32 Things To Do in Japan: Ultimate Bucketlist

When we first started planning our trip to Japan, we were overwhelmed by the abundance of information and the endless variety of incredible experiences this country has to offer. We wanted to experience the Golden Route of Japan but at the same time craved a more off-the-beaten-path experience rather than just following the typical tourist trail. So after countless hours of research, we finally compiled a list of the best experiences in Japan for first-time visitors that combined both the traditional with hidden gems. Having now travelled through Japan and experienced it first-hand, we are excited to share with you our list of 32 unforgettable things to do in Japan. 

We hope this helps inspire your travel planning and makes it easier to figure out what places should be at the top of your must-visit list. And here’s the kicker—our favourite experience turned out to be somewhere we’ve barely seen mentioned in other travel blogs! Keep reading to discover more and start planning your dream Japan itinerary!

Main Cities to Include in your Japan Trip

Japan is larger and more diverse than many travelers expect! For first-time visitors, we highly recommend exploring the “Golden Route”—the central region that showcases some of Japan’s most iconic destinations, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. This area offers a perfect blend of Japan’s best culinary delights, rich cultural experiences, and stunning natural landscapes.

Our ultimate Japan bucket list of 32 unforgettable things to do spans three distinct regions and is designed to fit seamlessly into a 2-3 week itinerary. We have also included some hidden gem destinations, of particular the Izu Peninsula. To help you visualize where these incredible adventures are located, here’s a breakdown of the main cities and areas included:

• Tokyo
• Osaka
• Kyoto
• Day trips from Osaka/Kyoto such as Nara, Uji, Fushimi Inarii, and more
• Izu Peninsula (💎 hidden gem!)
• Hiroshima

32 Unforgettable Things to do in Japan

Our ultimate list of 32 unique experiences in Japan covers everything from food and culture to nature, road trips, and photography. We’ve also included recommendations for specific tours that offer more immersive or one-of-a-kind experiences when we felt they added real value to your itinerary.

1) Dress up in a kimono and Explore Osaka/Kyoto

One of the most immersive experiences in Japan is dressing up in their traditional ceremonial attire of the Kimono. This pairs perfectly with visitings some of Kyoto’s scenic historical districts or while visiting one of Japan’s most iconic castles, Osaka Castle. 

Renting a kimono isn’t just about wearing the attire—it’s an experience that highlights the precision and artistry deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Once dressed, it is the ideal opportunity for a photoshoot amidst Japan’s culture heritage backdrop. 

We did the Kimono experience twice in Japan and had a blast! What’s more is that if photography isn’t your strong suit, many rental services also offer the option to hire a professional photographer to capture your unforgettable moments.

2) Explore the different bustling districts in Tokyo

When you are in Tokyo, you feel like you have stepped into a city from the future. Made up of 23 unique wards, you can easily spend a year there and still find new and interesting things to do!

If this is your first time in Japan, make sure to explore at least a few of Tokyo’s most famous districts. To help you get started, here are a few notable districts in Tokyo and what they are best known for:

• Shibuya is known as the hub of fashion and has the Shibuya Crossing. This is one of the most modern districts and has tons of fashion malls. 
• Shinjuku is known for its lively nightlife in Kabukicho and the huge variety of street food and restaurants. You will also find the famous Godzilla figure looming above the skyscraper here.
• Akihabara is the haven for all things Japanese pop culture including anime, manga, and electronics! This is where you can literally shop-till-you-drop!
• Roppongi is the centre of luxury shopping and features the Mori Art Museum. We also found several delicious restaurants and omakases here!
• Tsukiji is famous for its wholesale seafood market. This is where you can tour the famous Tsukiji fish market! 
• Ginza is Tokyo’s premiere shopping district, known for its luxury brands, high-end dining, and upscale living.

Each of Tokyo’s districts is worth a full day of exploration, but if we had to pick our top three favorites, they would be Shinjuku, Akihabara, and Shibuya! 

3) Try a Wagyu Tasting Experience

Wagyu beef is celebrated globally for its exceptional marbling, tenderness, and rich flavor. You may have heard tales of Wagyu cattle being pampered with the finest grass, daily massages, and even classical music—creating the ultimate in premium beef. This is Wagyu! 

So while visiting Japan, don’t miss a Wagyu Tasting experience where you can savour this delicacy prepared in over 7 different ways!

From Yakiniku-style (grilled) and Sukiyaki (sweet savory broth) to Shabu-Shabu (hot-pot), sushi, and steak, it’s a feast for your taste buds. Many of these experiences also offer sake pairings, adding a perfect touch to your culinary adventure.

4) Witness Mount Fuji from the coast of Izu Peninsula

Never heard of the Izu Peninsula? This hidden gem was the highlight of our entire Japan trip! We spent 4 days road tripping through the coast of the Izu Peninsula, making multiple stops to admire the incredible scenery and enjoying some of the most authentic ryokan experiences. 

But the most unforgettable part of it all was witnessing Mount Fuji from Koganezaki Park on the Western coast, aligning perfectly with the iconic volcano. While there are many places to view Mount Fuji, nowhere else offered such an immersive blend of natural beauty paired with the iconic volcano.

If you want to learn more, check out our guide on the amazing things to do in Izu Peninsula as well as the full breakdown of planning your Izu Peninsula road trip itinerary. 

5) Experience soaking in an Onsen

Onsens are natural hot springs, renowned for their therapeutic properties and a cherished part of Japanese culture. Often located within traditional ryokans, these baths provide the perfect way to relax after a day of exploring.

While you can find onsens within the big cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, we would highly recommend visiting an onsen located amidst the nature. We did most of our onsen experiences during our Izu Peninsula road trip and often had direct views of the ocean and natural bays.

Do note that you need to be fully naked to soak in the onsen, but the baths are separated by gender. Some Ryokans, such as Toikan Ryokan and  Sakahijiri, also offer private onsens where you can enjoy the experience with your loved ones.  

If you want to simply experience an onsen without a full ryokan stay, you can check out Solaniwa onsen in Osaka or Kyoto Takenosato Onsen Manyo-no-Yu

6) Stay at a traditional Japanese Ryokan

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that offers a cultural and immersive lodging experience. They are known for their serene atmosphere, incredible multi-course meals, and is one of the best ways to enjoy the therapeutic onsens. 

You will spend your entire stay dressed in their comfortable yukata robes, allowing you to fully relax as you savor every aspect of this traditional experience. From sleeping on cozy futons atop tatami mats to indulging in meticulously prepared kaiseki cuisine, every detail is designed to showcase Japanese hospitality and culture.

We spent four consecutive nights at different ryokans and it was the most rejuvenating experience of our lives! Many of the famous ryokans are located in Hakone near Mount Fuji, but if you have the chance, I would highly recommend checking out the onsens on the Izu Peninsula. Given its off-the-beaten path location, we feel they provided a more authentic and local experience. 

To give you an idea of just how luxurious these ryokans can be, take a look at Hoshino Resorts Kai Ito or LaForet Ito. Although it is located on the Izu Peninsula, you can actually reach it within around 2 hours from Tokyo by taking the JR Odoriko train, making it a great weekend trip idea!  

7) Try a Seafood Kaiseki meal

Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese multi-course meal that showcases the pinnacle of Japanese culinary art, focusing on seasonality, presentation, and precise technique. You will typically experience these meals during your stay at a Ryokan, where both the dinner and breakfast are delicately prepared for you.

These Kaiseki meals are commonly 10+ courses, featuring soup, sashimi, grilled fish, a stewed dish, seasonal delicacies, and sometimes even abalone or lobster. You literally feel like royalty sitting in front of all these immaculately prepared dishes, dressed in your Japanese yukata! Of all our travels, these were probably some of the best seafood meals we’ve ever eaten (an equal second place would be during our travels through Sicily!)

8) Do a roadtrip through the stunning coast of Izu Peninsula

As you can probably tell by now, we absolutely loved our time in the Izu Peninsula. By road tripping through, you will get to see some of the most incredible views of Mount Fuji, the stunning ocean coast, stay at authentic Ryokans, soak in onsens amidst the nature, and enjoy some of the freshest seafood Kaiseki meals!

I won’t continue rambling on about how amazing it is, but if you want to take a look at all the stops and experiences, check out our Izu Peninsula activity guide. 

🚘🛣️ If you love road trips, some of our other favourite road trips were through the stunning National Parks of Utah, Safari Camping through Namibia, cruising through the breathtaking mountains of the Dolomites, and discovering the ancient civilizations in Turkey! Check them out for new inspiration!

9) Learn how to properly make Sushi

Back home, we always enjoyed hosting sushi night with friends – rolling up our sleeves, experimenting with ingredients, and inevitably creating something that was far from traditional but still delicious. So, when we arrived in Japan, we knew we couldn’t miss the chance to take an authentic sushi-making class.

Sushi here isn’t just food; it’s an art form, requiring an incredible balance of simplicity and precision. The skill behind preparing sushi is fascinating, with chefs spending years perfecting even the smallest steps—like washing rice—before they’re allowed to progress to the next task.

The best part? You don’t need years of training to get started. Sushi-making classes are available across Japan’s major cities, giving you the chance to learn from skilled chefs while getting a taste of this delicate culinary tradition.

We have taken countless cooking classes through our travels, including in Taormina Sicily, Antigua Guatemala, and they are always an excellent way to immerse in the culture!

10) Do a day trip to Nara to see the bowing deers

Nara, located just a quick 45-minute trip from Osaka or Kyoto, is most famous for its charming deers that bow politely in exchange for crackers. But here’s the thing: Nara has so much more to offer than these adorable, cracker-loving residents.

Picture this: serene parks bursting with sakura trees in full bloom, ancient temples steeped in history and culture, and (in our humble opinion) the absolute best tuna bowl in all of Japan.

If you’ve never had a tuna bowl, let me paint a picture for you. It starts with perfectly seasoned sushi rice, crowned with buttery slices of toro (fatty tuna belly) and drizzled in a heavenly house-made sauce. And as if that wasn’t enough, it’s topped with rich, creamy uni straight from Okinawa. 

I can honestly say, I’d hop on a train back to Nara just to indulge in that tuna bowl again. It’s that good!

If you want to learn more about what you can see in Nara, where that tuna bowl restaurant is, and more, check out our Nara day trip guide!

11) See the famous red tori gates of Fushimi Inarii near Kyoto

When you search for images of Kyoto, one of the most iconic sights you’ll encounter is the breathtaking rows of a thousand vibrant red Torii gates winding up the mountain pathway. This place is called Fushimi Inari and it is one of Kyoto’s most famous Shinto shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, agriculture, and business. 

It is located just 45 minutes away from Kyoto and makes for a perfect day trip! If you’re interested in getting that Instagram-perfect picture without the crowds, check out our Kyoto Guide where we share a secret alternate route to see these red Torii gates!

12) Day trip to Arashiyama

Another hugely popular day trip from Kyoto is to visit the iconic Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama. We went to see it ourselves, and while it’s undeniably beautiful, we have to admit—it didn’t quite live up to the hype. The forest is smaller than expected and usually packed with visitors, which can take away some of the magic.

That said, Arashiyama is still 100% worth the trip! The area offers so much more than just the bamboo grove. Imagine lush, rolling mountains framing a serene river, a charming little town filled with local shops, and even a wonderful onsen where you can soak away the day’s adventures.

We also stumbled upon a fantastic restaurant serving a beautifully crafted Wagyu steak set. Every bite was melt-in-your-mouth perfection, and we couldn’t recommend it enough. So, while the Bamboo Forest might be the headline attraction, Arashiyama’s true charm lies in everything else waiting to be discovered.

Check out our Kyoto Itinerary guide where we share how to spend the perfect day in Arashiyama! If ever you are short on time and want to see Arashiyama, Kyoto, and Fushimi Inarii in a single day, you can check out this Kyoto Full-day UNESCO tour!

13) Try Sake Tasting experience

When you think of visiting Italy or France, wine tasting is probably at the top of your list. Similarly, when you’re in Japan, trying their national alcoholic drink, sake, is an absolute must!

Sake tasting can be done independently or as part of a guided tour. When we visited Osaka, we opted to explore a sake brewery on our own. The owner spoke only a little English, so it was a fun challenge to learn about the brewing process and the drink’s history using a mix of broken Japanese and creative hand gestures.

That said, if you prefer a more structured and informative experience, guided sake tastings led by professional sommeliers are a fantastic option. They’ll walk you through the nuances of sake, its different varieties, and the craftsmanship that goes into every bottle

I love it when tours combine multiple cultural experiences together so would recommend checking out this Sake Tasting + DIY Takoyaki Making tour in Osaka! We also did this Wagyu Tasting + Sake Tasting experience in Tokyo which was absolutely amazing!

14) Experience the haute-cuisine of Japan’s Omakases

Omakase is a dining experience where you entrust the chef to create a personalized, multi-course meal. Translating to “I’ll leave it up to you,” omakase typically features 12–18 courses, often in sushi restaurants, showcasing the freshest ingredients and regional specialties. Each dish is carefully crafted right in front of you to highlight flavor, balance, and the chef’s expertise. 

In our opinion, it is one of Japan’s finest dining experiences and a must-try for anyone exploring Japanese cuisine!

During our stay in Tokyo, we enjoyed a delicious Omakase experience that included unlimited Sake. To learn more about it and also some of the other amazing things to do in Tokyo, check out our Tokyo activities guide!

15) See the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Tokyo

Before arriving in Japan, I had just wrapped up reading all the Harry Potter books (yes, very late to the party—I know!). So, when we got to Tokyo, visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour shot straight to the top of my list.

What’s amazing about this studio tour is that it showcases the actual filmset, costumes, props, decor, and lore from the Harry Potter movies. You’ll quickly realize just how much painstaking detail went into creating this magical universe—it’s truly mind-blowing.  

A visit to the studio takes about 4–5 hours, and honestly, it’s an amazing experience for anyone, whether you’re a die-hard fan or haven’t even cracked open the books. For me, it felt like stepping straight into the pages of the series, and I loved every minute of it!

16) Go to a conveyer belt sushi restaurant

Japan is filled with unique and quirky restaurant experiences, so we weren’t surprised to see how they were making sushi dining even more fun! At these restaurants, you sit beside a moving belt where plates of sushi glide past your table. You simply grab whatever catches your eye, and at the end of your meal, they tally up the number of plates you’ve taken.

It’s all fun and games though—until you’re completely stuffed, and then, like clockwork, your favorite sushi rolls by on the belt, tempting you for just one more bite! It’s a must-try dining experience that’s as entertaining as it is delicious.

17) Have the best Tuna Toro Bowl with Uni in Nara

We’ve mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating—if you’re curious about one of our most unforgettable meals in Japan, you absolutely have to try the Tuna Uni Toro Bowl in Nara! We tasted several tuna bowls throughout our trip, but nothing else quite compared to the flavors of this one.

If we had to pick a runner-up, it would be Nihonbashi Kaisen Don Tsujihan in Ark Hills—another fantastic spot to indulge in a delicious seafood bowl. Just in case you want to search for one nearby where you are staying, try searching for ‘Maguro’ (Japanese for Tuna) and ‘Don’ (Japanese for bowl). 

18) Learn about atomic bomb history at Hiroshima

Another must-do spot in Japan is visiting Hiroshima, and more particularly the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Here you will get to learn about the history of the atomic bombing, the impact it had on the city and its inhabitants, and the ongoing efforts for peace and nuclear disarmament.

The memorial serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the importance of promoting a nuclear-weapon-free future. While the history here is undeniably heartbreaking, the overarching message is one of hope and a commitment to peace.

While in Hiroshima, you can also make a day trip to Miyajima, famous for its massive red tori gate that appears to float in the water.

We highly recommend visiting Hiroshima with a government licensed guide in order to get the most of this experience and learn in depth the history here.

This post is part of our series about Japan. If you want to learn more about Japan, planning your trip, and some of the best experiences there, check out the guides below:

28 Unique Things to do in Tokyo (2025)

36 Essential Tips For Traveling in Japan: First-time Visitors Guide

Best Things to do in Izu Peninsula, Japan (2025)

Izu Peninsula Itinerary: Planning & Tips for the Perfect Izu Peninsula Road Trip

Day Trip to Nara, Japan: Ultimate Travel Guide (2025)

10 Day Japan Travel Itinerary: First Timer’s Complete Guide

One day in Osaka: Itinerary Guide (2025)

2 Days Kyoto Itinerary: Exploring off the Typical Tourist Trail

11 Unforgettable Day Trips from Osaka or Kyoto

19) Explore the ancient quarters of Sannenzaka in Kyoto

When you look up Kyoto, one of the most iconic images is that of the winding street of Sannenzaka, framed by traditional wooden machiya houses and the towering Hōkan-ji Pagoda in the background.

This area is undeniably stunning, with its historic charm and rows of adorable shops, but it’s also one of Kyoto’s busiest tourist hotspots. We ended up visiting on a rainy day and there were still significant crowds.

For this reason, to make the most of your visit, we recommend combining it with a kimono experience—it’s a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the atmosphere and take some unforgettable photos against this beautiful backdrop!

If you’re interested, check out this Kimono rental shop located right in Higashiyama ward, a quick 10 minute walk to the famous Sannenzaka street.

20) Have our favourite Green tea at Nana’s Green tea

This might not show up on anyone else’s “must-do in Japan” list, but it turned out to be our absolute favorite dessert spot! Japan is famous for its love of matcha and green tea, so naturally, we made it a mission to explore as many matcha shops as we could during our trip. The winner for us? Nana’s Green Tea.

They serve matcha parfaits topped with green tea ice cream, bobas, matcha pudding, red bean paste, and little mochi pieces—basically, a matcha lover’s dream. We loved it so much we went back at least four times! It was the perfect sweet treat after a long day of walking.

The best part? You can find Nana’s Green Tea in both Osaka and Kyoto, so there’s no excuse to miss out!

21) Go to Universal Studios to explore the Super Nintendo World

Japan is a paradise for anime and video game fans, so it’s no surprise that it’s home to one of the most iconic Universal Studios in the world! At USJ Osaka, you can step into Super Nintendo World, outrun velociraptors in Jurassic World, and cast spells in the magical world of Harry Potter.

Whether you’re traveling with kids or just embracing your inner child, this park offers a full day of non-stop fun and adventure. Make sure to purchase your Universal Studios Passes including the Timed Entry ahead of time which can help you significantly reduce your wait times. 

22) Experience Ramen and buying it from a machine

No trip to Japan is complete without indulging in a steaming bowl of ramen! To make the experience even more unique, many ramen shops use ticket vending machines. Simply select your ramen, grab your ticket, and hand it over to the chef—no Japanese required!

Some places even let you dine solo in a cozy little cubicle facing the kitchen, which is perfect for solo travelers looking for a quiet meal.

Our advice? Skip the long lines at those Instagram-famous spots. Ramen shops are literally everywhere, and in our experience, nearly all of them serve up equally delicious bowls of goodness.

23) Explore the many famous art exhibits of TeamLab

TeamLab has become one of the world’s most popular and visited art exhibits, and it’s easy to see why! While in Japan, don’t miss the chance to explore their interactive digital art museums, where cutting-edge technology and breathtaking visuals come together to create immersive, dreamlike experiences.

From the surreal Floating Flower Garden to the Infinite Crystal Universe, it’s also one of the most iconic spots for capturing ethereal, one-of-a-kind photos.

You can find TeamLab exhibits all over Japan including: 

• TeamLab Planets in Tokyo 
• TeamLab Borderless in Tokyo 
• TeamLab Botanical Gardens in Osaka 
• TeamLab Forest in Fukuoka
• TeamLab Future in Okinawa. 

24) Try out Japan’s famous drumming: Taiko

Taiko, the traditional Japanese art of drumming, is all about powerful rhythms, dynamic performances, and synchronized movements that exude energy and strength. Having played Taiko for over three years, I can confidently say it’s one of the most empowering and exhilarating experiences out there!

The drums are massive, and you use thick sticks called bachi to create thunderous beats that resonate deep within you—it’s something you have to experience to truly understand. 

If you’re curious to try it for yourself, we highly recommend this Taiko workshop in Tokyo, which also includes a mouthwatering Wagyu Yakiniku dinner. It’s an unforgettable way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture!

25) Race through Tokyo Mario-Kart style

I’m pretty sure we all grew up playing Mario Kart, right?

Well, did you know that in Tokyo, you can actually dress up as your favourite Mario Kart character and race through the streets in a real Go-kart?

With this Go-Kart tour in Tokyo, you can even drive through the famous Shibuya Crossing! The Mario Kart experience is one of Tokyo’s most popular activities, so if you’re interested, make sure to book it early—it often sells out more than a week in advance!

26) Witness the Sakura blossoming in Japan

If you can time it right, witnessing the Sakura cherry blossoms in full bloom across Japan is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

We managed to time our trip with the cherry blossom season, and the views were absolutely magical. One of the most unforgettable moments was traveling through the Izu Peninsula, where we saw Mount Fuji framed by a sea of pink blossoms—a scene that seemed straight out of a dream.

The cherry blossom season usually runs from late March to late April, but it can vary each year, so it’s always good to check the timing if you want to catch this breathtaking spectacle. Check out this Cherry Blossom weather forecast map to figure out the right time to plan your trip!

27) See the Tokyo skyline for free!

Tokyo boasts one of the most striking skylines in all of Japan, with sleek skyscrapers dominating the view, and on a clear day, Mount Fuji standing tall in the distance. While there are plenty of popular rooftop observatories to take in the view like Shibuya Sky, Tokyo Skytree, and Tokyo Tower, they are all paid experiences. 

If you’re looking to see this view for FREE, then check out the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building’s Observatory! To get more details, we share how to do it in our Tokyo Activities guide!

28) Eat till you drop sampling all the amazing food of Japan

Last but definitely not least, make sure you dive into Japan’s incredible food scene.

From steaming bowls of ramen to our favorite Tuna Toro bowl in Nara, matcha desserts at Nana’s Green Tea, and unforgettable sushi omakase experiences, there’s no shortage of culinary experiences. Whether you’re savouring rich Wagyu beef, enjoying a fresh seafood kaiseki meal, or indulging in crispy tonkatsu or flavorful curries, Japan offers a food journey that will leave you craving more.

You’ll undoubtedly have one of the best dining experiences of your life! 

29) Authentic Cooking experiences led by Locals

One of the best ways to learn about a culture is through their cuisine and the interactions with locals. So we were thrilled when we heard about AirKitchen, which conveniently combines both of these elements.
AirKitchen connects skilled local hosts with curious travelers to offer authentic cooking classes.

Checking through their classes, they provide some amazing experiences such as handmade ramen cooking, homemade sushi making class, Mochi and traditional sweets making class, Japanese Wagashi dessert making, and more!

30) Legendary Knife Making workshop

Step into a centuries-old smithy and craft your very own authentic Japanese knife, forging and hammering the steel with your own hands!

You’ll experience the entire process firsthand—from heating the steel in the furnace to shaping the blade and hammering out impurities.

“Japanese knives are so strong they can cut straight through a bullet,”

says Yamada with pride.

“I want people to truly feel their exceptional quality and the rich heritage of techniques that make them extraordinary.”

This isn’t just about making a knife—it’s about immersing yourself in Japan’s artisanal traditions and gaining a deeper appreciation for its cultural craftsmanship.

The knife you create will be more than a practical kitchen tool at home; it’ll be a lasting memory of this unique experience, bringing a touch of Japan’s spirit to your life.

31) Learn Kintsugi and experience a Ryokan

Kintsugi is a Japanese technique that doesn’t just fix broken ceramics—it turns each piece into a work of art, celebrating its cracks and imperfections.

On this exclusive two-day tour, you’ll learn two different kintsugi methods, take part in a private tea ceremony, enjoy a delicious kaiseki meal, and stay overnight at one of Kyoto’s finest traditional ryokan inns.

We’ve always wanted to try kintsugi, and honestly, what could be better than learning it while enjoying a luxurious ryokan experience?

32) Craft your own Journal hand made with Washi Paper

At this Kyoto workshop, you can craft your very own Washi Journal using paper-making techniques that date back 14 centuries.

There’s something magical about working with washi paper—and even more satisfying knowing you made it yourself.

It’s not only a beautiful souvenir to take home, but the perfect place to capture your Japan travel memories!

Do you need a tour to visit Japan?

Whether or not you need a tour to visit Japan really depends on how much planning you’re willing to do, how comfortable you are navigating a foreign culture and language, and if you prefer traveling with a group. 

As a travel blogger, I love diving into the details of planning and embracing the challenges of a new country. However, Japan’s advanced transportation system did trip us up a few times—like the time we missed a train because we couldn’t find it—and finding the right accommodations in the perfect locations also required a bit of effort. If you are planning your own trip, we highly recommend you check out our Japan Travel Tips for first-time visitors!

Recommended Japan Tour

If that doesn’t sound like your idea of fun and you’d rather have everything pre-planned with a group to guide you through it all, I highly recommend checking out the 12-day Iconic Japan Tour by G Adventures. This tour, part of National Geographic Journeys, offers a deeper, more immersive experience than their traditional tours. 

You’ll visit Tokyo, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Kanazawa while enjoying activities like a Tsukiji sushi experience, zen Buddhist meditation and calligraphy, chopstick and gold-leaf painting, and much more.

Plus, you’ll experience a traditional kaiseki dinner, visit Himeji Castle and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, and explore Nara. Basically, it covers many of the must-do experiences we loved in Japan!

Using WISE card in Japan

When taking cash out of an ATM while abroad, you will most likely be charged both a foreign exchange fee and a foreign transaction fee by that country’s ATM. With my Canadian card, this can easily be 3-4$ + 2.75% + a markup on the exchange rate charged by my bank, and then another 3-5$ charged by the foreign ATM.

This can be really costly. For this reason, we recommend using WISE card which has only minimal fees and just about no foreign currency exchange markup. This helps me save at least 5-7$ every time I take out money from an ATM. If you want to see our full review of the card showing exactly how WISE can help you save, check out our WISE Travel card Review post.

Recap: Best things to do in Japan

To wrap it up, Japan offers an abundance of incredible experiences, from the classic Golden Route to hidden gems that most travelers overlook. In particular, we wanted to share our unforgettable experience road tripping through Izu Peninsula as I believe it is one of Japan’s hidden gems!

Whether you’re seeking culture, nature, food, or adventure, this list has something for every type of traveler. We hope our curated experiences inspire you to explore Japan in a way that’s uniquely your own.

Happy planning, and here’s to making memories in one of the most fascinating countries in the world!

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