Japan Attractions and Activities for First-Time Visitors

With Japan opening its doors to foreign tourists, it’s the perfect time to tick the country off your bucket list. A fascinating mix of ancient traditions, avant-garde, natural attractions, and all things weird, wacky, and wonderful. If it’s your first visit to the Land of the Rising Sun, the sheer variety of sights can be a bit overwhelming (in the best way possible). Here are the things to do in Japan for an unforgettable first-time experience

1. Catch a sumo match

An ancient sport known as Japan’s national sport, sumo was originally a Shinto religious ritual locals performed for a good harvest. Eventually, the dance evolved into a competitive sport, although many ancient sumo traditions are still practised today (like purifying the ring with salt). It’s surprisingly majestic to behold!  

The best place to watch sumo wrestling is in Ryogoku district in Tokyo, home to many sumo stables that visitors can explore. If tournament season is ongoing, catch a match in the Ryogoku Kokugikan Stadium, where there’s also a Sumo Museum for anyone who wants to learn more about the sport.

2. Frolic in flower fields

Somehow, the natural attractions are still underrated, especially the stunning flower fields coming to life in the springtime. For nature lovers, one of the best things to do in Japan is visiting the different parks when the flowers are in full bloom. There are many flower fields in Japan, but here are a couple of standouts: Hitachi Seaside Park, Fuji Five Lakes, and Hamamatsu Flower Park.

3. Travel on a bullet train

High-speed bullet trains or shinkansen are an exceptional mode of transportation in Japan, running at a maximum operating speed of 320 km/h. It truly feels like a futuristic way to travel! The shinkansen network is expansive, but the oldest and most popular line is the Tokaido Shinkansen, with its route taking travellers to Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto, and Osaka. Although trips on the shinkansen can be pricey, you’ll be happy to know that the Japan Rail Pass can be used in most bullet trains.

4. Make your Hogwarts dreams come true at Universal Studios Japan

Potterheads, unite! Step into the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Osaka, where the magic has been painstakingly brought to life. From the imposing Hogwarts castle to the famous Hogsmeade butterbeer, the extraordinary park will recreate the wonder of reading the books or watching the movies for the very first time. Bring extra cash to buy your own wand from Ollivanders — it will almost make up for the fact that you never received a Hogwarts letter from an owl as an 11-year-old!

5. Sample authentic sushi

Sure, you can eat sushi virtually anywhere in the world. But trust us when we say there is nothing like tasting the most famous Japanese dish in its homeland. Mouthwatering sushi is everywhere here, whether you prefer high-end sushi restaurants or low-key joints. There are even places where diners are served a steady stream of sushi on a conveyor belt straight from the kitchen! Called kaitenzushi restaurants, these establishments are an affordable option for anyone who can’t get enough sushi.

Foodies who want the freshest catch can head to the fish markets first thing in the morning and relish delicious sushi for breakfast. Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market and Toyosu Fish Market are two tourist favourites in the busy capital.

6. See cherry blossoms in full bloom

Travellers from all over the world flock to Japan just to see cherry blossoms in bloom during springtime between March and May. The tradition of watching cherry blossoms is so beloved in Japan that there’s even a word for the activity: hanami. Traditionally, the Japanese celebrate hanami with a picnic under the shade of the pretty sakura trees. Remember that spring is peak season in Japan, so book your hotels and cherry blossom tours as early as possible.

7. Bask in the scenery of Mt. Fuji

You can’t visit Japan and not get a glimpse of the snow-capped Mt. Fuji, famous for being the highest peak in the country and a sacred site among locals for many centuries. Nowadays, travellers can enjoy the sight of this beautifully conical volcano in several different ways. Some of the popular spots for views of Fujisan are the Fuji Five Lakes region, Miho Beach in Shizuoka, and Mt. Takao in Tokyo.

 The views are typically best during early mornings and late afternoons, and usually better in wintertime than in other seasons. If you’re planning to climb the famous peak, plan a trip between July and September as it is closed to hikers the rest of the year.

8. Get lost in the magic of Studio Ghibli

Netflix introduced a new generation of film lovers to the whimsical world of Studio Ghibli, which includes hits like Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke. If you’re a fan, spend a few hours exploring the Ghibli Museum in Tokyo. The museum complex feels like a Ghibli set that has come to life, with quirky architecture, plenty of colour, and replicas of beloved characters throughout the park. Travellers are advised to purchase tickets ahead of time for a cheaper deal.

9. Snap an iconic photo of Shibuya Crossing

The chaos of Shibuya Scramble Crossing is so all-encompassing that it’s actually a tourist spot in its own right! Said to be the busiest intersection in the world, it’s a dazzling place for photographers to capture the vibrance and frenetic energy of urban Tokyo. The scramble intersection is an action-packed destination with modern buildings, flashy billboards, massive mounted screens, and as many as 3,000 people crossing the road at a time.

Located just outside the Shibuya Station, notable spots around Shibuya Crossing include the famous Hachiko Statue and a huge Starbucks Coffee overlooking the intersection.

10. Embrace kawaii culture at Harajuku

Near Shibuya is the famously stylish district of Harajuku, the home of kawaii and all things cute and fashionable. Head to Takeshita Street if you’re hunting for kawaii fashion, cosplay costumes, and other trendy shops that appeal to youthful spirits. Harajuku is also home to the Meiji Shrine, one of the most famous shrines in the country.

11. Enjoy a soothing soak in an onsen

There are more than 2,000 hot spring spots in Japan, so make the most of it with a relaxing soak in an onsen (hot spring). Be prepared to strip down to your birthday suit as the experience is traditionally enjoyed completely naked — don’t worry, most onsen and ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) have areas separated by gender. Your first time can be intimidating, but it’s definitely worth a try, especially during winter when a hot soak is extremely welcome. Visit Hakone for an authentic onsen experience in a variety of luxury and affordable ryokan.

Keep in mind that individuals with tattoos are banned from many onsen and public baths in the country. If they’re small and strategically placed, covering tattoos is recommended.

12. Get in some monkey business at Jigokudani Monkey Park

Enjoy close encounters with hundreds of snow monkeys at the Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano. These wild creatures are unafraid of humans, roaming the park without minding all the travellers marvelling and snapping photos every few feet. Touching and feeding them are not allowed, though! 

The park offers one of the most unique experiences in Japan: watching the snow monkeys bathing in the natural hot springs. Although the monkeys enjoy these warm baths all year round, wintertime is a particularly picturesque time to visit.

13. Hoard essentials and souvenirs at 100-yen shops

No country does discount stores better than Japan. Known as 100-yen shops (hyakkin or hyaku-en shops), stores like Daiso typically sell everything for ¥100. These are excellent options for anyone on a budget with store products running the gamut from kitchenware to sporting goods. Plus, 100-yen shops tend to be very accessible, with thousands scattered all over the country.

14. Learn about legendary ninja

While there are no longer samurai warriors today, there are still ninjas around. No, I’m not telling you to be one — but you can find out more about these fascinating warriors at the Ninja Museum of Igaryu, where there are weapons and objects on display dating back to the time of the Iga Clan. Jinichi Kawakami is the honorary director of the museum and is often called “the last ninja” in existence. If you’re interested in ninjutsu, you may also want to visit the 300-year-old Koka Ninja Mansion that’s filled with booby traps and escape tunnels.

15. Discover otaku culture at Akihabara

Dive into the colourful world of otaku, a term referring to people with a deep love for anime, manga, video games, and the like. Akihabara is home to the otaku culture with a lot of shops selling comic books, figurines, games, and other collectables. Even if you’re not familiar with manga and anime, the district is a superb place to soak in a new culture. It’s also a well-known spot for electronics, with hundreds of electronic stores lining Chuo Dori Street.

When it’s time for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee, try one of the many maid cafes and manga cafes in Akihabara. 

16. Visit quirky cafes in the city

The strange and surreal side of Japan never ends — even the country’s cafe culture offers so much more than a place to sit and a good brew! Maid cafes have become famous (and quite controversial), but there are many more: animal cafes, butler cafes, and a range of other themed cafes from vampires and ghosts to robots and ninjas. There are even cuddle cafes, where patrons can cuddle and sleep with someone.

17. Find your calm in an enchanting bamboo forest

While in Kyoto, soak up the serene atmosphere of Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Take a rejuvenating stroll through the canopy of bamboo trees and enjoy a rare moment of quiet in the busy tourist route of Japan. Just keep in mind that the forest attracts plenty of tourists on a daily basis. To avoid the worst of the crowds and make the most of this picturesque slice of nature, visit early in the morning when many travellers are still asleep in their hotels.

The Arashiyama district is home to other tourist spots, many of them strategically located around the Togetsukyo Bridge. Highlights include Tenryu-ji Temple and its lush garden, Nison-in Temple, Kameyama-koen Park, Gio-ji Temple, and more.

18. Join a Japanese cooking class

It’s impossible not to get addicted to Japan’s incredible cuisine, so why not learn how to whip up your new favourite dishes while you’re there? Not only do classes teach you the authentic way to make Japanese food, but taking classes will also deepen your appreciation of the culture.

Sushi-making classes in Tokyo will sometimes include a stop at the iconic Tsukiji Outer Market. There are also ramen cooking classes for those who prefer a warm bowl of tasty noodles.

19. Rent a kimono

Kimono is the national dress of Japan, and although not widely used outside of special occasions, it’s still very much a part of the country’s character. Even international travellers can get in on the fun, rent a beautiful kimono, and be a part of the scenery for a day. Most kimono experience tours involve photoshoots in tourist spots — a great way to spice up vacation photos, don’t you think?

20. Roam Nara’s cultural sites with friendly deer

An ancient city that used to be the capital of Japan, Nara is a historical wonder that’s home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Even so, the star of the show here is the thousand-or-so deer roaming the beautiful temples and parks in the city. Well accustomed to people, these deer are shockingly tame — they’ve even learned to bow in hopes of coaxing a few crackers from you!

Nara Park is the top attraction in the city, especially if you’re eager for deer interactions, but make sure you stop by a few of the Nara temples as well, especially the imposing Todaiji Temple.

21. Journey to the top of the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine

Who doesn’t want a photo against the striking torii gates found all around Japan? In Fushimi Inari Shrine, there are 10,000 torii gates leading up to Mount Inari. This is quite apt, considering that torii shrines were originally built to distinguish the human world from the sacred space where the gates lead. The whole stretch of this precinct is about 870,000 square metres. Trust us, that’s where you’ll find the best photo spots without competing too much with tourist crowds. 

22. Take a samurai class

We kid you not. You can actually take a samurai class in Kyoto. Here, you will learn how to bow, draw a sword, and learn basic fighting techniques all from none other than a samurai master. The classes last for one hour but you will still be gifted with a completion certificate, along with a photo session with your samurai costume. How’s that for a memorable Kyoto experience?

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