Things to do in Japan
Nature, food, culture, futuristic technology; Japan is one of those rare places that feels both excitingly new and comfortingly familiar at the same time.
RAA’s Japan travel specialist Trent Vine (right), who spent more than 10 years living in Japan and has returned more than 20 times since.
He’s drawn back by Japan’s incredible mix of tradition and innovation, the excitement of the snowfields, the country’s deep-rooted culture and of course, the food.
Here are some of his recommendations.
First-time visitors to Japan
First-timers should start with the Golden Route which offers the perfect introduction to the country. The Golden Route includes:
- Tokyo for its vibrant energy
- Kyoto for its temples and geisha culture
- Osaka for its street food and nightlife.
Returning visitors to Japan
For seasoned travellers, I’d recommend Shikoku or Tohoku.
Shikoku is home to the 88-temple pilgrimage route and beautiful coastal towns.
The northern region of Tohoku offers stunning scenery, fewer tourists, incredible hot springs, and powerful seasonal festivals like the Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, celebrating local culture and the upcoming autumn harvest.
Snowboarders should check out Nagano – approximately three-hours’ drive from Tokyo. The snowfall isn’t quite as plentiful as in the north (Sapporo) but it’s located conveniently near both Tokyo and Kyoto, and still has plenty of powder.
Things to do in Tokyo
Explore quirky neighbourhoods like Harajuku and Akihabara.
Harajuku is famous for its fashion and food. See the bold looks sported by locals, then shop the breadth of styles from kawaii (cute) to goth. Each meal in Harajuku can be an adventure, from the trippy Kawaii Monster Café to hands-on training while you dine in the Ninja Experience Café.
Nicknamed Akihabara Electronic Town, this district is overflowing with technology and electronics stores. The shops sell everything from the old and collectible through to futuristic and stylish, while themed cafes and experiences will appeal to anime and manga fans.
Visit the immersive digital art museum teamLab where art is no longer confined to the walls. This museum shows what happens when artists, programmers, engineers, animators, mathematicians and architects come together to create digital masterpieces.
Spend a day (and all night) at Round One Entertainment Center. From karaoke and ball pits to bowling and arcade gaming, this entertainment chain is designed for one purpose and one purpose only – fun.
Catch city views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. It’s free. Take in the panoramic view of one of the most populous cities in the world from the two observation decks of this 243m tall building.
Top things to do outside of Tokyo
In Kyoto, I recommend visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its thousands of bright vermillion torii gates. Check out the Gion district at dusk to catch a glimpse of geisha and maiko on their way to appointments.
When visiting the mountainous town of Hakone, ride the ropeway for iconic views of the volcano Mount Fuji then relax in one of the many hot springs known as ‘onsen’.
Learn about Japan’s modern history in the museum and memorial park in Hiroshima and visit the nearby ‘Shrine Island’ of Miyajima to see the floating torii gate.
Adventure seekers will love the Nakasendo Trail. With a total length of 534km, smaller portions can be explored. For example, you can hike 8km between preserved Edo-period post towns like Magome and Tsumago.
Spring cherry blossom recommendations
Spring in Japan is pure magic. Cherry blossom viewing events – called sakurami – can be enjoyed all over Japan, but here are my top cherry blossom picks.
- Kyoto’s Philosopher’s Path: A classic walk under tunnels of blossoms with temples along the way.
- Hirosaki Castle in Tohoku: A lesser-known location but also stunning, this castle is surrounded by moats lined with pink petals.
- Mount Yoshino in Nara: Home to thousands of cherry trees scattered across the mountainside, Mount Yoshino is one of Japan’s most iconic hanami (flower viewing) spots.
What and where to eat in Japan
Food is a big deal in Japan. Don’t leave without trying:
- Ramen – each region has its own style, such as tonkotsu in Fukuoka or miso in Sapporo
- Okonomiyaki – savoury pancakes in either Kansai (Osaka) or Hiroshima-style
- Kaiseki – a multi-course traditional meal usually served when staying at a traditional Japanese inn called a ryokan
- Conveyor-belt sushi, or as we know it, a sushi train – good for a bit of fun and flavour
- Street snacks – including the likes of takoyaki (octopus balls), taiyaki (fish-shaped sweets), and yakitori (grilled skewers).
Don’t underestimate convenience store food. Food is restocked several times a day meaning it’s quite fresh compared with convenience stores in other countries. The quality of onigiri (rice ball wrapped in seaweed) from a 7-Eleven is shockingly good.
Here’s a list of my favourite places to eat that are also westerner friendly.
- Ikinari Steak – affordable and delicious steak house
- Pomunoki – omurice (omelette-style dish)
- Nabezo – shabushabu hot pot
- Ichiran – ramen
- Sukiya – donburi rice bowls
- Sushiro – a typical sushi train
- MOS BURGER – Japanese-style burgers
- Coco Curry House – Japanese-style curry rice.
What kind of experience are you looking for? Japan has it all, you just need to know where to look.
Take a tour
Cultural Treasures of Japan
Blend tradition with modernity on this immersive 13-day cultural tour, from Tokyo’s futuristic skyline to Kyoto’s tranquil shrines.
Spring Flowers
Set sail on an 11-day voyage exploring eight of Japan’s ports, and immerse yourself in the beauty of spring blossoms.
Classic Japan
An action-packed 11 days featuring highlights in Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima and Osaka.