Discover the Best and Most Unforgettable Things to Do in Japan, 2024 Edition

Japan, a land where ancient traditions meet futuristic innovations, offers a vast array of experiences for every traveler. Whether you’re seeking cultural immersion, thrilling adventures, culinary delights, spiritual enlightenment, or breathtaking scenery, Japan has it all. This comprehensive guide categorizes the top 56 things to do in Japan into five main sections: Culture, Fun, Food, Spiritual, and Beautiful. Dive in to plan an unforgettable trip in 2024.

Table of Contents

1. Cultural Activities
2. Fun Activities
3. Food Experiences
4. Spiritual Activities
5. Beautiful Attractions
6. Questions and Insights for your Japan trip itinerary.
7. Tips for a Smooth and Enjoyable Trip
8. Conclusion: Embrace and Enjoy the Experience

1. Cultural Activities

1. Stay in a Ryokan: Experience traditional Japanese hospitality at a ryokan. These inns offer tatami mat rooms, multi-course kaiseki meals, and soothing onsen baths. Staying in a ryokan provides a glimpse into Japan’s rich cultural heritage and a chance to unwind in serene surroundings.
2. Soak in an Onsen: Japan’s onsen culture is an unmissable experience. Enjoy hot spring baths available in various forms, from public baths to private ones in ryokans. Towns like Kinosaki Onsen offer multiple baths to explore, each with unique features and healing properties.
3. Watch a Geisha Dance: Witness the grace and beauty of geisha dances in Kyoto. Annual events like the Miyako Odori offer a rare opportunity to see these skilled performers up close, showcasing traditional music, dance, and attire, making it a must-see on your Japan trip itinerary.
4. Admire Ukiyo-e Prints as part of your itinerary to enrich your travel in Japan.: Visit museums dedicated to Ukiyo-e, the traditional Japanese woodblock prints. These prints provide a historical glimpse into Japan’s Edo period and feature beautiful depictions of landscapes, kabuki actors, and scenes of daily life.
5. See Sumo Wrestlers for an immersive experience that should not be missed during your trip to Japan.: Experience the excitement of sumo wrestling, Japan’s national sport. Attend a tournament or visit a sumo stable in Tokyo to see the rigorous training and discipline of sumo wrestlers up close.
6. Watch a Kabuki Performance: Kabuki, a form of traditional Japanese theater, is a mesmerizing blend of drama, dance, and music. Watch a performance at the Kabukiza Theatre in Ginza, Tokyo, where you can enjoy the elaborate costumes and expressive performances.
7. Dress Up as a Geisha: Rent a kimono for the day and stroll through Kyoto’s historic streets. This experience allows you to immerse yourself in the traditional culture and take memorable photos.
8. Visit the Itchiku Kubota Art MuseumDiscover the stunning kimonos created by Itchiku Kubota, a master of textile dyeing, on your Japan trip. The museum at Lake Kawaguchi showcases his exquisite works and offers a beautiful teahouse for visitors.
9. Pay Your Respects at the Hiroshima Peace Museum: Visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and Museum to learn about the atomic bombing and its aftermath. The museum offers a moving and educational experience about this tragic event.
10. Tour a Samurai House: Visit preserved samurai residences in Kanazawa or Hagi to learn about the lives and culture of Japan’s warrior class.

2. Fun Activities

11. Ride a Shinkansen (Bullet Train): Traveling on Japan’s high-speed bullet trains is an adventure in itself. Enjoy the thrill of speeds up to 320 km/h and marvel at the efficiency and comfort of the Shinkansen. Don’t miss themed trains like the Hello Kitty Shinkansen for a unique experience.
12. Go-Kart Around Tokyo for an unforgettable experience on your Japan trip.: Dress up as your favorite character and drive go-karts through the bustling streets of Tokyo. This quirky and fun activity offers a new perspective on the city and is sure to be a memorable highlight of your trip.
13. Enjoy DisneySea: Visit Tokyo DisneySea, a unique Disney park with a nautical theme. Explore its seven themed ports, enjoy thrilling rides, and experience the magic of Disney with a distinct Japanese twist.
14. Play Taiko Drums in an Arcade: Arcades in Japan are next-level fun. Try your hand at Taiko no Tatsujin, a Japanese drumming game that tests your rhythm and timing skills. Arcades in places like Akihabara offer endless entertainment options.
15. Enter the World of Harry Potter: Universal Studios Japan in Osaka brings the Wizarding World of Harry Potter to life. Walk through Hogsmeade, ride the thrilling attractions, and enjoy butterbeer in this meticulously recreated magical world.
16. Visit TeamLab Borderless: Explore TeamLab Borderless in Odaiba, Tokyo, an immersive digital art museum where interactive installations blend art, technology, and imagination, creating a mesmerizing experience.
17. Go Skiing in Niseko: Niseko on Hokkaido Island is renowned for its powder snow, making it a top destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The scenic views and après-ski activities add to the allure.
18. Attend a Festival: Japan’s festivals, or matsuri, are vibrant and diverse. From the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto to the Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori, these events offer a glimpse into local traditions, with parades, floats, and performances.
19. Experience a Maid Café: Step into the quirky world of maid cafés in Akihabara, Tokyo, where servers dress in maid costumes and provide a unique, entertaining dining experience.
20. Go to a Robot Restaurant: Witness an over-the-top performance with robots, lasers, and dancers in Tokyo’s Robot Restaurant, offering a spectacle that’s uniquely Japanese.
21. Visit a Cat Café: Relax with feline friends at a cat café, where you can enjoy coffee and snacks while playing with cats. These cafes are especially popular in Tokyo.
22. Explore Ghibli Museum: Discover the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli at the Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo. The museum showcases the studio’s beloved animated films and features unique exhibits and a short film.

3. Food Experiences

23. Order Ramen from a Vending Machine: Japan’s ramen vending machines are a marvel of convenience and efficiency. Select your meal, pay at the machine, and enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen prepared fresh in minutes.
24. Try Okonomiyaki: Taste okonomiyaki, a savory pancake filled with various ingredients and topped with sauces and bonito flakes. Osaka and Hiroshima are famous for their distinct styles of this delicious dish.
25. Take a Cooking Class: Learn to make sushi, ramen, or other Japanese dishes with a cooking class. These classes offer hands-on experience and insights into the ingredients and techniques that make Japanese cuisine so unique.
26. Indulge in a Kaiseki Meal: Experience a traditional kaiseki meal, a multi-course dining experience that highlights seasonal ingredients and meticulous preparation. Kaiseki is a true culinary art form that offers a deep dive into Japan’s gastronomic culture.
27. Drink Matcha with Wagashi: Enjoy the serene experience of drinking matcha (powdered green tea) paired with wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets). This combination is not only delicious but also a cultural ritual deeply rooted in Japanese tradition.
28. Visit a Depachika: Depachikas, the food basements of department stores, offer a vast array of Japanese and international delicacies. Sample gourmet treats, buy beautifully packaged gifts, and enjoy the bustling atmosphere, adding to the unforgettable experience of your travel in Japan.
29. Dine at a Themed Restaurant: From robot restaurants in Tokyo to ninja-themed eateries, Japan’s themed restaurants offer a dining experience unlike any other. The unique decor, performances, and menus make for an entertaining meal.
30. Enjoy Fresh Sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market: While the inner market has moved, the Tsukiji Outer Market remains a must-visit for sushi lovers. Enjoy fresh seafood and sushi at the market’s many stalls and small restaurants.
31. Savor Street Food at a Matsuri: Sample a variety of street foods at a local festival, where stalls offer everything from yakitori (grilled chicken skewers) to taiyaki (fish-shaped cakes filled with sweet red bean paste).
32. Eat at an Izakaya: Visit an izakaya, a type of informal Japanese pub, to enjoy a wide range of small dishes and drinks in a lively atmosphere.
33. Try Conveyor Belt Sushi: Experience the fun and convenience of conveyor belt sushi, where plates of sushi move past your table, and you can grab whatever looks appealing.

4. Spiritual Activities

34. Stay in a Temple at Koya-San: Koya-San offers a unique opportunity to stay in a Buddhist temple. Participate in morning prayers, enjoy vegetarian meals prepared by monks, and soak in the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred mountain.
35. Hike Through Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari: Explore the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates that create a mesmerizing path up the mountain. The hike offers stunning views and a profound sense of serenity.
36. Visit the Golden Temple: Kinkaku-ji, or the Golden Pavilion, is one of Kyoto’s most famous landmarks. Admire the shimmering gold leaf exterior and the tranquil reflection in the surrounding pond, a sight that captures the beauty of Japanese aesthetics.
37. Get Your Fortune Told at a Temple: Participate in the tradition of drawing omikuji (fortune-telling paper strips) at temples and shrines. These fortunes can range from great blessings to warnings, offering a fascinating glimpse into Japanese spiritual practices.

38. Meditate at a Zen Garden for an immersive experience during your visit to Japan.: Relax and find inner peace in the serene dry landscape gardens of Zen temples. Places like Ryoan-ji in Kyoto offer tranquil settings for meditation and reflection amidst meticulously raked gravel and carefully placed rocks.
39. Explore the Temples of Nara: Nara, the ancient capital, is home to some of Japan’s oldest and most significant temples. Visit Todai-ji, with its giant Buddha statue, and Kasuga Taisha, known for its lantern-lit paths, as part of your day trip in Nara while you travel in Japan.
40. Climb Mount Koya on your Japan trip for an unforgettable experience.: Mount Koya is a spiritual center for Shingon Buddhism. The climb offers a chance to visit sacred sites, meditate in tranquil surroundings, and experience the beauty of the mountain.
41. Visit Senso-ji Temple: Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, is a vibrant and bustling spiritual site. The temple grounds, Nakamise shopping street, and the iconic Thunder Gate create a lively atmosphere perfect for both worship and tourism.
42. Attend a Tea Ceremony: Participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, which embodies the principles of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Tea houses in Kyoto and other cities offer authentic experiences where you can learn about the art and etiquette of tea preparation.
43. Walk the Pilgrimage Routes of the Kii Peninsula: Explore the ancient pilgrimage routes in the Kii Mountain Range, a UNESCO World Heritage site. These trails connect sacred sites and offer a blend of natural beauty and spiritual heritage.

5. Beautiful Attractions

44. Attempt to See Mount Fuji: No trip to Japan is complete without trying to see Mount Fuji. Visit Hakone or the Fuji Five Lakes area for the best views of this iconic mountain, especially in clear weather.
45. Go Cherry Blossom ViewingExperience hanami, the tradition of cherry blossom viewing, in parks across Japan for an unforgettable experience on your Japan trip. Late March to mid-April is the best time to enjoy picnics under the blooming sakura trees in places like Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen.
46. Enjoy the Stunning Autumn Colours: Japan’s autumn foliage is a sight to behold. Visit Kyoto in late November to see vibrant red, orange, and yellow leaves transforming the city’s gardens, temples, and parks into a colorful wonderland.
47. Cycle the Countryside: Explore Japan’s rural areas on a bicycle. Areas like Hida-Furukawa offer scenic cycling routes through picturesque countryside, traditional villages, and beautiful landscapes.
48. Visit the Art Island of Naoshima: Naoshima is an island dedicated to contemporary art. Explore its unique museums, art installations, and sculptures, blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of the island.
49. Wander the Bamboo Groves of Arashiyama: Stroll through the enchanting bamboo groves of Arashiyama in Kyoto. The towering bamboo stalks create a magical and serene atmosphere.
50. Explore the Gardens of Kanazawa: Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa is considered one of Japan’s most beautiful landscape gardens. Each season offers a different charm, from cherry blossoms in spring to snow-covered trees in winter.
51. Admire the Castles of Japan: Visit iconic Japanese castles like Himeji Castle and Matsumoto Castle. These historic structures offer a glimpse into Japan’s feudal past and are surrounded by beautiful gardens.
52. Walk the Historic Streets of Takayama: Takayama’s preserved Edo-period streets are lined with traditional wooden houses, sake breweries, and shops. The annual Takayama Festivals are a highlight, featuring elaborate floats and vibrant parades.
53. Relax in the Okinawa Islands: The Okinawa Islands offer stunning beaches, clear blue waters, and a unique cultural heritage. Explore the Ryukyu heritage, enjoy water sports, and relax in the subtropical climate.
54. Discover the Fairy Tale Village of Shirakawa-go: The thatched-roof houses of Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are particularly beautiful in winter when covered in snow. The village offers a picturesque glimpse into traditional rural life in Japan.
55. Hike the Japanese AlpsThe Japanese Alps offer spectacular hiking opportunities with trails that lead through lush forests, alpine meadows, and past hot springs, making it an unforgettable experience for those who travel in Japan. The Kamikochi Valley is a popular starting point for exploring this mountainous region.
56. Explore the Scenic Coastlines of Shikoku: Shikoku’s rugged coastline, dotted with picturesque fishing villages and hidden coves, is perfect for exploring by bike or on foot. The Shimanami Kaido, a series of bridges connecting islands, offers a stunning cycling route.

6. Questions and Insights

How Can Staying in a Ryokan Enhance Your Experience of Traditional Japanese Culture?

Staying in a ryokan immerses you in traditional Japanese lifestyle. From sleeping on futons on tatami mats to enjoying elaborate kaiseki meals and soaking in onsen baths, a ryokan stay offers a comprehensive cultural experience.

What Are the Unique Aspects of Visiting an Onsen Town Like Kinosaki Onsen Compared to a Regular Onsen, and how can they enhance your Japan trip?

Kinosaki Onsen offers the charm of visiting multiple unique hot spring baths within the town, each with its own character and history. The tradition of wearing yukata (casual summer kimono) and walking from bath to bath enhances the communal and leisurely experience.

How Does the Culinary Experience in Japan Differ from Other Countries, Particularly in Terms of Traditional Meals Like Kaiseki?

Japanese cuisine emphasizes seasonal ingredients, aesthetic presentation, and balance of flavors. Kaiseki, in particular, is a multi-course meal that showcases meticulous preparation, seasonal themes, and an artistic approach to dining that is distinct from other culinary traditions.

7. Tips for a Smooth and Enjoyable Trip

Plan Ahead

• Reservations: Some activities, such as visiting the Studio Ghibli Museum or staying in a ryokan, require advance reservations. Plan ahead to secure your spots.
• Seasonal Attractions: Cherry blossoms peak in late March to mid-April, and autumn leaves are most vibrant in late November. Schedule your trip accordingly to experience these natural wonders.

Be Prepared for Seasonal Variations

Japan’s weather can vary greatly depending on the season and region. Pack appropriately and be ready for anything from hot and humid summers to cold and snowy winters.

Respect Cultural Etiquette during your visit to Japan.

Understanding and respecting local customs enhances your experience and shows respect for the host culture. Pay attention to etiquette in places like temples, onsens, and traditional restaurants to ensure a respectful and harmonious visit.

8. Conclusion: Embrace and Enjoy the Experience

Japan is a land of endless discoveries, offering something for every type of traveler. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the serene temples of Kyoto, every corner of Japan has its own unique charm and experiences. By immersing yourself in the culture, trying new activities, and respecting local customs, you can create unforgettable memories and truly enjoy all that this beautiful country has to offer. Happy travels and enjoy your journey through Japan!