Japan is more than neon lights and bullet trains—it’s a tapestry of ancient tradition, serene nature, vibrant food culture, and moments that surprise. Whether you’re stepping off the plane for the first time or returning for round two, here are 22 things you simply must do in Japan to soak in the fun, wonder, and local charm.
1. Explore the Samurai Castles
Japan’s samurai era left behind architectural marvels—castles that blend strength with artistry.
- Himeji Castle near Osaka/Kyoto is often called the most beautiful castle in Japan. Its white facade, complex moats, and well-preserved grounds make it a must-see.
- Matsumoto Castle, further north, contrasts with its dark wood panels and picturesque black exterior—especially stunning with cherry blossoms or autumn foliage in the backdrop.
Tip: Many castles offer audio guided tours in English; go early in the day before crowds gather.
2. Wear a Kimono & Step Into the Past
Part of the joy of Japan is stepping into traditional dress—rent a kimono and roam historic streets. Kyoto and Tokyo have many kimono rental shops where you can get dressed up, complete with appropriate footwear and accessories. It’s perfect for photos at temples, shrines, or crossing famous streets.
3. Stroll Through a Landscape Garden
Peaceful gardens are everywhere in Japan—carefully curated spaces that show how beauty can be crafted through nature.
- In Kyoto, gardens like those at Tenryū-ji Temple are masterpieces of moss, stone, water, and trees.
- Try strolling gardens during kōyō (autumn foliage) when leaves turn fiery shades—especially in November around Kyoto.
4. Participate in a Tea Ceremony
One of Japan’s quieter but deeply meaningful traditions is the tea ceremony. On tatami mats, in tranquil rooms, you’ll see every motion—pouring, whisking, presenting—done with intentional grace. Even if you’re not a tea aficionado, it’s an immersion into harmony, respect, and mindful living.
5. Ride the Bullet Train (Shinkansen)
Fast, efficient, sleek—Japan’s bullet trains are iconic. Traveling between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other cities via Shinkansen gives you speed, comfort, and often wonderful views. With a Japan Rail (JR) Pass, you can cover large distances economically—especially if you plan to hop between regions.
6. See Japan’s Iconic Landmarks
Mix the natural and the built for a fuller picture:
- Mount Fuji (and the Fuji Five Lakes) provides majestic views, especially in early morning or at sunset. Consider climbing if you’re visiting in summer.
- In cities: Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Kyoto), Todaiji Temple in Nara, and the Great Buddha of Kamakura are sights that embody history and scale.
7. Visit Temples & Shrines
From the elegant Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) in Kyoto to the vibrant vermilion gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha, shrines and temples are everywhere. Each offers something different—some fixed in grand architecture, others tucked into forested paths or perched above cityscapes.
8. Witness Fall Colors (Kōyō)
Japan in autumn is like walking through a painting. The trees burst into oranges, reds, and yellows. Famous spots include Kyoto’s temples, Nara, Nikko, the Japanese Alps. Try to time your visit in mid-November for Kyoto / Tokyo regions. Pack layers—mornings can be crisp.
9. Experience Sakura (Cherry Blossom Season)
Cherry blossoms are world-famous—and for good reason. Petals drifting, soft pink canopies, festivals under the trees—all of it is magical. Late March to early April is usually peak in many places (Tokyo, Kyoto), but it shifts depending on region and weather. For the best visuals, find a riverbank or castle grounds where sakura trees are abundant.
10. Feed the Deer at Nara Park
Just outside Kyoto, Nara Park is populated by hundreds of freely roaming deer. Some consider them sacred messengers of the gods. You can buy deer crackers to feed them, wander through temple ruins, and take photos with these gentle creatures. It’s peaceful, filled with history, and unexpected fun.
11. Meet the Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani
In Nagano’s mountains, hot springs become adorable spas for macaque monkeys. Watching them soak and groom themselves in steamy waters surrounded by snow is heart-warming. Be prepared with warm clothes, good footwear, and plan for travel time—it takes effort, but it’s one of those experiences that stays with you.
12. Climb or View Mount Fuji
Whether you decide to climb Fuji (during climbing season: early summer) or just view it from afar (e.g. Chureito Pagoda, Fuji Five Lakes area), Mount Fuji is the symbol of Japan for many. The changing light, reflection in lake surfaces, snowcap—priceless photo moments.
13. Visit the Tokyo Skytree
For sweeping skyline views, the Tokyo Skytree is hard to beat. The observation decks provide a panoramic glimpse of Tokyo’s sprawl. At night, the city lights become a sea of patterns and color. If you’re brave, step on the section with glass flooring.
14. Shop for Souvenirs
Bring home memories. Japan has handcrafted goods, ceramics, textiles, knives, paper goods, and quirky pop items. Find them in neighborhoods like Shinjuku, Shibuya in Tokyo, or around the markets of Kyoto. Even temple gift shops often have beautiful items.
15. Indulge in Japanese Cuisine
Food is one of the best parts of traveling in Japan. From street vendors to Michelin-starred restaurants, the variety is huge.
- Try ramen, sushi, yakitori, udon, soba.
- Osaka is often called “Japan’s kitchen” and is famous for hearty street food, takoyaki, okonomiyaki, etc.
- Don’t miss local specialities: Kobe beef, Hiroshima style okonomiyaki, Hokkaido seafood, etc.
16. Try Japanese Snacks & Treats
Foodies will love this—snacks are creative, seasonal, and often unique to regions.
- Mochi, daifuku, taiyaki
- KitKat has dozens of weird flavors (green tea, sake, cheesecake, etc.)
- Convenience stores are treasures: fresh onigiri, clear fruit packs, seasonal easter-egg style items
17. Nightlife & Street Vibes: Wander Dotonbori
Osaka’s Dotonbori district is loud, bright, and alive at night. Neon signs, food stalls, riverside walks—this is where energy meets flavor. Try local food, stare at the giant crabs and animated signs, enjoy the cacophony, and let the lights wash over you.
18. Experience Shibuya Crossing
Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing is more than a busy junction—it’s a spectacle. Watching (or participating in) the mass pedestrian movement, seeing the giant screens, crossing lights—there’s energy in chaos here. Nearby snacks, shops, cafés make hanging around worthwhile. For good views, try a high floor in a café or nearby building.
19. Stay in a Traditional Ryokan
To balance the modern, stay in a ryokan—traditional Japanese inn. Tatami mats, sliding doors, futons, often an onsen (hot spring) attached, and meals served with care. Spending at least one night in a ryokan (Kyoto is ideal) adds a calm ritualistic pace to travel: slow breakfasts, hot baths, quiet surroundings.
20. Take a Cooking Class
Hands-on food experiences deepen connection. Learn how to roll sushi, make ramen broth, fry perfect tempura, or even cook home-style family dishes. Classes often include shopping for ingredients or exploring markets—so you get more than just cooking, you get culture.
21. Visit a Samurai & Armor Museum
Museums that focus on samurai armor, weapons, armor-making, and the history of the warrior class give insight into a major pillar of Japanese culture. Try Tokyo’s Samurai Museum (if open). Some museums let you dress in samurai gear for photos.
22. Taste & Tour Saké Breweries
Saké (rice wine) is deeply woven into Japanese tradition. Tasting different styles, touring breweries (especially around Kyoto, Niigata, or smaller regions), learning about fermenting rice, water quality, barrels—this is culture in a glass. For non-drinkers, many tours include food pairings or lessons in speaking saké vocabulary.
Additional Tips to Make Your Trip Better
- Best Time to Visit: Spring (late March-April) for cherry blossoms; Autumn (October-November) for fall colors. Mid summer is hot and humid; winter in northern Japan can be cold but has its own snow magic.
- Transportation: Use Japan Rail Pass if traveling between regions. Within cities, use trains, subways, and local buses. Trains are punctual.
- Stay Duration: To do justice, aim for at least 10-14 days if hopping between Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and other regions.
- Language Tips: Basic Japanese phrases go a long way—hello, thank you, excuse me. Most signs have English, especially in major cities.
- Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when required (temples, some ryokan), be polite in shrines, don’t talk loudly on trains, follow rules in onsens.
- Money & Costs: Japan can be pricey. Budget-savvy tips: use affordable eateries (ramen, izakaya), stay in smaller guesthouses, prepare for entrance fees in attractions.
Closing Thoughts
Japan manages a rare balance: forward-looking innovation and technology, alongside deep respect for nature and tradition. Every region, every season, reveals something new—whether it’s pink blossoms in Kyoto, the snowy monkeys in Nagano, the flavor shock in a local snack shop, or the peaceful hush of a shrine at dawn.
If you focus on experiences, not just “places checked off,” your journey through Japan will leave you with stories, new tastes, and memories that go beyond the guidebook.