Ancient traditions blend harmoniously with cutting-edge technology and futuristic fashion in Japan. A visit to this astonishing country can be disorienting, yet sights often feel familiar thanks to cultural touchstones like sushi, sumo, and manga. From exploring the bustling streets and one-of-a-kind restaurants of the high-energy cities of Tokyo and Osaka to strolling around the calming temples of Kyoto and soaking in the relaxing onsens of Hakone, you’ll find more than a lifetime’s worth of things to do in Japan.
Japan experiences climate variation from north to south, but summers are generally hot and humid, while winters are cold and often snow-covered. Spring and fall are warm and most comfortable for traveling. Hanamis (the tradition of cherry blossom viewing) in the spring and koyo (leaf peeping) in the fall make these seasons appealing. Golden Week (April 29-May 5) is a busy time due to a string of public holidays, so avoid it unless you enjoy big crowds.
The country has an extensive, efficient network of public transport, including the super-fast Shinkansen bullet train, local train networks, subway systems, buses, monorails, and ferries. You can get almost anywhere by public transport. To travel long distances, it may be more cost-effective to buy a Japan Rail Pass before arriving versus buying individual tickets once you arrive. Local trains are easy for non-Japanese speakers or readers to navigate, while buses can be more challenging.
Japan is a heavily populated country, especially in its urban areas, and strict rules of etiquette help people to coexist relatively peacefully within confined spaces. Foreign visitors are expected to abide by certain rules of etiquette, too. Some of the most important are taking off your shoes before entering a home, washing thoroughly before getting into an onsen bathtub, and not eating on public transport.
Local Currency Japanese Yen (¥) | Time Zone JST (UTC +9) | Country Code +81 | Language(s) Japanese | Attractions 317 | Tours 4,985 | Reviews 110,791 |
Japan is known for its rich culture, both modern and traditional. It’s just as well known for its skyscrapers, innovative technology, and bullet trains as it is for its temples, cherry blossom trees, and hot springs. It’s also known for its food and drink—especially sushi, sake, ramen, and green tea.
...MoreTokyo is a must-visit for anyone’s first trip to Japan. Make sure to try Japanese food and drink, including sushi, ramen, sake, and green tea. Consider including on your list of things to do in Japan: visiting a temple, riding on a bullet train, soaking in an onsen, and singing karaoke.
...MoreThere are a wide range of things to do in Japan that appeal to different visitors. Popular activities include visiting temples and shrines, eating and drinking (sushi, ramen, beer, and sake), attending tea ceremonies, shopping for electronics and unique goods, soaking in onsens, singing karaoke, and going to sumo wrestling matches or traditional theater shows.
...MoreTokyo is the most visited part of Japan. The sprawling city and capital of Japan is known for its skyscrapers, temples, and sights such as Shibuya Crossing, Meiji Shrine, and Tsukiji Fish Market. Popular areas within Tokyo include Shinjuku, Ginza, Asakusa, Harajuku, and Akihabara. Outside Tokyo, Chiba, Osaka, and Kyoto are also popular.
...MoreJapan is known in Japanese as Nihon or Nippon. The name Nihon (which means “origin of the rising sun”) was adopted around the 7th century. Before that, it was known as Wa, Wanu, or Wakoku during the Na Kingdom, and was later changed by the Yamato Kingdom to Yamato. Marco Polo likely coined the name Japan.
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