Japan is one of the most fascinating and rewarding travel destinations in the world. Why? Well, the beautiful country offers an extraordinary range of things to do and there’s something for every type of traveller.
For starters, there’s multiple cities and suburbs. You can explore the neon-lit streets of Tokyo, discover the ancient temples and shrines of Kyoto, or dive into the crystal-clear waters of Okinawa.
There’s also unique cultural experiences – like ryokan stays and traditional tea ceremonies – and weird (yet wonderful) adventures to be had – like sake onsens and scarecrow villages.
If you’re planning on visiting Japan, make sure you read our complete guide on things to do, where to stay, and more!
From stepping outside your comfort zone in a back-street restaurant to sleeping on a tatami mat in a centuries-old ryokan, these are The One Things you simply must do when you visit Japan.
The key to having an amazing experience in Japan is stepping outside of your comfort zone… but what does that mean exactly? Well, a lot of what Japan offers will seem completely foreign, and maybe even a little strange and intimidating at first.
Many restaurants won’t have English menus, staying in a traditional ryokan means sleeping on a tatami mat – not a bed – and visiting a traditional bathhouse, or sento, means stripping off and bathing communally with strangers.
If you stay within your comfort zone, you'll miss out on these unusual but wonderful experiences. Which would be a shame as we guarantee they’ll be the best things you do in Japan.
Japan is a place known for many things, and its culture of respect and consideration for others is high on the list. There is an accepted way of doing things in Japan, and as a visitor it’s worth making the effort to stick to them.
Many customs will become obvious simply by observing the people around you: removing your shoes before entering a home, waiting at crossings until the lights change, avoiding eating while walking, and holding onto your litter until you find a bin.
Essentially, in Japanese culture, the good of society is placed above the individual. Social and legal rules are adhered to diligently, and if you want to make a good impression (and help ensure that travellers continue to be welcomed) then you should do the same.
If you're visiting Japan, you're probably already aware of the incredible food on offer, but nothing quite prepares you for the real thing. And what better place to try sushi than its country of origin?
The sushi in Japan will be some of the freshest and most delicious you've ever tasted, and some restaurants even offer Wagyu sushi, another prized delicacy originating from Japan.
But sushi is just the beginning. Other essential dishes to try include ramen, tempura, udon and miso soup, which comes with almost every meal.
While Japan has no shortage of incredible activities, scuba diving remains one of its most undiscovered treasures. The marine environments here are incredibly diverse, ranging from subarctic to subtropical zones, meaning the underwater experiences on offer are just as varied as those above the surface.
Okinawa and the Miyako Islands in southern Japan are the most popular destinations for visiting divers, with their warmer waters and beautiful tropical coral reefs.
But if you're feeling particularly daring, why not try ice-diving in the Shiretoko Peninsula, Hokkaido? Here you can swim alongside cold-water fish, starfish, sea anemones and even the ethereal sea angel. And if you visit between January and March, you can take in the surreal sight of the frozen ocean as the sea ice begins to break apart.
For a truly magical experience, don't miss Toyama Bay, home to the glowing firefly squid. Each spring, these tiny bioluminescent squid light up the bay in an unforgettable natural light display; best experienced on a night dive. Just make sure you're covered for scuba diving before you go.
Japan has a huge collection of weird and wonderful places to stay. Love hotels offer a uniquely Japanese overnight experience, while capsule hotels let you sleep in a pod that feels like a berth on a spaceship.
But for the most authentic experience, nothing beats staying in a ryokan: a traditional Japanese-style guesthouse that has been welcoming travellers for centuries. You'll find ryokans everywhere, from historic onsen towns and family-run inns to multi-storey hotels with ryokan-inspired rooms.
Expect tatami mat floors, sliding doors and rice paper walls; and if you're staying near a city, you'll have all the convenience of modern amenities right on your doorstep. If you do only one thing outside of your comfort zone on your trip to Japan, make it this.
Looking for truly unique things to do in Japan? Here are our favourite only-in-Japan experiences.
Did you know that Japan is famous for its weird and unique vending machines? And with approximately 3.97 million of them across the country, they offer far more than just a cold drink.
You'll find machines dispensing everything from classic Japanese snacks to "cake-in-a-can": a creation by Okashi Gaku that has become something of a phenomenon. These soft, parfait-like cakes, usually topped with fresh fruit, are as delicious as they are unexpected.
But vending machines in Japan aren't just for snacks. There are even fully unstaffed restaurants where every dish is ordered and dispensed by machine, offering everything from burgers to fresh bowls of ramen. It's a quick, convenient and surprisingly enjoyable way to eat, and just one of many only-in-Japan experiences that makes the country so endlessly fascinating.
Japan has so many theme parks and museums to choose from that it can be hard to know where to start. For thrills and adventure, Tokyo Disneyland is an obvious must-visit, while the Ghibli Museum offers a fantastical experience for animation lovers. But some of the most memorable attractions in Japan are the ones you'd never think to look for.
Huis Ten Bosch in Nagasaki is a themed park that has meticulously recreated the historic buildings and iconic windmills of the Netherlands; and each spring, the grounds are transformed by fields of colourful tulips in full bloom.
For something entirely different, the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum is an absolute paradise for noodle lovers. And if you want to step back into historical Japan, Noboribetsu Date Jidaimura is a living history theme park that has recreated an Edo period village from the 17th century, where you can dress up in traditional clothing, wander the streets and watch live performances that bring the past vividly to life.
Nagoro Scarecrow Village is a secluded town located on Shikoku, Japan's smallest island. This tiny village is home to just 30 or so residents, but over 200 scarecrows!
The dolls were created by artist Ayano Tsukimi, a long-time local, as the village's population dwindled over the years. Rather than let Nagoro fade away, Ayano began filling it with life-sized figures to bring back memories of the past and put friendly faces back on the streets.
The scarecrows are on display year-round, but if you can time your visit to the first Sunday of October, the village hosts a festival celebrating Ayano's work, with each year bringing a new theme and activities.
Beyond the scarecrows themselves, Nagoro is surrounded by scenic mountains, with forests ideal for hiking and nearby hot springs to recover in afterwards. If you're after something more exhilarating, whitewater rafting along the Oboke Gorge is well worth adding to your itinerary too; but make sure you’re covered.
A festival where size matters. The Kanamara Matsuri, or Festival of the Iron Phallus, is held on the first Sunday of April near the Kanayama Shrine in Kawasaki, and is one of Japan's most popular spring festivals.
It is a sacred event, born from a wish to create a celebration that was open and welcoming to everyone. The shrine's deities are traditionally associated with blacksmithing and metalwork, but are also prayed to for easy childbirth, marital harmony and protection from sexually transmitted infections – giving the festival a surprisingly broad spiritual purpose.
Today, the Kanamara Matsuri is also known as an event that raises awareness and funds for HIV research, with proceeds donated to ongoing research. It has become famous worldwide for its mikoshi: giant portable phalli that are paraded jubilantly through the streets, and which make for some truly unforgettable photographs.
No trip to Japan would be complete without a visit to an onsen, or traditional hot spring. You'll find them in all shapes and sizes, from private indoor spas to charming rural inns nestled in scenic mountain landscapes. And some are more unusual than others.
Take Yunessen Spa Resort Park in the picturesque mountain town of Hakone. This one-of-a-kind resort offers baths filled not with water, but with wine, coffee, green tea and sake. Soaking in sake is not only a uniquely Japanese experience, it's also said to reduce the signs of ageing. And if that's not enough, the resort also has a water park and slides for those who prefer their thrills above the waterline.
For a more traditional onsen experience, Dogo Onsen is one of the oldest hot springs in Japan. Its main building, reconstructed in 1894, is a stunning example of ornate traditional architecture – a maze of hallways and staircases that is said to have inspired the iconic animated film ‘Spirited Away’.
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and the most populous city in the world, home to over 36 million residents and millions of tourists every year. It's a city that somehow manages to blend ancient tradition with cutting-edge modernity, sitting at the forefront of technology and robotics while still preserving its rich cultural heritage. In short, there is no shortage of things to do in Tokyo; here are the One Things to try while you are there.
The Meiji Shrine is one of the most prominent Shinto shrines in Tokyo, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his consort Empress Shoken, who were instrumental in modernising Japan in the late 19th century.
Set within the beautiful surroundings of Yoyogi Park in the Shibuya district, the shrine offers a peaceful and tranquil escape – made all the more striking by the fact that it sits in the heart of one of Tokyo's busiest and most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Tokyo is made up of 23 wards, and Shibuya is its undisputed youth capital, famous for its fashion, culture and the most iconic pedestrian crossing in the world. It's also a major shopping and entertainment hub, and within it sits Harajuku: the global epicentre of Japanese street fashion, known worldwide for the extraordinary and inventive styles of the young people who call it home.
If you want to see the best of the area and you love video games, why not explore it by go-kart dressed as your favourite Mario character? This unforgettable experience can be booked at multiple locations across Tokyo, with the most popular routes taking you straight through Shibuya Crossing and through the illuminated city at night.
Tokyo takes karaoke seriously, with venues ranging from cosy bars to vast multi-level complexes with private rooms, themed décor and light shows.
But if you're looking for something truly unique, head to the Big-O Ferris Wheel at Tokyo Dome City: the world's first ferris wheel karaoke experience, where you can sing your heart out 60 metres above the city.
Not a fan of heights? In Osaka you can take a karaoke boat tour along the city's rivers instead.
Animal cafés have become one of the most popular things to do in Tokyo, offering the chance to interact with all manner of creatures over a coffee or a snack. Cat cafés are the most common (there are over 150 across Japan!) and Temari no Oshiro is one of the best, with a fairytale-inspired exterior and more than 22 resident cats to cuddle and feed.
But if you're after something more unusual, Japan has cafés featuring Shiba Inu, mini pigs and even snakes. The most unique is arguably the Capybara Café near Kichijoji station, where you can cuddle and feed Tawashi the capybara (a creature native to South America) along with his feline companions, all over a cup of coffee.
A word of caution: while animal cafés are a lot of fun, we'd encourage you to do your research before visiting. There have been instances of animal mistreatment, so make sure you choose an ethical one.
Lake Kawaguchiko is the most easily accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes, with direct trains and buses from Tokyo. Sitting at the base of Mount Fuji, the lake's northern shores offer the best views – particularly in the early morning and late afternoon when the light is at its most dramatic.
The area makes an ideal base for climbing Mount Fuji, but also has plenty to offer those who'd rather stay at ground level, including hot spring baths, museums, a panoramic ropeway and an amusement park.
Kyoto is widely regarded as the cultural heart and soul of Japan. Known for its natural beauty, well-preserved historic districts and over 2,000 shrines and temples, it's the place to go if you want to experience a more traditional side of Japan – one where ancient architecture, centuries-old cuisine and timeless customs are still very much part of everyday life.
Dating back to the 8th century, Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of Japan's most significant Shinto shrines, dedicated to the deity of rice, agriculture, prosperity and business.
Its most iconic feature is its seemingly endless network of torii gates, each inscribed with the names of families and businesses seeking good fortune. As both a place of active worship and a major cultural landmark, Fushimi Inari Taisha is an unmissable thing to do in Kyoto.
If you're looking for a fun and inventive way to eat noodles, Nagashi Somen is not to be missed. Translating literally as "flowing noodles", the dish works similarly to a sushi train; except here, somen noodles flow down bamboo slides through running water, and it's your job to catch them with chopsticks.
Perfect for Japan's hot and humid summers, the noodles are served in a cold dashi broth with a selection of toppings. The concept was created by the restaurant Chiho no Ie, who wanted to make use of the pure spring water flowing from the nearby Tamara Falls. The result is one of the most enjoyable and memorable eating experiences in Kyoto.
With Shintoism and Buddhism as its two main belief systems, Japan is home to over 180,000 shrines and temples. In Kyoto alone, the Golden Pavilion is an absolute must-visit.
A UNESCO-protected temple built in the 14th century, the Golden Pavilion is as breathtaking in person as it is in photographs. Fushimi Inari Shrine, with its famous vermilion torii gates leading up Mount Inari, is another highlight that offers an unforgettable view across the city.
Maruyama Park is Kyoto's most beloved green space; a tranquil retreat from the bustle of the city that comes into its own each April, when its cherry blossoms burst into bloom in one of the most spectacular displays in Japan.
The park is also home to a traditional teahouse where you can experience a Japanese tea ceremony, as well as regular cultural performances that make it well worth a leisurely afternoon visit.
Osaka is known as both the party capital of Japan and the nation's kitchen. It’s a city with jaw-dropping food, legendary nightlife and enough theme parks to keep the whole family entertained. If Kyoto is Japan's soul, Osaka is its beating heart.
Osaka is renowned for its food culture, and nowhere is this more evident than on its streets. Wander through Kuromon Ichiba Market and the neon-lit lanes of Dotonbori and you'll find some of the best street food in Japan; think takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki (savoury pancakes) and kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers).
And since this is Osaka, the eating doesn't have to stop when the sun goes down; the same area is equally famous for its nightlife, so stay on for a few drinks and soak up the atmosphere.
Osaka Castle is one of Japan's most iconic landmarks and a symbol of the city's rich heritage. Built in the 16th century, it's a striking example of Japanese castle architecture, combining formidable defensive design with ornate and elaborate aesthetics.
Inside, you can explore historical exhibitions charting the castle's fascinating past, while outside, the surrounding park is one of Osaka's most popular spots; particularly during cherry blossom season, when the grounds are transformed into one of the most beautiful things to see in Japan.
And that's your guide to the best things to do in Japan. All that's left is to pack your curiosity, embrace the weird and wonderful, and make sure you've got your 1Cover Travel Insurance sorted before you go. It's the One Thing you need when One Thing goes wrong.
Find out more insider tips about other destinations: read our entire 'One Thing' series here.
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