100 Things to do in Japan
Cultural Experiences
Creating a list of 100 things to do in Japan is a fantastic way to explore the country’s rich culture, history, natural beauty, and modern quirks. Based on my knowledge and various sources, I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of activities and experiences that cover iconic landmarks, unique cultural practices, culinary delights, natural wonders, and offbeat adventures. These are tailored to provide a mix of must-do classics, hidden gems, and immersive experiences for travelers of all types, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned visitor. The list is organized by categories for clarity, but the activities are not ranked, as preferences vary. Each entry is concise, actionable, and reflects Japan’s diverse offerings as of my last update in 2025.
- Stay in a ryokan: Experience a traditional Japanese inn with tatami mats, futon bedding, and multi-course kaiseki meals.
- Attend a tea ceremony: Participate in a sado (tea ceremony) to learn the art of matcha preparation and its cultural significance.
- Visit Fushimi Inari Taisha: Walk through thousands of red torii gates at this iconic Kyoto shrine dedicated to Inari.
- Explore Meiji Jingu Shrine: Find tranquility at this Shinto shrine in Tokyo, surrounded by a lush forest.
- See Senso-ji Temple: Visit Tokyo’s oldest temple in Asakusa and stroll the vibrant Nakamise-dori shopping street.
- Dress in a kimono: Rent a kimono in Kyoto or Tokyo and explore historic districts for a cultural immersion.
- Watch a geisha performance: Attend a dance like Miyako Odori or Kyo Odori in Kyoto to see geisha artistry.
- Learn about sumo: Watch a sumo tournament in Tokyo, Osaka, or Fukuoka, or visit a sumo stable for morning practice.
- Visit a samurai castle: Explore Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for its stunning architecture.
- Experience a matsuri: Join a festival like Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri or Sapporo’s Yuki Matsuri for vibrant parades and street food.
- Try calligraphy: Take a shodo class to practice Japanese calligraphy with ink and brush.
- Visit a Buddhist temple: Explore Todai-ji in Nara, home to the Great Buddha statue.
- Participate in a temple stay: Stay overnight at Mount Koya to experience Shingon Buddhist rituals and vegetarian meals.
- Learn sushi-making: Take a cooking class in Tokyo or Kyoto to craft your own sushi.
- Visit a ninja museum: Explore the Iga Ninja Museum to learn about ninja history and try shuriken throwing.
- Attend a kabuki performance: Watch traditional Japanese theater at Tokyo’s Kabukiza Theatre.
- Explore ukiyo-e art: Visit the Ota Memorial Museum in Tokyo to see classic woodblock prints like Hokusai’s Great Wave.
- Visit a sake brewery: Tour a brewery in Kobe or Niigata to learn about sake production and sample varieties.
- Try flower arrangement: Take an ikebana class to create traditional Japanese floral designs.
- Visit a traditional crafts workshop: Learn about pottery, lacquerware, or washi paper-making in Kanazawa or Kyoto.
Food and Drink
- Eat sushi at Tsukiji Market: Sample fresh sushi at Tokyo’s outer market or nearby Toyosu Market.
- Try ramen varieties: Taste shio, shoyu, miso, or tonkotsu ramen at local shops or Fukuoka’s Ramen Stadium.
- Savor wagyu beef: Enjoy melt-in-your-mouth Kobe or Hida beef at a specialty restaurant.
- Eat okonomiyaki in Hiroshima: Try this savory pancake layered with noodles at Okonomimura.
- Visit Nishiki Market: Explore Kyoto’s “Kitchen” for local snacks, seafood, and sweets.
- Taste street food at Dotonbori: Try takoyaki, kushikatsu, or okonomiyaki in Osaka’s foodie district.
- Drink matcha in Uji: Visit Uji, near Kyoto, for high-quality green tea and desserts.
- Try kaiseki dining: Experience a multi-course traditional meal at a ryokan or high-end restaurant.
- Sample Japanese whisky: Visit a bar in Tokyo’s Golden Gai or Osaka for award-winning whiskies.
- Eat tempura: Enjoy crispy fried seafood and vegetables at a tempura specialist in Tokyo.
- Taste soba noodles: Try pure buckwheat soba at Kyorakutei in Tokyo for its nutty flavor.
- Try Hiroshima-style oysters: Savor grilled or raw oysters in Hiroshima’s coastal restaurants.
- Eat at an izakaya: Enjoy casual dining with sake, yakitori, and small plates at a Tokyo or Osaka pub.
- Sample Kit Kats: Try unique flavors like matcha, sake, or wasabi at convenience stores or specialty shops.
- Visit a depachika: Explore department store food halls for bento boxes, sweets, and free samples.
- Try katsu curry: Enjoy breaded cutlets with rich curry sauce at a local diner.
- Eat shabu-shabu: Cook thin slices of beef in hot broth at a hotpot restaurant.
- Taste Japanese strawberries: Try sweet, juicy strawberries from a market or farm.
- Make senbei: Craft and decorate rice crackers at a workshop in Shiga or Tokyo.
- Visit a coffee shop: Sip scientifically crafted coffee at Torahebi Coffee in Tokyo’s Parco complex.
Nature and Scenic Spots
- Climb Mount Fuji: Hike Japan’s iconic volcano during the summer climbing season for sunrise views.
- Visit Miyajima Island: See the “floating” torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine at high tide.
- Explore Arashiyama Bamboo Grove: Walk the serene bamboo-lined path in Kyoto.
- See cherry blossoms: Attend a hanami festival in spring at spots like Mt. Yoshino or Ueno Park.
- View autumn leaves: Enjoy koyo (fall foliage) at Nikko National Park or Kyoto’s Tofuku-ji Temple.
- Hike the Kumano Kodo: Trek this ancient pilgrimage trail in Wakayama for spiritual and scenic beauty.
- Visit Ashikaga Flower Park: See wisteria tunnels and seasonal blooms in Tochigi Prefecture.
- Explore Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route: Marvel at snow corridors and Kurobe Dam in spring or summer.
- Relax at an onsen: Soak in hot springs at Kurokawa Onsen or Hakone’s Yunessun Spa Resort.
- Visit Ogasawara Islands: Explore this UNESCO site, known as Asia’s Galapagos, for diving and wildlife.
- See Shirakawa-go: Visit the UNESCO-listed gassho-style farmhouses in Gifu Prefecture.
- Explore ejected: Explore the snowy landscapes of Niseko, a premier ski resort in Hokkaido.
- Visit Nara Park: Feed and photograph the free-roaming deer in this historic park.
- Explore Fuji Five Lakes: Enjoy views of Mount Fuji and outdoor activities like boating or hiking.
- Walk through Shinjuku Gyoen: Relax in this Tokyo park with Japanese, French, and English gardens.
- Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park: See snow monkeys bathing in hot springs in Nagano.
- Explore Yakushima Island: Hike through ancient cedar forests on this UNESCO World Heritage island.
- See the Great Buddha of Kamakura: Visit the iconic bronze statue at Kotoku-in Temple.
- Walk the Nakasendo Trail: Hike a historic route connecting Kyoto and Tokyo through scenic villages.
- Visit Shukkeien Garden: Stroll through this Hiroshima garden with ponds and tea houses.
Fun and Quirky Activities
- Ride the Shinkansen: Travel on a bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto for a high-speed experience.
- Visit Tokyo Disneyland: Enjoy Disney-themed rides and Japanese-exclusive attractions.
- Explore Tokyo DisneySea: Experience unique oceanic-themed rides and shows.
- Sing karaoke: Rent a private karaoke room in Tokyo or Osaka for a fun night out.
- Drive a Mario Kart: Join a street karting tour in Tokyo dressed as a video game character.
- Visit Sanrio Puroland: Immerse yourself in Hello Kitty’s colorful world in Tokyo.
- Explore Akihabara: Shop for anime, electronics, and quirky goods in Tokyo’s otaku district.
- Visit the Ghibli Museum: Discover the world of Studio Ghibli in Mitaka, Tokyo.
- Try a capsule hotel: Sleep in a pod for a unique, budget-friendly experience in Osaka or Tokyo.
- Visit the Cup Noodles Museum: Learn about instant noodles and design your own cup in Yokohama.
- Explore Kawaii Monster Cafe: Dine in Harajuku’s psychedelic, colorful cafe.
- Visit a cat island: Feed cats and relax on Tashirojima or Aoshima.
- Play at Tokyo Joypolis: Enjoy video game-themed rides and VR experiences in Odaiba.
- Visit Universal Studios Japan: Experience rides like Harry Potter and Jurassic Park in Osaka.
- Shop at a 100 Yen store: Buy affordable souvenirs at Daiso or other budget shops.
- Visit a maid cafe: Experience Akihabara’s quirky cosplay dining culture.
- Try purikura: Take fun, decorated photos in a Japanese photo booth.
- Visit Tokyo Skytree: Enjoy panoramic views from this 634-meter tower.
- Explore Golden Gai: Drink in tiny, themed bars in Shinjuku’s historic alleyways.
- Visit a themed restaurant: Dine at a robot restaurant or ninja-themed eatery in Tokyo.
Historical and Educational
- Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial: Reflect at the Atomic Bomb Dome and Peace Museum.
- Explore Osaka Castle: Learn about Japan’s feudal history at this iconic castle.
- Visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum: Discover Tokyo’s history from the Edo period to today.
- See Kinkaku-ji: Marvel at Kyoto’s golden temple reflecting in its pond.
- Visit Nijo Castle: Explore the shogun’s residence in Kyoto with its “nightingale floors.”
- Learn at the Kyoto Railway Museum: See historic trains and ride a steam locomotive.
- Visit the Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art: View modern Japanese art in a scenic setting.
- Explore Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen Garden: Wander one of Japan’s top three gardens.
- Visit the Adachi Museum of Art: See stunning gardens and Japanese art in Yasugi.
- Tour the Toyota Commemorative Museum: Learn about Japan’s automotive history in Nagoya.
Outdoor and Adventure
- Ski in Niseko: Hit the slopes in Hokkaido for world-class powder snow.
- Dive in Okinawa: Explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
- Hike in Nikko National Park: Enjoy waterfalls, lakes, and historic shrines.
- Cycle the Shimanami Kaido: Ride across bridges connecting islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
- Kayak in Matsushima Bay: Paddle among scenic pine-covered islands.
- Climb Mount Takao: Hike this Tokyo day trip spot for views and temples.
- Visit Ise Jingu: Explore Japan’s most sacred Shinto shrine in Mie Prefecture.
- Go whale watching in Okinawa: Spot humpback whales in winter months.
- Explore the Oki Islands: Discover remote islands with unique geology and wildlife.
- Visit the Hitachi Seaside Park: See seasonal flower fields, especially nemophila in spring.
This list offers a diverse range of experiences, from iconic cultural landmarks to unique activities that showcase Japan’s blend of tradition and modernity. Many of these, like visiting Fushimi Inari or eating sushi, are quintessential, while others, like the Kumano Kodo or cat islands, offer off-the-beaten-path adventures. Plan your trip around seasons (e.g., cherry blossoms in spring, koyo in fall) or interests (e.g., food, history, nature) to make the most of your visit.
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