Best things to do in Japan

Japan is a traveller's dream. This fascinating country serves up a feast for the senses, from the dizzying neon of Tokyo's Shibuya Crossing to the zen-like calm of a Kyoto temple garden. And the best part? It's easier to explore than you might think. Here's our list of the best things to do in Japan.

1. Visit the former capital of Japan - Kyoto

Kyoto: the capital of Japan for a thousand years, endowed with an almost overwhelming legacy of temples, palaces and gardens, and also home to the country’s richest traditional culture and most refined cuisine.

For many people, the very name Kyoto conjures up the classic image of Japan: streets of traditional wooden houses, the click-clack of geta (wooden sandals), geisha passing in a flourish of brightly coloured silks, and temple pagodas surrounded by cherry blossom trees.

The vast amount of culture and history in Kyoto is mind-boggling, yet it’s possible to get a good feel for the city within a couple of days. The top priority should go to the eastern, Higashiyama, district, where the walk north from the famous Kiyomizu-dera to Ginkaku-ji takes in a whole raft of fascinating temples, gardens and museums. 

2. Skiing in Hokkaido - one of the things to do in Japan for skiing enthusiasts

Hit the slopes and enjoy the perfect powder snow at Niseko in Hokkaido or the great runs and charming atmosphere of Nagano’s Nozawa Onsen.

Around 70km south of Otaru is Niseko, Japan’s premier winter sports destination, with impressive amounts of perfect powder snow and top-class, interlinked ski fields. The resort hugs Mount Niseko-Annupuri and faces the dormant volcano Mount Yōtei-san (also known as the Ezo Fuji for its resemblance to its more famous southern cousin).

3. Try all kinds of fresh seafood in Tsukiji

The bayside area of Tsukiji dates back to 1657, when Tokugawa Ieyasu had the debris from the Fire of the Long Sleeves shovelled into the marshes at the edge of Ginza, thus creating “reclaimed land”, or “tsukiji”. The area was long famed for its huge, almost otherworldly fish market, which was finally shifted east to Toyosu, after years of delays.

Most of the area’s prime sushi shops have also relocated, but Tsukiji still boasts a distinctive atmosphere and a lovely temple. Visiting this Tokyo fish and produce market is one of the best things to do in Japan if you are looking for an early breakfast and the freshest sashimi and sushi in the country.

4. Attend a snow festival - Yuki Matsuri

Gawp at mammoth snow and ice sculptures in Sapporo, Hokkaido, every February.

Sapporo’s famous snow festival, the Yuki Matsuri, has its origins in the winter of 1950 when six small snow statues were created by high-school children in Ōdōri-kōen, the city’s main park. The idea caught on, and by 1955 the Self Defence Force (the Japanese military) was pitching in to help build gigantic snow sculptures, which included intricately detailed copies of world landmarks such as the Taj Mahal.

Running from early to mid-February and spread across three sites, the festival now includes an international snow sculpture competition and many other events, such as snowboard jumping and nightly music performances in the park. 

5. Tokyo Sanrio Puroland

For an unapologetically joyful dive into Japan's kawaii (cute) culture, look no further than this technicolor wonderland. Dedicated to Hello Kitty and her Sanrio pals, this indoor theme park is a sugar rush of adorable mascots and whimsical attractions. 

Hop aboard the charming character boat ride, meet your favourite characters, catch the inventive Kawaii Kabuki show (an inspired blend of traditional theatre and the Sanrio universe), or simply soak up the relentlessly cheerful atmosphere. You can purchase tickets online with Klook.

6. Visit the monumental bronze Buddha of Tōdai-ji in Nara

The ancient former capital is home to the monumental bronze Buddha of Todai-ji and fine collections of religious art.

Before Kyoto became the capital of Japan in 794 AD, this honour was held by Nara, a town some 35km further south in an area that is regarded as the birthplace of Japanese civilization. Nara’s grid-street system is well-signposted in English, and the main sights, include some UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The main sights are all gathered on the city’s eastern edge in the green expanse of Nara-kōen. Its greatest draws are undoubtedly the monumental bronze Buddha of Tōdai-ji, and Nara’s holiest shrine, Kasuga Taisha, with its rows of lanterns and the attractive new museum, while Kōfuku-ji, Sangatsu-dō and ShinYakushi-ji all boast outstanding collections of Buddhist statuary.

7. Visiting Naoshima island

One of the best places to experience the beauty of the Inland Sea is this tranquil island, with its amazing contemporary art museums, public sculptures and installations.

The islands of the Seto Inland Sea, between Shikoku and the main island of Honshū, are some of the most scenic and friendly places in Japan. For centuries, they were at the crossroads of maritime transportation, including piracy, which enabled them to develop their own unique culture and ecological lifestyle.

The dynamic hub for Benesse’s ongoing “community revitalization through art” project, idyllic Naoshima is now home to six stunning Andō Tadao-designed galleries as well as several large-scale installations and outdoor sculptures from major international and Japanese talent.

8. Pay tribute to the tragedy in Hiroshima

Pay your respects to the A-bomb victims at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum in the city of Hiroshima, impressively reborn from the ashes of World War II.

Since August 6, 1945, Hiroshima, western Honshū’s largest city, has been a living monument to the devastating effects of the atomic bomb. Millions of visitors each year come to pay their respects at the Peace Memorial Park and museum, while the reconstructed city serves in its entirety as an eloquent testimony to the power of life over destruction.

Where once there was nothing but ashes, there now stands a dynamic modern city which with its trundling trams and bustling alleyways retains an old-world feel.

9. Take a pilgrimage to Koya-san

Mingle with monks and pilgrims on one of Japan’s holiest mountains, home to over a hundred monasteries.

Ever since the Buddhist monk Kōbō Daishi founded a temple here in the early ninth century, Koya-san has been one of Japan’s holiest mountains. The town itself is in a high, cedar-filled valley near the top of the mountain, and more than one hundred monasteries cluster around the head temple of the Shingon school of Buddhism, Kongōbu-ji.

This isolated community is protected by two concentric mountain chains of peaks, which are said to resemble an eight-petalled lotus blossom.

Whatever your religious persuasion, there’s a highly charged, slightly surreal atmosphere about this group of temples suspended among the clouds. 

10. Experience the famous Japanese Kabuki

Kabuki theatre is a famous form of classical Japanese dance drama. It is widely known for its highly stylised performances, the sumptuous costumes worn by the performers and the skilful make-up of the kumadori.

Tokyo’s National Theatre or Shimbashi Embujo are among the places where you can enjoy this most dramatic of traditional Japanese performing arts. In its two auditoria, Tokyo’s National Theatre puts on a varied programme of traditional theatre and music, including kabuki, bunraku, court music and dance. 

11. Small Worlds Tokyo

This quirky museum packs a punch, offering a fascinating peek into meticulously crafted miniature worlds. From a pocket-sized airport (complete with tiny planes taxiing on the runway) to fantastical landscapes ripped from the pages of your favorite manga, the attention to detail is mind-boggling.

Interactive elements allow you to bring parts of these miniature worlds to life. 

When buying tickets, you might want to consider Klook's Tokyo Pass — it'll get you discounted entry to Small Worlds and other top attractions (up to 62% off). Opt for the version with the unlimited subway pass included – which can be incredibly helpful for navigating Tokyo's extensive subway system. Alternatively, grab a standalone unlimited subway pass if you're more interested in exploring.

11. Visit the Tokyo Sky Tree

Ascend the Tokyo Sky Tree, the world's tallest tower and Japan's newest landmark. Standing at 634 meters (2,080 feet), this broadcasting tower offers two observation decks with spectacular views of the sprawling metropolis. 

On clear days, you can see as far as Mount Fuji. The lower deck features a glass floor for those brave enough to look straight down, while the upper deck is a 450-meter spiral skywalk. Don't miss the stylish shops and restaurants at the base of the tower.

13. Go hiking in the Kiso Valley

The three-hour hike from Tsumago to Magome in Nagano takes you through the gorgeous countryside between two lovingly preserved Edo-era “post towns”. If you are into hiking - visiting Kiso Valley is sure a thing to do in Japan for you.

The densely forested river valley of Kiso, southwest of Matsumoto between the Central and Northern Alps, provides a glimpse of how Japan looked before concrete and neon became the norm. Part of the route for the 550km Nakasendō, one of the five main highways that spanned out from Edo (present-day Tokyo), ran through this valley.

Connecting Edo with Kyoto, it reached its heyday between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries. Three of the eleven post towns (juku) that lined the Kiso-ji (Kiso road) section of the Nakasendō – Narai, Tsumago and Magome – have been preserved as virtual museums of the feudal past.

14. Take a taste of Kaiseki-ryori 

Indulge yourself with a meal of kaiseki-ryori, Japan’s haute cuisine, comprising a selection of beautifully prepared morsels made from the finest seasonal ingredients.

Japan’s finest style of cooking, kaiseki-ryōri, comprises a series of small, carefully balanced and expertly presented dishes. Described by renowned Kyoto chef Murata Yoshihiro as “eating the seasons”, this style of cooking began as an accompaniment to the tea ceremony and still retains the meticulous design of that elegant ritual.

At the best kaiseki-ryōri restaurants, the atmosphere of the room in which the meal is served is just as important as the food, which will invariably reflect the best of the season’s produce. 

15. Take a look at the thousand-year-old cedar trees in Yakushima

Commune with thousand-year-old cedar trees in Kirishima-Yaku National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Craggy mountain peaks; wave after wave of the dripping rainforest; towering cedar trees which predate the Roman Empire; and the all-pervasive scent of moss and flowers. If this all sounds a little like the setting for an anime, rather than real-life Japan, you’d be half-right: Miyazaki Hayao was said to have taken his inspiration from Yakushima’s lush forests when creating Princess Mononoke.

Climbing steeply from the sea some 60km off Cape Sata, Yakushima encompasses the eight highest mountains in Kyūshū, centred on 1935m-high Miyanouradake. 

16. Climb Mount Fuji...

Make the tough but rewarding hike up Japan’s tallest peak, a long-dormant volcano of classic symmetrical beauty.

“A wise man climbs Fuji once. A fool climbs it twice”, says the Japanese proverb. Don’t let the sight of children and grannies trudging up lull you into a false sense of security: at 3776m in height – more than enough for altitude sickness to take hold – this is a tough climb.

Many climbers choose to ascend the mountain at night in order to reach the summit by dawn; during the season, the lights of climbers’ torches resemble a line of fireflies trailing up the volcanic scree.

Insider tip: For a scenic start to your Fuji adventure, hop on the Fuji Excursion train from Tokyo. Book your tickets through Klook – they'll snag them as soon as they're released (30 days out). These seats sell out quickly, so be sure to book early.

17. … then relax in Hakone

After conquering Fuji, treat yourself to Hakone's soothing hot springs and cultural riches. This playground for Tokyoites makes an ideal day trip or overnight stay.

For hassle-free exploration, consider booking a tour through Klook. Their day trips from Tokyo typically cover both Mt. Fuji and Hakone, hitting key spots like the Hakone Ropeway and Lake Ashi cruise. It's a convenient way to see the highlights if you're short on time.

Ride the Hakone Ropeway for sweeping views over Lake Ashi and (on clear days) Fuji itself. At Owakudani, sample the area's famous black eggs, cooked in sulphuric hot springs.

For the full Hakone experience, soak in an onsen (hot spring bath) at a traditional ryokan. It's the perfect tonic for Fuji-weary muscles.

17. Stay at a ryokan

Treat yourself to a night of luxury in a ryokan, a traditional Japanese inn, where you enter a world of understated elegance and meticulous service.

A night in a traditional Japanese inn, or ryokan, is one of the best things while visiting Japan. The best charge five-star hotel rates, but there are plenty where you can enjoy the full experience at affordable prices. Cheaper is minshuku, family-run guesthouses, and the larger government-owned kokuminshukusha (people’s lodges) located in national parks and resort areas.

In addition, some temples and shrines offer simple accommodation, or you can arrange to stay with a Japanese family through the homestay programme.

19. See the view from Shibuya Sky

Perched atop the gleaming Shibuya Scramble Square building, Shibuya Sky offers a jaw-dropping perspective on the Japanese capital. This 229 meter (734 feet) high observation deck serves up knockout 360° panoramas, taking in everything from the chaos of Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo Tower, and on clear days, even the distant silhouette of Mount Fuji.

For the brave, the open-air Sky Edge walkway provides heart-stopping photo ops, while the Skydeck's hammocks offer a more laid-back way to take in the urban sprawl below. Time your visit for sunset to witness the best view. 

20. Participate in Awa Odori

Dance the night away at the country’s biggest Obon bash, held in Tokushima, Shikoku.

Every year in mid-August, many Japanese return to their family homes for Obon (Festival of the Dead), which is as much a celebration as a remembrance of the deceased.

Awa Odori – the “Great Dance of Awa” – a four-day festival that runs every year from August 12 to 15. Over a million spectators come to watch the eighty-thousand participants, dressed in colourful yukata (summer kimono) and half-moon-shaped straw hats. Participants parade through the city, waving their hands and tapping their feet to an incessant two-beat rhythm, playing on taiko drums, flutes and shamisen (traditional stringed instruments).

With plenty of street parties and sideshows, this is as close as Japan gets to Rio’s Carnival. There’s plenty of fun to be had to mingle with the dancers, who famously chant, “The dancing fool and the watching fool are equally foolish. So why not dance?”

21. teamLAB experiences

For a mind-bending plunge into cutting-edge digital art, make a beeline for teamLAB's Tokyo outposts. At teamLAB Borderless in Odaiba, you'll find yourself adrift in a hallucinatory world where art knows no bounds. Expect to be dazzled by shimmering light waterfalls, have digital "tadpoles" dance across your palms, and get lost in an ever-morphing garden of flowers. It's a feast for the senses and your social media feed.

If Borderless leaves you hungry for more, head to teamLAB Planets in Toyosu. Here, you'll wade through knee-deep water as glowing orbs pulse around you, tiptoe through a digital flowerbed, and gawp at a galaxy of twinkling lights. With just four installations, it's more compact than Borderless, but no less gobsmacking. Be sure to wear shorts to Planets – you'll be getting your feet wet.

22. Head to the famous Tōshō-gū shrine in Nikko

Set amid splendid mountains north of Tokyo, this pilgrim town is home to the fabulously over-the-top Tosho-gu shrine, one of Japan’s most sumptuous buildings.

Most visit Nikkō to see the World Heritage-listed Tōshō-gū shrine complex, which sits at the base of mountains crisscrossed by the outstanding hiking trails of Nikkō National Park.

It’s also worth investigating the far less crowded Tōshō-gū Museum of Art, and the Tamozawa Imperial Villa Memorial Park, before crossing the Daiya-gawa to explore the dramatically named Ganman-ga-fuchi abyss – in fact a modest gorge flanked by a tranquil walking path.

23. Follow the trails of Kumano Kodo

Wander the ancient pilgrimage route of the “Land of the Gods”, discover sacred mountain sites, and soak in the healing waters of isolated hot springs.

Set among the isolated mountain ranges of the Kii Peninsula, in southern Wakayama prefecture, southeast of Osaka, is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes known as the Kumano Kodō. An area of stunning natural beauty – old-growth forests, mountain tea fields, magnificent waterfalls, and healing hot springs. It is also the spiritual heartland of Japanese mythology and religion.

It's unique for its synthesis of Shintōism and Buddhism, in which indigenous Japanese deities were accepted as manifestations of Buddhist deities. This is where the mountain worshipping Buddhist-Shintō practice of Shugendō evolved and is still active today.

24. Taking a dip in Japanese onsen

Take a dip at a top onsen resort town, such as Dogo, with its magnificent bathhouse, or experience the exquisite warmth of a rotemburo (outdoor bath) as the snow falls.

The ultimate relaxation for Japanese people is to soak in hot spring waters, but if you can’t make it to an onsen resort then it’s worth seeking out a neighbourhood sentō (bathhouse). Watch out for the denkiburo – a bath with mild electric shocks believed to reduce muscle pain.

Upmarket public bathhouses provide small towels (bring your own or buy one on the door if using a cheaper sentō), though no one minds full nudity. Baths are typically segregated, so memorize the kanji for female (女), which looks a little like a woman; and male (男), which looks sort of like a chap with a box on his head.

25. Discover famous Japanese beverages in sake breweries

Drop by venerable sake breweries in Obuse or Takayama to discover the amazing varieties of this ancient Japanese alcoholic beverage made from rice.

Legend has it that the ancient deities brewed Japan’s most famous alcoholic beverage – sake, also known as nihonshu – from the first rice of the new year. Although often referred to as rice wine, the drink, which comes in thousands of different brands, is actually brewed, and as such more closely related to beer (which long ago surpassed sake as Japan’s most popular alcoholic drink).

When served cold, sake is sometimes presented and drunk out of a small wooden box (masu) with a smidgen of salt on the rim to counter the slightly sweet taste.

26. Visit the feudal-era fortress in Himeji

Relive the days of the samurai at Himeji-jo, the premier example of a feudal-era fortress.

Of Japan’s twelve surviving feudal-era fortresses, by far the most impressive is the one in Himeji, 55km west of Kōbe. The fortress, Himeji-jō, made the memorable backdrop to the James Bond adventure You Only Live Twice, as well as countless feudal-era dramas and the Tom Cruise film, The Last Samurai, part of which was filmed here and around the city.

The splendid gabled donjons of Himeji-jō – also known as Shirasagi-jō, or “white egret castle”, since the complex is supposed to resemble the shape of the bird in flight. It miraculously survived the World War II bombings that laid waste to much of the city, and in 1993 the castle was added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

27. Get a Tokyo pass and see as many things as you can

Want to cram in Tokyo's top draws without bleeding your wallet dry? You'll want to snag a Klook Tokyo Pass. This nifty ticket is your key to over 40 attractions with discounts, from the heights of Tokyo Tower to the bizarrely scatological Unko Museum. 

The number of attractions that you’ll be able to visit will depend on the package that you’ll purchase, but either way: it’s convenient and you can expect to save up to 62% on standard admission fees.

You can let kids loose in LEGOLAND Discovery Center or Little Planet DiverCity Tokyo. For a cultural experience, purchase a ticket for the Kimono and Yukata Rental where you can wear traditional attire firsthand. Or, explore modern Japan at NAKED "OMATSURI" in Marunouchi — a digital art festival that celebrates food, play, and dance.

28. Visit Kenroku-en - one of the best gardens in Japan

Nature has been tamed and primped to its most beautiful at Kanazawa’s star attraction, one of the country’s top traditional gardens.

Originally the outer grounds of Kanazawa castle, the magnificent Kenroku-en officially ranks in the top three gardens in Japan (the others are Kairaku-en in Mito and Kōrakuen in Okayama). Laid out over two centuries from the 1670s onwards, it opened to the public in 1871.

The name, “combined six gardens”, refers to the six horticultural graces it embraces: spaciousness, seclusion, artificiality, antiquity, water and panoramic views.

It’s a delightful place to stroll around, with an ingenious pumping system that keeps the hillside pools full of water and the fountains working. 

29. Take a look at gassho-zukuri houses in Ogimachi

A quaint village filled with distinctive gassho-zukuri houses, whose steep-sided thatched roofs are said to recall two hands joined in prayer.

Gasshō-zukuri means “praying hands”, because the sixty-degree slope of the thatched gable roofs is said to recall two hands joined in prayer. The sharp angle is designed to cope with the heavy snowfall hereabouts, while the size of the houses is the result of multi-generational family living.

In the shadow of the sacred mountain Hakusan, Ogimachi is home to 114 gasshō-zukuri houses, the largest collection within the Shirakawa-gō area of the Shō-kawa valley. 

30. Shop and dine at Miyashita Park in Shibuya

Fancy a breather from Shibuya's manic crossings? Make tracks for Miyashita Park, a spanking new urban hangout that's more than just a patch of grass. This multi-storey space is a great place for shopping, dining, and recreation.

At street level, you'll find a parade of hip boutiques flogging everything from skatewear to artisanal coffee. Feeling peckish? Head up a floor and take your pick from a smorgasbord of eateries. 

But the real gem is up top. The rooftop's a proper jack-of-all-trades: part park, part sports complex. Watch skaters pull ollies at the skate park, or join the chalky-handed crowd at the bouldering wall. 

31. Admire the cherry blossoms in Yoshino

There are hundreds of places in Japan where you can enjoy cherry blossom trees (sakura).

Yoshino is the most famous place in Japan to see cherry blossoms. More than 100,000 trees bloom on the sacred mountain of Yoshino-yama, usually in early April – attracting enormous crowds and traffic jams for a month. The small town at the top of Yoshino-yama, accessed via ropeway, is essentially one long street and is easily explored on foot.

Home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, it is also the headquarters of the Shugendō Buddhist sect of mountain aestheticism, and is renowned for its kuzu (arrowroot) sweets, making a visit at any time of the year worthwhile.

Cherry blossom season is one of the reasons Japan is considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world. 

32. See a bamboo grove in Arashiyama

Western Kyoto ends in the pleasant, leafy suburb of Arashiyama. Set beside the Hozu-gawa, Arashiyama, literally ‘‘storm mountain’’, was originally a place for imperial relaxation, away from the main court in central Kyoto, where aristocrats indulged in pursuits such as poetry-writing and hunting.

One of Arashiyama’s most popular and photogenic sights, the beautifully maintained bamboo grove is spectacular in any season. The path through the grove begins to the north of Tenryū-ji and runs west all the way to the entrance of Ōkōchi Sansō. It’s usually best visited in daylight hours, but is lit up in the evening at certain times of the year; check the website for exact dates.

That said, it's often overwhelmingly crowded, which really detracts from the experience; cyclists and jinrikisha use a separate lane to pedestrians, and it's generally much quieter.

33. Cross the famous Shibuya Crossing

It’s hard to beat Shibuya, the birthplace of million-and-one consumer crazes, as a mindblowing introduction to contemporary Tokyo. Teens and twenty-somethings throng Centre Gai, the shopping precinct that runs between the district’s massive department stores.

Centre Gai is bookended to the south by Shibuya Station, visible across the hordes of people navigating the famously busy Shibuya crossing – one of the most famous pedestrian crossings in the world. One perch from which to view the crowds of people swarming across is the bridge corridor linking the JR station with the Shibuya Mark City complex.

34. Attend a traditional tea ceremony

Tea was introduced to Japan from China in the ninth century and was popularized by Zen Buddhist monks, who appreciated its caffeine kick during their long meditation sessions. Gradually, tea drinking developed into a formal ritual known as cha-no-yu, the tea ceremony, whose purpose is to heighten the senses within a contemplative atmosphere.

In its simplest form, the ceremony takes place in a tatami room, undecorated save for a hanging scroll or display of ikebana (traditional flower arrangement). Using beautifully crafted utensils of bamboo, iron and rustic pottery, your host will whisk matcha – the strong powdered form of green tea – into a thick, frothy brew and present it to each guest in turn.

35. Take a ride on a bullet train

For many visitors, riding the Shinkansen is an eagerly anticipated part of a trip to Japan. Often referred to as the “Bullet Train” because of the smooth, rounded design of the earliest locomotives, you’ll barely notice the speed of these smooth-running beasts, which purr along some lines at a whopping 320kph. Some lines are planning to upgrade to 360kph in due course.

They are also frighteningly punctual (two seconds late on the platform and you’ll be waving goodbye to the back end of the train), not to mention reliable (only the severest weather conditions or earthquakes stop the Shinkansen).

36. Explore Immersive Fort Tokyo

Step into a world of fantasy and adventure at the Immersive Fort Tokyo. This innovative entertainment facility offers a unique blend of immersive storytelling, interactive technology, and hands-on experiences. Solve puzzles, battle mythical creatures, and uncover hidden treasures as you navigate through themed rooms and digital landscapes. It's an exciting new way to experience Tokyo that will appeal to both adults and children alike.

As you can see there are plenty of fantastic things to do in Japan, and this list doesn't even scratch the surface. Take advantage of booking options like Klook for convenience and to save money on admission. 

This article was made in partnership with Klook.com.