Things to Do in Japan

Japan has more to do than most trips can cover: ancient Kyoto temples, Tokyo neighbourhoods each with their own distinct character, Mount Fuji, rural onsen towns, Osaka’s food lanes, a thriving pop culture scene, and corners of the country that most visitors never reach. This guide covers twelve areas of experience: the unmissable and the underrated, with enough practical detail to plan and book each one. For the full trip planning picture, including which cities to base yourself in and the best time to visit, see Travel to Japan. For all destination activity guides on the site, see all activities guides.

Kyoto: Temples, Shrines and the Gion District

Kyoto is Japan’s cultural core. With around 1,600 temples and 400 shrines, the practical approach is to anchor your visits to a few areas rather than ticking off a list.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is the iconic mountain shrine covered in thousands of vermilion torii gates. Entry is free and the site is open around the clock. The tunnel of gates near the base is the part almost every visitor photographs; it takes around 15 minutes to walk through. The full hike to the summit and back is 2–3 hours and feels like a different place entirely: the crowds thin sharply above the second stage, the forest deepens, and the gates continue for the entire route. Go before 7am or after 6pm to avoid the worst of the lower section crowds.

Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) charges around ¥500 (~USD 3) for entry. The pavilion is genuinely as striking as the photographs suggest. Aim for opening time or late afternoon; the mid-morning to early afternoon window is when tour groups concentrate.

Arashiyama covers three separate attractions worth combining in a half to full day: the bamboo path (free, takes around 5 minutes to walk at a normal pace), Tenryu-ji garden with its Edo-period pond and landscape garden (from around ¥500 for the garden, ~USD 3), and the Iwatayama Monkey Park (around ¥550, ~USD 4): a steep 20-minute climb that rewards with views and monkeys feeding from your hand at the summit.

Gion is Kyoto’s historic geisha district. The Hanamikoji street area is best walked in the early evening when maiko (apprentice geisha) travel to engagements. Entry is free; the atmosphere is in the architecture and the chance encounter rather than any specific sight. Kyoto is best explored over 2–3 days minimum.

Tokyo Neighbourhoods

Tokyo’s character lives in its neighbourhoods, each with its own atmosphere that doesn’t resemble the others. The JR Yamanote Line connects most of them within 20–30 minutes.

Asakusa is where old Tokyo survives: Senso-ji temple (free, at its most atmospheric before the market stalls open), the Nakamise shopping approach lined with traditional snack and souvenir stalls, and backstreets that look much as they did before the city’s postwar rebuilding. Rickshaw rides through the area are available for those who want a slower tour.

Shibuya is built around the Scramble Crossing, one of the world’s busiest pedestrian intersections. It is best viewed from above: the Shibuya Sky observation deck (around ¥2,000, ~USD 13) provides the clearest aerial perspective. Book online to guarantee a time slot. The crossing peaks in the evening after rush hour.

Yanaka takes more effort to reach but rewards it. No high-rises, a local shotengai shopping street, old temples, and a cemetery that residents use as a park. It feels like the city before the high-rise era and gets a fraction of Asakusa’s foot traffic.

Akihabara is Japan’s electronics and pop culture district: multi-floor arcades where most games cost around ¥100 per credit (~USD 0.70), retro game shops, figure stores, manga cafés, and maid cafés. Newer additions include esports arenas and VR centres. Allow 2–3 hours for the atmosphere; it is genuinely different from anything outside Japan.

Shimokitazawa is the opposite in spirit: independent vintage clothing stores (dozens within a 10-minute walk, from around ¥500/~USD 3 per item), live music venues, small theatres, and coffee shops. The area is entirely walkable and is where younger Tokyo residents spend weekends.

Mount Fuji and Nature

Hakone is the most practical base for Fuji views without climbing: around 85 minutes from Shinjuku by the Odakyu Romancecar limited express (from around ¥3,000/~USD 20 one-way). The combination of mountain views, the Open Air Museum, outdoor hot spring hotels, and a ropeway crossing above volcanic terrain makes it the right balance of accessible and scenic for most first-time visitors. The Hakone Free Pass covers most local transport once there.

Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes, provides the most reproduced photograph: the Chureito Pagoda with Mount Fuji behind it. The pagoda requires a climb of 398 steps. Fuji is most often clear in the early morning, and more reliably visible in autumn than in summer, when heat haze and clouds frequently obscure the upper cone.

Climbing Fuji is a separate commitment. The official climbing season runs from early July to mid-September. The Yoshida Trail, starting from the 5th Station, carries a conservation fee of around ¥4,000 (~USD 27). The 5th Station itself is accessible by direct bus from Shinjuku (around ¥2,700/~USD 18 round trip) without any climbing, for those who want the altitude and the view without the overnight hike. Over 200,000 people climb per season; late-night departures to reach the summit at dawn are the standard approach.

Kamikochi in the Japanese Alps is worth the effort for a different kind of Japan entirely: a protected highland valley where no private cars are permitted, with turquoise rivers and peaks above 3,000 metres. The season runs from late April to November.

Traditional Experiences

Tea ceremony is widely available in Kyoto’s Higashiyama area and in several Tokyo locations. Sessions range from 30-minute tourist-oriented introductions (from around ¥1,500/~USD 10) to fuller chakai experiences with multiple courses and seasonal sweets (from around ¥5,000–8,000/~USD 33–55). The shorter formats work well as an introduction; longer sessions at dedicated schools typically require advance booking.

Kimono rental is most popular in Kyoto’s Gion and Higashiyama areas. Most shops charge from around ¥3,000–6,000 (~USD 20–40) for a half-day including dressing assistance. Hair styling costs extra. You keep the kimono on all day and return it by late afternoon, which means you can visit Kiyomizudera and Ninenzaka naturally while wearing it.

Sumo tournaments run six times a year: January, May, and September in Tokyo (Ryogoku Kokugikan); March in Osaka; July in Nagoya; November in Fukuoka. Each tournament lasts 15 days. Day tickets start from around ¥2,200 (~USD 15) for upper-tier seats; ringside positions go considerably higher. Buy through Ticket Pia or the Japan Sumo Association website. Doors open in the morning for lower-ranked bouts; top-division wrestlers fight from around 4pm onward, the most practical window for day visitors.

Zazen meditation: a number of Kyoto and Tokyo temples offer morning zazen sessions open to visitors without prior experience. Duration is typically 30–60 minutes; costs range from free to around ¥2,000 (~USD 13). Arrive early and follow the guidelines provided on arrival.

Koyasan (Mount Koya) deserves its own mention: a mountain-top monastery town in Wakayama, around 2 hours from Osaka by train and cable car. Overnight temple stays (shukubo) start from around ¥15,000 (~USD 100) per person, typically including a multi-course Buddhist vegetarian dinner and morning breakfast. The Okunoin cemetery (Japan’s largest, with thousands of moss-covered graves and stone lanterns) is best walked in the evening when it is lit and largely empty of day visitors.

Onsen and Ryokan Stays

Onsen (hot spring bathing) and ryokan (traditional inn) stays are among the most distinctively Japanese experiences and are frequently combined, though they are separate things.

Three tiers of onsen access: public sento (neighbourhood bathhouse, around ¥500/~USD 3, no accommodation, local atmosphere); day-use onsen at dedicated facilities or hotels (from around ¥1,000–2,500/~USD 7–17); and a full ryokan overnight with private or communal onsen on site (from around ¥15,000–20,000/~USD 100–130 per person, typically including kaiseki dinner and breakfast).

The practical rules: separate male and female baths in most facilities; wash thoroughly at the individual shower stations before entering the communal pool; towels stay outside the water; no swimwear. Conversation is minimal.

Tattoo policy: most traditional onsen still ban visible tattoos. The standard workaround is a private bath (kashikiri buro), bookable by the hour at many ryokan (from around ¥1,500–3,000/~USD 10–20 for 45 minutes). Some newer facilities explicitly accept tattooed guests; confirm before booking if this matters.

Onsen towns worth knowing: Hakone is the most accessible from Tokyo. Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo Prefecture (around 2.5 hours from Osaka or Kyoto by JR Limited Express, from around ¥5,000/~USD 33 one-way) has six public bathhouses you visit on foot in yukata robes provided by your accommodation, one of the most complete traditional onsen-town experiences in Japan, and far fewer foreign visitors than Hakone. Kusatsu in Gunma Prefecture (around 2.5 hours from Tokyo) is consistently rated among Japan’s top hot spring destinations.

The full ryokan experience extends beyond the water: check-in includes yukata robes provided by the inn, kaiseki dinner (8–12 seasonal courses) served in-room or a private dining room, futon sleeping arrangements prepared while you dine, and a formal breakfast the following morning. Accommodation options and booking windows are covered in Hotels in Japan.

Osaka and Food Culture

Osaka is Japan’s food city. The phrase kuidaore (eat until you drop) originates here, and the eating culture reflects it.

Dotonbori is the most concentrated stretch of eating in the city: the canal-side neon district where takoyaki (octopus balls, from around ¥400–600/~USD 3–4 for six pieces), kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers), and ramen shops sit within metres of each other. It is best in the evening when the signs are fully lit. The Glico Running Man neon sign is the de facto photo landmark.

Shinsekai, a short walk south, is the working-class district known for kushikatsu: meat, seafood, and vegetables on skewers, fried and dipped in communal sauce. The no-double-dipping rule is absolute and posted on every table. Budget from around ¥1,500–2,500 (~USD 10–17) for a sit-down meal.

How izakaya works: an izakaya is a Japanese pub that serves food, built for groups ordering over an evening. An otoshi (small appetiser) arrives automatically and is charged as a cover fee, typically around ¥300–500 per person (~USD 2–3). Order drinks first, then graze through small shared dishes. Bills are generally settled per person. Most izakaya have picture menus or plastic food displays at the entrance.

Ramen by region: Hakata-style tonkotsu (Fukuoka origin, rich opaque pork bone broth); Tokyo shoyu (clear, soy-based); Sapporo miso (thick and hearty, often with corn and butter); Kyoto chicken-based (cleaner and lighter). A bowl in Japan typically costs from around ¥800–1,200 (~USD 5–8).

Depachika (the basement food halls of Japanese department stores) are worth visiting in their own right. The best in Tokyo are Isetan Shinjuku and Mitsukoshi Ginza; in Osaka, Takashimaya and Daimaru. Prepared bento, handmade wagashi sweets, French pastries, regional specialities from across Japan, and high-end sushi all appear side by side. Most close when the store does; prepared food is often marked down in the final 30 minutes.

Day Trips from Kyoto and Tokyo

Nara is around 45 minutes from Kyoto by Kintetsu Line (from around ¥760/~USD 5) or around one hour from Osaka. Around 1,200 sika deer roam freely through Nara Park; they bow when approached and will eat shika-senbei deer crackers (from around ¥200/~USD 1.50) from your hand. Todai-ji, housing Japan’s largest bronze Buddha, is a 10-minute walk from the park entrance and charges around ¥600/~USD 4 for entry. Half a day is enough for most visitors.

Hiroshima and Miyajima are best treated as an overnight stay rather than a day trip (around 4.5 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen, or around 2 hours from Osaka). The Peace Memorial Museum charges around ¥200/~USD 1.50 and requires at least 2 hours. Miyajima island is reached by ferry (from around ¥180/~USD 1.50 each way); the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine stands in the tidal flats and looks different depending on the tide. Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki (layered with noodles, distinctly different from the Osaka version) is worth eating specifically here.

Kamakura is around 1 hour from Tokyo by JR Yokosuka Line (from around ¥700/~USD 5). The Great Buddha at Kotoku-in charges around ¥300/~USD 2 for entry (a small additional fee allows you to enter the statue itself). Hase-dera temple charges around ¥400/~USD 3 and is particularly visited during hydrangea season in June. The coastal Enoshima island is accessible the same day. Best planned as a full-day trip.

Nikko is around 2 hours from Tokyo by Tobu Nikko Line (from around ¥1,400/~USD 9 with limited express surcharge). The Tosho-gu mausoleum complex (elaborate gilded shrine buildings set in forested mountain terrain) is the primary reason to make the trip. A full day is needed. For Shinkansen and limited express connections to all of these destinations, see the Japan Shinkansen Guide.

Modern Japan and Pop Culture

TeamLab Planets in Toyosu, Tokyo: from around ¥3,200 (~USD 21). Immersive art installations combining projection, mirrors, and water; visitors wade barefoot through shallow pools as part of the experience. Book online; walk-in availability is rare. Wear shorts. Allow 1.5–2 hours.

TeamLab Borderless, which reopened at Azabudai Hills in Minato-ku: from around ¥4,000 (~USD 27). Larger than Planets, with 50+ installations across multiple floors that can take 2–4 hours to move through. Book with the same lead time as Planets; both sell out on popular dates weeks ahead. Both venues and full booking links are on the TeamLab official site.

Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, west Tokyo: around ¥1,000 (~USD 7). Entry is harder to arrange than almost anything else in Japan. Tickets are released on the 10th of each month for the following month via Lawson convenience store terminals inside Japan, or through authorised overseas agents at a markup. There is no walk-in entry. Plan at least 6–8 weeks ahead. The museum is small (2 hours is sufficient), but the experience is exactly what fans of Miyazaki’s films would want. Check current ticketing arrangements on the Ghibli Museum official site.

Akihabara in depth: multi-floor arcades including Super Potato (retro games, from around ¥100/~USD 0.70 per credit), Yodobashi Camera (large electronics retailer, flagship store stocks Japan-only models), figure and merchandise shops across multiple floors, and maid cafés on the upper levels of most buildings. Half a day is the natural unit here.

New in 2026: PokéPark Kanto opened in February 2026 at Yomiuriland in Tokyo (from around ¥2,700/~USD 18 for park entry), the world’s first permanent outdoor Pokémon theme park, covering 26,000 m². Buy tickets in advance.

Shopping in Japan

Kappabashi Street in Tokyo, between Asakusa and Ueno, is Japan’s professional kitchen goods district: around 170 shops selling Japanese knives, cast-iron tetsubin kettles, ceramics, lacquerware, and restaurant supplies. Knives range from around ¥5,000 (~USD 33) for a solid everyday blade to ¥50,000+ (~USD 330+) for hand-forged pieces from named craftspeople. Free to browse; most shops do not pressure-sell. The realistic plastic food sample shops (sampuru) on the same street are worth seeing in their own right.

Don Quijote (known as Donki) is a discount variety chain open 24 hours, with tax-free shopping available to foreign passport holders on purchases over ¥5,000 (~USD 33). The most useful stock for visitors: Japanese cosmetics (significantly cheaper than export pricing), licensed character goods, snacks, and electronics. Multiple locations in Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Osaka.

Shimokitazawa vintage: dozens of second-hand clothing stores within 10 minutes of the station, from around ¥500–5,000 (~USD 3–33) per item. The shops curate rather than dump; most stock has been sorted for quality and condition.

Drugstores and cosmetics: Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Sundrug, and Kokumin stock Japanese skincare and cosmetics at prices meaningfully lower than export markets. Popular categories for visitors include sunscreen, face masks, and vitamin C serums.

100-yen shops: Daiso and Seria sell most items at around ¥110 (~USD 0.75) including tax. Consistently useful for small gifts, stationery, kitchen items, and phone accessories. A full breakdown of districts, stores, tax-free mechanics, and what to buy in each category is in the Japan Shopping Guide.

Beyond the Main Circuit: Kanazawa and Hokkaido

Most first-time itineraries stay within the Tokyo–Kyoto–Osaka corridor. Two destinations that reward the extra travel time:

Kanazawa is around 2.5 hours from Tokyo by Shinkansen (from around ¥7,000/~USD 47 one-way; JR Pass valid) and is often described as Kyoto without the crowds. Kenroku-en (consistently rated among Japan’s three great landscape gardens) charges around ¥320 (~USD 2) for entry and is worth the journey alone. Higashi Chaya is a preserved geisha district of wooden teahouses that is free to walk through. The Omicho covered market sells Kanazawa’s renowned seafood, including winter crab from November to March. The Nagamachi samurai district has preserved residences open for around ¥500–700 (~USD 3–5). For accommodation in Kanazawa and what to expect, see Flights to Japan for route and timing options.

Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island, is a different climate and a different pace. Fly from Tokyo (around 1.5 hours, from around ¥7,000/~USD 47 on budget carriers including Peach and Jetstar) or take the Hokkaido Shinkansen to Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto and continue by limited express (total around 4.5 hours). Sapporo is the main city, known for miso ramen, the Sapporo Beer Museum, and the February Yuki Matsuri snow festival, which draws millions of visitors to see monumental ice sculptures in Odori Park. Niseko is Japan’s most internationally known ski resort (operating December to March, with world-class powder snow). Furano’s lavender fields peak in July. Otaru, around 40 minutes from Sapporo by train, is a former canal town with a well-preserved historic waterfront. Fresh seafood across Hokkaido, including crab, uni (sea urchin), and salmon, is exceptional year-round.

Seasonal Highlights

Cherry blossom (late March to early May): Tokyo typically peaks in late March to early April; Kyoto a few days later. Hirosaki in Aomori (late April to early May) is considered one of the most photographically dramatic settings, with thousands of trees surrounding a castle moat. The Japan Meteorological Corporation publishes bloom forecasts from January each year. Hotels in Kyoto during peak cherry blossom book out months ahead; plan accommodation before the forecast is released if possible.

Summer matsuri (June to August): Gion Matsuri in Kyoto runs throughout July, with two major float processions on July 17 and July 24, the largest traditional festival in Japan. Awa Odori in Tokushima (August) involves thousands of dancers over four days. Fireworks festivals (hanabi) take place almost every weekend across Japan through August.

Autumn foliage (October to November): rivals cherry blossom in visual impact with less of the advance booking pressure. Hokkaido peaks earliest, in early October; Nikko follows in late October; Kyoto typically peaks in mid-to-late November. The combination of temple gardens and coloured maples in Kyoto is particularly striking.

Winter (December to February): ski resorts in Hokkaido, Nagano, and Niigata operate from December. Christmas illuminations in Tokyo (Omotesando keyaki trees, Marunouchi street lights) run through November and December. Onsen visits are particularly atmospheric in cold weather. Sapporo’s Yuki Matsuri in February is a major event in its own right, independent of skiing.

For more Japan travel guides, see Japan Travel Tips.