Japan is , no doubt, a breathtaking, bewildering and diverse country full of mild-blowing thrills and surprises. Home to serene shrines, mouthwatering cuisine, scenic landscapes and quirky man-made attractions, Japan has a lot to offer to everyone. From futuristic skyscrapers and over-the-top arcades to ancient temples, there’s no shortage of exciting and memorable things to do in Japan. Here are some tips and suggestions to take note when creating a list of things to do in Japan.
Things to do in Osaka at Night, What to do in in the Evening in Osaka
Japan Travel and Culture Guide
1. Mount Fuji , Tokyo
With its jaw-dropping picture-perfect symmetry and incredible elevation of 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji is truly a must-see icon in Japan!
With its jaw-dropping picture-perfect symmetry and incredible elevation of 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji is truly a must-see icon in Japan!
2. Fushimi Inari , Kyoto
With its alluring and seemingly endless path of more than 500 vibrant orange torii gates, this Japan attraction will amaze its beholders.
With its alluring and seemingly endless path of more than 500 vibrant orange torii gates, this Japan attraction will amaze its beholders.
3. Tsukiji Fish Market , Tokyo
Although the market was officially moved to a new and more contemporary location, Tsukiji remains a must-see spot, thanks to its fresh seafood and smorgasbord tasty treats.
Although the market was officially moved to a new and more contemporary location, Tsukiji remains a must-see spot, thanks to its fresh seafood and smorgasbord tasty treats.
4. Kinkakuji , Kyoto
Whether it’s set against a vibrant autumn backdrop or capped by snow, nothing is as exquisite and symbolic if Kyoto as Kinkakuji’s golden reflection that reflects across the pond’s rippled surface.
Whether it’s set against a vibrant autumn backdrop or capped by snow, nothing is as exquisite and symbolic if Kyoto as Kinkakuji’s golden reflection that reflects across the pond’s rippled surface.
5. Shibuya Crossing , Tokyo
There’s nowhere else that says “Welcome to Tokyo” than this scramble with its humongous billboards, dazzling lights and beautifully chaotic ambiance.
There’s nowhere else that says “Welcome to Tokyo” than this scramble with its humongous billboards, dazzling lights and beautifully chaotic ambiance.
6. Tea Ceremony , Kyoto, Tokyo, Osaka
It’s a unique Zen-like experience that will give you a taste of the Japanese Culture and hospitality while wearing an elaborate and comfortable kimono,.
It’s a unique Zen-like experience that will give you a taste of the Japanese Culture and hospitality while wearing an elaborate and comfortable kimono,.
7. Hida Takayama , Gifu
Located in a mountainous region in Gifu Prefecture, this beautiful town exudes an old world charm, thanks to its rustic touches, traditional thatch-roof houses and relaxing backdrop.
Located in a mountainous region in Gifu Prefecture, this beautiful town exudes an old world charm, thanks to its rustic touches, traditional thatch-roof houses and relaxing backdrop.
8. Dotonbori Bridge , Osaka
Filled with bars, clubs and towering neon signs, Dotonbori Bridge is where you can enjoy a good view of the Glico Man as well as the futuristic neon cityscape of the area.
Filled with bars, clubs and towering neon signs, Dotonbori Bridge is where you can enjoy a good view of the Glico Man as well as the futuristic neon cityscape of the area.
9. Universal Studios Japan , Osaka
With a wide collection of world-class entertainment to offer, it has a world of thrills and activities for visitors of all ages.
With a wide collection of world-class entertainment to offer, it has a world of thrills and activities for visitors of all ages.
10. Nara Deer Park , Nara – Kyoto
Opened in 1880, this historic park is home to most of Nara’s main attractions, and more importantly, to hundreds of friendly deer roaming freely.
Opened in 1880, this historic park is home to most of Nara’s main attractions, and more importantly, to hundreds of friendly deer roaming freely.
11. Todaiji , Nara- Kyoto
Built in 752, this elaborate landmark is historically important and home to one of the largest bronze statues in Japan, which is 15 meters tall.
Built in 752, this elaborate landmark is historically important and home to one of the largest bronze statues in Japan, which is 15 meters tall.
12. Mount Koya
They don’t call Mount Koya as the holiest mountain in Japan for nothing. Established by a monk named Kukai in 819, this mountain is a Buddhist community and a hub of the Shingon school of Buddhism. Not to mention, the mountain houses over 100 monasteries and temples. Tip: There are plenty of hiking areas around Mount Koya, including he multi-day, 70-kilometer UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route.
They don’t call Mount Koya as the holiest mountain in Japan for nothing. Established by a monk named Kukai in 819, this mountain is a Buddhist community and a hub of the Shingon school of Buddhism. Not to mention, the mountain houses over 100 monasteries and temples. Tip: There are plenty of hiking areas around Mount Koya, including he multi-day, 70-kilometer UNESCO World Heritage Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage Route.
13. Sumo Game & Sumo Practice
Originated as a performance to appease the Shinto deities in ancient times, this Japanese wrestling style is the official national sport of Japan. It’s an action-packed and unique contest, and watching it is one of the must-try things to do in Japan. Besides the exciting matches, it also gives you a glimpse of the Japanese culture and its old traditions. Tip: The best way to experience it is to attend a sumo tournament in Japan. They can be bought at buysumotickets.com or an official vendor. .
Originated as a performance to appease the Shinto deities in ancient times, this Japanese wrestling style is the official national sport of Japan. It’s an action-packed and unique contest, and watching it is one of the must-try things to do in Japan. Besides the exciting matches, it also gives you a glimpse of the Japanese culture and its old traditions. Tip: The best way to experience it is to attend a sumo tournament in Japan. They can be bought at buysumotickets.com or an official vendor. .
14. Kiyomizu Dera
With more than 1,200 years of history, Kiyomizudera is, by far, one of the most popular and celebrated temples in Japan. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this temple impresses visitors with its stunning architecture and gorgeous panoramic views. Tip: Make sure to wish a long-lasting loving relationship at the wondrous Jishu Shrine and drink Otowa no Taki waterfall’s sacred water, which teems with positive energy and good karma.
With more than 1,200 years of history, Kiyomizudera is, by far, one of the most popular and celebrated temples in Japan. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this temple impresses visitors with its stunning architecture and gorgeous panoramic views. Tip: Make sure to wish a long-lasting loving relationship at the wondrous Jishu Shrine and drink Otowa no Taki waterfall’s sacred water, which teems with positive energy and good karma.
15.Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Standing amid its towering stalks of bamboo is a surreal experience and like being in another dimension. Just imagine yourself staring down a never-ending pathway of green swaying boughs, The stalks soar above you, allowing the sunlight to gently filter in. Tip: Visit it at sunset or early in the morning to steer clear of the crowds. This Japan attraction is open 24 hours a day.
Standing amid its towering stalks of bamboo is a surreal experience and like being in another dimension. Just imagine yourself staring down a never-ending pathway of green swaying boughs, The stalks soar above you, allowing the sunlight to gently filter in. Tip: Visit it at sunset or early in the morning to steer clear of the crowds. This Japan attraction is open 24 hours a day.
16.Asakusa Temple
Most travelers and locals come to Asakusa Shrine to pray for success in business, happiness of their family, speedy recovery, or good health. Shingan jyoyu, which practically means that anything you wish from the heart will be granted, is a divine favor granted at this shrine. So, whatever you wish, when made in earnest, is said to come true. Tip: Spend some time admiring the sheer size and intricate details of Kaminarimon Gate.
Most travelers and locals come to Asakusa Shrine to pray for success in business, happiness of their family, speedy recovery, or good health. Shingan jyoyu, which practically means that anything you wish from the heart will be granted, is a divine favor granted at this shrine. So, whatever you wish, when made in earnest, is said to come true. Tip: Spend some time admiring the sheer size and intricate details of Kaminarimon Gate.
17. Kobe Beef
Kobe Beef is a beloved Japanese delicacy and arguably Japan’s most famous specialty regional food. It’s one of the numerous Japanese cattle (Wagyu) breeds, which are known for its flavorful and tender meat marbled with fat. Of course, the best place to savor this beef is in Kobe. Tip: While it’s popular among foreign travelers, the Japanese think Tajima-gyu is the best.
Kobe Beef is a beloved Japanese delicacy and arguably Japan’s most famous specialty regional food. It’s one of the numerous Japanese cattle (Wagyu) breeds, which are known for its flavorful and tender meat marbled with fat. Of course, the best place to savor this beef is in Kobe. Tip: While it’s popular among foreign travelers, the Japanese think Tajima-gyu is the best.
18. Himeji Castle
With its unrivaled elegance and picture-perfect white facade, it’s easy to see why they call Himeji as the most spectacular castle in Japan. Not only is it a national treasure, but it’s also a UNESCO world heritage site, meaning it’s one of the best things to do in Japan. Tip: Expect huge crowds here, especially on weekends. To avoid an hour of waiting in the long queues, arrive 10 minutes before its opening time, 10 AM. Quieter months are June, December,January and February.
With its unrivaled elegance and picture-perfect white facade, it’s easy to see why they call Himeji as the most spectacular castle in Japan. Not only is it a national treasure, but it’s also a UNESCO world heritage site, meaning it’s one of the best things to do in Japan. Tip: Expect huge crowds here, especially on weekends. To avoid an hour of waiting in the long queues, arrive 10 minutes before its opening time, 10 AM. Quieter months are June, December,January and February.
19. Kokoen Garden
Kokoen garden, Near Himeji Castle, japanese garden, hyōgo, Japanese friendship garden, unique flowers, beautiful in all seasons.
Kokoen garden, Near Himeji Castle, japanese garden, hyōgo, Japanese friendship garden, unique flowers, beautiful in all seasons.
20. Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Hiroshima peace memorial, atomic bomb dome, hiroshima peace memorial park, memorial, unique feeling, great learning experience, not far from the Miyajima island and Itsukushima Jinja.
Hiroshima peace memorial, atomic bomb dome, hiroshima peace memorial park, memorial, unique feeling, great learning experience, not far from the Miyajima island and Itsukushima Jinja.
21. Meiji Jingu
Meiji jingu, meiji shrine, shibuya, Tokyo, shinto shrine, Japan, very large park, historical buildings, giant Tori-gate, most popular spot in Tokyo.
Meiji jingu, meiji shrine, shibuya, Tokyo, shinto shrine, Japan, very large park, historical buildings, giant Tori-gate, most popular spot in Tokyo.
22. Kimono Experience
kimono experience, japan culture, cultural activity, kimono, Japanese Culture, fun, feeling Japanese Culture.
kimono experience, japan culture, cultural activity, kimono, Japanese Culture, fun, feeling Japanese Culture.
23. Tokyo Disneyland
tokyo disneyland, fun, good for children, fun for kids, theme park, tokyo disney resort
tokyo disneyland, fun, good for children, fun for kids, theme park, tokyo disney resort
24. Itsukushima Shrine
itsukushima shrine, shinto shrine, island itsukushima, miyajima, torii gate, hiroshima , japan, sightseeing, adventure, japanese tradition, temples, shrine
itsukushima shrine, shinto shrine, island itsukushima, miyajima, torii gate, hiroshima , japan, sightseeing, adventure, japanese tradition, temples, shrine
25. Nijo Castlenijō castle, the most popular castle in Kyoto, flatland castle, ninja, located in the city centre, beautiful small castle.
26. Ryoanji
Ryoanji temple, meditation, zen garden, most famous rock garden, Kyoto, great spot, fun, world famous, UNESCO world heritage site.
Ryoanji temple, meditation, zen garden, most famous rock garden, Kyoto, great spot, fun, world famous, UNESCO world heritage site.
27. Kenrokuen
kenrokuen, one of the most famous Japanese gardens, old private garden, japanese garden, great gardens of japan, beauty , cherry blossoms, pine trees, beautiful park, japan
kenrokuen, one of the most famous Japanese gardens, old private garden, japanese garden, great gardens of japan, beauty , cherry blossoms, pine trees, beautiful park, japan
28. Shinsaibashi Street Food
Best place to eat street food, great place for shopping, shinsaibashi street food, palace for shopping, place for eating, heart of osaka, Dotonbori, Namba. Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori are not different places.
Best place to eat street food, great place for shopping, shinsaibashi street food, palace for shopping, place for eating, heart of osaka, Dotonbori, Namba. Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori are not different places.
29. Wisteria Tunnel
wisteria tunnel, walk, wisteria flowering plants, beautiful garden, dangling purple flowers, amazing photo spot, botanical tunnels, tunnels, extraordinary flora, natural wonders, architectural oddities kitakyushu, japan
wisteria tunnel, walk, wisteria flowering plants, beautiful garden, dangling purple flowers, amazing photo spot, botanical tunnels, tunnels, extraordinary flora, natural wonders, architectural oddities kitakyushu, japan
30. Kaiyukan Aquarium
Japan’s 2nd largest aquarium, family fun, for family with kids, entertainment, fun, aquarium, marine inhabitants, shark whale, penguens, free with the Osaka-pass-ticket.
Japan’s 2nd largest aquarium, family fun, for family with kids, entertainment, fun, aquarium, marine inhabitants, shark whale, penguens, free with the Osaka-pass-ticket.
Page updated:
Contact us : info@mai-ko.com
