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Things to Do in Japan, Japan
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Japan, Japan
Things to do in Japan, Japan include climbing Mount Fuji, standing at Japan's tallest peak at 3,776 meters. Explore Fushimi Inari Taisha's 10,000 vibrant red torii gates in Kyoto. Don't miss catching panoramic city views from Tokyo Tower's observation deck at 150 meters high for an unforgettable experience.
1. Mount Fuji
Experience a breathtaking climb with stunning panoramic views. Feel the thrill of dawn at the summit and explore cultural trails covered in history.
Quick facts: More than 300,000 people attempt to climb to the summit during the official climbing season each year. The volcano last erupted in 1707, and you can still see its symmetrical snow-capped cone from over 100 kilometers away.
Highlights: The mountain hosts a special sunrise event called 'Goraiko' where climbers gather on the peak to witness the sun illuminating the six surrounding provinces. The approach trails feature sacred shrines and stone carvings that narrate ancient mountain worship traditions.
2. Fushimi Inari Taisha
Walk through 10,000 vibrant red gates that create an unforgettable path. Experience serene forest trails dotted with fox statues and peaceful shrines.
Quick facts: The site features thousands of red torii gates forming a tunnel-like path stretching up to 4 kilometers on the mountain. Nearly every gate is donated by an individual or company, with their names inscribed on the back.
Highlights: The torii path climbs the wooded mountain with over 10,000 vermilion gates lining the trails, creating a mesmerizing corridor of color and shadow. Visitors encounter small shrines and fox statues acting as messengers of the deity, adding layers of spiritual meaning to the hike.
3. Tokyo Tower
Experience breathtaking cityscape views from towering heights. Capture unforgettable moments from two observation decks with spectacular vistas day and night.
Quick facts: Standing 324 meters tall, the tower surpasses the height of the Eiffel Tower by 13 meters. It repaints its entire structure every five years using 100 tons of vibrant orange and white paint for aviation safety.
Highlights: Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from two observation decks, one at 150 meters and a special one at 250 meters which offers a rare bird's-eye view over Tokyo's sprawling cityscape. Locals say seeing the city lights sparkle from the top at night feels like holding Tokyo in your palm.
Have you heard of free walking tours?
After traveling to 30+ countries, there's one thing I wish someone had told me from day one, and it completely changed how I experience new cities.
Free walking tours. Yes, actually free. No credit card needed. No catch.
Local guide, 2-3 hours
Major sights, hidden gems, local stories
100% tip-based
Guides earn only tips, so they give their absolute best
You tip what feels right
At the end, just tip whatever you feel is right
I've done these in dozens of cities and they've been the highlight of almost every trip. If you're visiting Japan, Japan, do this on your first day. You'll thank me later.
4. Kinkaku-ji
Explore a dazzling temple wrapped in real gold leaf. Experience tranquil gardens and vibrant reflections that create a captivating scene.
Quick facts: Kinkaku-ji reflects in a serene pond, making its golden exterior shimmer brightly on sunny days. It survived destruction multiple times, most recently rebuilt in 1955 after a fire set by a monk.
Highlights: Only the top two floors are covered with 24-karat gold leaf, creating a striking contrast with the natural surroundings. Visitors often stop to watch koi fish swim near the temple's reflection, adding a peaceful charm.
5. Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Experience a serene walk through towering bamboo stalks that rustle like nature's own orchestra. Feel tranquility wash over you in this peaceful forest escape.
Quick facts: The grove features thousands of tall bamboo stalks that sway with the wind, creating a unique natural music. Visitors often report a calming sensation due to the rhythmic rustling sounds and filtered sunlight.
Highlights: Walking through the 500-meter-long path lined with bamboo on both sides feels like entering a natural cathedral where sunlight pierces through leaves creating dancing shadows. The sound of bamboo stalks knocking gently in the breeze produces an almost meditative symphony unique to this grove.
6. Himeji Castle
Explore an architectural marvel with maze-like defenses and elegant white layers. Experience a journey through history in a castle designed to both awe and protect.
Quick facts: Spanning over 11 hectares, this site is the largest surviving example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture. Over 2.8 million people visit each year to marvel at its intricate defensive design and white exterior, earning it the nickname 'White Heron Castle'.
Highlights: Visitors can explore 83 buildings interconnected with complex pathways, trapdoors, and hidden rooms designed to confuse invaders. The castle's unique layered roof resembles wings of a heron taking flight, a rare feature in Japanese fortifications that adds both beauty and strategic advantage.
7. Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Escape into 58 hectares of mixed gardens and seasonal blooms. Experience cherry blossoms, rare azaleas, and tranquil tea ceremonies for a peaceful retreat.
Quick facts: Spanning 58.3 hectares, this garden blends three distinct styles: French Formal, English Landscape, and traditional Japanese. It holds over 20,000 trees including nearly 1,500 cherry blossoms that attract thousands during spring.
Highlights: A teahouse built by the Kyoto Imperial Palace offers authentic matcha experiences amidst serene scenery. Seasonal flower shows showcase rare blooms like konron-tsutsuji azaleas, visible only here in late April.
8. Itsukushima Shrine
Experience a shrine that appears to float on water. Walk up to a towering torii gate right in the sea itself for unforgettable views.
Quick facts: The shrine floats over water at high tide, creating a stunning illusion that it stands on the sea. Its vermilion gates and buildings are made from camphor wood, which resists rot despite constant exposure to the ocean.
Highlights: A striking feature is the 'floating' torii gate standing 16 meters tall directly in the bay, visible from 2 kilometers away. During low tide, visitors can walk out to this gate on the exposed sea floor, joining pilgrims through centuries.
9. Tsukiji Outer Market
Experience the energy of Tokyo's lively seafood market. Taste fresh sushi and explore a maze of unique shops and snacks.
Quick facts: Over 400 shops and stalls are lined up in close proximity, offering seafood, produce, and kitchenware. Locals and chefs alike flock here early mornings to pick the freshest catches and ingredients for their dishes.
Highlights: Vividly colorful stalls display live sea urchins, giant crabs, and piles of sushi-grade fish, creating an immersive feast for the eyes and nose. Shrimp crackers and tamago-yaki cooked on-site release irresistible aromas that invite you to sample traditional street food specialties.
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Mochi
Mochi is a chewy rice cake made from pounded glutinous rice and enjoyed year-round, but especially during Japanese New Year celebrations as a symbol of good fortune.
Dorayaki
Dorayaki consists of two fluffy pancakes filled with sweet azuki bean paste, famously loved as the favorite snack of the cartoon character Doraemon.
Matcha Wagashi
Matcha Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets that incorporate powdered green tea, offering a perfect balance of bitterness and sweetness, often served during tea ceremonies.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Sushi
Sushi is a world-renowned Japanese dish that combines vinegared rice with various ingredients like raw fish, vegetables, and seaweed, representing the art of simplicity and freshness.
Tempura
Tempura features seafood or vegetables lightly battered and deep-fried, introduced to Japan by Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century, now a staple of Japanese cuisine.
Ramen
Ramen is a hearty noodle soup with broth varieties influenced by different regions of Japan, showcasing the country's evolving culinary creativity and comfort food culture.
Traditional Beverages
Matcha
Matcha is finely ground powdered green tea, used in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies and prized for its vibrant color, rich flavor, and health benefits.
Sake
Sake is a traditional Japanese rice wine made through fermenting polished rice, enjoyed hot or cold, and often served during celebrations and rituals.
Sencha
Sencha is the most commonly consumed green tea in Japan, known for its fresh, grassy flavor and is enjoyed daily by many Japanese people.
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Most popular day trips
Kyoto
Historic city with temples and traditional tea houses.
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Comments (9)
If you want a cheaper meal, head to local izakayas in side streets, not the main tourist zones; quality and price are better.
Tokyo's vibrant at night, but the crowds can get overwhelming. Loved the sushi, but some places are pricey.
Early mornings best for sightseeing to avoid crowds, especially at popular shrines. The heat in summer can be rough.
Use the IC card for all transport, not just trains. It saved me tons on buses and subways without buying different tickets.
Skip the main train stations for snacks, try little street vendors for authentic tastes and better prices.