Things to Do in Japan

Japan is a fascinating country shaped by centuries of history, deep culture, temples, traditional experiences, and iconic landmarks. A trip to Japan feels like stepping into another world where modern cities blend with tranquil garden landscapes, historic charm, delicious food, and unforgettable experiences you will long remember after your trip.

Japan offers immersive experiences for every traveler, whether it’s your first time or it’s been a while since your last trip and recent visit. You can stay in a traditional inn, go to Mount Fuji, explore national parks, wander bamboo forests, watch snow monkeys, enjoy hot springs, or simply walk around a busy train station, discovering food stalls and souvenir shops. We list the top things to do in Japan for a memorable trip. 

Your Ultimate Japan Bucket List: Best Things to Do in Japan for First-Time Visitors 

When you visit Japan for the first time, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by major cities and famous areas like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. Visitors quickly realize how many things there are to do in Japan beyond big cities. From temples to modern attractions like Super Nintendo World and Universal Studios, Japan offers something new on every trip. 

Visit Mount Fuji and Scenic National Parks

Location: Yamanashi and Shizuoka Prefectures 

Mt Fuji is one of Japan’s most popular landmarks and belongs at the top of the ultimate Japan bucket list. Whether you admire it from the bullet train, enjoy a day trip from Tokyo, or explore nearby national parks, visiting Mt Fuji creates unforgettable moments on every trip to Japan. 

Many visitors enjoy Mount Fuji’s beautiful viewpoints, souvenir shops, and relaxing hot springs that offer views of the rising sun. During cherry blossom season or autumn foliage, the scenery in Mt Fuji becomes even more spectacular, giving travelers a deeper appreciation of Japan’s natural landscapes.

Explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest

Location: Kyoto Prefecture

The famous Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is one of the most photographed scenic spots in Japan and a top experience for anyone visiting Kyoto. This enchanting bamboo forest leads visitors into a tranquil atmosphere filled with towering green bamboo that sway in the wind.

Just minutes from a local train station, Arashiyama offers hidden gems such as tea ceremony experiences, small souvenir shops, and beautiful walking paths. Arriving early in the morning is recommended, especially if this is your first visit and you want fewer crowds. 

Visit Japan’s Ancient Temples and Buddhist Sites

Location: Kyoto, Nara, Kamakura, Nikko

Among the top things to do in Japan is visiting Buddhist temples and religious sites. Japan’s temples reflect centuries of spirituality and traditional experience deeply connected to Japanese culture. Landmarks such as Senso Ji Temple, Todai Ji Temple, and countless Buddhist temple sites reveal beautiful architecture, sacred statues, and history. 

Exploring these temples gives visitors insight into the art form of temple craft, while witnessing ancient traditions that shaped Japan’s spiritual history.

Relax in Hot Springs and a Traditional Japanese Inn

Location: Hakone, Beppu, Kusatsu, throughout rural Japan

Experiencing natural hot springs (onsen) is one of the fun things to do in Japan. Hot springs exist across the country and offer public bathhouses, resort towns, private onsen suites, and traditional Japanese stays that help travelers understand everyday Japanese culture.

Staying at a traditional inn with kaiseki meals, relaxing baths, and peaceful tatami rooms is often a favourite experience during a first trip to Japan.

Watch Snow Monkeys at Jigokudani Park

Location: Nagano Prefecture

Another fun thing to do in Japan is visiting Jigokudani Monkey Park to see snow monkeys bathing in natural hot springs. These Japanese Macaques are famous for soaking in warm geothermal pools during winter, creating an unforgettable experience, especially for wildlife lovers.

Visitors often combine this activity with national park hiking or a winter day trip from Tokyo, making Jigokudani Park one of the best immersive experiences in the country.

Take a Day Trip to the Osaka Castle

Location: Osaka

Osaka Castle is a legendary landmark filled with samurai history and dramatic castle architecture. A visit to the castle grounds offers gorgeous views, traditional Japanese gardens, and open spaces surrounded by cherry blossoms during the sakura cherry blossom season.

While in Osaka, travelers also visit Osaka’s food markets, ramen joints, sushi restaurants, and the famous Universal Studios and Super Nintendo World, with real go-kart experiences and Mario Kart themed attractions and rides—making Osaka one of Japan’s most exciting cities for a Japan trip.

Experience the Famous Shibuya Crossing

Location: Tokyo

Shibuya Crossing is one of the most iconic landmarks in Tokyo and a symbol of modern Japan’s major cities. This massive pedestrian intersection brings together fashion, entertainment, animal cafes, photo booths, and food shops all within minutes of each other. 

From shopping centers to sushi restaurants, this energetic corner of Tokyo is a perfect first-visit highlight for travelers. Many travelers say that each visit reveals something new, and even after a recent trip, they often discover hidden gems, cultural experiences, and immersive activities they missed the first time.

Go to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial

Location: Hiroshima Prefecture

The Hiroshima Peace Memorial is one of the most important historic landmarks in Japan and a meaningful stop on any ultimate Japan bucket list. Built to preserve the memory of those affected during the atomic bombing of 1945, the memorial stands as a symbol of peace, remembrance, and resilience. 

Visitors can explore the Peace Memorial Park, museum exhibits, and monuments dedicated to peace education. Many travelers say that visiting this site offers an appreciation of Japan’s culture, history, and the determination of the Japanese people to rebuild with hope. 

After exploring the museum and surrounding monuments, travelers often walk toward the riverside paths, enjoy traditional food in the city center, and reflect on this powerful experience during their trip to Japan.

Try Sushi, Kaiseki Meals, and a Food Tour 

Location: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, coastal regions

Going on a food tour is one of the most fun things to do in Japan that you shouldn’t miss. Japan’s delicious food culture includes sushi restaurants, tempura, street snacks, and fine kaiseki meals served at traditional Japanese dining rooms.

Travelers can join a guided food tour, explore the local fish market called Tsukiji Fish Market (now Toyosu), and sample small-town dishes unique to each city. 

Google Translate and Google Maps make ordering food easy during your very first trip, while hotel concierge services often recommend hidden gems you won’t easily find online.

Hike, Ski, and Try Scuba Diving in National Parks 

Location: Hokkaido, Okinawa, Nagano, Yakushima

There are a lot of fun things to do in Japan. The country offers incredible outdoor adventures: skiing and snowboarding at world-class resorts, scuba diving in Okinawa, and hiking through lush parks. Visitors can engage in enjoyable experiences such as exploring waterfalls, volcanic valleys, and remote trails near mountain temples.

Whether it’s a relaxing few days exploring nature or a full outdoor journey, Japan’s parks create unforgettable moments across every season.

Walk Around the Hidden Gems of Japanese Gardens

Location: Kyoto, Kanazawa, Tokyo, and Nara 

Japanese gardens are a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of cities. They represent an art form built on harmony, stillness, and nature. A tranquil garden is the perfect place to slow down and gain an appreciation of Japanese culture. 

Many of Japan’s most famous gardens are found in Kyoto, Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen, Tokyo’s traditional parks, and Nara’s historic temple areas. 

Some gardens include tea ceremony houses, traditional lanterns, and ponds filled with koi. Many first-time visitors explore these gardens during cherry blossom season, when sakura cherry blossoms transform entire landscapes into pink fairy-tale scenes.

Ride the Bullet Train to Put Major Cities in Your Japan Trip Itinerary

Location: Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and major shinkansen stations across Japan

Japan’s bullet train (shinkansen) offers fast travel between cities, including Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. You can enjoy comfy seats, bento boxes, and scenic countryside views. Google Maps helps you plan routes, while the JR Pass may save money depending on your itinerary. It would also be handy to have Google Translate to help read signs and directions.

Frequently Asked Questions on Your First Trip to Japan