- Visiting the museum and Japanese gardens in Tokyo's Imperial Palace that exhibit traditional Japanese art and history
- Seeing the shrines in Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple
- Visit to Kinkaki-ji also known as the Temple of Golden Pavilion
- Enjoying a Japanese tea ceremony (or chado), appreciating the unique way that green matcha tea is prepared and served
- Climbing Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain
- Hiking in the Yakushima forest or the Sagano bamboo forest
- Paying respects at Hiroshima Peace Park and museum, a tribute to the victims of Hiroshima bombing
- Seeing to Himeji Castle, built during medieval period for defense purpose
- Chanting with Buddhist monks in the early hours of the morning at a Monestary in Koyasan
- Soaking in a traditional onsen, sans clothes, as per the Japanese custom
- Walking among the many zen temples and gardens in Kyoto
- Visiting one of the may popular themed cafes, from animal to anime
- Admiring the cherry blossoms of spring, an annual ritual known as hanami
- Indulging in sushi and kobe beef, soba noodles, ramen and sake to your heart’s content
- Wandering through Kyoto’s Gion district to see geishas in traditional kimonos
- Watching a sumo match, a sport that dates back at least 2,000 years to the Edo period
Best Things to Do in Japan
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Things to do in Japan - Expert's guide
1. Kyoto
Kyoto is a very classic stop on a tour of Japan. Some major Japanese sites that are on many a bucket list can be checked off in Kyoto. You’ll see the opulent Golden Pagoda - decorated in gold leaf, and set against a picturesque pond, the contrasting colors of the garden and pagoda create stunning photos, especially on a clear day.
Also in Kyoto is perhaps one of the most Instagram worthy destinations in Japan: Fushimi Inari Taisha. Thousands of bright red gates called “Torii’s” line the way up to a shrine of the god Inari.
If you are planning to visit Japan for the cherry blossom season, Kyoto’s beautiful gardens and parks will definitely be included on your itinerary!
2. Tokyo
One simply cannot visit Japan without experiencing the indescribable city of Tokyo. Bustling with people at all hours, Tokyo is a hub of business and innovation. That said, it is possible to find some peace and quiet in Tokyo - consider a picnic in Hamarikyu Garden or taking a relaxing stroll through Nezu Museum.
Like most major cities around the world, Tokyo is also a great spot for visiting galleries, museums, taking in some modern theater, or going shopping - don’t miss the world renowned Ginza shopping district for some unique finds!
There is a reverence that many travelers have for Japanese food. The country produces two of the most popular dishes in the world: sushi and ramen. Food tours are a great way to get to know the many different ways these dishes are prepared, regional specificities, and also expand beyond to experiences some truly unique dishes and flavors. Nothing could beat watching your food being prepared on a steaming hot plate right before your eyes, and enjoying brand new tastes.
4. Hakone
Hakone is situated right on the shores of Lake Ashi. It is a great place to visit before or after going to Mount Fuji. You can also get picturesque photos of Mount Fuji from the top of the Hakone Ropeway cable car - a highly recommended experience! There are lots of nice ryokans (Japanese style inns), onsens (hot springs), and ofuro (bath house) in the area, so it is a beautiful place to relax and enjoy some Japanese hospitality.
Zen Buddhism permeates the calm and peaceful culture and personality of Japan. There is an incredible sense of balance in Japanese homes, which are traditionally minimalist and often have zen gardens. These pebble or sand gardens are decorated with green plants and rocks - very purposefully placed to illustrate various stages of life or thought.
Zen gardens, or rock gardens as they are also called, are designed to be places of peace and tranquility. They are offer a great opportunity to take a moment, breathe deeply, and quiet your mind.
When you travel to Japan, one of the activities you might very well partake in is a meditation session. There are a number of monasteries throughout Japan that are fully functioning and open to visitors. Some even allow you to stay overnight for a truly immersive experience.
Even if you don’t meditate regularly, you can simply absorb the surroundings, listening to the chants, and appreciate the ancientness of this most simple yet profound practice.
Traditional Japanese accommodations are a highlight for most cultural tours visiting Japan. When you stay in a “ryokan” guest houses or inns, often nestled in misty mountain towns among quiet streets and nature, it’s almost a spiritual experience. Many of these guest houses also include the opportunity to use an “onsen” or bathing area - these are often open air, and very refreshing. Japanese guest houses reflect much about the Japanese culture of hospitality and are a real treat for visitors.
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Adam
Apr 2025
Simply Japan
We had a terrific time on our March 9 trip thanks to our excellent tour leader Zi(lola). She was very well informed about all the places we visited and provided reg...
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Trusted Customer
Apr 2025
Japan Unrivalled
The Japan Unrivalled trip was an amazing blend of hitting all the touristy hotspots, finding out of the way gems, learning all about the amazing history, and eating ...
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Trusted Customer
Apr 2025
Simply Japan
Simply Japan is pretty much as described in the trip notes, a full-on tour. Owing to the challenges of travelling by Minibus on Japan's highways the tour makes full ...
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Apr 2025
Simply Japan
Our tour leader, Giulia, was just amazing! Her knowledge and enthusiasm for Japan really came across and I learnt so much about the people, places and culture from h...
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Trip covered so many iconic places, the organisation was per...
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Visa Information
| Visa Needed? | Link
US | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Japan for United States citizens
UK | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Japan for United Kingdom citizens
CA | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Japan for Canadian citizens
AU | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Japan for Australian citizens
NZ | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Japan for New Zealand citizens
IN | Y | Visas to Japan for Indian citizens
US | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Japan for United States citizens
UK | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Japan for United Kingdom citizens
CA | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Japan for Canadian citizens
AU | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Japan for Australian citizens
NZ | N (< 90 days) | Visas to Japan for New Zealand citizens
IN | Y | Visas to Japan for Indian citizens
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