a cultural symbol itself, seen in many different works of art and history. Although you can visit and climb Mt. Fuji, it is best appreciated from afar. There are many ways to see Mt. Fuji, whether it is from Lake Kawaguchiko or in Hakone. This famous peak is a little shy though, so you’re lucky if you can see it on a clear day.