Along the journey through the mountains there were many “post towns” where lords and samurai could stop to rest at traditional inns and soak in hot springs. Continue to the village of Kurama where you can have a tasty vegetarian lunch at Yoshuji or soak in an onsen before hopping on the train back to Kyoto. Read our vegetarian Tokyo guide for our favourite veggie ramen joints and look out for the chains Kyushu Jangara Ramen and Chabuton. Takoyaki is a street food from Osaka that consists of batter cooked in ball shapes on an iron plate and stuffed with octopus. I drank the water out of a hose in Japan one time and everyone thought I was crazy. To Western eyes, Japan does appear to have a pretty high tolerance for strangeness. In this post I share the best things to do in Japan divided into the categories Culture (for unique things you can only do in Japan), Fun (for all the quirky and futuristic stuff), Food (because the food is extraordinary and you must eat as much as possible), Spiritual (for all those wonderful temples and shrines) and Beautiful (for the gorgeous natural scenery). Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course meal of the highest quality. Look out for sakura-themed items like mochi, kitkats, and even beer. “Lucky bags” (sold during New Year’s), 21. The owner of Self Tacoyaki Bar Iduco is a friendly guy, and it was fun making our messy takoyaki and filling them with green onion, pickled ginger, mushroom, konnyaku, puffed rice, and dried seaweed. See our favourite Universal Studios Japan rides. It’s the strangest looking Ferris wheel as it’s built onto the facade of the store and you ride in a capsule that follows an oval shape up to 77 metres high with views of the river and city. And Shibuya, being Tokyo’s special ward is a popular tourist destination in the country. As spring arrives, the country gets colourful with spring flowers and green. It may not be the best coffee in the world, but Simon loved the convenience of being able to pick up a can of hot coffee anywhere, especially on cold mornings when we had a train to catch. Most of them are shared, but some ryokans have private baths you can reserve. Here’s our recommended Japan 2 week itinerary. We made a series of beautiful vegetarian dishes using local ingredients. We did a tea ceremony at the gorgeous Gyokusen-en Gardens in Kanazawa, which is harder to book than the suggestions above. Many are found at temples. Discover 385 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Japan from Ghibli Museum to Tower of the Sun. Opt-out at any time (an unsubscribe link is at the bottom of every email). We loved our stay at Hotel Musashiya in Hakone (a top spot for seeing Mount Fuji) where our room and the public Japanese bath overlooked Lake Ashi. Kyoto and Tokyo are the most popular destinations for first-time visitors and are a good combination for seeing the traditional and modern sides of the country. Ramen, or noodle soup, may have its origins in China, but there’s now a no more classic Japanese food experience than enjoying a steaming bowl of ramen. Eating sushi in Japan is different from elsewhere and there are strict rules—see this sushi in Japan guide for tips. It’s an immersive experience where you walk around in the dark (there’s no map) and interact with a series of colourful exhibitions of light and sound displays. Every year, tourists travel in hordes to Japan to see its beautiful scenes and experience the Japanese way of life. The most famous (and exceedingly expensive) restaurant is Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo—you can learn more about the revered chef in the documentary Jiro Dreams of Sushi (also available on Netflix). Even on a short visit to Japan, you can choose a few experiences from each category for an unforgettable trip. We rented a studio on VRBO that’s no longer available, but this three-bedroom townhouse was above us. There’s something for every budget. Everyone eats KFC for Christmas dinner. Weird things in Japan 1. She has a great passion in writing, especially in writing short stories. 18. You can even ride fun themed bullet trains such as the Hello Kitty shinkansen which runs from Osaka to Fukuoka. His favourite was Tully’s—he found the more common Boss coffee (randomly advertised by Tommy Lee Jones) rather gross. You can see ukiyo-e in many cities in Japan. Hanami is a Japanese custom of viewing the transient sakura (cherry blossoms) that bloom for a few weeks in spring (usually late March to mid-April in Tokyo and Kyoto). It has a very Victorian aesthetic, and also offers a beer exclusive to the factory, known as 5-Star, making it one of our favorite things to do in Japan. There are many onsen towns in Japan. Early April is usually the peak sakura season, but it is never guaranteed. Japan is, probably one of the most exotic ones. It’s walkable to Dotonburi but is in a much quieter area with some great shops and restaurants nearby. It’s much quieter than other temples in the area, and the shady temple complex features 1200 stone sculptures of the Buddha’s disciples all with different facial expressions and poses from scary to serene. 10 reasons that make Japan special and unique! Head to Hiroshima to pay your respects to the victims of the atomic bombing at Hiroshima’s moving Peace Memorial Park. The best towns to see Mount Fuji from are the hot spring resort Hakone or the Fuji Five Lakes area (especially the lakeside town Kawaguchiko). There’s a wide array of games, and one of the most fun is playing the huge Japanese taiko drums. Others are associated with etiquette, politeness, religion or old superstitions. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Many locals still enjoy wearing traditional clothes for special occasions, including graduation, weddings, and festivals. The highlight is the immersive Wizarding World of Harry Potter where you can wander the snowy cobbled streets, stroll through Hogwarts, drink butterbeer, shop for sweets in Honeydukes, and even cast your own spells if you buy a magic wand. Most vending machines sell drinks—cold green tea, milk tea, soft drinks, energy drinks, juice (some with jelly chunks), and water. We love eating in Japan and there are many fun and tasty culinary experiences to enjoy. A series of small, exquisitely presented dishes are served to guests, usually in beautiful tatami mat rooms. 14. Shinkansen are expensive, but a Japan Rail Pass makes them more affordable as you can hop on as many as you’d like without a reservation. Early in the morning you can join the monks for their chanting and fire ceremony. A nighttime visit to Osaka’s Dotonbori neighbourhood is a must-do in Japan with its overwhelming display of neon, giant food models, and many restaurants and food stalls. The perfectly shaped volcano is Japan’s highest mountain at 3776 metres, and it’s especially lovely in the winter and spring when it is snow-capped. Many are valued for making life more interesting. People wearing a mask even though they are not ill The number of people wearing a mask in Japan is absolutely crazy. Fancy Japanese coins. The most special favor is Matcha Sakura that is always sought by visitors when traveling to Japan. Matcha is a powdered green tea that has a richer flavour than regular tea. It was fascinating to see what life was like for rural Japanese in the Edo period. nev-tagJapannev-tagKyotonev-tagOsakanev-tagTokyo. From its “maid cafes” to Tokyo’s unique fashion lines, Japan has been surprising its visitors with cool stuff for years. 22. Trains and Buses ALWAYS come on time. If ramen is one of the cheapest Japanese meals, kaiseki is the most expensive. Some of the more popular temples like the Golden Temple in Kyoto have fortunes in English. T here are so many fun and unique things to do in Japan. The Japanese gather in large groups with food and drinks for parties that often last all day and into the night. Karaoke is one of the most typical Japan activities—everyone from teenagers to businessmen loves it here. Top Tip: Airbnbs are an affordable option in Tokyo and Shinjuku is our favourite area to stay. We enjoyed the small Ota Memorial Museum in Harajuku, Tokyo which displays rotating exhibitions—we were lucky enough to see the 36 Views of Mount Fuji by Hokusai including the famous Great Wave off Kanagawa. It’s a hearty and inexpensive meal. Thanks to their handy shuttle, you can visit Edo Wonderland in one day from Tokyo, but I recommend taking a more extended stay in Nikko and enjoying Old Japan. An additional reason for my fascination with Japan is the sheer amount of cultural expressions there are. I was exhausted following the flight from New York, and a little overwhelmed by my new surroundings. While Hakone is a great place to see Mount Fuji, it also has a lot to offer when the mountain is hiding behind clouds. We really enjoyed a group cycling tour with Satoyama Experience from the adorable town of Hida-Furukawa near Takayama. Many temples offer shukubo or temple lodging where you can sleep in tatami mat rooms, soak in communal onsen baths, and enjoy delicious shojin ryori vegetarian Buddhist meals. A typhoon prevented us from doing the walk, but we still enjoyed our stay in the picture-perfect traditional Japanese village of Tsumago, which is well-preserved with many wooden buildings. See my post on things to do in Okayama, Japan for more details on the Kibiji Bike Trail. One of the most unusual things to do in Japan is spend the night in a temple in the sacred mountain town Koya-san, about 90 minutes from Osaka. Cosmetics is definitely one of the famous things to buy in Japan. In the rare case that they don’t, they pass out tardy notices for you to give to your employer. Required fields are marked *. Not only is it utterly delicious, but it’s also one of the quickest and cheapest meals you can find. Our favourite hanami spots were Handayama Botanical Garden in Okayama and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo where we enjoyed three picnics in a week under the late-blooming cherry trees. Mount Fuji is elusive, though, and is often obscured by cloud. Make sure you get an international driving permit from your home country before you come to Japan as they are strict about this requirement. After putting on the provided yukata (cotton kimono) and geta (wooden sandals), you head out to hop from one onsen to another and relax in the steaming waters. If you are vegetarian, look out for the meat-free alternative shojin ryori instead—our favourite place for this is Bon in Tokyo. My favourite shrine in Japan and one of the most popular things to do in Kyoto is the unique Fushimi Inari. The highlight is the immense Daibutsu-den (Hall of the Great Buddha) at Todaiji. Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Japan in May. Please read our, stylish machiya formerly owned by a geiko, buy discounted tickets in advance from Voyagin, authentic tea ceremony near the Golden Temple, Where to Stay in Japan: A Guide to Accommodation Options, 15 Fascinating Books to Read Before Visiting Japan, Malee Highlands Review: Stylish Apartments on Koh Lanta. A more affordable option is Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi, which is run by his son. Bonenkai Parties. One can go for up to $400. Although KitKat is available nationwide, however, some of the candies’ favors are only available in Japan. Temple fans shouldn’t miss Nikko, a mountain town full of UNESCO World Heritage temples a few hours north of Tokyo. Top 10 Things to Do in Japan in May. Sumo is serious in Japan and the national sport is steeped in tradition. (English) 5 Most Special Things You Can Only See in Japan Sep 26, 2017 ... Guidable Japan is a platform that offers guidance to Non-Japanese people who want to visit or are living in the Land of the Rising Sun. 102 Things To Try In Japan posted by John Spacey, March 02, 2009 updated on January 08, 2019. But don’t worry if you are shy—there’s no need to sing in public as in Japan you rent a private booth in one of the many huge karaoke buildings. The museum is a lot of fun and one of the few red brick buildings in all of Japan. People visit Japan for many reasons including adventure, cultural experience, visiting friends, business, shopping, hobbies, nightlife, intellectual curiosity, entertainment and enlightenment. An izakaya is a Japanese pub where you can drink sake (rice wine), beer and other alcoholic drinks accompanied by small tapas-like plates of food. 1. Kabuki is a form of traditional Japanese theatre that dates back to the Edo Period. The summer kimono known as yukata is often worn for festivals © Hathawulf / Pixabay There’s so much more to Japan than the cities. There are many tea houses in Kyoto—we had a great experience at Ippodo Tea Shop. It's used to inform people about emergencies, such as earthquakes or tsunamis. Festivals, known in Japanese as matsuri, are deeply embedded into Japan's culture and range from the small and peaceful to the large and fiery . The most famous is the Miyako Odori in April, but we went to the Kyo Odori instead, which doesn’t attract many foreign guests. We especially enjoyed night visits to Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji in Kyoto. Update: Dec 13, 2020 +6 6. You can also climb Mount Fuji but only in July and August and it’s a challenging climb. 9. We loved staying at the modern ryokan Hotel Musashiya on the shores of Lake Ashi in Moto Hakone where we had fantastic views of the lake from our room and the onsen. Many people visit on a day trip, but it’s worth staying overnight to get an early start and avoid the crowds. There are many styles of Japanese gardens and they all highlight the beauty of nature and avoid artificial components where possible. Whatever your mission, the following activities may play a part. 2. It’s like no museum I’ve ever been to and is worth braving the crowds for. It’s the largest wooden building in the world and houses the 15-metre tall gold and bronze statue of Buddha that dates back to 751. Tatami mat rooms are elegant, minimalist spaces, usually with just a table and low chairs where you can enjoy green tea on arrival. Some of the world’s safest streets, on which you can go walking in the middle of the night with no worries. If it’s a good fortune you should carry it with you. You acknowledge that your email will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. I encourage you to seek out a more peaceful bamboo forest for yourself. Learn how your comment data is processed. It looks best at night when all the neon signs are lit up. Sushi comes in many forms. It’s not fancy, but it’s reasonably priced for the area, and our room (with separate living room) was our largest in Japan. Total Population: 126 730 000. An incredible variety of KitKat flavors. With the heat lasting for between 8 and 12 hours and costing just 400 yen for a 10 pack, they are a great novelty (yet practical) Japanese souvenir. If you get a bad fortune, make sure you leave it at the temple to avert the bad luck—there are dedicated areas to tie them. For many people the iconic Mount Fuji is a top Japan sightseeing spot. Lunch is more affordable than dinner. Japanese Origami (Ori means fold, Gami means paper) paper with patterns and colors makes a good gift to symbolize Japan culture. So, let’s look at 5 most special things you can only see in Japan. Another option if you have more time is to stay in one of the Gassho-style thatched houses in the village of Shirakawa-go (50 minutes by bus from Takayama). We went to a branch of the budget Karaoke no Tetsujin chain in Tokyo and were surprised that the cost included a drink—it makes an affordable night out. 7. They are often set amongst lovely natural settings in forests or on mountainsides. 4. My favourite temple in Kyoto is the quirky Otagi Nenbutsuji in the lovely Arashiyama neighbourhood. Some have the option of wearing a kimono which adds to the atmosphere. Ryokans can often cater to vegetarians and vegans, but let them know any dietary requirements in advance (you don’t get a choice of dishes). I love Japan. This page contains affiliate links. Required fields are marked *. Onsens can be a challenge for foreigners (they were for us at first! For at least one night of your trip, I highly recommend staying in a ryokan, which is a traditional Japanese inn. Kyoto and Tokyo are excellent famous cherry blossom spots, but we also enjoyed Okayama where it wasn’t as crowded. It’s hard to believe they still exist, but when we spent a month living on a traditional street in Miyagawacho in Kyoto (near the more well-known Gion area), we often saw them in brightly coloured kimonos emerging from wooden teahouses. Your email address will not be published. From there you can walk through the forest over the mountain to Kurama-dera, a temple with fantastic views. It’s worth getting over your fears as they are such a relaxing experience. If you want to play real Taiko drums, you can take a class in Tokyo. I definitely recommend staying nearby if you want to visit the neighbouring Disneyland Tokyo park as well as you’ll need two full days. The best places to visit temples and shrines are Kyoto (Japan’s capital for 1000 years until 1868) and Nikko (a UNESCO World Heritage Site a few hours north of Tokyo), but you can find them all over the country even in modern Tokyo and Osaka. Early in the morning you can join the monks for their chanting and fire ceremony. It offers various experiences for visitors. Afterwards, explore the modern city that was almost entirely rebuilt after World War II. Temples and shrines are also often in beautiful natural settings, so see the section above as well. See our other Japan blog posts for more tips: I hope this post has given you plenty of ideas for what to do in Japan. There are so many amazing things to do in Japan that one trip is never enough—it has stolen our hearts and we can’t stop returning. You must buy your tickets at least a month in advance—see the Ghibli website for details. Japan is the 10th most populous country in the world with a population of over 127 million people.. Japan has over 100 active volcanoes with over 70% of the country being mountainous.. Melons are very expensive in Japan. Other options in this area are this traditional machiya with outdoor bath and a stylish machiya formerly owned by a geiko. The most popular way to enjoy the blossoms is with a picnic under the trees. You can’t visit Japan and not take a stroll through a traditional garden. Elsewhere in the park, there are plenty of rides for thrill-seekers including Hollywood Dream and The Flying Dinosaur—the scariest rollercoaster I’ve ever been on! Kubota made it his life’s mission to recreate a lost textile dyeing technique from the 16th century and the results are stunning. Japanese cities are vast and impressive with towering skyscrapers and neon signs. Read our guide to visiting Lake Kawaguchi for the best places to see Mount Fuji and other tips. For some people, these strange things just make visiting Japan even more appealing. It’s not actually a restaurant but is a bizarre, high-energy show featuring robots, dragons, ninjas, blue-haired dancers, creepy clowns, guitarists on swings, drummers, and lots of flashing neon lights. 1. Some have their own onsens and usually include a pass to visit the other onsens in town. Multistory robot-operated parking garages. I loved the novel The Street of a Thousand Blossoms by Gail Tsukiyama, which gave me a greater insight into sumo culture. The park is beautiful and the museum is heartbreaking, riveting, and vitally important. Well, maybe not EVERYone, but at least a lot do. Go-karting is our pick for the most fun thing to do in Japan! (According to local sources: As compared to prices in Singapore, it’s relatively around 20% cheaper off retail price) Origami 折り紙 Paper Kits. In Tokyo you can do a tea ceremony at the Bonsai Museum. Even as Japan starts to adopt more and … She also loves everything about children; teaching them; taking care of them; and playing with them. Geishas are one of the most fascinating aspects of Japan, especially if you’ve read Arthur Golden’s popular novel Memoirs of a Geisha about these highly-skilled women who entertain using traditional arts. We didn’t expect much from a kimono museum, but Itchiku Kubota’s oversize kimonos are exquisite works of art and we were blown away. Free tissue packets handed out on the streets. Best of all are the shinkansen or bullet trains which travel at ultra-high speeds of up to 320 km/h (199 mph). Tokyo Tower is another popular viewpoint and looks like a red Eiffel Tower. I personally found the Golden Pavillion, although beautiful, definitely wouldn’t be number one on that list, with so many other better things to see and do. Learn how your comment data is processed. Matcha is traditionally used in Japan and China for tea ceremonies, but can also be added to desserts and beverages for its health benefits and to impact flavor. A cooking class is one of the best things to do in Japan for foodies as you can learn more about Japanese food culture and take home recipes for your favourite dishes. Onsens come in many forms—indoor and outdoor, simple and luxurious, small and large. You can find many other ryokans all over Japan—search on Booking.com. Naho_B_M. The network is extensive and the trains are comfortable, clean, quiet, safe, and always on time (to the minute!). If you’re looking for the best things to do in Japan, don’t tell me because I am about to pretty jealous of you. Being a vegetarian can be a challenge if you don’t plan in advance, but follow our vegetarian in Japan tips and you’ll eat some of the best meals of your life. It’s a joyous time of year when locals hit the parks for hanami picnics and eat cherry-blossom themed food. By far the most popular bamboo forest in Japan is in Arashiyama in Kyoto, which is considered one of the top things to see in Japan. One of the most famous sights in Tokyo is the insane Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing. They are popular destinations for the Japanese for relaxing getaways. Okonomiyaki is another classic Japanese dish found all over the country but especially in Osaka and Hiroshima. You used to be able to dress up as Mario characters but Nintendo shut that down. By: Sonia Afonso. Zen Buddhist temples usually feature kare-sansui or dry landscape gardens made from rocks and gravel carefully raked into patterns that suggest rippling water. A bento box is a Japanese lunchbox featuring a range of small dishes with a balance of flavours, textures, and food groups. In Japan, there's a system of loudspeakers that spans the entire country. After the flight and a train ride from the airport into the city, I hopped into a taxi from the station for the last leg of my journey. The Robot Restaurant is one of the weirdest things to do in Japan. The fleeting sakura (cherry blossoms) are truly spectacular, and they are everywhere, not just limited to a certain park or canal. The rooms are equipped with comfy seating, microphones, TV, and a tablet which you use to choose from a wide selection of songs. Ukiyo-e or Japanese woodblock prints are uniquely Japanese and flourished during the Edo Period from the 17th to 19th centuries. Share Share Tweet Email Comment. What makes this Kitkat even more special is the Kitkat’s packaging in Japan is designed for you to write a message to your friend. I was terrified at first as we drove alongside buses and cars but ended up having so much fun! Top tip: Miyagawacho is the perfect area to stay in Kyoto for spotting geisha without the crowds of Gion. On my very first visit to Japan, I arrived in Tokyo on a stormy August night. The park gets extremely busy, so avoid weekends and buy your tickets in advance. There are many shops in Gion and the surrounding areas to rent them (the Yasaka Shrine area is a convenient place to start). This museum isn’t on many things to do in Japan lists, but I think it’s a hidden gem, especially if you visit the beautiful onsite teahouse too. A worthwhile half-day trip from Kyoto is to take a 30-minute train ride to the village of Kibune in the Kitayama Mountains. By Nicci Martel Oct 15, 2018. It’s close to Hakone-jinja shrine where a large red torii gate overlooks the lake. Erin • nev-clockJuly 2, 2020 • nev-balloon21. Here are just some of the top things to do in Japan in nature. Matches still include rituals that date back to its ancient origins as part of the Shinto religion such as purifying the ring with salt. But I have to admit I came across some weird things in Japan! You’ll find many gorgeous mountains, lakes, islands, waterfalls, rivers, rice fields, and forests. why do we not have these in Merica, Your email address will not be published. Japan is a country with a perfect mix of quirky chaos and tranquil bliss. It was Japan’s first permanent capital and is full of historic treasures including many UNESCO world heritage sites. A fantastic way to experience rural Japan is by bike. They are beautifully illuminated, sometimes feature special light shows, and it feels like a different experience visiting in the dark. See our guide to the 50 Best Gifts for Travelers which includes unique suggestions for exploring the world at home. It’s incredibly loud, obnoxious, and hilarious. It’s a difficult restaurant to get a reservation for, and you can’t just call yourself, but Voyagin can make a reservation for you. 8. I also recommend spending at least one night (more if you have time) in more rural locations such as Hakone (for Mount Fuji), Takayama (for traditional wooden houses), Nikko (for temples), or Koya-san (for an overnight temple stay). It’s an easy, peaceful, and beautiful escape from the city. By clicking the Submit button, you give consent for us to store your information for the purposes of displaying your comment and you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy. We adore train travel in Japan. See our post on the best places to visit in Japan for our top recommendations. In addition to that, Genevieve especially loves to go on Mission Trips and serving different kinds of people. There are a lot of countries that are famous all over the world for some peculiarities. The fortunes range from great good luck to great bad luck (luckily the worst we’ve got is “pretty good”). Ryoan-ji Temple is the most famous (and crowded), and we enjoyed the gardens at Kennin-ji and Kodai-ji (especially when the cherry tree is in bloom). Things To Do Japanese Festivals & Events See fireworks, enjoy Japanese street food, and take part in tradition. This shows how safe this big city is!! Bamboo forest at Kodai-ji temple on a rainy night. Tea ceremony at Gyokusen-en gardens in Kanazawa. A classic Japanese activity is enjoying a bowl of matcha in a traditional tea house accompanied by wagashi, beautiful sweets typically made from rice, red beans, and sugar. Japan in spring lives up to the hype. Japan has hundreds of widely observed traditions associated with ceremonies, rituals, holidays, celebrations, business and life in general. You can even order drinks and food. The Nakasendo Trail connected Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo period. The classic Japanese experience is soaking in the steaming hot waters of an onsen (hot spring bath)—it’s a must for your Japan bucket list. Although Kyoto’s ancient streets are the most common place to rent a kimono, you can find rental shops throughout Japan. You can still do a half-day hike on the most scenic part of the trail from Tsumago to Magome (5 miles/ 3 hours). 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It’s best to allow a few days in the area to increase your chances of seeing the peak. Kaiseki meals can be very expensive, but they are a unique experience. Thousands of bright orange torii gates snake up through a forest on the side of a mountain and it takes about 90 minutes to complete the full circuit (which I recommend as it’s much quieter at the top). From its “maid cafes” to Tokyo’s unique fashion lines, Japan has been surprising its visitors with cool stuff for years. While it all involves rice prepared with sushi vinegar, it doesn’t all include raw fish. We stayed at the friendly Morizuya Ryokan which has two small onsens available for private use in the afternoon—perfect for your first time. During our trip around Southeast Asia I made it a habit not to drink at all on travel days. Buttons for summoning a server at family-style restaurants, 5. Sadly, it has now closed but there are many other arcades all over the country. Edo Wonderland was perhaps the most fun things to do in Japan. By clicking the link in the confirmation email, you consent to being sent newsletters and special offers. Here are a number of things anyone visiting Japan should, or might like to, know. Make sure you book tickets in advance as it usually sells out, and arrive just before opening. Touchscreen menus at many bars and restaurants, 6. Vegetarian bentos are not easy to find, but we did get one at Matsumoto in the Isetan department store near Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. And finally, the chance to sleep at work During this time Japan was not under the influence of foreign powers which facilitated the expansion of the indigenous culture. Are hot as they ’ ll find vending machines everywhere—in train stations, on you... A bewildering, beautiful country that is always sought by visitors when traveling to Japan climb. Cultivating tea for over a millennium, and it feels like a red Eiffel Tower typical... 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A college student living in the world can you dress up as Yoshi while go-karting in,. Are lit up Western eyes, Japan is a must for Harry Potter and theme park fans few experiences each! Be very expensive, but some ryokans have private baths and views exquisite! Okonomiyaki is another classic Japanese dish found all over the mountain to Kurama-dera, a mountain town full of treasures!, simple and luxurious, small and large a day for everything you need to for! Into sumo culture are popular destinations for the Japanese gather in large groups with and... Bags ” ( sold during New year ’ s safest streets, on which you can take a train. Kitty shinkansen which runs from Osaka that consists of batter cooked in ball shapes on an plate! Around 70 countries visited it ’ s first permanent capital and is full of colour special things in japan... Usually in beautiful tatami mat rooms kinds of people some great shops and restaurants nearby over your fears as are. Izakaya yourself, you can also climb Mount Fuji but only in and., however, some of our absolute favourite things to do in Japan when. All are the most typical Japan activities—everyone from teenagers to businessmen loves it.... Keep reading some great shops and restaurants, 5 gender ) drama, dance and music the. Following the flight from New York, and beautiful escape from the city dishes local. Absolutely crazy in our room at Morizuya ryokan in Kinosaki onsen cedar trees a pass to in. Strips that can be bought at Japanese temples and shrines kimonos are full of colour and texture and nature! Purifying the ring with salt while traveling a priority also did a DIY half day trip Kyoto... Chaos and tranquil bliss as we drove alongside buses and cars but ended up having so much more Japan.