The posts in this blog may include affiliate links. This means that when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you.
I have an exciting trip to Japan booked in October, its a fascinating country that I have wanted to visit for many years. With ultra-modern technology, traditional shrines and temples, and beautiful scenery made up of mountains and lakes there are literally hundreds of things to do in Japan – I however have picked just 35 to make my very own Japanese bucket list.
35 Things to do in Japan
1. Ride a Shinkansen (bullet train)
No trip through Japan is complete without a ride on one of its famed bullet trains, for tourists figuring out how to ride the train it can be a huge challenge knowing how to put together an itinerary and getting from region to region.
Read: Leave Your Daily Hell’s post
2. Eat (all of the) Ramen
I’m already a big fan of Japanese food (ramen in particular) so I’m pretty sure it’s compulsory to sample it (over and over) when in the home of such delicious dishes.
3. See the Cherry Blossoms
If you search for images of Japan on Instagram between March and April the chances are that your feed will be full of beautiful shades of pink and white as parts of the country are in full bloom.Â
Read: The Wandering Quinn’s post
4. Buy Food From a Convenience Store
As much as I love the idea of sitting in a comfortable restaurant with a delicious bowl of ramen, I also love a cheeky visit to a cheap corner shop for a tin/pot/pouch of something quick and easy and Japan seems to have these in abundance.
Read: Your Travel Blog Suck’s post
5. See a Kabuki Show
Stylised theatre with intricate costumes and makeup and choreographed dance, Kabuki Theatre is fascinating and intriguing and so should definitely be added to a list of things to do in Japan during your visit.
6. Visit a Shrine
Regardless of what many people think, shrines and temples are not the same thing: Shrines are the religious place of worship for those practicing Shinto. Despite being an atheist I try to be as respectful as possible to other people’s beliefs, I also find religious buildings beautiful and value the opportunity to visit them.
Read: 2 Aussie Traveller’s post
7. Admire a Geisha
Geisha spotting seems to be on every list of things to do in Japan, it seems obvious as they are mysterious and elusive, but they are also people who should be respected, so even though I would love to catch a glimpse of these beautiful characters I hope that I would do so in a respectful manner.
8. Experience the Robot Restaurant
It might be super touristy, but with colour, lights, music, singing, dancing, and robots this cabaret-style show is an absolute must for anyone looking for things to do in Japan for the first time.
9. Visit a Cat Cafe
Cats. That’s all I need to say.
Read: Bucket List Journey’s post
10. Take a Japanese Cookery Class
If you’re going to learn to cook a specific country’s cuisine you really should learn from the Masters. Japanese food is delicious and simple, yet intricate and varied. I am not particularly good in the kitchen but I am fascinated by the ingredients, flavours and techniques used.Â
Read: The Invisible Tourist’s post
11. See Tokyo From the Skytree Viewing Platform
As the world’s tallest tower the views from the viewing desk of Skytree Tower are bound to be epic. The tower itself is also home to restaurants, shops, a theatre and an aquarium as well as the broadcasting tower which is actually its main purpose.Â
12. Walk Across the Shibuya Crossing
Weirdly one of the most popular things to do in Japan is to head to Tokyo and successfully manage one the world’s most famous pedestrian crossings.Â
Read: Travel Where to Next’s post
13. Climb Mount Fuji
If you’re an adventure lover and fancy climbing one of the most photographed mountains in the world, it’s probably best to do so as part of a group.
14. Stay in a Ryokan
If you want an “authentic experience” then staying in a traditional Japanese accommodation with history, character and hospitality is probably the right choice.Â
15. Wander Through a Bamboo Forest
If you’re after the ultimate Instagram post then standing in the middle of the bamboo forest, surrounded by towering trees is probably the way to get those likes and possibly a few extra followers.
Read: Travelling the World Solo’s post
16. Stay in a Temple
As I said previously, there is a difference between a shrine and a temple: temples are the religious buildings for those practicing Buddhism. Usually in quite remote areas it does seem to be the perfect place to experience true peace and tranquillity.
Read: World of Wanderlust’s post
17. Go Shopping in the Harajuku Area of Tokyo
I’ll be honest, I hate the colour pink and I am not a fan of “cute” clothing but the Harajuku area of Tokyo looks to be so full of character and colour that I’m not sure it can be missed.
18. Stay in a Capsule Hotel
If a ryokan is the traditional place to stay, then a capsule hotel is the polar opposite – modern and super affordable. Usually a lot cheaper than other types of accommodation, staying in a capsule hotel is also one of the most popular things to do in Japan.
Read: Becky the Traveller’s post
19. Attend a Traditional Tea Ceremony
A tea ceremony is the epitome of traditional Japanese culture, full of ritual, respect and finding peace and harmony in the simplest of activities.
Read: Japan Wonder Travel Blog’s post
20. Sing Karaoke
Karaoke is not my thing, but as Japan is the birthplace of this popular form of entertainment it is often chosen as the ultimate way to spend in evening.
21. Visit the Imperial Palace
Located in the heart of Tokyo this palace with beautiful surrounding gardens is a place of peace and quiet in one of the busiest cities in the world.
Read: The Travel Tester’s post
22. Try on a Kimono
Kimonos are beautiful pieces of clothing, fitting them correctly is an artform, so to avoid the cheap versions produced for tourists that run the risk of cultural appropriation, get yourself fitted by an expert.
Read: Bucket List Journey’s post
23. Attend a Sumo Wrestling Match
Sumo wrestling is one of the most famous activities associated with Japan, so is another cultural experience that would be highly memorable to watch.
24. Relax in an Onsen
Visiting an onsen (public hot spring baths) is one of the most popular things to do in Japan. Follow the rules and etiquette and enjoy one of the most culturally traditional pastimes.
25. Go-Kart Around Tokyo
Child of the 90s? Fan of video games? Enjoy Go-Karting? Fancy experiencing the streets of Tokyo from a brand new perspective? Then why not dress as your favourite animated character, jump in a go-kart and whizz around the streets for an hour or so.
26. Bar Crawl Through Golden Gai in Tokyo
With bars so small that only a few people fit in at a time, Golden Gai is an area that would intrigue and excite.Â
Read: The Blonde Abroad’s post
27. Buy Dinner From a Vending Machine
Like visiting a convenience store, vending machines are hugely popular for acquiring cheap and tasty food, but don’t expect them to be limited to crisps and chocolate, you can literally buy anything from soup to fruit and eggs to doughnuts.
28. Hike Through Torii Gates
These beautiful red gates against a mountain backdrop are the perfect location for a hike but also make for an ideal Instagram post.
29. See Macaque Snow Monkeys
I’m torn on this one, generally I would avoid animal experiences. If I see an animal I want it to be completely natural and unforced and even though the monkeys live in particular areas so of their own free will, they are also encouraged to stay for the tourists.
Read: The Travel Sisters’ post
30. Wander Naoshima Art Island
One thing I always enjoy when travelling is to discover local art, whether this is street are or a local gallery. This island is creative and unique and definitely deserves a visit.
Read: The Wandering Suitcase’s post
31. Attend the Sapporo Snow Festival
If you love your snow sports then one of the most popular things to do in Japan is to head to the island of Hokkaido for the Sapporo Snow Festival, but even if you aren’t a fan of skiing or snowboarding you can still enjoy the vast amount of activities and the stunning landscape.
Read: Will Fly For Food’s post
32. Ride the Hakone Tozan Railway
I’m not always the biggest fan of train travel as I can be quite badly effected by travel sickness, however when in foreign countries using various modes of transport is all part of the experience and the varying trains in Japan all appear individual and full of character.
Read: The Shutter Whale’s postÂ
33. Experience the Tsukiji Fish Market
If you really want to get to know a country and its people then you need to look at its food culture. Japan is famous for its seafood and this definitely somewhere you need to visit if you want to soak up the atmosphere and try some delicious dishes.
34. Discover Local Traditional Artists
Despite the technology and economy that comes out of Japan it is a country full of tradition and history and much of this is shown within its art and crafts. Of all the things to do in Japan I am looking forward to discovering the local traditions that make it so intriguing.
35. Have a “Lost in Translation” Moment
Since the release of the film back in … the New York Bar on the 52nd floor is one of the most popular bars to visit in Tokyo for a little luxury. I can’t imagine I will ever stay at the hotel itself but having a cheeky cocktail is definitely allowed.
Read: Travelling With Nikki’s postÂ
Regardless of what you do on your travels, it is always important to make sure you have sufficient Travel Insurance – single trip and annual multi trip cover is available from Unite Travel Insurance
What would you add to a list of things to do in Japan? How many have you done?
Let me know in the comments.
New Post Notifications
Most of these are on my list too!! You’ve reminded me of a few I need to put on my list as well haha. I’m hoping to visit next March! SO EXCITED! Japan has been on my bucket list forever. Hope you love it!
I am ridiculously excited to visit next month. There are so many things to do that I doubt I’ll manage them all in one trip…a perfect excuse to revisit another time.
I absolutely love Japan and would die to travel for a whole year there. The cities are a sight to see, the country is gorgeous and I will never get enough of all the food!
Oh my goodness! The food! I cannot wait. I plan on eating all of the Ramen.
I’ve never been to Japan (or anywhere in Asia) but I would love to see it someday! This is a great collection of suggestions for things to do there!
Thank you. I can’t wait for my trip. Hope you get to explore it as well sometime.