15 Best Things To Do in Japan For 2025: Food, Culture, and More

You may have learned from the internet about how fascinating Japan's traditional culture is, how fun Tokyo Disneyland is, or how amazing anime culture is. This is just a small glimpse of things to do in Japan.

If you are planning your first trip to Japan, it may be overwhelming to plan your itinerary. To help you craft a perfect trip, this guide highlights the best things to do in Japan, including visiting historical sites, tasting local foods, and appreciating natural beauty.

Get ready to embark on your journey to Japan!

SKIP AHEAD

• 1. See Beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Japan
• 2. Visit Famous Temples and Shrines in Ancient Kyoto
• 3. Watch Spectacular Traditional Festivals in Japan
• 4. Explore Anime And Gaming Culture in Tokyo
• 5. Shopping at Shinjuku, Shibuya Crossing, Ginza
• 6. Try Japanese Traditional Foods: Sushi, Ramen, Tempura in Osaka
• 7. Take Amazing Photos at Mount Fuji
• 8. Enjoy Attractions at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea
• 9. Relax in Incredible Hot Springs
• 10. Enjoy Artistic Cuisine in Kyoto
• 11. See Exclusive Geisha or Maiko Shows
• 12. Visit Universal Studios Japan with Families
• 13. Feed Deer in Nara for A Unique Wildlife Encounter
• 14. Wear A Japanese Kimono
• 15. Watch Sumo Wrestling

Must-try Fun Things in Japan

Planning a Japan trip can be a headache for first-time travelers, as there are so many things to see and do in Japan. To fully immerse yourself in the unique charm and beauty of this country, it is recommended to start with some must-try experiences.

Here are some ideas worth adding to your itinerary:

• Visit cultural sites, historic buildings, and natural landscapes
• Browse traditional shopping streets and markets
• Taste authentic Japanese food
• Participate in traditional festivals or celebrations

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Want to delve deeper into specific events? Keep reading for detailed descriptions of those fun things.

1. See Beautiful Cherry Blossoms in Japan

When it comes to the top things to do in Japan, cherry blossom (sakura) viewing is one of the experiences you can't miss. Every year from March to April, cherry blossoms bloom all over Japan.

People will gather with family and friends to enjoy the beauty of spring by strolling under the sakura trees, taking photos, having picnics and parties, and so on.

Best cherry blossom festivals and viewing spots in Japan: Ueno Park in Tokyo, Hirosaki Castle Park in Hirosaki, and Philosopher's Path in Kyoto.

>> View Cherry Blossom Tours For First-timers and Families

2. Visit Famous Temples and Shrines in Ancient Kyoto

Visiting famous temples and shrines is one of the things to do in Kyoto, Japan, as it has hundreds of them.

Many are hundreds of years old, and some are even over a thousand years old, making it one of the best ways to experience Japanese culture and religion.

Here, you can pray at the shrine or buy omamori (amulets) as a souvenir of your trip to Japan.

You can also try the food stalls around the shrine.

3. Watch Spectacular Traditional Festivals in Japan

If you want to experience traditional Japanese culture, a cool thing to do in Japan is to watch spectacular traditional festivals.

There are many awesome festivals (called "matsuri" in Japanese) in Japan every year, where you can taste local specialties, participate in traditional games, enjoy wonderful performances, and soak up the festive atmosphere.

From the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter to the Obon Festival in summer, you can actively engage with the locals and feel the charm of Japanese culture that you can't experience in other countries.

4. Explore Anime And Gaming Culture in Tokyo

For big fans of Japanese otaku culture, Tokyo is a must-visit destination.

Besides visiting the well-known Akihabara, you can also explore anime-themed cafes or visit Tokyo Dome City to immerse yourself in the anime world.

If you travel with kids, the Ghibli Museum, featuring special anime exhibits and exclusive short films, is a magical and must-visit place for each kid.

There are also many things to do in Tokyo, Japan. If you're crazy about the film Your Name, Tokyo is the perfect place for a real-life pilgrimage. You can find and visit most of the iconic locations in the film, such as the National Art Center, Tokyo, Roppongi Hills, Suga Shrine steps, etc.

5. Shopping at Shinjuku, Shibuya Crossing, Ginza

Shopping is a must-have thing to do in Shinjuku, Japan. This bustling area is home to over 10 large shopping malls where you can find anything. The most popular shopping spots in Tokyo also include Shibuya Crossing and Ginza.

Ginza is an upscale district in Tokyo where you can find top luxury brands such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes. It is also just a 20-minute tram ride from Tokyo Tower.

Alternatively, Shibuya Crossing is Tokyo's busiest shopping district, featuring the famous Hachiko statue and various shopping malls offering trendy clothing, anime merchandise, and souvenirs.

Check out Guide to Shibuya, Ginza, Shinjuku and Harajuku

6. Try Japanese Traditional Foods: Sushi, Ramen, Tempura in Osaka

Traveling to Japan is a great opportunity to try authentic Japanese food such as sushi, ramen, tempura (fried seafood or vegetables), sashimi (raw seafood), sukiyaki (sweet and savory hot pot), and so on.

If you're looking for a foodie paradise, look no further than Osaka, which is full of various street foods and delicious dishes across Japan.

Additionally, there are more things to do in Osaka, Japan. You can take your family to the world-famous theme park, Universal Studios Japan, visit the historic Osaka Castle, enjoy the beauty of cherry blossoms, and so on.

7. Take Amazing Photos at Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is an active volcano and the highest mountain in Japan. It is only about 2.5 hours away by bus from popular cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. As one of Japan's most iconic landmarks, Mount Fuji attracts worldwide tourists to see this awe-inspiring beauty.

In Mount Fuji, you can explore the Narusawa Ice Cave, visit the Imamiya Tea Plantation, and enjoy the local onsens, etc. Therefore, it is recommended to spend at least a full day on Mount Fuji.

>> More to Explore: Traveller's Guide to the Fuji Five and Five Lakes

8. Enjoy Attractions at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea

What are the things to do in Japan with kids? Exploring various attractions at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea is the answer! Here, your children can meet their favorite characters, experience exciting rides, and watch wonderful performances in a fantasy world.

For more information about the Tokyo Disneyland vacation, check out our 8-Day Essential Japan Family Trip with Disneyland page. It provides detailed itineraries, accommodation reservations, and ticket purchase guides to help you effortlessly craft a perfect Tokyo Disneyland family trip!

9. Relax in Incredible Hot Springs

If you are planning a trip to Japan in winter, then visiting an onsen (hot springs) is a must on your itinerary, which is the best way to recover after a long day of sightseeing.

More than 27,000 natural onsens in Japan, usually composed of volcanic spring water rich in natural minerals, provide health benefits such as improved blood circulation, skin cleansing, and detoxification. Check out 10 Best Onsen in Japan

However, for foreigners, soaking in an onsen can be a bit challenging because you have to be completely naked. But don't worry, you can also book a private bath for privacy.

10. Enjoy Artistic Cuisine

Kyoto is the birthplace of many types of Japanese cuisine.

One such cuisine is Kaiseki, a traditional Japanese multi-course haute cuisine. It typically includes well-prepared seasonal and local specialties, requiring the freshest ingredients, refined cooking techniques, and aesthetic plating for a peak dining experience.

11. See Exclusive Geisha or Maiko Shows

Often dressed in gorgeous and exquisite kimonos, Geisha and maiko entertain guests by performing traditional tea ceremonies, dancing, and playing instruments like shamisen and shakuhachi.

While this was once a privilege reserved for the Japanese aristocracy, today you can enjoy this unique charm in traditional teahouses in Kyoto, Kanazawa, and other cities in Japan.

For first-time travelers, seeing an exclusive geisha or maiko performance is a thing that you should not miss in Japan.

12. Visit Universal Studios Japan with Families

One of the fun things to do in Japan is to visit Universal Studios Japan (USJ) with families.

Here, you can immerse yourself in the fantasy world of Super Mario, Minions, Harry Potter, Snoopy, etc., and experience a variety of rides and shows.

Moreover, it is possible to have heartwarming encounters with beloved characters like Snoopy.

USJ is conveniently located, with a 30-minute train ride from Osaka Station, or about 1 hour by bus from Kansai Airport.

>> View Japan Private Family Vacation That Covers Universal Studios Japan

13. Feed Deer in Nara for A Unique Wildlife Encounter

Feeding the deer at Nara Park is a great option. There are special cracker stands in the park where you can buy crackers and interact with friendly deer.

Be careful though, some younger ones might get a little aggressive for their favorite crackers.

After this, you can also walk from Nara Park to the Kasuga Taisha Shrine to explore the charm of Japan's ancient shrines.

>> Read Next: Crazy Fun Things to Do in Japan with Kids.

14. Wear A Japanese Kimono

Kimono is a traditional Japanese garment. Japanese barely wear it in everyday life except for formal occasions including ceremonies and weddings.

Wearing a Kimono is okay for foreigners. Imagine strolling through the quaint streets in a kimono with your family and friends. This will be a truly unforgettable cultural experience.

In today's historic districts of Kyoto, Kanazawa, and Tokyo, you can enjoy comprehensive kimono experiences, including kimono rental, makeup, and even photo-taking services.

While wearing a kimono can be cumbersome, don't worry as the staff will assist and teach you how to wear it correctly.

15. Watch Sumo Wrestling

Watching sumo wrestling is truly one of the cool things to do in Japan. As a traditional sport in Japan, sumo wrestling is considered an indispensable cultural treasure of Japan. It features pure power and athleticism.

If you want to experience the excitement, sumo tournaments can be a big eye-opener. They are held six times a year in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, each lasting 15 days.

Since tickets for sumo tournaments are highly sought after, make sure to book tickets in advance.

Get More Travel Tips: Trip Costs, Days, Plans

From diverse cuisine to famous attractions and traditional cultural experiences, there are many crazy fun and must-do things to do in Japan. Therefore, spending 1-2 weeks is a good choice. The exact cost will vary depending on travel group size, trip duration, and the activities you choose.

Are you planning your upcoming Japan vacation? For more ideas of things to see and do in Japan, feel free to contact us. We and our local experts can help you with any questions you may have about traveling to Japan, including itineraries, budgets, must-try things to do, must-eat foods, etc.