Japan Bucket List: 15 Experiences

Japan is full of surprises. It’s the kind of country where you arrive with a well-researched reel-inspired list of experiences to expect, but the real deal ends up being 10X more magical! You could prepare the perfect Japan bucket list for your trip, but when you live it, you would still be delightfully surprised.

Much like a gift box wrapped with some of the best things in the world, Japan is a treat for everyone.

With its diverse natural landscapes, temples, cultural specialties, cherry blossoms, and more, it offers an overwhelming number of bucket list experiences.

If you are preparing to book Japan tour packages for the holiday season, you will need a head start on ranking the best experiences in Japan.

Before you book cheap flights to Tokyo and live what could perhaps be the most futuristic trip of your life, here are 15 of the best things to do in Japan.

Walk Through The Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari
Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial
See Sakura Blossoms in Full Bloom
Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony
Visit the Majestic Osaka Castle
Witness the Iconic Mt. Fuji
Click a Picture At The Famous Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo
Ride The World-Famous Bullet Train
Go on a Sake Brewery Tour
Make Your Own Japanese Knife With an Expert Japanese Bladesmith
Indulge in a Japanese Onsen Experience
Explore the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto
Spend a Day Playing Arcade Video Games
Watch a Sumo Match Up Close
Try Japanese Street Food
Wrapping Up: The Ultimate Japan Bucket List
FAQs
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Walk Through The Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari

Fushimi Inari Gate, Kyoto Japan
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Jimmy Budiman Pictures

The shrine of Fushimi Inari is one of the most iconic attractions in Kyoto, Japan. It is best known for its beautiful pathway lined with thousands of vermilion torii gates, leading up to the lush forests of sacred Mount Inari. The shrine, dedicated to the Shinto God of rice – Inari, offers a serene yet intriguing experience. As you walk through the winding arcades, you will also see statues of foxes, who are believed to be Inari’s messengers. Atop the mountain, you can enjoy stunning views of Kyoto city as well.

Visit Hiroshima Peace Memorial

Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima, Japan
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/mapman

Given Japan’s tragic history with nuclear warfare, visiting Hiroshima would be a no-brainer in any Japan bucket list. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial in the city offers an informative and poignant insight into the devastating effects of the attack on August 6th, 1945 during World War II. In the surrounding park you will also find the spectacular Genbaku Dome – the only structure left standing in the region believed to be the hypocenter of the atomic bomb. What the city has since turned into, would be an eye-opening testament to Japan’s resilience as a country.

See Sakura Blossoms in Full Bloom

Cherry blossoms at Himeji Castle in the spring season, Japan
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Sean Pavone

Your Japan trip would be incomplete without a picture of the country’s beloved cherry blossoms. Visit during the spring season between late March and April to see sakuras in full bloom in Southern and Central Japanese cities like Kyoto and Tokyo.

You can also visit during May to see the blossoms in areas like Sapporo.

Synonymous with the culture of the country, witnessing the streets and gardens clad in blush pink hues of sakura blossoms would indeed be a top experience in your Japan bucket list.

Experience a Traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony

Traditional Japanese matcha tea ceremony
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/PeopleImages

The Japanese tea culture is one of the most exotically indulgent in the world. Their tea ceremony known as Sado or Chanoyu is an elaborate ritual comprising the preparation and serving of Japanese green tea or the insta-famous Matcha tea, accompanied by sweet treats to balance the flavours of the tea. Unlike the social media renditions, the real Matcha tea ceremony in the country is calming, luxurious, and meditative. Experiencing it first hand would be one of the best cultural experiences in Japan.

Visit the Majestic Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle with beautiful foliage in autumn in Osaka, Japan
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/cowardlion

The grand Osaka Castle is one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. It illustrates the country’s rich history and taste in architecture. It showcases Japan’s quintessential Japanese gabled kirizuma roofs as well. While the building was once the center for several historical events in Japan, it has now been converted into a museum filled with interesting artefacts that tell the story of Osaka. Visit this stunning monument as a part of your Japan bucket list along with the surrounding park that comes brilliantly alive with cherry blossoms in spring.

Witness the Iconic Mt. Fuji

Mount Fuji view at Lake Saiko in Autumn season
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Jo Panuwat D

Mt. Fuji or Fuji-San is the soul of Japan. An inspiration for artists the world over including painters, writers, poets, and romantics as well, the perfectly symmetrical volcano is a sight to behold. Peaking at 3776 meters high, the natural landmark is not just an attraction for tourists but also a national icon for Japan, and a sacred pilgrim center carrying the spiritual essence of the country. Your Japan bucket list would be incomplete without a visit to this gem in the country.

Click a Picture At The Famous Shibuya Crossing in Tokyo

The iconic Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo, Japan
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/TierneyMJ

Tokyo brims with spectacular urban adventures. Among the best of them would be to stand at one of the most iconic city crosswalks, click a picture in long exposure mode and be amazed with the bustling energy the city embodies. The Shibuya Crossing in Japan is known to be one of the busiest pedestrian crossings in the world with an estimated 2 million people using it per day.

With its citizens crossing the street in all directions, you would take a moment to stop and wonder about the individual journeys of those beings. The crossing is particularly lively at night when the streets are illuminated by the neon lights and digital displays.

Ride The World-Famous Bullet Train

Shinkansen bullet train, Japan
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Kapi Ng

Japan’s Bullet Trains or Shinkansen are world-famous for being the country’s symbolic beacons of post-war resurgence. They also stand as a testament to Japan’s lightning-speed innovative spirit in technology. Having started in 1964, the Bullet Train revolutionized transportation in the country – they connected major cities as well as distant cities with an efficient and high-speed means of travel. Today the Shinkansen network covers almost all important cities in Japan, making it an incredibly convenient option for travellers and tourists to see the country. Ride one of these trains to travel to Kyoto, or Hokkaido to enjoy the smoothest train experience. Be sure to arrive on time for these phenomenally punctual rides to tick them off your Japan bucket list.

Also Read: 15 Best Cities in Japan that Rival (& Outshine) Tokyo

Go on a Sake Brewery Tour

Three big wooden tanks in a Japanese sake brewery
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Toru Kimura

Sake forms a significant part of Japan’s culinary culture. This speciality rice wine made from fermented rice, with an alcohol content of 14% to 16% is known to have a range of different flavours depending on regions, the local water, and rice. Go on a Sake brewery tour in Takayama to taste the beverage, indulge in its light to crisp and fruity notes, and learn more about the brewing process. Experience Japanese Sake would undoubtedly be a culture-rich experience in your Japan bucket list.

Make Your Own Japanese Knife With an Expert Japanese Bladesmith

Making process of tanto blade (Japanese knife) with wet stone
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Toratactical

Few countries in the world offer an experience so rich and hands-on that you get to take home a usable iconic souvenir that you made yourself. Only Japan can do so. Join a traditional workshop carrying centuries old techniques of craftsmanship, led by a master bladesmith to craft a knife with your name on it. You will be guided through the entire process where you will stoke the forge, hammer the luminous steel, attach your choice of a handle and finish with an engraving. You will be left with the ultimate legacy of Japanese craftsmanship as well as an endearing souvenir from the Land of The Rising Sun, that you made yourself.

Indulge in a Japanese Onsen Experience

Relaxing open air hot bath onsen overlooking the city of Ito, Shizuoka, Japan
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/CelTiArt

Japan’s Onsen or hot springs are a whole other world. They form part of the elaborate wellness culture in Japan, and are known for their incredibly relaxing experience. A result of the country’s volcanic activity, these hot springs are a rich source of geothermal water. Bathing in these hot springs can be beneficial for your health as the water is known to be rich in minerals. It can soothe your mind, promote blood circulation, and ease muscle tension. Read up on Onsen etiquette before you indulge in one to learn how to use these communal baths.

Explore the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto

Golden Pavilion Temple Kinkaku-ji, Japan
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/Leo Austria

The Golden Temple, or Kinkaku-ji is another one of the most iconic must-visit attractions in Japan. Located in the historic city of Kyoto, the temple, officially known as Rokuon-ji, is world-famous for its architectural beauty and extraordinary history.

The design embodies three distinct styles of architecture – Shinden, Samurai, and Zen, represented by its three floors, its top two floors covered in gold leaf, and a golden phoenix gracing its cap. The temple exudes historic charm and architectural mastery. The golden floors illuminate the surrounding gardens and waters, especially during golden hours, making the entire region sparkle in its peaceful exotic aura.

Spend a Day Playing Arcade Video Games

Arcade video games in Tokyo, Japan
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/WildSnap

Any Japan travel guide would have at least one mention of the famous Akihabara in Tokyo – one of the city’s largest entertainment centers. Spend a day here playing your favourite video games and indulge in the Japanese gaming culture. Some of these multi-storey centers house everything from classic arcade games to claw machines, virtual reality games, photo booths, and even gachapon machines. To capture the essence of the quintessential Japanese culture, you must include arcade games in your Japan bucket list.

Watch a Sumo Match Up Close

A sumo match in Tokyo, Japan
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/J. Henning Buchholz

Sumo is considered to be the national sport of Japan. With an age-old history, the martial arts form is one of the most revered and enjoyed in the country. Book tickets to watch a high-energy sumo wrestling match from an up close box for a more immersive experience. You will also get to know more about the rituals of the traditional sport or gendai budō. Understand some of its techniques, and feel the drive of the wrestler. Cheer on your favourite wrestler while snacking with refreshments to fulfill this bucket list experience.

Try Japanese Street Food

Takoyaki, a popular street food, being prepared at a festival in Japan
Image courtesy: Shutterstock/bonkuraa

Last but not least on your Japan bucket list is to try Japanese street food. It is one of the most wholesome, enjoyable, endearing ways to experience Japanese culture. The best part is that you can fulfill this anywhere in Japan. The country has many amazing streets and regions famous for their street food stalls, restaurants, and snack bars. Almost every train station carries snacks. Plus, other regions like Kyoto’s Nishiki Market, and the Tsukiji Outer Market in Tokyo – some of the best places for food in Japan, have their own specialities like fresh sea food. Explore sushi restaurants as well for some of the best in the world. A few items you must try include Takoyaki (octopus balls), fresh sashimi, mochi, and yakitori.

Also Read: The Best Ryokans in Japan to Experience an Authentic Hospitality

Wrapping Up: The Ultimate Japan Bucket List

Exploring the Land of The Rising Sun would be one of the most unforgettable travel experiences in your life. To make it every bit as iconic as you anticipate it to be, ensure to include these 15 best things to do in Japan. Fulfill your Japan bucket list to experience the country like never before. Bring back personalized souvenirs like your very own handcrafted engraved Japanese kitchen knife to seal the memories for eternity.

Book Japan and Tokyo tour packages now to witness the Sakura blossom season in just a few months. Secure your accommodation at one of the best hotels in Tokyo to explore the city comfortably. Apply for your Japan visa with a reliable provider of online visa services for 180+ countries well ahead to avoid hassles as well.

Quick Summary – The Complete Japan Bucket List

Japan is filled with some of the best, most unique and iconic experiences in the world. From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the historic sights at Hiroshima, every corner of Japan brings a whole different realm. Some of the best things to do in Japan include exploring the Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari, visiting Hiroshima, seeing Sakura blossoms, visiting the Osaka Castle, witnessing Mt. Fuji, playing arcade games, and watching a sumo match. Include these on your Japan bucket list to make the most of your Japan tour.

FAQs

What are the top 10 things to do in Japan?

The top 10 things to do in Japan are:

Visiting the Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari
Visiting Hiroshima Peace Memorial
Seeing sakura blossoms in Tokyo
Experiencing a traditional Japanese tea ceremony
Visiting the Osaka Castle
Witnessing Mt. Fuji
Visiting the famous Shibuya crossing
Riding a bullet train
Going on a sake brewery tour
Indulging in a Japanese onsen experience

What is the most visited thing in Japan?

Tokyo, the capital city, is one of the most popularly visited cities in Japan.

What not to miss in Japan?

A few experiences not to miss in Japan include

Watching cherry blossoms in full bloom
Experiencing a traditional Japanese tea ceremony
Visiting the Osaka Castle
Witnessing Mt. Fuji
Riding a bullet train
Indulging in a Japanese Onsen experience
Sampling Japanese street food
Watching a sumo match.

What is “kawaii” culture in Japan?

“Kawaii” meaning cute or adorable in Japanese, is a cultural phenomenon that centers around cute things, simplicity, childlike innocence, and charm.

What is the prettiest Japanese city?

Japan is home to many beautiful cities. However, Kyoto is generally considered by many as one of the most beautiful cities in the country because of its traditional temples and monuments.

What is the must eat local food in Japan?

Some must-eat local foods in Japan include Takoyaki, Sushi, Miso soup, Okonomiyaki, Udon, Mochi, Sukiyaki, and Yakitori.

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