Top 13 Things to Do in Japan (Updated 2025)

When you think of Japan, what's the first thing that comes to mind? Mount Fuji, cherry blossoms, or kimonos? You may have a plan to visit Japan, but you have no idea about things to do in Japan. Interesting activities can give you a deeper understanding of Japan's culture, history, and natural beauty and make your Japan tour an unforgettable experience. Now, find fun things to do in Japan and add them to your bucket list.

1. Soak in Hot Springs

One of the best things to do in Japan is to enjoy an onsen (hot springs) bath. Hot springs are found throughout Japan, such as Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma, Hakone Onsen in Kanagawa, Kinosaki Onsen in Hyogo, Noboribetsu Onsen in Hokkaido, etc.

Each natural hot spring usually has a variety of minerals that are beneficial to health. You can relax your body and mind in the steamy waters in winter.

At an outdoor hot spring, you can enjoy the natural scenery while soaking in the water. If you want a more private soaking space, an indoor hot spring is more suitable for you. Or you can stay in an onsen ryokan, where you can enjoy the experience of relaxing in hot springs and traditional accommodations.

Some things to keep in mind are the customs and etiquette when visiting an onsen. For example, wash your body thoroughly in the shower area before entering the hot spring. Most Japanese onsen are nude baths but women and men are separated. Tattoos are prohibited in many hot springs, but you can cover your tattoos before entering.

2. Visit Top Attractions in Japan

Japan is a country rich in historical sites, natural beauty, and culture. You can find places to visit in Japan according to your interests.

Tokyo

Head to the Akihabara, an electric town and otaku paradise. Appreciate spectacular views of Tokyo from the observation decks of Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower. Get a bird's eye view of the iconic Shibuya Crossing. Stroll through vibrant Nakamise Street and step into Sensoji Temple.

Kyoto

You can visit countless shrines and temples in Kyoto. Kiyomizu-dera Temple offers a wooden stage with panoramic views. Fushimi Inari Shrine is known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. Embark on a day tour to Arashiyama and feel inner peace in Bamboo Grove.

Osaka

Explore interesting rides and interact with popular movie characters at Universal Studios Japan. Appreciate magnificent architecture and learn about Japanese culture and history at Osaka Castle.

Hiroshima

If you're interested in the history of World War II, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial is a good place to learn about the atomic bomb. Itsukushima Shrine is one of the world heritage sites in Japan. The floating torii gate at high tide offers a great view.

3. Appreciate the Cherry Blossom

What is Japan famous for? Cherry blossom! If you visit Japan in the spring, the pink and white Japanese cherry blossoms are one of the must-see sights in Japan. From the south to the north, from March to May, cherry blossoms (sakura) are blooming in Japan. Viewing cherry blossoms, called hanami in Japan, is a traditional flower-viewing event. You can gather under the cherry blossom trees for a picnic like the locals.

There are famous cherry blossom viewing spots all over Japan, such as Mount Yoshino in Nara, five lakes around Mount Fuji, Ueno Park in Tokyo, etc.

The flowering period of cherry blossoms varies depending on the region and climate. The peak of Japan's cherry blossom season usually occurs from late March to early April. If you take hanami as a thing to do in Japan, you can check Japan's cherry blossom forecast in advance.

To experience the true beauty of flowers, travel to Japan in the spring. Besides cherry blossoms, you can also see other seasonal flowers, like plum blossoms in Osaka Castle Park, wisteria flowers in Ashikaga Flower Park, hydrangeas in Kanagawa's Hasedera Temple, tulips in Kamiyubetsu Tulip Park, and more.

4. Taste Authentic Japanese Food

One of the top things to do in Japan when visiting Japan is to eat. No matter where you travel, you always have to fill your stomach, right?

In so many things to do in Japan, eating sushi is a must. Sushi is one of the most iconic foods in Japan, consisting of seafood, vinegared rice, and more. Kaiseki is an elaborate traditional Japanese cuisine with multiple dishes. Starting from Tokyo or Osaka, you can spend a day in Kobe trying the famous Kobe beef.

Have a bowl of ramen noodles, which is very popular in Japan. Serve sliced sashimi with soy sauce and mustard. Try street foods such as takoyaki (Japanese Fried Octopus Balls) and okonomiyaki (savory Japanese cabbage pancake).

Get the most authentic culinary experience at izakaya, local markets, street stalls, and specialty restaurants, like Tsukiji Outer Market or Dotonbori.

5. Visit Mount Fuji

Climbing up Mount Fuji and visiting the Fuji Five Lakes are popular things in Japan for tourists who love nature. Mount Fuji, a symbol of Japan, is famous for its perfect cone and snow-capped landscape.

This active volcano is 3776 meters (12,388ft) above sea level. The weather from early July to mid-September is relatively mild, which is the official time for climbing Mount Fuji. When you hike along the trails, you can get closer to the natural beauty of Mount Fuji.

Don't want to climb the mountain? You can also find great places to visit near Mt. Fuji. There are five lakes around Mount Fuji, including Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Yamanaka, Saiko Lake, Lake Shoji, and Lake Motosu. Each lake provides a unique and good location for viewing Mount Fuji. In Hakone, you can catch a glimpse of the magnificent Mount Fuji. Chureito Pagoda in Arakurayama Sengen Park is an excellent place for taking photos of Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms together.

Clouds sometimes cover the mountains in summer while November to February in winter usually offer clear views.

6. Experience Tea Ceremony

Japanese tea ceremony, known as chado or sado, is one of the must-do things in Japan. The tea ceremony is a good way to learn about traditional Japanese culture. This ritual involves brewing, appreciating, and savoring matcha.

Step into a quiet tea room and indulge in a tranquil atmosphere. Matcha will be prepared by the host in Kimono. When receiving the tea bowl, you should first appreciate the tea bowl before taking small sips. After drinking, wipe the tea bowl clean and return it to the host.

You can learn the art of tea ceremony from experienced tea masters. They will guide you through every step of this ancient ritual. A formal, full tea ceremony includes a meal and takes several hours to complete. The simplified version of the tea ceremony is also enough for you to experience the ritual of brewing tea and drinking tea.

7. Enjoy Skiing and Winter in Hokkaido

In winter, snow covers the land, decorating the cities, villages, and mountains like a fairy tale world. If you're coming in winter, you have many things to do in Japan. Enjoying snow, going skiing, soaking in hot springs, taking pictures of snow views…

Nothing is better than powder skiing in Hokkaido. Hokkaido is a world-class ski place with many ski fields such as Niseko Ski Resort, Furano Ski Resort, Sapporo Kokusai Ski Resort, etc. Skiers of all levels can enjoy skiing or snowboarding here. Even if you are a beginner, you can still find teaching at ski resorts.

The first week of February, the Sapporo Snow Festival is held in Hokkaido. It is one of the most famous winter events in Hokkaido. You will see various beautiful snow and ice sculptures on display and the process of making them. Usually, people can take part in interesting activities in Odori Park, Susukino, and Tsudome.

8. Travel through on Japan Bullet Train

If you plan to travel to multiple cities in Japan, there's no better way to visit the country than by taking Shinkansen. The Shinkansen is Japan's high-speed rail system, known for its punctuality, high speed, and comfort.

When you sit in a clean and comfortable seat, you will have a chance to enjoy the varied scenery along the way, from urban landscapes to scenic countryside, from towering mountains to deep blue sea.

From Tokyo to Kyoto (Tokaido Shinkansen) is one of the most popular Shinkansen routes. If you're lucky, you'll get a great view of Mt. Fuji from the seat on the right.

9. Take a Sushi Making Class

Want to find some things to do in Japan? Get your hands dirty and learn how to make sushi. Taking part in a sushi-making class is a very popular activity in Japan.

Head to the local market and purchase all necessary materials under the guidance of the course teacher, including sushi rice, sashimi, seaweed, vegetables, soy sauce, wasabi, etc. Learn how to properly wash and cook the rice, then mix the cooked sushi rice with the sushi vinegar. Roll up sushi and cut it. After finishing all the sushi, you can taste the sushi made by yourself.

After you learn how to make sushi, you can make and taste sushi at home. What interesting memories!

10. Stay Overnight in a Traditional Ryokan

If you want to experience unique things to do in Japan, don't miss the traditional ryokan! A ryokan is a traditional type of hotel in Japan. A Japanese ryokan often features traditional Japanese-style architecture, including sliding doors, tatami-mat floors, and beautiful gardens. You can find there are only several pieces of Japanese furniture in the room, such as tatami mats, low tables, and cushions.

If you prefer a relaxing hot spring bath, book a ryokan that offers a hot spring. Most Japanese-style ryokans have hot springs and Kaiseki Ryori dinner. Imagine you are taking a bath in a steaming hot spring and looking out the window at the snow scenery or autumn leaves. Then lie on soft tatami mats. Fatigue is swept away!

The Japanese ryokan is not only for accommodation. For tourists who want to experience traditional Japanese culture and lifestyle, staying in a Japanese-style ryokan would be an immersive experience.

11. Experience Samurai Culture

Follow the footsteps of the samurai and learn about the living environment of the samurai. The Japanese samurai was a special warrior class in feudal Japan.

If you have a plan to learn about the history and culture of Japanese samurai, you may want to visit some famous samurai castles. They were once the residences of samurai, such as Kumamoto Castle, Matsumoto Castle, Himeji Castle, etc.

In cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, you can easily find samurai experience activities. You can dress up in samurai clothing and learn basic sword fighting moves. Wave your samurai sword and take a photo to capture the moment. Or take a samurai training class and become a real samurai.

A samurai performance show is one of the things to see in Japan. You can watch the samurai's fighting skills and their exquisite sword dance. Fierce battle scenes between samurai will immerse you in the exciting world of samurai.

12. Indulge in Tokyo's Nightlife

Nightlife in Tokyo is a big party that never ends. From nightfall to late at night, every corner of the city is full of energy and charm. You may be attracted by various entertainment venues and activities. Blinking neon lights decorate izakayas, bars, and clubs.

The busy scene at the Shibuya Crossing is a sign of vibrant nightlife. You will see countless people meeting and passing by here. When you are active in Shibuya's izakaya-style bars, game centers, and karaoke rooms, you become one of them. Savor the recommended dishes and snacks and renew your energy.

13. Encounter Deer in Nara Park

Nara Park is a top attraction in Japan, known for its free-roaming deer. These deer are considered to be Nara Park's mascot and messengers of God. You can get up close and contact with them, but please avoid behaviors that may anger them.

Visitors should only feed deer on "deer crackers" or "shika senbei". You can buy them in Nara Park. There are also other world heritage sites in the park that you can visit, such as Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine.