We’ve spent months exploring this unimaginable nation to carry you our record of the best possible issues to do in Japan! Let’s get into it.
The Land of the Rising Solar is without doubt one of the most original and charming international locations on the planet.
Japan is a rustic with a captivating heritage and fascinating historical past – it’s simply a lot enjoyable visiting its many points of interest.
You may see issues like previous temples, royal palaces, scorching springs, breathtaking gardens, and even quirky enjoyable points of interest like actual life Mario Kart.
You may also style genuine Japanese delicacies proper on the supply, admire a Japanese Backyard or Buddhist Temple, dine at a robotic restaurant, see the cherry blossoms, or go to all of the UNESCO World Heritage Websites.
Japan is a superb vacation spot for everybody, from households to unbiased travellers; anybody will simply have a good time there.
Our Information to the Finest Issues to Do in Japan
The nation is crammed with one-of-a-kind points of interest which are uniquely Japanese. Meaning the perfect issues to do in Japan are often those who you received’t be capable of discover anyplace else.
From the well-known sights like Mount Fuji, to the nationwide parks, conventional arts markets and museums, there are such a lot of unimaginable vacationer points of interest to see while you go to Japan.
Don’t miss out on our full information to the highest locations to go to in Japan!
1. Pet Foxes in Zao Fox Village
Japan is known for creating distinctive points of interest in pure areas not like another place on earth.
One such instance is the Zao Fox Village, which is the world’s solely zoo that’s devoted to retaining foxes.
Right here you’ll encounter over 100 species of foxes, a few of that are very uncommon sorts. The foxes transfer round freely more often than not, and you may even pet them and provides them treats.
The animals could be very pleasant, nevertheless they aren’t to be thought of pets, and the zoo actively discourages little kids to spend time very near the foxes.
- Location: Miyagi Prefecture
- Opening hours: every single day from 9 AM – 5 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
- Worth: 1,000 yen; free for kids beneath 12
2. Escape From Tokyo’s Bustle in a Bamboo Grove
Suzume-no Oyado Ryokuchi Park is without doubt one of the most nice and enjoyable spots in Tokyo.
It could simply be a bamboo grove, nevertheless it’s so enchanting and enjoyable that you just’ll wish to come again again and again.
The whole park is crammed with a pleasant chill breeze, and there are many snug spots to lounge.
It even has a number of open areas that can be utilized for something, like for kids operating round and picnics.
On the far finish of the park, you’ll discover a conventional, but refurbished, Japanese dwelling that’s open to the general public.
- Location: Toritstudaigaku Station
- Opening hours: the park is open 24/7, however the home is open from 9:30 – 15:30 Wednesday by means of Sunday.
- Worth: Free
Take a look at our final information to the perfect issues to do in Tokyo!
3. Climb Mount Osore and Soak in a Pure Scorching Spring
This mountain is taken into account to be one of many three most sacred locations to go to in Japan, and it’s the positioning of the very well-known Bodaiji Temple.
The whole space is wealthy in volcanic exercise, which is why there’s a persistent odour of sulphur within the air.
Osorezan, or Mount Osore, is considered the doorway to the underworld, which is why its title means Concern Mountain.
The temple is actually widespread, which is why there are in a single day lodgings. The recent springs close to the temple are one of many many causes guests go to this place. The volcanic exercise underground heats the water in these swimming pools, making the recent springs an actual deal with!
The close by Lake Usori is a extremely solemn and exquisite spot, though guests ought to positively keep away from its toxic waters.
- Location: Mutsu Metropolis
- Opening hours: 6 AM – 6 PM
- Worth: 500 yen
4. Social gathering With Robots In Tokyo
Tokyo is without doubt one of the world’s most fashionable cities, and that’s very obvious in its aptitude for science fiction.
The Shinjuku Robotic Restaurant is one bombastic and vigorous spot the place you’ll discover common nightly reveals that characteristic its employees dressed like robots and futuristic equipment whereas performing mock battles.
It’s an expertise like no different, and despite the fact that it’s loud and crammed with pulsing neon lights and huge crowds, it’s nonetheless one of the distinctive points of interest to go to in Japan.
Should you’re a fan of Gundam, or something that’s associated to robots, then you definitely’ll positively take pleasure in this restaurant.
- Location: Kabukicho district
- Opening hours: 4 PM – 11 PM
- Worth: 8,000 yen
5. Watch Sumo Wrestling
Sumo wrestling is an previous and thrilling sport from Japan that has a long-lasting custom.
Initially, Sumo was meant to be a ritual of types with Shinto roots the place its fighters wrestled as a way to entertain and appease the gods.
At the moment, it’s an actual spectacle that anybody can simply take pleasure in – one which Japan is actually happy with.
The official Sumo tournaments, or basho, solely happen 6 occasions throughout the 12 months – each different month from January.
Typically, the match may final a mere few seconds, however these heavyweight Sumo wrestlers will certainly entertain you.
- Worth: 3,800 yen for area seats; 38,000 yen for the Japanese field.
Don’t miss the perfect issues to do in Osaka!
6. Immerse Your self within the Ghibli Museum
Anime is certainly one of Japan’s most necessary and largest cultural exports, a lot in order that loads of individuals within the West spend hours upon hours watching it.
One of many largest names in anime is Hayao Miyazaki, who’s the creator of Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, and loads of Anime classics – which he’s created alongside along with his legendary Studio Ghibli.
The Ghibli Museum is without doubt one of the most enchanting Japan points of interest, as a result of it permits its guests to take a peek into the genius thoughts of Miyazaki.
Right here you’ll have direct contact with lots of his best works, in addition to perception on how he’s created them. This is without doubt one of the prime vacationer points of interest in Japan!
- Location: Mitaka
- Opening hours: every single day from 10 AM – 4 PM (besides closed on Tuesdays)
- Worth: 1,000 yen
7. Haggle in Nishiki Market
Also referred to as Kyoto’s Kitchen, this five-block buying avenue has over 100 completely different avenue meals stalls, outlets, and eating places.
The market has a really lengthy historical past as a result of it was a fish wholesale market, with its first store opening within the early 14th century.
Right here you’ll immerse your self in one of the charming and nice atmospheres in Kyoto, and also you’ll get to discover lots of its culinary delicacies that town is known for.
Loads of the outlets provide free samples, in addition to skewers meant to be eaten proper there after which. This market is the perfect place to strive avenue meals in Japan.
There are some institutions the place you possibly can sit down and luxuriate in your scrumptious Japanese meals.
- Location: Shijo Station
- Opening hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
- Worth: Free
Right here’s our full information to the perfect issues to do in Kyoto.
8. See the Meiji Shrine in Tokyo
Emperor Meiji was the primary emperor of contemporary Japan, which is a interval that started in 1867 when the earlier Edo Interval ended.
This shrine is devoted to him and his spouse, Empress Shoken, and was constructed shortly after their deaths.
It’s a posh of buildings, and it’s surrounded by 100 thousand bushes that had been planted after the shrine was rebuilt after being destroyed in World Conflict II.
At the moment, it is without doubt one of the hottest issues to see in Japan, and it sees over 3 million guests per 12 months.
Go on a non-public tour to go to not solely Meiji Shrine however different Tokyo’s celebrated highlights such because the Sensoji Temple, Tsukiji market and others (relying whether or not you e book a 2-hour/4-hour or a full-day tour!).
- Location: Harajuku Station, Tokyo
- Opening hours: dawn to sundown
- Worth: free
READ MORE: Right here’s the whole lot that you must find out about travelling in Japan.
9. Discover the Temples of Mount Koya
It might be stated that Mount Koya is the birthplace and the centre of Shingon Buddhism, as this was the spot the place Kobo Daishi lastly set place within the 9th century.
Kobo Daishi is taken into account one of the necessary spiritual figures within the historical past of Japan, and that’s very evident within the artisanal headquarters of the Shingon sect and the close by city.
The Garan temple advanced on Mount Koya is without doubt one of the most sacred websites in Japan, and there are over 100 temples to discover.
This spot additionally has in a single day keep on the temple lodgings, which is certainly one of the non secular issues to do in Japan.
- Location: Wakayama Prefecture
Profit from your trip with our information to the greatest day journeys in Japan.
10. Stroll By The Flower Tunnels
The Kawachi Wisteria Backyard is without doubt one of the most original points of interest in Japan. Its important draw are its lengthy tunnels embellished with immaculately saved and displayed wisteria flowers.
Massive and looming wisteria bushes that kind the gorgeous flower roof over them certain the 2 tunnels.
If you’re performed with the tunnels, you’ll be greeted by a few of the most stunning and pristine views Japan has to supply on the hillside backyard.
From there, you’ll see virtually a whole sea of wisteria flowers and sloping hills within the distance.
- Opening hours: 8 AM – 6 PM; mid-April to mid-Could & mid-November to early December
- Location: Kitakyushu
- Worth: 500, 100, or 1,500 yen, relying on the season
11. Discover Japan’s Historical past on the Imperial Palace
As one of the necessary historic buildings in Japan, the Imperial Palace in Tokyo was the Edo Citadel prior to now.
It was the residence of the Tokugawa Shogun and the Royal Household, and it’s a constructing that’s seen a whole lot of hardship.
Whereas there’s no coming into the interior courtyard and buildings while you’re on a tour, the palace grounds and japanese gardens are nice spots to go to.
Strolling round and studying concerning the nation’s turbulent previous is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Japan.
- Location: Chiyoda
- Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
Need to see the Imperial Palace and study all concerning the historical past and structure? Ebook this superior tour the place you get take pleasure in a strolling tour of the palace and Japanese gardens with a knowledgable native information!
12. Hike With Monkeys on Monkey Mountain
Climbing up on Monkey Mountain is definitely one of the distinctive issues to do in Japan.
Because the title implies, it’s a mountain the place loads of wild monkeys reside, and people are the Japanese macaque, a species native to Japan.
The hike is a straightforward and nice one, which takes about half-hour, and on the prime you’ll have a stunning view of Kyoto.
The largest draw of this spot are the monkeys which are usually pleasant and docile.
The monkeys are wild animals, nevertheless, which suggests you shouldn’t let your guard down, and the overall recommendation is to by no means stare at them straight within the eyes.
- Location: Iwatayama
- Opening hours: 8:30am-5pm April-October, 9am-4pm November-March
- Worth: 550 yen
13. Go to The Resting Place of the Shoguns
Earlier than Japan entered its fashionable period, it was a feudal nation that was led by a shogun.
The Tokugawa Shoguns had been the leaders of Japan throughout this era, and Togukawa Ieyasu based the Shogunate itself.
At the moment, the primary Tokugawa Shogun is enshrined and laid to relaxation within the Toshogo Shrine, the place he’s revered because the Nice Deity of the East Shining Mild.
Toshogo Shrine is a posh of buildings that’s very intricately and ornately constructed, and it’s positively one of the fascinating locations to go to in Japan.
- Location: Nikko
- Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM
- Worth: 1,300 for shrine, 1,000, for museum, 2,100 for each
14. Be in Awe of Tokyo’s Oldest Temple
Sensoji Temple is certainly one of Tokyo and Japan’s hottest temples.
The temple is devoted to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, and it’s a wholly stunning temple with an extended and detailed historical past.
It was inbuilt a novel place meant to guard Tokyo from invaders prior to now, and it was even utilized by the emperor in Japan’s feudal period as certainly one of his private residences.
At the moment it’s a spot meant for non secular therapeutic, though it’s fairly widespread with vacationers too.
The close by buying avenue is one other close by attraction that gives the whole lot from conventional Japanese trinkets to distinctive native treats.
- Location: Asakusa
- Opening hours: 6 AM – 5 PM
- Worth: Free
15. See the Towering Buddha on Todaji Temple
The Todaji temple is certainly one of Japan’s oldest and most necessary Buddhist temples.
It’s the world’s largest picket constructing, despite the fact that at present’s development is definitely one third smaller than it was prior to now.
This temple has a really fascinating and turbulent historical past as a result of it grew so highly effective prior to now that it influenced the federal government which was then located in Nara – its metropolis.
At the moment, it’s nonetheless an necessary spiritual constructing, and it homes a towering 15m tall bronze Buddha statue, which is certainly one of Japan’s largest ones.
- Location: Nara
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM (8 AM – 4:30 PM in winter)
- Worth: 500 yen
16. Hike the Legendary Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji is Japan’s most sacred mountain, which has been worshipped for millennia. It’s performed an important position in Japanese society prior to now, and it has impressed loads of artists all through the ages.
At the moment, mountaineering and mountaineering on the legendary Mount Fuji is without doubt one of the hottest issues to do in Japan.
The official Mount Fuji climbing season is from July 1st to September 10th, and there are a couple of trails to undergo.
Yoshida, Subashiri, Gotemba, and Fujinomiya trails are a few of the most identified and well-marked trails on Mount Fuji, and so they every provide a unique problem.
17. Expertise the Magnificence of Himeji Citadel
Japan was a really militaristic nation, however a big portion of its society was inventive, which culminated in some very stunning castles.
Himeji citadel is without doubt one of the few remaining ones that has by no means been broken in any respect by something, and it’s thought of essentially the most stunning one of many final 12 unique Japanese castles.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Website and a nationwide treasure, too.
Known as the White Heron Citadel, its imposing dimension and sweetness will certainly impress lots of its guests, as visiting it is without doubt one of the best issues to do in Japan.
The citadel can be a hotspot throughout cherry blossom season. The gardens surrounding the citadel come to life throughout the spring cherry blossom season and the pure colours are gorgeous.
- Location: Himeji
- Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Worth: 1,000 yen
18. Immerse Your self within the Magic Of The Tokyo Nationwide Museum
Japan has loads of museum, however in case you solely get to select one, then be sure that it’s the Tokyo Nationwide Museum.
It’s the proper spot to go to while you don’t know the place to go in Japan however simply wish to see one thing natively Japanese.
This museum has an in depth gallery with the best Japanese artwork, like historic pottery, fantastically crafted kimonos, and ukiyo-e – the well-known Japanese woodblock prints.
On prime of that, it has a whole lot of historic objects, like samurai swords and katanas, in addition to the most important archaeological assortment in Japan.
- Location: Ueno Park, Tokyo
- Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
- Worth: 620 yen
19. Style The Best Sushi in Japan!
Sushi is the best and hottest dish in Japanese delicacies, which is why each customer ought to choose in to strive the perfect one obtainable.
Sushi Dai is without doubt one of the greatest sushi eating places, the place all of its elements are fully recent from the Tsukiji Fish Market downstairs.
Right here, you’ll be surrounded by loads of different vacationers and locals as it’s fairly widespread. You may get meals a la carte, however the programs are the really useful method to go.
There are even choices for these that may’t eat uncooked fish, in addition to meals for kids. There isn’t a higher place to eat sushi in Japan!
- Location: Tokyo Bay
- Opening hours: 5:30 AM – 2 PM
- Worth: 500 yen and upwards
20. Go to the Most Sacred Shrine in Japan
Isse Metropolis is dwelling to 2 very sacred shrines, certainly one of which is the Internal Shrine.
The Internal Shrine, or Kotai Jingu, is essentially the most sacred shrine within the nation, and it’s over two thousand years previous.
It has a really distinctive architectural fashion as a result of there it reveals no affect from different Asian international locations.
Its structure predates Buddhism.
Kotai Jingu is devoted to the Solar Goddess, Shinto’s most honored deity, and the shrine itself is rebuilt each 20 years in line with historic Shinto traditions.
The subsequent rebuilding is scheduled to be in 2033, and that would be the 63rd time the shrine will likely be rebuilt.
- Location: Isse Metropolis
- Opening hours: 5 AM – 6 PM
- Worth: Free
21. Loosen up In Rikugen Backyard
Thought-about essentially the most stunning backyard in Tokyo, Rikugen Backyard was constructed within the early 18th century for the 5th Tokugawa Shogun.
Its title means Six Poems Backyard, as a result of it’s meant to recreate scenes from well-known poems.
The fashion through which it’s constructed is taken into account to be certainly one of Edo’s defining ones, with sizeable strolling gardens, a big central pond, and artificial hills surrounding it.
- Location: Komagome Station, Tokyo
- Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Worth: 300 yen
22. Marvel At The Sculptures within the Hakone Open-Air Museum
A singular steadiness of nature and artwork is on show on this museum.
Sculptures are dotted everywhere in the putting panorama exterior as a result of these sculptures are supposed to be admired when you’re having fun with excellent views of the encompassing nature.
You may also head inside if the climate’s not the best, however strolling exterior admiring the sculptures of each Japanese and worldwide artists is certainly one of many prime issues to do in Japan.
There’s an area devoted to completely different artists, equivalent to Picasso, the place you’ll discover a few of his works, in addition to images detailing elements of his life.
- Location: Ashigarashimo District
- Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM
- Worth: 1,600 yen
23. Commemorate The Previous In The Nagasaki Bombing Museum
World Conflict II was a devastating time for humanity’s historical past, and that’s very evident within the bombing of Nagasaki.
On August 9, 1945, the world’s second nuclear weapon detonated over Nagasaki, inflicting great destruction.
At the moment, the Nagasaki Bombing Museum commemorates the lives misplaced and the destruction prompted – it’s a extremely somber place to go to.
It recounts town’s expertise by means of objects, artefacts, and firsthand accounts, and reveals town’s battle to get better after the detonation.
- Location: Nagasaki
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
- Worth: 200 yen
Take a look at our information to the highest issues to do in Hiroshima, the place you possibly can see different WWII Monuments just like the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park.
24. Dive the Improbable Waters
Scuba diving isn’t one of many issues Japan is often identified for; nevertheless, it’s changing into more and more widespread.
Japan has over thirty thousand kilometers of shoreline and an unimaginable variety of diving spots which are distinctive and fascinating to discover.
Marine life is extraordinarily numerous and engaging. The southern waters of Japan are just like these within the Philippines and Thailand.
Spots like Miyako Island, Ishigaki Island, and Yoron Island are a few of the best diving spots within the area, though all of Japan’s waters are superb to discover.
25. Take to the Slopes for a Ski Session
The climate in Japan is usually heat and good, which is why loads of persons are stunned that it has a few of the best ski circumstances on the planet.
There are few different areas on the planet which have such excellent powder-skiing circumstances equivalent to Japan. The winds that cross the Sea of Japan from Siberia carry snow as thick as 10-20 meters.
Hokkaido has a number of ski resorts, like Niseko and Furano, and Honshu’s resorts are usually targeted round Nagano.
Regardless of which a part of Japan you select to ski, you’re positively going to have a good time.
Profit from your journey with our excellent Hokkaido itinerary!
26. Expertise the Artwork at Naoshima Island
Naoshima is an island with a comfy Mediterranean local weather, and with a whole give attention to artwork.
It could be a tiny island nevertheless it’s completely crammed with museums and galleries, and all over the place you look, you’ll see attractive views.
The structure current on this island is without doubt one of the best issues to see in Japan, most of which was designed by well-known architect, Ando Tadao.
This island additionally serves as a venue of artwork festivals and gatherings, and it hosts loads of museums devoted to artwork.
27. Expertise a Matsuri Competition
A matsuri is a competition in Japan, though they extensively differ from the west.
Japan is understood for having extra festivals than virtually anyplace else on the planet, and so they’re vigorous occasions with a whole lot of vitality.
Apart from superb performances and music, on matsuris you’ll additionally discover scrumptious Japanese delicacies and drinks being served at stalls.
28. Cross the Busy Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo
Though it won’t seem as a lot on first look, going over Shibuya Crossing is at all times an thrilling affair.
It’s one of many largest hubs of individuals, and it’s an intersection that connects two of the busiest railway stations on the planet.
It’s excellent for those who don’t know what to do in Japan and simply wish to see extra of it.
29. Spend The Night time in a Capsule Resort
It doesn’t matter in case you’re in search of an affordable place to spend the night time, or only a distinctive invention in Japan, capsule inns are fascinating.
They provide a sleeping pod and a bit of area to stash your baggage in, and that’s just about it. Most have a standard room and shared loos – they’re very personal, nevertheless, and could be discovered anyplace.
Sleeping in certainly one of them is certainly one of the distinctive issues to do in Japan.
- Worth: 2,000 – 6,000 yen
30. Be Amazed on the Hospitality in a Ryokan
Ryokans are an old school sort of conventional Japanese inn that has existed in Japan for hundreds of years.
They’re thought of nice locations to spend a while, and are usually positioned close to scorching spring resorts.
Should you’re in search of some conventional Japanese hospitality, then look no additional as they’re greater than a mere place to remain.
In a Ryokan, you’ll get to expertise previous conventional Japanese tradition, life-style, baths, and delicacies. Everyone seems to be handled equal, regardless of their nation of origin.
31. Purchase Some Conventional Japanese Crafts
Craftsmanship and artisanship are fully ingrained in Japanese tradition.
The Japan Conventional Crafts Aoyama Sq. is a retailer as a lot as it’s a showroom, and it’s fully supported by the Japanese Ministry of Economic system, Commerce, and Trade.
You’ll discover distinctive conventional Japanese Crafts of any make, equivalent to lacquer work containers, lower glass, textiles, and pottery, in addition to any varieties of trinkets and objects of nice high quality.
- Location: Aoyama District in Tokyo
- Opening hours: 11 AM – 7 PM
- Worth: Free
32. Lounge at Sunayama Seashore
Since Japan has such an extended shoreline, it’s solely logical that it has some superb seashores.
Sunayama Seashore, which suggests Sand Mountain Seashore, is positioned on the most important of the Miyako Islands, and it’s thought of one of many best seashores in all the wider area.
Miyako Island itself is a flat island fabricated from elevated coral reef, and since there aren’t any rivers on the island, it has a little bit of distinctive geography.
The seaside has loads of fashionable facilities, and it’s discovered very near town.
- Location: Miyakojima Metropolis
33. Escape The Hustle and Bustle to Enryakuji Temple
Enryakuji Temple is a posh of Buddhist temples with an extended and detailed historical past, and a few of the most stunning darkish forests in Japan encompass it.
It’s one of the necessary monasteries in Japanese historical past because it’s the headquarters of the Tendai sect of Japanese Buddhism. It’s thought of a Japan should see!
The temple itself could be very previous, because it was constructed within the 8th century, and through its peak, it had over 3,000 sub temples and an unlimited military of warrior monks.
- Location: Kyoto
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Worth: 700 yen
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