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10 fun things to do in Japan

Thinking of travelling to Japan? We’ve compiled 10 fun things to do in Japan for an unforgettable holiday! If it’s your first time visiting, the range of things to do in Japan can be a little overwhelming, so we’ve handpicked our top 10 things to do to help with your holiday planning. For a tailor made holiday package to Japan please get in touch with us or call 0800 0856 846.

1.See the Cherry Blossoms

During April or May, the cherry blossoms come into bloom in cities such as Tokyo and Kyoto for around two weeks. The beautiful, pink cherry blossoms are iconic to this country and millions flock this time of year to witness them in full bloom.

2.Kyoto Bamboo Forest

This natural bamboo forest is one of Kyoto’s top sights. Easily accessed from the main street of Arashiyama, this forest has just one main pathway (making it easy to navigate), which gradually goes uphill. At the top is the Okochi-Sando Villa, which is worth a visit. Enjoy a cup of matcha tea and enjoy the Japanese architecture and beautiful gardens – there’s also a viewpoint up here where you can enjoy views of the city.

3.Try a bowl of ramen at the Ramen Museum

What better place to try Japan’s popular noodle dish than at a dedicated museum? The Shinyokohama Ramen Museum is dedicated to ramen where you can learn all about the history of the dish and the rise of instant ramen. Visitors can explore a mini replica of some of the Shitamachi’s streets and houses, which is the old town of Tokyo in 1958. There are 9 restaurants here offering ramen from different regions of Japan – so go with an empty belly!

4.Hop on a bullet train

One of the best ways to travel around Japan is also a bucket list for many, the Shinkansen (bullet train) runs up to speeds of 320 km per hour and thanks for the Japan Rail Pass, it can be very cost effective to hop on!

5.Take a soak in the hot springs

In winter, Onsens (Japanese hot springs) are high on the list of things to experience. As the snow falls, bathe in a hot pool in one of the many traditional Japanese-style inns. Relax the mind and body at one of the inns or ‘Rotenburo’ outdoor baths as you soak up the beautiful, natural sceneries. One of Japan’s popular hot spring resorts is Kusatsu Onsen, where the hot springs water flows from one of the three major springs in the country!

6.Enjoy the nightlife of Toyko at the Robot Restaurant

Looking for a fun and unique night out in Tokyo? Located in the nightlife district of Shinjuku, the Robot Restaurant puts on one of the wildest shows in the country! This cabaret-style show features dancers in futuristic robotic costume with strobe lasers and pop music!

7.Watch Sumo Wrestling

Take your seat around the sumo ring and enjoy the national sport of Japan, which originated in ancient times and still continues today. If you’re not sure of the rules, it’s simple: the wrestler who exits the ring first or touches the ground with any part of their body (apart from the soles of the feet) loses.

8.Fushimi Inari Shrine

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine is a popular tourist sight in Kyoto. This stunning path has over 5000 orange tori gates that wind through the hills behind the shrine and the walk itself is a pleasant one, especially in the afternoon and early evening. Dedicated to the god of rice and sake, the shrine features dozens of fox statues as they are seen as the messenger of the god of grain foods.

9.Head to the Alps

There is a range of ski resorts in Japan for an adventurous holiday away from the futuristic city of Japan and the traditional, quaint villages. With 2,191 acres of ski terrain, Niseko Village is a fantastic ski resort, which is located at the base of Mount Niseko with a range of award-winning hotels with onsen facilities. There are plenty of activities to fill your day. Apart from skiing you can enjoy snowmobiling, snowshoe tours, snow rafting, jumbo sled tours and reindeer sledding.

10.See the snow monkeys

Witness the adorable sight of snow monkeys bathing in the hot springs at the Snow Monkey Park, which was created in 1964 as a conservation area for the monkeys. Observe the snow monkeys enjoying the snow and the onsens in their natural habitat!

Inspired by our top 10 things to do in Japan? Contact us for a tailor made holiday package.