12 Best Things to Do in Japan You Should Not Miss

Japan offers a mix of food, culture, nature and modern entertainment that is hard to find anywhere else. You can eat fresh sushi, visit ancient temples, see Mount Fuji, ride a bullet train and explore bright city neighborhoods in the same trip.

This list covers 12 must-do experiences that visitors can actually try during a Japan trip.

1. Eat Authentic Japanese Sushi at a Local Sushi Restaurant

Eating sushi in Japan is different from ordering it in many other countries. The fish is often fresher, the rice is served at the right temperature and the menu changes with the season.

For a more traditional experience, sit at a sushi counter where the chef prepares each piece in front of you. You may be served tuna, sea urchin, eel, shrimp and other seafood based on what is fresh that day.

Tokyo is one of the best places to try it. Visit sushi restaurants near Toyosu Market for fresh seafood, or book a counter-style restaurant in Ginza for a more refined meal.

You do not need to choose an expensive restaurant. Even a small local sushi shop can offer better quality and a more authentic experience than the sushi many visitors have tried outside Japan.

2. Visit Kyoto’s Traditional Temples and Shrines

Kyoto is one of the best places to experience traditional Japan. The city has historic temples, shrines and old streets that are easy to explore in one trip.

Start at Fushimi Inari Shrine, where you can walk through thousands of bright red torii gates. The path continues up the mountain, but you do not need to complete the full hike.

Next, visit Kinkaku-ji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. Its gold-covered building beside a quiet pond is one of Kyoto’s most famous views.

At Kiyomizu-dera Temple, you can enjoy wide views over the city. After visiting the temple, walk through the nearby streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, where you will find traditional wooden buildings, tea shops and small souvenir stores.

Visit early in the morning when possible. Popular temples can become crowded later in the day.

3. See Mount Fuji in Person

Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s most famous sights, but it is not always visible because clouds can cover it. Early morning usually gives you the best chance of a clear view.

Lake Kawaguchi is one of the easiest places to see the mountain. You can walk beside the lake, take a boat ride or visit nearby viewing points. The wider Fuji Five Lakes area also offers nature trails, museums and hot springs.

For a classic photo, visit Chureito Pagoda, where you can photograph the pagoda with Mount Fuji in the background.

Travelers who want a bigger challenge can climb Mount Fuji during the official summer hiking season. The climb requires planning, suitable clothing and good fitness. Visitors who only want the view will usually enjoy the Fuji Five Lakes area more.

4. Experience a Japanese Onsen

An onsen is a Japanese bath filled with natural hot spring water. It is one of the best ways to relax after walking, sightseeing or riding trains.

Before entering the bath, wash your body at the shower area. Swimsuits are usually not allowed, and men and women normally use separate bathing areas.

For a complete experience, stay at an onsen ryokan. You can enjoy the hot spring, wear a yukata and rest in a traditional room.

Popular onsen areas include Hakone, which is easy to reach from Tokyo, Beppu, known for its many hot springs, and Kusatsu, famous for its strong natural spring water.

Some public baths do not accept tattoos. Check the rules before visiting, or choose a private bath if needed.

5. Stay One Night in a Traditional Ryokan

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn. Staying in one gives you a closer look at Japanese hospitality and daily customs.

Your room will usually have tatami flooring, low tables and sliding doors. You can wear a yukata inside the property and sleep on a futon placed on the floor.

Many ryokans also serve a kaiseki dinner, which includes several small dishes made with seasonal ingredients. Breakfast is often Japanese-style as well.

For the best experience, choose a ryokan in Kyoto, Hakone or a hot spring town. One night is usually enough to enjoy the traditional setting without making your trip too expensive.

6. Explore Tokyo’s Famous Neighborhoods

Tokyo’s neighborhoods feel very different from one another, so visiting several areas is the best way to experience the city.

Start at Shibuya Crossing, where large crowds cross the road from every direction. Nearby streets are filled with shops, restaurants and bright signs.

Visit Harajuku for youth fashion, small boutiques and colorful street food. For anime, electronics and gaming, spend time in Akihabara, where you will find arcades, manga shops and themed cafés.

In the evening, explore Shinjuku. The area is known for restaurants, bars, observation decks and busy nightlife streets.

These neighborhoods are connected by train, but do not try to see all of them too quickly. Choose two or three areas each day so you have time to explore.

7. Eat Japanese Street Food in Osaka

Osaka is often called Japan’s food capital. It is one of the best cities for casual meals and street food.

Start with takoyaki, which are small balls filled with octopus. They are usually topped with sauce, mayonnaise and bonito flakes.

You should also try okonomiyaki, a savory pancake made with cabbage, meat or seafood. Another popular choice is kushikatsu, which includes meat and vegetables fried on sticks.

Dotonbori is the most famous food area in Osaka. It has bright signs, busy restaurants and many snack stalls. Shinsekai is a good place to try kushikatsu in a more local setting.

Try small portions from different stalls instead of eating one large meal. This lets you taste more of Osaka’s best-known foods.

8. Ride the Shinkansen

Riding the Shinkansen is one of the easiest ways to travel between major cities in Japan. The trains are fast, clean and usually very punctual.

Popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Tokyo to Osaka and Osaka to Hiroshima. During the journey, you can relax, eat a train station lunch box and enjoy views of cities, mountains and the countryside.

Some trains also offer views of Mount Fuji when traveling between Tokyo and Kyoto. Book a window seat on the correct side of the train for a better chance of seeing it.

Reserve your seat during weekends, holidays and busy travel seasons. Arrive at the platform early because the train may only stop for a few minutes.

9. Experience Japanese Anime and Gaming Culture

Japan is one of the best places to enjoy anime, manga and video games.

In Akihabara, you can visit large electronics stores, anime shops and multi-floor arcades. You can also browse manga stores, play classic and modern arcade games, and buy figures, cards and other merchandise.

Themed cafés are another popular experience. Some are based on anime characters, games or Japanese pop culture. These cafés can be busy, so booking in advance is often helpful.

You do not need to be a serious anime fan to enjoy the area. The bright signs, unusual shops and busy arcades make Akihabara an interesting place to explore.

10. See Cherry Blossoms or Autumn Leaves

Japan is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season and autumn.

In spring, people gather under sakura trees for picnics and photos. Ueno Park in Tokyo and Maruyama Park in Kyoto are popular places to see cherry blossoms.

The exact blooming dates change each year, so check the forecast before your trip. Popular parks can become crowded, especially on weekends.

In autumn, temple gardens and mountain areas turn red, orange and yellow. Kyoto is one of the best places to see maple leaves around traditional temples.

Choose cherry blossoms for a lively spring atmosphere. Choose autumn if you prefer cooler weather and colorful natural scenery.

11. Visit Nara and Feed the Deer

Nara is an easy day trip from Kyoto or Osaka. It is best known for the friendly deer that walk freely around Nara Park.

You can buy special deer crackers from local stalls and feed them. Keep other food and paper items inside your bag because the deer may try to grab them.

While in the park, visit Todai-ji Temple. Its large wooden hall contains the Great Buddha, one of Japan’s most impressive Buddhist statues.

Spend at least half a day in Nara. This gives you enough time to walk through the park, see the deer and visit the temple without rushing.

12. Try Everyday Japanese Life Experiences

Some of the most memorable parts of Japan are simple daily experiences.

Visit a convenience store to try rice balls, sandwiches, desserts and ready-made meals. You can also explore a local supermarket to see Japanese snacks, fruit, drinks and household products.

Try using vending machines, which sell everything from hot coffee to cold tea. Staying in a capsule hotel can also be an interesting experience for one night, especially for solo travelers.

A late-night walk through a quiet Japanese neighborhood is another simple way to enjoy the country. Streets are often calm, clean and well lit.

These activities may not be famous attractions, but they help you understand what everyday life in Japan feels like.

Staying Connected While Doing These Things in Japan

Mobile data is useful throughout a Japan trip. You may need it for Google Maps, translation apps, train schedules, restaurant searches and online tickets.

A travel eSIM is often the easiest option for tourists with a compatible phone. You can activate it before arriving and avoid spending time looking for a SIM card store after landing.

esimNB offers Japan travel eSIM plans that can help you stay connected while moving between cities, checking train routes or finding nearby attractions. Make sure your phone supports eSIM and is unlocked before buying.

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