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Best Things to Do in Japan

Ideal for adventurous travellers, Japan offers an array of experiences, from the serene temples of Kyoto to the vibrant, neon-lit streets of Tokyo. With four main islands—Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku—Japan’s rich cultural heritage is steeped in Buddhism and Shintoism, evident in its stunning shrines, temples, and lively festivals. Nature lovers will be spellbound by breathtaking landscapes, from the iconic silhouette of Mount Fuji to the tranquil gardens that bloom with cherry blossoms in spring and transform into a riot of colours in autumn.

So, if you’re planning a trip to Japan in the near future, here are some of the best things to add to your itinerary:

Climb Mount Fiji

Climbing Mount Fuji, Japan‘s highest peak at 3,776 metres (12,389 feet), is a celebrated adventure that draws millions of visitors annually. Located about 100 kilometres (62 miles) southwest of Tokyo, it is an experience you’ll certainly want to tick off your bucket list if you’re a keen adventurer.

The official climbing season runs from early July to early September, when warm and stable weather prevails.

There are several routes to choose from to reach the summit, including:

• Yoshida Trail: The most popular route, accessible from the Fifth Station, with well-maintained paths and multiple huts. It’s about 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) to the summit, taking 5 to 7 hours to ascend and 3 to 5 hours to descend.

• Subashiri Trail: Offers scenic beauty and less crowding, starting at the Subashiri Fifth Station, with a similar time frame to the Yoshida Trail.
• Gotemba Trail: The longest route at 8.5 kilometres (5.3 miles), starting from the Gotemba Fifth Station, providing a more independent experience but with steeper sections.

Witness iconic cherry blossoms in full glory

Witnessing the cherry blossoms, or Sakura, in Japan is an unforgettable experience that captivates both locals and tourists. These delicate pink and white flowers typically bloom from late March to early April, transforming parks, streets, and mountains into stunning floral displays. Cherry blossoms are deeply rooted in Japanese culture, symbolising the transient nature of life, and this period sparks celebrations known as Hanami, or flower viewing. During Hanami, friends and families gather to enjoy picnics under the blooming trees.

Tokyo, Ueno Park is home to over 1,000 cherry trees that create a beautiful setting for picnicking. This popular Hanami spot can get crowded, so visiting early in the day can enhance your experience.

Kyoto also offers breathtaking cherry blossom experiences. The Philosopher’s Path is a scenic walkway that runs alongside a tranquil canal, lined with hundreds of cherry trees. It’s an ideal setting for leisurely strolls and quiet contemplation amid nature’s beauty. Just a short distance away, Maruyama Park is renowned for its iconic weeping cherry tree, which becomes a bustling gathering spot during Sakura season. The park features food stalls, giving visitors the chance to indulge in delicious local treats while taking in the scenery.

Join a tea ceremony

Experiencing a traditional tea ceremony, known as chanoyu or sado, is one of the most enriching ways to connect with Japan’s cultural heritage. More than just sipping tea, this beautiful ritual focuses on the preparation and serving of matcha, emphasising harmony, respect, purity, and tranquillity. The tea ceremony has roots that go back to the 12th century, originally introduced by Buddhist monks. When you enter a tea room, you’ll find a serene environment, often with tatami mats and minimal decorations, which helps set the stage for a peaceful experience. The host prepares the matcha with great care, demonstrating time-honoured techniques that have been passed down through generations. You’ll also get to enjoy traditional sweets called wagashi.

In Kyoto, the heart of traditional culture, you’ll find numerous tea houses, particularly around Kodaiji Temple and the Gion District. Tokyo has its own gems, such as Hamarikyu Gardens and the Nezu Museum, and in Nara, you can join a ceremony in the historic ambiance of Todai-ji Temple.

Experience the Tokyo nightlife

Tokyo’s nightlife transforms the city into a dazzling spectacle of neon lights as the sun sets. Begin your evening in Shinjuku’s Golden Gai, a maze of narrow alleyways filled with tiny, charming bars. Here, you can enjoy a diverse range of cocktails or traditional sake while mingling with locals and fellow travellers. No night out in Tokyo would be complete without indulging in its street food. Head to Ameya-Yokocho in Ueno, a bustling market where you can sample everything from savoury grilled skewers to delectable, sweet treats liketaiyaki.

For those looking to dance the night away, Roppongi is the place to be. This district is renowned for its energetic nightlife, featuring clubs like V2 Tokyo and Womb, where you can experience the latest beats from top DJs. If live music is more your style, head to Shimokitazawa, an area known for its cosy venues that showcase talented local bands.

As the night continues, don’t miss the opportunity to explore Tokyo’s late-night attractions. Take a stroll through the iconic Shibuya Crossing, one of the busiest pedestrian intersections in the world, or enjoy panoramic views from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building observatory.

Encounter Snow Monkeys in Jigokudani Park

Seeing the adorable monkeys, or Japanese macaques, is more accessible than you might expect. They can be found at Jigokudani Yaen Koen, a beautiful park located in the Nagano Prefecture. The journey begins with a 40-minute bus ride from Nagano Station. Once you arrive at the bus stop, you’ll embark on a scenic 30-minute walk along a well-marked trail that meanders through a tranquil forest.

The ideal time to observe these playful primates is during the winter months, particularly from December to March. During this season, the macaques flock to the park’s natural hot springs, where they frequently enjoy soaking in the warm waters. As you wander through Jigokudani Yaen Koen, you’ll find various viewing platforms and spots where you can safely observe the macaques without disturbing them.

Go surfing

While Japan may not be the first country that comes to mind for surfing, it boasts some remarkable spots that cater to both beginners and seasoned surfers alike.

Shonan Coast, located just an hour south of Tokyo, is one of the country’s most popular surfing destinations. The beaches of Chigasaki, Kamakura, and Enoshima draw surfers year-round, thanks to their reliable waves and vibrant beach culture. This area truly comes alive during the summer months, thanks to numerous surf shops, cafes, and events.

For those seeking warmer waters, Okinawa serves as a tropical paradise for surfers. The islands feature a variety of surf spots, ranging from gentle beach breaks to more challenging reef breaks. Kondoi Beach on Kohama Island and Sunabe Seawall on Okinawa Island are particularly popular among surfers. If you prefer a more laid-back surfing experience, the Izu Islands offer hidden gems like Niijima and Shikinejima; known for their uncrowded surf spots.

Japan’s surfing season varies depending on the region. From June to August, the summer months typically bring smaller, more manageable waves, making it an ideal time for beginners. However, if you’re seeking larger swells, the autumn months (September to November) and winter (December to February) offer more powerful waves, particularly in areas like Shonan and Chiba. Additionally, typhoon season runs from August to October, generating impressive swells along the eastern coast that attract more experienced surfers.

Experience traditional festivals

If you find yourself in Japan at the right time of year, you might stumble upon one of its many vibrant festivals. One of the most renowned is the Gion Matsuri, held every July in Kyoto. This festival has been celebrated since the 9th century to ward off disasters and ensure good harvests. The highlight of Gion Matsuri is the grand procession of yamaboko, which are intricately decorated floats that parade through the streets – some reaching several stories high.

Another festival you shouldn’t miss is the Awa Odori dance festival in Tokushima, taking place from 12^th – 15^th August as part of the Obon celebrations. This spirited festival is all about traditional folk dancing known as Awa Odori. Dancers, clad in colourful yukata, move energetically to the beat of traditional music, and the streets come alive with locals and tourists joining in on the fun.

Throughout the year, Japan is home to a variety of regional festivals, or matsuri. The Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido showcases stunning ice and snow sculptures that attract millions of visitors every winter. Meanwhile, the Nara Tokae Festival bathes Nara Park in the glow of thousands of candles, that beautifully highlights the park’s historical sites. In the summer, the Sumida River Fireworks Festival in Tokyo lights up the night sky with colourful bursts of fireworks, drawing large crowds along the riverbanks.