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There are so many fun and unique things to do in Japan. It really has something for everyone. Whether you’re into history and culture, sports, food, shopping, or all of the above, you will find numerous options. Here are 15 things most people enjoy while visiting Japan.

15 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Japan

Traditional Yakitori (Grilled Chicken) Grill

Traditional Yakitori (Grilled Chicken) Grill

1. Eat Japanese Food

Eating Japanese food seems to be a favorite for most foreigners. With so many different kinds of restaurants, you can find something new to eat everyday while you’re there. Be sure to try ramen, udon, sushi, yakitori, yakiniku, miso-katsu, okonomiyaki, and tempura.

Uniqlo Store

Uniqlo Store

2. Go Shopping

Shopping is everywhere. Depending on what you want, there are markets, shopping arcades, electronics stores, malls, outlet shopping, and department stores. Don’t miss a major department store opening in the morning!

Outdoor Hot Spring (Onsen)

Outdoor Hot Spring (Onsen)

3. Soak in a Hot Spring

Soaking in a hot spring is a wonderful way to relax and truly experience Japanese culture. The mineral rich water makes you feel rejuvenated after a long day of sightseeing. Many hot springs offer accommodations, or you can just visit one for a few hours.

Universal Studios Japan

Universal Studios Japan

4. Go to a Theme Park

Theme parks are very popular in Japan with both children and adults. The most visited are Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan (USJ), but Fuji-Q Highland and Edo Wonderland are also attractions worth a visit.

Seiganto-ji and Nachi Waterfall

Seiganto-ji and Nachi Waterfall

5. Visit Temples

The temples and shrines in Kyoto and throughout Japan have beautiful architecture and vast gardens. Some buildings are very old and others have been restored because of natural and man-made disasters. Some Buddhist temples allow you to stay the night and practice Zen meditation.

High Speed Bullet Train (Shinkansen)

High Speed Bullet Train (Shinkansen)

6. Ride the Bullet Train

The bullet train or shinkansen is the best way to travel Japan. It is very comfortable and almost always on time. With speeds of up to 200 mph, you can get from Tokyo to Osaka in just 2 1/2 hours. The rail pass (one week, two weeks, or three weeks) offers an excellent savings for visitors to Japan.

Big Echo Karaoke Sign

Big Echo Karaoke Sign

7. Sing Karaoke

Many foreigners give karaoke a pass, but it’s a lot more fun than you think. Modern karaoke chains, such as Big Echo or Shidax, seat you in a private room with your party. There are plenty of English songs and a phone to order food and drinks.

Cosplay in Japan

Pop Culture in Japan

8. Experience Pop Culture

Pop culture in Japan is somewhat unique and visiting areas such as Akihabara and Harajuku are a must. You can see people dressed up like their favorite anime (animation) characters and visit manga (comics) cafes.

Japanese Beer

Japanese Beer

9. Drink Japanese Alcohol

Alcohol plays a large role in Japanese culture. Choose from a variety of Japanese alcohol including beer, happoshu, sake, whisky, shochu, chuhai, and umeshu.

Traditional Japanese Inn (Ryokan)

Traditional Japanese Inn (Ryokan)

10. Stay at a Ryokan

A Japanese ryokan is a traditional style inn or bed and breakfast. The price of the accommodation usually includes dinner and breakfast and use of the shared bath. Rooms have a tatami floor and futon beds that get rolled out at night.

Tenjin Festival in Osaka

Tenjin Festival in Osaka

11. Attend a Festival

Festivals in Japan are so much fun. Most involve beautiful costumes, large floats, traditional music, choreographed dances, and food stands. Whether large or small, a Japanese festival is a favorite for most tourists.

Tokyo National Museum at Ueno Park

Tokyo National Museum at Ueno Park - Tokyo, Japan

12. Go to a Museum

Japan has many museums throughout the country often designed by famous architects. You can visit national museums, art museums, and various exhibitions throughout the year.

Traditional Japanese Masks

Traditional Japanese Masks

13. Experience Japanese Theater

Kabuki, Noh, and Bunraku are traditional Japanese theater performing arts that stretch back hundreds of years. They tell stories through singing and dancing and involve lavish costumes and masks.

Sumo Wrestling

Sumo Wrestling

14. Attend a Sporting Event

Attend a sporting event to get a feel for modern everyday culture. There are baseball games from March to October and soccer games throughout the year. Sumo wrestling has six tournaments each year and is a real cultural experience.

Tsugaike Ski Resort – Hakuba, Japan

Skiing in Japan at Tsugaike Ski Resort

@Nagano Tourism Organization

15. Go Skiing

Skiing in Japan is a popular winter sport because of the many mountains and fine, powdery snow. There are over 500 ski resorts mostly found in Hokkaido and in the Japanese Alps of Nagano and Niigata.

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  • Baseball
  • Bullet Train Shinkansen
  • Festivals
  • Hot Springs Onsen
  • Japanese Alcohol
  • Japanese Theater
  • Karaoke
  • Museums in Tokyo
  • Pop Culture
  • Restaurants
  • Ryokan
  • Shopping
  • Skiing
  • Sumo Wrestling
  • Temples & Shrines
  • Theme Parks

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Becki & Shawn
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Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.

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Becki & Shawn in Nara, Japan

Becki and Shawn
Japan Travel Specialists

Hi, we’re Becki and Shawn! We love Japan and are truly passionate about Japan and Japan travel.

We’ve lived, worked, and traveled in Japan for 20+ years, so we know where to go, what to see, and how to get there. Join us in Japan for an adventure of a lifetime!

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