Japan Bucket List: 13 Things to Do On Your First Trip
Planning your first trip to Japan and struggling to narrow down your itinerary? I’m here to help.
Japan is one of the world’s most incredible destinations, but planning a trip there is no easy task.
Japan is filled with epic sights, unique things to do, and so many unforgettable experiences. However, it would be impossible to see everything in one trip.
In this post, I’ve shared what I believe to be the absolute best things to do in Japan for first-timers.
This is not an extensive list of everything to do in Japan. Instead, I’ve pulled the top things to see based on my own experience in Japan.
I hope you find this post helpful. And if you haven’t already, check out my complete Japan planning guide.
What to do in Japan: The best options for first-timers
Experience the modern and historic streets of Tokyo
Let’s begin this list of things to do in Japan with exploring Japan’s impressive capital city.
I had no idea what to expect from Tokyo. I know people who rave about it, and I know people who hate it. It seems to be one of those ‘you either love it or hate it’ destinations.
Personally, I LOVE Tokyo. This city seems to have absolutely everything. Skyscrapers, traditional temples, green parks, urban spaces, street food markets, fancy restaurants, arcades, history… the list goes on.
Being the most populated city in the world (and one of the most visited), Tokyo can get very busy.
However, one of my favourite things about Tokyo was quickly being able to escape the crowds. Once you leave the main tourist attractions, the city actually feels quite peaceful.
Another great thing about Tokyo is you can do so much for free! You can easily fill a day exploring different parts of the city without splurging on entry fees or day tours.
Here are some of the best areas to explore in Tokyo (or wards as they are known in Japan):
Asakusa
This is where my accommodation was, so I got to know the area very well. It’s home to the famous Sensō-ji temple and some epic street food stands.
It can get extremely busy here, so it’s a good idea to go early in the day or during the evening. The temple is very pretty in the dark.
If you want to visit one of Japan’s many observation decks, the Sky Tree is near here. Be sure to book your tickets in advance.
Harajuku
Harajuku is one of Tokyo’s most vibrant areas. Known for its eclectic fashion scene, pretty much anything goes in this area of the city.
For the full experience, wander down Takeshita Street. It’s filled with quirky boutiques, colourful shops and some tasty food spots.
Harajuku is also where you’ll find the Meiji Jingu Shrine, a haven from the chaotic streets.
Yoyogi Park is also nearby, one of Tokyo’s best parks. I spent an hour wandering around, it’s beautiful.
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is one of my favourite areas in Tokyo. I never knew what to expect when walking around a corner. It’s filled with so many unusual gems.
The area is home to many famous attractions, including the Godzilla statue, a go-karting track (yes, you can ride a go-kart through the streets of Tokyo), and the 3D billboard cat.
In all honesty, you could spend an entire day exploring Shinjuku.
At night time, I recommend visiting Memory Lane (Omoide Yokocho). It’s a small area of narrow alleyways filled with delicious traditional Japanese restaurants and bars.
Shibuya
Shibuya is another popular place to visit in Tokyo.
Home to the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, the Shibuya Crossing, it’s also one of the busiest areas.
The crossing is well worth visiting but be prepared for A LOT of people (after all, that’s why it’s famous).
I also visited Shibuya Sky, one of Tokyo’s best observation decks. Tickets often sell out, so it’s important to book in advance.
There’s also an epic go-karting track here.
Akihabara
Akihabara is found in the Chiyoda Ward and is known as Tokyo’s electric town.
It’s the go-to destination for anime, manga and cosplay enthusiasts, as well as being filled with technology stores.
Even if you’re not into anime and manga, I still recommend visiting the area. It’s an interesting insight into Japanese culture, and there are some fun shops and arcades there.
Yanaka Ginza
Yanaka Ginza is one of my favourite places in Tokyo. It’s a small area, but it feels much more traditional than other places I’ve mentioned so far.
If you want to get off the beaten path in Tokyo, I highly recommend Yanaka Ginza.
The main street is filled with traditional stalls and shops, and they also love cats.
Other things to do in Tokyo
Here are a few other of my favourite things I did in Tokyo.
- Visiting the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Tokyo
- Admire modern art at TeamLabs Planets Tokyo
- Watch a Sumo Wrestling performance
Relax in a traditional Japanese onsen
Visiting a traditional onsen is a must-do experience for those visiting Japan, especially for the first time.
An onsen is basically a Japanese hot spring, and they’re an important part of Japanese culture.
The mineral-filled waters are said to have relaxing and rejuvenating properties, helping your muscles to relax and recover after all the exploring you’ll no doubt be doing.
There are different types of onsens, including outdoor, indoor, public and private.
One of the best places to soak in an onsen is in Hakone. Many of the onsens here are outside and surrounded by incredible scenery.
Many Ryokans (traditional guest houses) also give their guests access to onsens, sometimes privately and sometimes shared with other guests.
Before visiting an onsen, it’s important to familiarise yourself with some basic rules.
Firstly, you must (nearly) always be naked inside an onsen, and shower before you enter.
Secondly, most onsens are split by gender. If you’re travelling with someone of the opposite gender, you might want to look into booking a private experience.
Lastly, most onsens don’t allow entry to anyone with a tattoo. You may be able to cover it if it’s small, but generally, no tattoos are allowed.
In the cities, you might find some western-style hotel chains with onsens. They tend to be a little more relaxed about the rules!
Learn about Japan’s tragic past in Hiroshima
One of the most interesting places to visit in Japan is Hiroshima, the site of the 1945 atomic bomb.
During World War 2, the USA dropped a nuclear bomb on the city of Hiroshima, killing an estimated 145,000 people and destroying the city.
Despite the tragic event, Hiroshima was rebuilt and now stands as a testament to the resilience of the Japanese people.
Today, it’s possible to visit several notable locations in Hiroshima to learn more about the events of 1945.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is an essential visit for those who want to educate themselves on what happened in Hiroshima and how we can all help prevent something similar from occurring in the future.
The museum shares stories from survivors and has several artefacts on display. It can be a sombre experience, but it’s an important one.
Other places to see in Hiroshima include the Peace Memorial Park, the Atomic Bomb Dome, and Hiroshima Castle.
While in Hiroshima, don’t miss visiting Miyajima Island, home to the famous Itsukushima Shrine (voted one of the most beautiful places in Japan).
I suggest spending a day exploring the island, including hiking Mount Misen (or taking the ropeway), wandering through Momijidani Park, and visiting the Daisho-in Temple.
Hiroshima might be slightly out of the way of other destinations on your Japan itinerary, but I highly recommend visiting.
I’m really glad I chose to spend two days in Hiroshima. It felt completely different from other cities I visited in Japan.
Savour delicious Japanese cuisine
Food is a huge part of travel for me, and Japan has some of the BEST food in the world (and I don’t say that lightly).
I was a bit worried about the food in Japan before my visit. I had been led to believe it was mostly sushi and fish and would be an absolute nightmare for a vegetarian. However, this isn’t entirely true.
If you don’t like fish, you’ll be pleased to hear that Japanese cuisine goes well beyond this. Beef, chicken, and pork are all easily found in Japan and are very much a part of their traditional dishes.
For vegetarians, it’s a little bit trickier, but not impossible. Most restaurants I visited offered vegetarian versions of their delicious dishes using Tofu and vegetables.
So, what foods should you try in Japan? Well, everything! Honestly, I don’t think any trip to Japan is complete without trying several of their traditional dishes.
Some of my favourite Japanese foods include:
- Ramen
- Gyoza
- Curry
- Miso soup
- Okonomiyaki
- Soba
- Tempura
- Udon
- Curry bread (holy moly)
For those without any dietary restrictions, visiting a street food market is an absolute must for your Japan itinerary.
You’ll find street food markets all over the major cities in Japan, including Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka (home to some of Japan’s best food).
I’ve spoken more about food in Japan in my guide to planning your first trip to Japan.
Witness the Cherry Blossoms (or autumn colours)
Next up on this list of the best things to see in Japan is witnessing the famous Sakura – the cherry blossom season.
The cherry blossoms usually bloom from mid-March to mid-April, creating a stunning sight across the country.
While beautiful and certainly something for your Japan bucket list, it does draw in the crowds. And by crowds, I mean CROWDS.
Spring is the busiest time of year to visit Japan. Hotels often sell out, prices spike, and seeing any of the main highlights usually involves long queues.
For many people, the crowds will be worth it for the cherry blossoms, but it’s important to know how busy it can be.
Another option is to visit Japan in the autumn. During October and November, the trees turn gold, red and orange as the winter looms.
I visited Japan in November, and it was honestly incredibly beautiful! It’s much less crowded than in spring, but it’s still so beautiful.
Wander through ancient Kyoto
Kyoto is one of Japan’s top places to visit, and it’s easy to see why.
Once the capital of Japan, this ancient city is filled with historic sites. It’s also home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, which should give you an idea of how much history is here.
Wandering the ancient streets of Southern Higashiyama is one of the best things to do in Japan.
The area is filled with temples, shrines and traditional tea houses. It’s also where you’ll find Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s most famous temples.
Higashiyama is also home to the famous Geishas (Gion area). However, thanks to inconsiderate tourists, there are much stricter rules on which streets tourists can access in order to see them.
Other things to do in Kyoto include:
- Hike through the Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine (an absolute must see in Japan)
- Take a day trip to Nara and see the bowing deer
- Walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest (if I am being honest, I found this overrated and way too crowded)
- See the Golden Pavilion at Ginkaku-ji Temple
- Stroll through the famous Nishiki Market
Kyoto is a must-visit destination in Japan, especially if it’s your visit.
Discover the wonders of Japan’s countryside
When planning a trip to Japan, most of the focus seems to be on the main cities.
Sure, places like Osaka, Tokyo and Sapporo are wonderful, but there is so much more to Japan than just big cities.
Japan is filled with beautiful countryside, mountains, volcanoes, and small countryside towns ready to be explored.
I highly recommend trying to escape the cities a little on your trip to Japan. Seeing the countryside and experiencing this side of Japan was one of the highlights of my trip.
My favourite place to visit in Japan is Hakone. This small town is surrounded by incredible scenery, including epic views of Mount Fuji.
It can be visited as a day trip from Tokyo, but I suggest spending at least one night there to make the most of all the things to do in Hakone.
Nikko is another excellent option for those looking for a day trip from Tokyo (or an overnight trip). Close to the city, you’ll find some beautiful waterfalls, epic hiking, and stunning lakes.
Other countryside destinations in Japan include Takayama and Hokkaido.
If you want an escape from Osaka, consider visiting Minoo Park. It’s not quite the countryside as such, but it’s still a beautiful escape from the city.
Ride a bullet train
An absolute must for any Japan bucket list – riding the famous Shinkansen (a bullet train).
Japan is known for its highly efficient transport system, and the Shinkansen is one of the reasons why.
Operating at around 300 kph (186 mph), this high-speed train gets passengers from A to B in no time at all.
Japan Rail owns most of the bullet trains, so you’ll need to book with them to ride the bullet train.
They have routes connecting most of the major destinations in Japan. This includes Tokyo to Kyoto and Osaka, and Osaka to Hiroshima.
For an extra special experience, aim to get one of their unique trains, such as the Hello Kitty bullet train.
Visit a traditional shrine or temple (or even stay in one)
Religion is an integral part of Japanese culture, and visiting one of the many religious sites in Japan is an absolute must for first-time visitors.
Not only are the sites often beautiful, but they’re a fascinating insight into life in Japan for many locals.
There’s no shortage of options for where to visit. Across Japan, there are an estimated 100,000 Shinto Shrines and 80,000 Buddhist Temples.
In each of the major cities, you’ll find several notable shrines or temples that are open to the public and tourists.
Here are a few of my favourites temples and shrines I visited in Tokyo and Kyoto:
Tokyo:
- Meiji-jingu Shrine
- Senso-ji
- Toshogu-jinja Shrine
- Zenkoku-ji Temple
Kyoto:
- Fushimi Inari Taisha
- Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple)
- Kiyomizu-dera
- Daitoku-ji
It’s also possible to stay overnight in a Buddhist Temple. The stays often include a room, a mattress, and a vegetarian meal.
There are several festivals throughout the year that take place in Japan, including national ones and ones linked to specific temples.
The sites can get very crowded during these periods, but it’s a unique cultural experience.
Shop for unique souvenirs and gifts in Japan’s shops and markets
I know shopping probably isn’t very high on your list of things to do in Japan, but it should be.
With quirky boutiques, unusual fashion shops, traditional markets and shops that sell anything and everything, shopping in Japan is a unique and exciting experience.
What’s more, famous clothing and skincare brands are often much cheaper in Japan. There are also so many products that you can’t easily get anywhere else in the world.
I usually avoid shopping in most destinations I visit. I don’t want to walk around shops when I can do that at home.
However, shopping in Japan is an experience in itself. There are so many unusual and fun things to buy.
As I was backpacking, I couldn’t make the most of the shops in Japan. But if I ever return, I’ll be taking an extra bag to fill.
All of Japan’s tourist destinations have shopping districts. You’ll also find many of the temples and shrines have traditional souvenir markets.
Spend a day at a Japanese theme park
Japan is a hub for culture and entertainment, and there are several famous theme parks that are well worth adding to your itinerary (if they’re your vibe).
One of the most famous theme parks in Japan is Universal Studios. It has themed areas for several blockbuster films, including Jurassic Park and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Sidenote: If you’re a fan of Harry Potter, don’t miss the Tokyo Studio Tour.
Osaka is an excellent base for visiting Universal Studios.
For Disney lovers, don’t miss Tokyo’s Disney World. It has everything we love about Disney, combined with a touch of Japanese culture.
DisneySea is another popular theme park close to Tokyo. I didn’t have time to visit here, but I’ve only heard good things.
Admire Mount Fuji
One of Japan’s most beautiful attractions is the stunning Mount Fuji.
Known for its almost symmetrical shape, the volcano has become Japan’s most recognisable natural landmark. Mount Fuji is also Japan’s tallest peak, sitting at 3,776 metres (12,388 feet).
Seeing Fuji in its full glory is a dream for many people and an absolute must-include on your itinerary.
However, witnessing Mount Fuji can be tricky. There are places to go where there can be epic views, but it all comes down to the weather.
Typically, November through February are the best times of year to see Mount Fuji. This is when skies tend to be the clearest, and you may also get to witness a snow-capped Fuji.
In terms of the best places to see Mount Fuji, there are several options.
I saw the volcano from several places in Hakone, with the best view from the Mishima Skywalk. It’s a little bit further away, but the views were incredible. I was lucky enough to witness an epic sunset with Mount Fuji in the background.
Another possibility is to take a day or overnight trip from Tokyo to Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the Fuji Five Lakes. It’s accessible by bus and train from Tokyo.
If you don’t want to do all the planning, it’s possible to book a day tour from Tokyo. This tour includes all of your transport and top Mt Fuji viewing spots.
Just be aware that the locals were getting tired of tourists blocking streets to get photos of the volcano, so some famous photo spots are no longer accessible.
If you enjoy hiking, it’s actually possible to hike Mt Fuji during the summer months. From the Subaru Line 5th station, it takes about six hours.
I can’t wait to do this on my next visit to Japan.
Tip: The hike is known to be quite challenging, it’s a sensible idea to research before attempting to climb the mountain.
Participate in a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
The final activity on this list of things to do in Japan is to experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.
This is a traditional ritual based around preparing and consuming matcha (powdered green tea). It might sound a bit strange, but it’s a very important part of Japanese culture and a fascinating experience.
During the tea ceremony, you’ll learn how the tea is prepared, how it’s served and experience drinking it in a way that promotes harmony and well-being.
You can experience a tea ceremony all around the country, but Kyoto is a good option. Kyoto Maikoya is home to one of the most famous tea ceremonies, but you’ll need to book well in advance.
I struggled to find one that was available in Kyoto, so instead, I went to one near Himeji Castle in the Koko-en Garden. I felt uncomfortable taking photos, but it was a very special experience.
I hope you’ve found this list of the absolute best things to do in Japan for first-time visitors helpful! Share on Pinterest or check out my other Japan travel guides below.
My other Japan guides:
- A guide to planning your first trip to Japan
- All you need to know about travelling alone in Japan
- Everything to know about an autumn trip to Japan
- How to spend two days in Hiroshima
- 10 reasons why you must visit Hakone
- Hakone guide: where to eat, stay and top things to do
- How to see Mount Fuji from Hakone
- Visiting the Mishima Skywalk
- The best day trips from Osaka
- How to visit the beautiful Minoo Park
- Why you should add Yanaka Ginza to your Tokyo itinerary
- A guide and review for the Harry Potter Studio Tour in Tokyo
