For many of us, Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime place to visit. It’s such a beautiful and unique country filled with bucket list experiences. I’ve been lucky enough to go twice but there’s still so much I want to see and do!
Here are 10 bucket list experiences in Japan that you won’t want to miss!
See the cherry blossoms
Spring in Japan is incredible thanks to the beautiful cherry blossom that brightens up the country. I’ve still never been during cherry blossom season and it’s very high on my bucket list.
The cherry blossom is out in March and April in most places but you can see it earlier and later depending where you are in Japan. It’s absolutely magical to see so many cherry trees bursting into bloom and it’s a photographer’s dream to capture this beauty.
In Tokyo and Kyoto cherry blossom season is in late March and early April and popular spots to view it include Ueno Park and Shinjuku Gyoen in Tokyo, and Maruyama Park and the Philosopher’s Path in Kyoto.
Ride a bullet train
Japanese Bullet Trains put our British trains to shame!
Travelling at almost 200mph, bullet trains zip across the country with speed, efficiency and comfort. What’s even better is that they’re actually on time. Train delays are measured in seconds and they make travelling around Japan seamless.
There are 9 lines connecting Japan and you can get a bullet train rail pass that gives you unlimited access.
Not only is riding a bullet train a real bucket list experience for Japan but it’s also the best way to get around.
See the Snow Monkeys in Jigokudani Monkey Park
Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano Prefecture is famous for its snow monkeys, or Japanese macaques, which can be seen bathing in hot springs. It’s even more gorgeous if you’re lucky enough to visit in the winter when the area is covered with snow and the hot springs are steamy!
Climb Mount Fuji
If you’re the active travel type then you can’t miss the chance to climb Mount Fuji. It’s an iconic hike and, while it is challenging, you don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer to complete the hike.
Hiking to the summit at sunrise is an incredible experience and it may be busy but this only adds to the magical atmosphere. There are four trails open through the summer months.
If you don’t fancy the hike, there are lots of day tours that take you to the 5th station on the mountain via bus.
Soak in an Onsen
An onsen is a big part of Japanese culture. It’s a natural hot spring bath, renowned for its therapeutic mineral waters. You’ll usually find an onsen in scenic areas so you can enjoy outdoor bathing facilities with a gorgeous view.
Read more on my first timer’s guide to visiting a Japanese onsen.
Attend a traditional tea ceremony
There’s so much cultural significance in a traditional tea ceremony in Japan.
It’s a beautiful ritual around the preparation and drinking of matcha (powdered green tea). It usually takes place in a minimalist room for a serene and pure atmosphere. The host meticulously prepares and serves the tea using graceful, deliberate movements. It’s all about mindfulness and appreciation of the moment, reflecting deep-rooted Japanese cultural values.
Experience the vibrancy of Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the most incredible cities in the world and, thankfully, many people will fly into Tokyo so it’s a great place to start your trip. These are some of the best things to see in Tokyo:
1. Tokyo Tower – Go onto the observation decks for stunning views over the city, day and night!
2. Senso-ji Temple – Tokyo’s oldest and most significant temple
3. Shibuya Crossing – The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing
4. Meiji Shrine – A serene Shinto shrine
5. Akihabara – Tokyo’s mecca for electronics, anime, manga, and otaku culture.
6. Tsukiji Outer Market – An amazing place to get fresh sushi
7. Tokyo Skytree – The tallest tower in the world!
8. Ginza District – A luxury shopping and entertainment district
9. Odaiba – A futuristic man-made island with entertainment, shopping, and futuristic architecture.
10. Harajuku and Takeshita Street – A quirky area with lots of boutiques
Stay in a Traditional Ryokan
A Ryokan is the Japanese equivalent of staying in a British B&B!
It’s a traditional Japanese inn and they’re usually family run. They have matted floors and futon beds and it’s a great place to experience Japanese hospitality. You’ll usually be treated to a tea ceremony and enjoy a traditional Japanese meal.
Visit the temples and shrines of Kyoto
Kyoto is well known for its temples and shrines that are all so beautiful and intricately decorated.
Some of my favourites were Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) which seems to float majestically on a tranquil pond. It’s a Zen Buddhist temple covered in gold leaf and the dazzling yellow reflects in the still pond so perfectly.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is well known for it’s corridor of red gates called Torii Gates that create a tunnel effect that lead you up the mountain. It’s a magical 5km hike that takes you to the temple and back and other, smaller shrines along the way. You get incredible panoramic views of Kyoto too!
Kiyomizu-dera is an enormous temple complex on Mt Otowa. There’s so much to see and amazing views of Kyoto.
Take a food tour
Japanese food is some of the best in the world. Just thinking about fresh sushi, gyoza, ramen, tempura and udon makes my mouth water!
But one thing I found about being in Japan was that it’s a bit overwhelming knowing where to go and what to order. I highly recommend taking a food tour when you arrive to try as many authentic dishes are you can and also to get a feel for how to order and where to go.
There are some great recommendations on TripAdvisor for food tours in different areas.
If you’re planning a big bucket list trip to Japan then take a look at Vicky Flip Flop’s 3 week Japan itinerary