20 Best Things To Do In Japan For Fun
- Explore Tokyo: Dive into the vibrant energy of Japan’s capital city, exploring its diverse neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and bustling streets.
- Visit Kyoto’s Temples and Shrines: Discover the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto by visiting its numerous temples, shrines, and traditional gardens.
- Experience Japanese Cuisine: Indulge in sushi, ramen, tempura, and other delicious Japanese dishes. Don’t forget to try regional specialties like okonomiyaki in Hiroshima or takoyaki in Osaka.
- Witness a Sumo Wrestling Match: Experience the excitement of Japan’s national sport by attending a sumo wrestling match or visiting a sumo stable for practice sessions.
- Stay in a Ryokan: Immerse yourself in Japanese hospitality by staying in a traditional ryokan, complete with tatami floors, futon beds, and onsen (hot spring baths).
- Hike Mount Fuji: Challenge yourself to climb Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji, during the climbing season (July to early September) for breathtaking views from the summit.
- Relax in an Onsen Town: Unwind in one of Japan’s many onsen towns, such as Hakone or Beppu, and soak in natural hot spring baths surrounded by beautiful landscapes.
- Attend a Tea Ceremony: Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony to learn about the art of matcha preparation and appreciate the beauty of Japanese aesthetics.
- Explore Hiroshima and Its Peace Memorial Park: Learn about the tragic history of Hiroshima and visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to pay homage to the victims of the atomic bombing.
- Discover Nara’s Deer Park: Encounter friendly deer roaming freely in Nara’s Deer Park, home to several ancient temples, including Todai-ji with its giant Buddha statue.
- Experience Japanese Anime and Manga Culture: Dive into the world of anime and manga by visiting Akihabara in Tokyo, attending a cosplay event, or exploring themed cafes and stores.
- Admire Cherry Blossoms: Experience the beauty of sakura (cherry blossoms) by visiting Japan during springtime and enjoying hanami (flower viewing) picnics in parks and gardens.
- Learn Samurai Swordsmanship: Take a samurai swordsmanship class to learn the basics of kenjutsu (sword fighting) and gain insights into Japan’s warrior culture.
- Marvel at Snow Monkeys in Nagano: Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture to observe Japanese macaques (snow monkeys) bathing in natural hot springs.
- Explore Osaka’s Food Scene: Indulge in Osaka’s culinary delights by sampling street food in Dotonbori, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, and enjoying nightlife in vibrant districts.
- Marvel at Traditional Arts: Attend a kabuki theater performance, watch a taiko drumming show, or admire the intricate craftsmanship of Japanese ceramics, lacquerware, and textiles.
- Visit the Floating Torii Gate of Miyajima: Take a ferry to Miyajima Island and admire the iconic Itsukushima Shrine with its famous floating torii gate set against the backdrop of the sea.
- Ride the Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Experience Japan’s efficient and high-speed rail network by riding the Shinkansen between major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.
- Take a Cooking Class: Learn to cook Japanese dishes like sushi, tempura, or bento boxes by taking a cooking class with a local chef or in a traditional Japanese home.
- Explore the Gardens of Kanazawa: Wander through the beautifully landscaped gardens of Kanazawa, such as Kenrokuen Garden, and admire the seasonal beauty of nature.
Explore Tokyo
- Visit Iconic Landmarks: Start your exploration by visiting iconic landmarks such as the Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree, and the Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest intersections in the world.
- Explore Traditional Neighborhoods: Wander through traditional neighborhoods like Asakusa, where you can visit Senso-ji Temple, and Yanaka, known for its historic charm and old-fashioned streets.
- Experience Japanese Cuisine: Indulge in Tokyo’s diverse culinary scene by trying sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market, sampling street food in Harajuku, or dining at Michelin-starred restaurants in Ginza.
- Discover Modern Architecture: Marvel at the futuristic architecture of buildings like the Tokyo International Forum, the Mori Tower in Roppongi Hills, and the Prada Building in Omotesando.
- Shop Till You Drop: Shop for fashion, electronics, and unique souvenirs in trendy districts like Shibuya, Ginza, and Akihabara, known for its electronics and otaku culture.
- Enjoy Nature in Urban Oases: Escape the hustle and bustle of the city by strolling through tranquil parks and gardens like Ueno Park, Yoyogi Park, and the Imperial Palace East Gardens.
- Experience Japanese Pop Culture: Immerse yourself in Japanese pop culture by visiting themed cafes, manga and anime shops, and entertainment districts like Ikebukuro and Nakano Broadway.
- Visit Museums and Art Galleries: Explore Tokyo’s vibrant art scene by visiting museums such as the Tokyo National Museum, the Mori Art Museum, and the teamLab Borderless digital art museum.
- Attend a Traditional Performance: Experience traditional Japanese arts by attending a kabuki theater performance, a taiko drumming show, or a traditional tea ceremony.
- Relax in Onsen: Unwind in a traditional Japanese hot spring bath, or onsen, at Odaiba’s Oedo Onsen Monogatari or in natural hot spring resorts near Tokyo.
Join A Tea Ceremony
- Find a Venue: Tea ceremonies are often held in traditional tea houses, cultural centers, or even in some hotels and ryokan (traditional inns). Research tea ceremony venues in the area you plan to visit.
- Book in Advance: Many tea ceremony experiences require advance reservations, especially those held in traditional tea houses or by experienced tea masters. Contact the venue or organizer to book your spot.
- Choose a Style: There are various styles of Japanese tea ceremony, such as Omotesenke, Urasenke, and Mushanokoji-senke. Each style has its own unique rituals and aesthetics. Consider which style you’d like to experience.
- Prepare for the Ceremony: Dress appropriately for the occasion. While there is no strict dress code, wearing clean and modest clothing is respectful. Remove your shoes before entering the tea room if required.
- Arrive on Time: Tea ceremonies typically start at a scheduled time, so arrive a few minutes early to check in and prepare for the experience.
- Follow Etiquette: During the ceremony, follow the instructions of the tea master or host. Show respect by bowing, sitting attentively, and refraining from talking or using your phone.
- Enjoy the Ceremony: Relax and immerse yourself in the tranquil atmosphere of the tea room. Observe the graceful movements of the tea master as they prepare and serve the tea.
- Sip the Tea: When it’s your turn, receive the bowl of tea with both hands, admire its beauty, and take a small sip. Avoid making loud noises while drinking, and be sure to express your gratitude to the host.
- Ask Questions: After the ceremony, feel free to ask the tea master or host any questions you may have about the tea, the utensils used, or the cultural significance of the ceremony.
- Reflect on the Experience: Take a moment to reflect on your tea ceremony experience and appreciate the mindfulness, aesthetics, and harmony inherent in this ancient Japanese tradition
Witness a Sumo Wrestling Match
Check the Sumo Tournament Schedule: Sumo tournaments, known as “basho,” are held six times a year in Japan. Check the schedule to see if there’s a tournament taking place during your visit to Tokyo.
Purchase Tickets in Advance: Sumo tickets can sell out quickly, especially for popular tournament days. It’s advisable to purchase tickets in advance through official ticket vendors, online platforms, or at designated ticket offices.
Choose Your Seating Option: Sumo tournaments offer various seating options, including ringside seats (masu seki), box seats (tamari seki), and arena seats (arena cho). Consider your budget and preferences when selecting your seats.
Arrive Early: Plan to arrive at the sumo venue early, especially if you want to explore the arena, purchase sumo merchandise, or enjoy food and drinks before the matches begin.
Observe Pre-Match Rituals: Before the matches start, watch the wrestlers perform their pre-match rituals, including salt throwing, stomping, and ceremonial gestures, which are steeped in tradition and symbolism.
Enjoy the Matches: Sit back and enjoy the excitement of the sumo matches as wrestlers (rikishi) compete in the ring (dohyo). Matches are fast-paced and intense, with each bout lasting only a few seconds to a couple of minutes.
Visit Kyoto’s Temples and Shrines
- Plan Your Itinerary: Kyoto is home to numerous temples and shrines, so it’s essential to plan your itinerary in advance. Research the attractions you want to visit and consider their proximity to each other to optimize your time.
- Start with Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): Begin your temple exploration with a visit to Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Admire the stunning golden exterior set against the tranquil waters of Kyoko-chi Pond.
- Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha: Next, head to Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermillion torii gates that form scenic pathways through the forested hillsides. Take your time to explore the winding trails and enjoy the serene atmosphere.
- Visit Kiyomizu-dera: Make your way to Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its wooden stage that offers panoramic views of Kyoto. Explore the temple complex, including its main hall and pagoda.
- Discover Ryoan-ji and Arashiyama: Take a trip to Ryoan-ji Temple to contemplate its famous rock garden, known for its minimalist design and tranquil ambiance. Afterwards, head to Arashiyama to visit the iconic Bamboo Grove and Tenryu-ji Temple.
`
