Are you planning a trip to Japan? Do it right! Choose to do some of these things you can only do in Japan! In this episode, we recount all the wonderful and wierd things that only this amazing country has to offer.
Or you can always subscribe to one of these:
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Show Notes
06:30 – Cultural activities unique to Japan, Parades, Festivals, etc
37:00 – Japanese food and food experiences
51:30 – Outdoor activities
Unique things to do in Japan
Cultural Activities You Can Only Do In Japan
I'm pretty sure no one will argue with me when I state that Japan, culturally, is completely different than anything we are used to.
To begin with you are more apt to find Buddhist temples and Shinto Shrines than churches and cathedrals (although they do exist).
Also, even things we share and do in the West, are done completely differently, like singing Karaoke or the multitude of festivals that you come across.
Check out this list of cultural activities:
Spending New Year's in Japan is really enjoyable. You can go to the temples and even do some winter hiking as you collect the seven happy gods. However, for us, one of the most fun things we've done is head downtown and shop for New Year's Surprise bags!
Sumo is iconically Japanese, and to be able to sit through the practices, the junior championships, watch the preparations, and then the overall championships is really worth it!
And if you love Sumo, you'll love this festival where Sumo wrestlers try to make babies cry. No kidding! It's all done in good humor and with the babies' best interests at heart.
One of the most iconic shrines to visit is the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto. You know the one we mean. It has all those beautiful orange toriis to walk through and photograph. Well, there's more to the shrine than just Instagram fun, let me tell you!
Batter up! Maybe they say that, but to be honest we just don't know. The announcer didn't speak to us in English, but we had a blast watching a Japanese baseball game all the same.
One activity that everyone must try is going to the public bath or "onsen." And one of the best places to do it is at Kusatsu!
A quirky and fun temple in Kyoto, the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple has plenty of fun little stone statues to enjoy. Kids will love it!
You don't have to wait until Valentine's Day to enjoy a Love Hotel. They are all over the country. Many are themed, but they are all fun!
Winter is especially magical in Japan, and one of the best things to do is visit Matsumoto during its ice sculpture competition. Just be sure to dress warmly!
One of many gigantic Buddha statues around the country, the one in Aomori is especially quiet and peaceful.
Japanese castles are another unique and fun thing to explore. They don't look like any castle I've ever been shown, but boy, are they fantastic!
There are so many different types of theater in Japan; when you come across them, just go! You might not understand what the story line is, but you'll definitely enjoy the pagentry.
Another fun hotel to try in Japan is the capsule hotel. Spartan and small, it's an experience, and at least one night where you don't have to spend a fortune for one night.
Especially in Tokyo, there are plenty of themed cafés and restaurants to try. They are all done so well, that you will want to try them all!
Arcades are amazing in Japan, Floors and floors of games. You are bound to find a few that even the most serious person will love. Try the sushi cutting or taiko drums games....so fun!
Japanese Food and Food-related Activities
Japanese food is famous worldwide, from the well-known like sushi and ramen, to lesser known dishes and things you can do that revolve around food. Any foodie would love doing some of the things we have on this list:
It used to be the place to visit the fish market was in Tsukiji, but nowadays the new and flashy Toyosu Fish Market is in full swing. It's well worth going to, and especially eating the freshest sushi around...for breakfast!
Don't go to Japan without searching for the newest Kit Kat flavors. There are so many to choose from; some are really good, and some not so much, but you'll never know until you taste them.
Animal cafés have had tons of success all over the world, but no one does them like the Japanese. From cats to capybaras and everything in between, you can pet and watch all kinds of cuties as you sip on a cola.
Spending part of your Christmas in Japan? Then you won't want to miss out on the perfect Japanese Christmas dinner (served for a few weeks in December)....KFC!
Another fun New Year's activity is pounding the mochi to bring you good luck. However, Mochi, a rice cake, is a popular snack food year round. Don't miss it.
Yes, you've heard of sushi and ramen, but there's so much more to Japanese cuisine and you'll want to try it all! Trust me!
One of the most fun festivals we've been to is the Buckwheat festival. The Buckwheat is in bloom, and in the town hall we learned how to make soba noodles.
We love making all kinds of food, so when we learned we could make our own Cup Noodles, we were in!
Japanese street food is a lot of fun. Some of our favorites are mochi and takiyaki. No matter what you like, they'll have something interesting to try!
Japanese dishes...give me more, please!
Outdoor Experiences in Japan
Japan is one stunning country, and even in the midst of Tokyo, you can find some superb green space.
We've traveled from coast to coast and found so many fun things to do outdoors, check them out!
Our number one pick of things to do in Japan is visit the monkey park and watch as they bathe in a hot tub.
Climbing and visiting the venerated Mt. Fuji is a must on any trip to Japan!
If you are lucky enough to visit Japan during the spring cherry blossom season, you are in for a real treat!
One of the many great hikes you can do in the country is Nogogiriyama!
Hiking and fall colors make Mt. Takao a great day trip from Tokyo!
Many people visit Japan during the summer, and how lucky they are. There is an abundance of fun things to do and see during the hottest season of the year.
Spring is by far the best time to visit Japan. The flowers and trees are blooming and the weather is cool and sunny.
One of our favorite outings was during the Plum Blossom festival in Odawara. Oh, and as a bonus they have a great castle to explore as well.
Kamakura is our all-time favorite city in all of Japan. With its traditional look, great shrines and temples, and even surfing on the beach, it's really a city kids of all ages will love.
Conclusion
Make sure you check out this podcast and these articles of things to do while you are in Japan. You will want to keep going back again and again!
Podcaster Bios for Jim and Corinne: Jim and Corinne are a married couple who love everything travel. Having met and married in Germany, they’ve never stopped. Along the way, they have raised two kids, visited over 90 countries (including every country in Europe), and have plenty of stories and travel tips to share. Read more about them on our About page.
