Best things to do in Japan: Top places and unique experiences

Did you know there’s an island in Japan where deer bow to visitors, a place where you can bathe in ramen broth, and a village with 10 times more crows than people? Things like these make Japan the go-to destination for quirky experiences. 

However, Japan will not disappoint those travelers who want to experience Japanese food, art, history, and the unique mesh of ancient traditions and modern marvels. If you want to explore the must-sees in Japan first and leave these offbeat experiences for another time, here are some of the best things to do in Japan. 

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1. Go for a street kart ride in Tokyo

When visiting Tokyo, going for a ride on the city’s busy streets might not be the first thing that comes to mind. But what if you could dress as your favorite Mario character, get in a street kart, and feel the adrenaline rush while riding through Tokyo’s bustling streets?

You can do that with Street Kart, as you’ll ride from Tokyo Tower to the Rainbow Bridge and back. The rides are organized in the morning, afternoon, or night, with the night ride being the favorite for many visitors thanks to the neon lights and vivid Tokyo nights. This is definitely one of the cool things to do in Japan and an experience you’ll hardly find anywhere else.

The Street Kart price ranges from 15,000 to 17,500 Yen (~$97 to 113.61 USD), or even as low as 9,000 Yen (~$58.20 USD) with special discounts.

Note: Book your Street Kart tour in advance to ensure you get tickets for your preferred time and date, as it’s a mostly sold-out activity.

2. Enjoy the Cherry Blossom season

The Cherry Blossoms, or Sakura, are among Japan’s most iconic experiences. These cherry blossoms are more than just beautiful. The Japanese people consider them a symbol of the bitter-sweet fleeting nature of life, but also hope and renewal. They are an essential theme of Japanese art and culture; even the samurai adopt them as symbols of their way of life.

The Sakura season lasts from March to May, so consider the best time to visit Japan based on the region to catch the blossom season at its peak.

Okinawa is your best bet if you want to be among the first to experience a cherry blossom festival in Japan’s parks and castle grounds.

Or, if you’re not planning to visit the islands, you can wait a bit longer for the Sakura season to start in Tokyo.

3. Snap a selfie at the Shibuya Crossing

The Shibuya Scramble Crossing is the go-to spot for many travelers coming to Tokyo. As the busiest pedestrian intersection in the world, it is now considered part of modern Japanese culture.

Shibuya Crossing draws anime fans eager to recreate scenes from Jujutsu Kaisen or experience the cinematic energy of Fast & Furious. There’s always something happening at Shibuya Crossing.

The surrounding streets are a hub for trendy street fashion, from the bold gyaru style of Shibuya 109 to Cat Street’s high-end streetwear and sneaker culture. It’s the perfect place for social media-worthy photos.

To get to the Crossing, take the Saikyo Line, Yamanote Line, or the Tokyo Metro Ginza to the Shibuya Station, walk by the Hachiko Statue, and then head to this iconic spot.

4. Admire local shrines and temples

Shrines and temples are among the most important places to visit in Japan, no matter where you go, but it’s fair to say this is one of the best things to do in Ginza, Tokyo, and Kyoto.

• Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine: Probably the most famous shrine in Japan, the Fushimi Inari Shrine was built to honor the Shinto god of rice. It features thousands of vermilion torii gates that lead into the sacred forest of Mount Inari.
• Namba Yasaka Shrine: Home to the Namba’s guardian deity, this shrine is famous for its lion-shaped stage, different festivals throughout the year, and the historical importance of an ancient Buddhist complex.
• Senso-Ji Temple: The oldest ancient Buddhist temple in Tokyo, restored after World War II, Senso-Ji remains an iconic place to visit. Here, culture, religion, and delicious food are found in a single place.
• Kanda Myojin Shrine: The shrine has a beautiful torii gate entrance and decorated halls, ideal for meditating and connecting with Japanese culture. Locals also state that you can buy talismans to protect your valuable belongings.
• Hanazono Shrine: One of the most important Shinto shrines in Tokyo, Hanazono Shrine is a hidden gem in the heart of Shinjuku. Known for its vibrant torii gates and seasonal festivals, it’s a must-visit for those looking for things to do in Shinjuku.

Note: When visiting Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples in Japan, showing respect by following purification rituals and keeping quiet is essential. At shrines, cleanse your hands, bow, and clap; at temples, light incense, bow silently, and don’t clap. Avoid referring to a shrine as a “temple” and vice versa. If you’re unsure, look for the Torii gate—if it has one, it’s a Shinto shrine. 

5. Visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park serves as a reminder of the devastating events of World War II in Japan’s history.

After the atomic bombing, only the Genbaku Dome was left standing. Today, it is a part of a huge park and a museum where visitors can learn about this part of Japanese history and all the events that took place on August 6th, 1945.

Beyond the museum and park, the site features various memorials, lecture halls, and year-round events dedicated to remembering the atomic bombing and promoting world peace.

To visit the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, you can take a train or bus to JR Hiroshima Station and then take a bus to the Genbaku-Dome-Mae stop and walk until you reach the park.

6. Hike in the Mount Fuji

Visible from Tokyo on clear days, Mount Fuji is one of Japan’s most breathtaking destinations for a full-day trip.

The tallest mountain in Japan, Mount Fuji, is 12,388 feet (~3,776 meters) high. Reaching the summit takes around six hours, but the effort to reach it is worth it, as you’ll get a view from above the clouds of hills and lakes on Honhsu Island.

Also, a fun fact is that the views of Fuji are better during winter than summer, as clear skies are more common these days. So, if you’re going for the challenge, pack appropriately for your Japan trip.

You can travel to Honshu Island by plane, but the easiest way is to take the bullet train from Osaka or Kyoto, which takes around 45 minutes.

7. Learn about the otaku culture in Akihabara

One of the best things to do in Akihabara is to explore the otaku culture, especially if you’re a fan of classic and modern animes like Naruto, Dragon Ball, and Shingeki No Kyojin.

When visiting Akihabara, you’ll find different comic stores with collectibles, official merchandise, and occasional cosplay events.

Another great thing about otaku culture is that many leading stores are spacious. Depending on where you go, you can spend hours exploring huge multi-floor buildings filled with collectibles, manga, and merchandise.

Some of the best stores to visit are:

• Mandarake Complex: Located at Sotokanda 3-11-12, Chiyoda-ku.
• Akihabara Kotobukiya: Located at 1-8-8 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku.
• Animate Akihabara: Located at 4 Chome-3-1 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku.
• Acos Akihabara: Located at 1-7-6 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku.
• Akihabara Gamers: Located at Takarada Bldg., 1-14-7 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku.

8. Go to the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Takayama

Located in Gifu Prefecture of Japan, Takayama is home to a historic district where well-preserved Edo-period houses define its traditional architecture.

These Gassho-style merchant houses and museums are located in the Sanmanchi Suji district, where the Ogimachi, Ainokura, Shirakawa-go, and Gokayama villages stand out from the rest of the city.

Not only are these villages part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list, but they are also home to biannual festivals. These events celebrate the spring and fall seasons with huge parades, including puppet shows, lots of food stalls, and the chance to connect with the roots of Japanese culture.

Aside from these activities, depending on the season of your visit, you can take a walk among the mulberry trees or hike the nearby mountains for a different perspective of this village, which still feels like a step back into the Edo Period.

Note: You can take buses from the Takayama Station (50 minutes away) or the Nagoya Station (3 hours away). Book any of these in advance to make sure there’s a spot for you.

9. Spend the night in a Ryokan

A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn where visitors can experience locals’ hospitality while enjoying other activities, like taking an open-air bath or a private onsen (hot spring), if you don’t like communal baths.

Ryokans are mostly decorated with tatami-matted floors, futon beds, and a mix of modern and traditional Japanese-style decor, including paintings and statues.

Also, when visiting a Ryokan, it is your best time to try a yukata (Japanese traditional clothing) and get to know and experience the Omotenashi culture thanks to the staff.

Lastly, your best options to visit a Ryokan are:

• Arima Onsen Ryokan Taketoritei Maruyama: Located at 1364-1 Arimacho, Kita Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-1401.
• Oni No Sumika: Located at 1163 Shuzenji, Izu, Shizuoka 410-2416. 
• Notoya Ryokan: Located at 446 Ginzanshinhata, Obanazawa, Yamagata 999-4333.
• Kitanokaze Saryo: Located at 934-29 Sengokuhara, Hakone-machi, Ashigarashimo-gun 250-0631.

10. Taste the local cuisine and street food

Japanese cuisine is a must-try for everyone visiting the country, whether you want to eat sushi at the Tsukiji Fish Market or indulge in a traditional kaiseki meal. Sushi and ramen might be the first things that come to mind, but Japan’s food scene offers much more, from casual street eats to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Tokyo street food has something for every traveler, offering a mix of traditional flavors and modern twists. Craving something sweet? Takeshita Street is lined with cafés and dessert shops serving milkshakes, crepes, and ice cream. In the mood for more classic flavors? Head to Oyama Happy Road for mochi, yakitori, takoyaki, rice cakes, and other must-try Japanese street foods.

But these are just a few examples of everything you can find around the Japanese streets and delicious restaurants, like the following:

• Ichiran Shibuya: One of the best things to do in Tokyo is to visit the Ichiran Shibuya restaurant. This is a must-try ramen spot where you can enjoy rich bowls in a private booth—just like Naruto after a long mission.
• Sushi Senpachi: Eating sushi in its birthplace is an experience like no other, and Sushi Senpachi in Fukuoka delivers just that. Alongside fresh, high-quality sushi, you can also enjoy poke bowls and pair your meal with sake after a long day exploring the city.
• Rin: In Hamamatsu, Rin specializes in freshwater eel, or unagi, a prized delicacy in Japanese cuisine. Here, you can try expertly prepared dishes where unagi takes center stage, served grilled, glazed, or in a traditional unadon rice bowl.
• Tempura Ono: For an unforgettable dining experience in Tokyo, visit Tempura Ono, where chef Shimura Koichiro crafts an exquisite omakase tempura menu right before your eyes, following traditional Japanese techniques.

11. Take a famous bullet train

Bullet trains, also known as Shinkansen bullet trains, are the fastest way to travel around Japan in record time.

These trains cover nine different rail lines on the Japan Rail network, reaching a top speed of 100 mph (~320 km/h). Thanks to these unbelievable speeds, you can easily move from north to south in no time.

Also, thanks to the extensive Japan Rail network, a trip from Tokyo to Osaka and Fukuoka is fast and easy. You can visit the most iconic Japanese islands without worrying about arriving late in the blink of an eye.

Lastly, using the Japan Rail Pass is a non-negotiable. You’ll get unlimited access to all the high-speed trains in the train network, with some exceptions on trains to Nozomi and Mizuho, where a special ticket is required.

Note: Make sure you’ll use the Japan Rail Pass as much as possible, as pricing starts at $336 USD for a week in the Standard category.

12. Experience geisha culture in Japan

Experiencing geisha culture is one of the most fascinating things to do in Japan, especially in Gion (Kyoto) and Higashi Chaya (Kanazawa). Unlike modern entertainment venues, geisha performances offer a glimpse Japan’s elegant and refined traditions.

Geisha are highly trained traditional entertainers skilled in classical music, dance, and conversation. They host exclusive gatherings in traditional tea houses (ochaya) and perform seasonal dances at public events.

One thing to note is that geisha experiences vary depending on where you go. A private geisha dinner can cost hundreds of dollars, but more affordable public performances can be seen at places like Gion Corner in Kyoto for around $25 USD.

Note: For an authentic experience, consider attending Miyako Odori, Kyoto’s famous spring dance performance in the famous geisha district, where geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geisha) showcase their skills in a stunning seasonal show. It is among the top things to do in Kyoto.

13. Rent a karaoke room for a night

Renting a karaoke bar with friends for a night or enjoying it with a group of locals during a night out is a must-do in Japan.

For a fun night of singing, visit famous karaoke rooms like Karaoke Kan Shibuya, Big Echo, or Karaoke Pasarela AKIBA.

The best part about karaoke rooms is that they are entirely private. Therefore, if that’s your thing, you can sing whatever you please, from anime openings to a Bad Bunny song. 

14. Have a fun day at Universal Studios 

Universal Studios is one of the best things to do in Osaka. It offers a mix of the Hollywood industry, classic gaming scenarios, and a theme park for a full day of fun.

But that’s not all, because based on where you’re traveling to Universal Studios, you’ll find different events happening, like the 10th anniversary of Universal Cool Japan, for example.

Pricing for a one-day pass ranges from 5,600 to 8,600 Yens (~$36.01 to $55.30 USD) and includes access to most attractions. However, certain events might incur an additional charge, which will be mentioned when purchasing tickets.

Lastly, the Super Nintendo World is among the most interesting attractions in Universal Studios. This is the home to Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country for the cherry on top of your visit.

15. Live a unique experience at the TemLAB Planets Museum

If you’re up for an immersive experience where your body will be one with the art, the TeamLAB Planets Museum is a unique place to visit in Toyosu in Koto City.

At this museum, you’ll walk through water, flowers, and massive artwork spaces where digital technology is the main protagonist of the experience.

Throughout the museum, the artwork dynamically transforms in response to visitors. The experience shifts based on the number of people present, making each visit unique.

The idea is to connect your body to art and nature. Each museum location offers unique exhibitions, so be prepared for anything.

16. Enjoy a Japanese tea ceremony with locals

To close our list, one of the best activities to do in Japan is to enjoy a tea ceremony with locals.

This ceremony consists of different steps, where tea masters prepare, serve, and drink tea as a ritual. The idea of the ceremony is for attendees to promote mindfulness, harmony, and well-being after consuming matcha, a powdered green tea.

While attending a tea ceremony, attendees will bond between themselves and the ceremony host, with the higher purpose of getting inner peace, similar to what Zen monks and noble warlords used to practice in ancient Japanese times.

Also, while some locals consider this ceremony a hobby, most Japanese people consider it the art of tea, as hosts dedicate years to mastering each movement until it becomes effortless and deeply meditative.

Stay connected in Japan with Holafly

Japan offers countless experiences, from exploring the rich tradition and art galleries to soaking in a hot spring or climbing Mount Fuji. No matter what you do—whether shopping at convenience stores or booking a capsule hotel – you need to have a reliable internet connection in Japan.

While SIM cards and pocket WiFi are options, buying them at a train station or convenience store can be costly, and pocket WiFi rentals often require deposits and pickups.

 A better option is an eSIM for Japan, offering instant connectivity at a lower cost. With the Holafly eSIM for Japan, you can book a hot spring visit, check train schedules, or share your adventures hassle-free.

With Holafly, you’ll get an eSIM starting at $6.90, but can get as low as $1.55/day based on how long you’re staying in Japan. Additionally, you get the following benefits:

• Unlimited data for uninterrupted connection
• 24/7 customer support available in 19 languages
• 500 MBs of data sharing per day
• Up to 5G connectivity when available with KDDI
• Mobile app to manage, purchase, and activate eSIMs on eligible devices
• Easy top-ups to add more days to your eSIM
• Customizable days to avoid spending more money on your eSIM
• Option to get an eSIM for Tokyo

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Julio Osuna

English Content Writer

I first started my content creation journey as a freelancer in 2019, before connecting with Holafly in 2021. At Holafly, my travel and tech interests come together in one place as I craft high-quality articles about the eSIM and related markets. My content aims to help travelers stay connected, wherever they are.

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