12 Best Things to Do in Japan

Japan is a so captivating country that numerous tourists come to explore its culture and natural beauty. With many things to do in Japan, here are the most popular ones for you.

1. Enjoy the Views of Mt. Fuji

Mt. Fuji is always the must-see in Japan, it can’t be considered to have been in Japan until you reach the Mt. Fuji. Lake Kawaguchi, together with others of the Fuji Five Lakes, is the most-visited place to get the fine views of Mt. Fuji. At the foot of the mountain, you could look the snow-capped summit over the lake water. More sites around Mt. Fuji, such as Lake Ashi, Oshino Hakkai and Gotemba Premium Outlets, are all recommended to see the most sacred mountain in the country.

Mount Fuji View with Autumn Leaves by Lake Kawaguchi

Mount Fuji View by Lake Kawaguchi

2. Cherry Blossom Viewing

Speaking of Japan, we can never forget the cherry blossoms over the sky. It is the favorite event for Japanese to admire cherry blossoms in spring (usually from late March to mid-April in most regions of Japan). Inside Ueno Park in Tokyo, under the Osaka Castle, or at Kiyomizu-dera Temple in Kyoto, etc., you can enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful sceneries of cherry blossoms in season.

Cherry Blossoms in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

3. Visit a Shrine or Temple

A shrine or temple is the best place to explore historical sites in Japan, where you could appreciate the Japanese ancient architecture and learn about Japanese culture. The old Japanese wooden buildings are marvelous, such as Kiyomizu Stage of the main hall in Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the golden pavilion in Kinkaku-ji Temple. Senso-ji Temple, Meiji Jingu Shrine, Fushimi Inari Taisha, etc. are also the most-visited in Japan. Do in Rome as Rome does, you may follow the local rites to worship the gods. In particular, the first visit during New Year is a great opportunity to experience Japanese culture at a festive atmosphere.

4. Take an Onsen Bath

Japan is completely a kingdom of hot springs, and hot spring bathing has been a tradition. It is called as onsen in Japanese, one of the favorite things to do in Japan. Hakone under the Mt. Fuji is the best-known onsen place while it is near Tokyo. Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture, Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido, Beppu Onsen in northern Kyushu, etc. are all popular. It would be very relaxing to soak in an onsen, and it is quite comfortable in cold winter as snow falls down.

5. Experience a Shinkansen Bullet Train

You may not know what Shinkansen means, but you know about bullet train certainly. Shikansen is just the bullet train in Japan, having the earliest high-speed railway in the world. The top speed of Shinkansen can reach 320km/h (199 mph), taking you on a trip at the very fast speed. Departing from Tokyo, you could reach Osaka in about 2.5 hours only! Is it exciting to try?

Shinkansen Train

6. Watch a Geisha Performance

Geishas, probably a mysterious being for you, have survived since the ancient time in Japan. It would be novelty to meet geishas in their traditional costume, faces printed to be white, and delicate hairstyles. Gion in Kyoto is the best place to come across a geisha on the street and watch their performances, at a theater or tea house there. It’s stimulating to unveil the mystery closely, with the melodious music and elegant dances. You could spend a leisurely time to enjoy the performance, and even talk with the performers.

7. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Japan is the only country that was atomic bombed during world war Ⅱ. Hiroshima, as the first of the two cities was bombed out, has the Atomic Bomb Dome left over in the center of the blast, allowing you to witness the ruins after bombing. Many videos, photos, records, and more materials about the unprecedented bombing are on display in the Peace Memorial Museum. If going to Hiroshima in early August, you could also catch the opportunity to join in the memorial activity for the victims.

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

8. Hike on Japanese Alps

Japan is really a perfect place for hiking as the mountain ranges – Japanese Alps stands in the central region. It is a trekking paradise to hike along the old trails and explore the natural charm of Japan. The most popular section between Tsumago in Nagano and Magome in Gifu on Nakasendo Trail goes through the Kiso Valley in 2-2.5 hours. As the ancient post trail over Japanese Alps, you may feel like you get back to the Edo Era when reaching the old post station towns along the trail.

9. Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

The tea ceremony is a visit-worthy thing to do in Japan as well. It is a representative of Japanese traditional culture, but also an old art performance. You need to settle down when staying in the antique tea house and concentrate on the delightful tea ceremony. Seasonal flowers and cakes are often matched with tea in each tea house, you could also join in a tea ceremony class and enjoy the Japanese culture in depth.

Japanese Tea Ceremony with a Maiko

10. Watch a Sumo Wrestling

Sumo, a national wrestling sports in Japan, is unique to see. As you may know, the wrestlers wear their crotch cloth only when fighting, which sounds somewhat strange but interesting. There would 6 national tournaments every two months each year, with 3 in Tokyo. If you get to Japan just in the time, purchase a ticket and watch the match full of religious rituals.

11. Feed Deer in Nara

Deer is a holy animal in Nara, another ancient capital in Japan. Nara Park, the most famous attraction in the city, keeps herds of deer. In Nara Park, you can meet this lovely creature everywhere, and it is a fun thing to feed these little deer with the special senebi for deer. Come to Japan with your kids, Nara Park is absolutely a nice place to close to nature and the animal – deer. Would you like a try?

Deer Feeding

Japan Ramen Restaurant

12. Taste the Authentic Japanese Food

How can you come to Japan without try the local food? Only in Japan, you can eat the freshest Sashimi – sliced raw fish, dipped with soy sauce or wasabi. In addition, a variety of sushi is offered until to your heart's content. Local snacks, like okonomiyaki in Osaka and Japanese ramen noodles around the country, and wagashi – a traditional Japanese cake, are also mouthwatering. After, you can have a drink of sake in an izakaya as well, which is great for wine lovers.