Japan is one of those places where the food, traditions, pop culture and everyday experiences can be just as memorable as the famous sights. You can spend the morning eating ramen in a tiny restaurant, the afternoon exploring a centuries-old temple and the evening singing karaoke in a neon-lit neighbourhood.

And then there are the experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else from Tokyo DisneySea and Super Nintendo World to sleeping in a Buddhist temple or soaking in a traditional onsen. You obviously don’t need to do everything on this list. Japan has enough to fill several trips. But if you’re planning your first visit, these are some of the experiences I’d put on your Japan bucket list.

Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. I only recommend services and experiences I would consider using myself.

Japan’s history and traditions are still a huge part of everyday life, and there are plenty of ways to experience them beyond visiting temples.

Stay in a Ryokan

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, usually featuring tatami floors, futons, yukata and traditional meals. Some also have beautiful gardens and private or shared onsen. And don’t be put off by the idea of sleeping on a futon. Some of my favourite hotel stays in Japan have actually been in traditional rooms with futons. They’re often surprisingly comfortable, and I also found that traditional rooms can sometimes feel more spacious than a standard Japanese hotel room, with the futon laid out at night rather than taking up space all day.

You don’t necessarily need to spend your whole trip in a ryokan. Even one night can turn into one of the most memorable parts of your holiday.

Bucket-list moment: Arrive in the afternoon, put on your yukata, soak in the onsen and sit down to a traditional Japanese dinner.

Soak in an Onsen

An onsen is a traditional Japanese hot spring bath and an experience worth making time for. Hakone is particularly popular for onsen experiences close to Tokyo, but you can find them throughout Japan.

There are a few etiquette rules to know before you go. You normally wash thoroughly before entering the bath, and traditional onsen are usually enjoyed completely naked, with separate bathing areas for men and women. You leave your towel outside the water and keep the atmosphere quiet and relaxed.

If the idea of bathing naked with strangers feels intimidating, don’t worry it sounds much more awkward than it actually feels once you’re there. There are also private onsen and some facilities with different bathing arrangements, so you can look for an option that feels more comfortable for you. Some establishments also have restrictions around tattoos, so check the rules before visiting.

If you have tattoos, Kinosaki Onsen is one of the easiest places in Japan to experience traditional onsen without worrying about restrictions. All seven of the town’s public baths are tattoo-friendly, so you don’t need to cover them up.

Take Part in a Japanese Tea Ceremony

A tea ceremony is about much more than drinking matcha. The preparation, movements and setting are all part of the experience, making it a fascinating way to learn more about Japanese culture.

Kyoto is one of the most popular places to experience one, and there are options ranging from traditional ceremonies to experiences where you can also wear a kimono.

→ Browse Japanese tea ceremonies and experiences on Klook

Wear a Kimono in Kyoto

Walking through Kyoto dressed in a traditional kimono is one of those experiences that makes you feel completely transported somewhere else. You can rent a kimono for the day and explore areas such as Gion and Higashiyama at your own pace.

It’s also a great opportunity to take photographs without simply stopping at another viewpoint.

→ Browse kimono experiences in Kyoto on Klook

Stay in a Buddhist Temple

For something a little more unusual, consider shukubo, or temple lodging. Koyasan is one of the best-known places to experience it.

You can stay overnight in a Buddhist temple, eat traditional vegetarian food and, depending on the temple, experience morning prayers or meditation.

It’s very different from staying in a conventional hotel and can be a memorable addition to a longer Japan trip.

Visit a Japanese Castle

Japan has some beautiful historic castles, and visiting one gives you a different perspective on the country’s history.

Himeji Castle is one of the most famous and makes an impressive day trip, while castles such as Matsumoto and Osaka Castle offer their own experiences. Even if you’re not particularly interested in history, walking around the grounds and seeing the architecture is worth adding to a Japan trip.

See Mount Fuji

You don’t have to climb Mount Fuji to experience it. There are plenty of ways to see Japan’s most famous mountain, including:

• Hakone
• Lake Kawaguchi
• The Fuji Five Lakes
• Chureito Pagoda
• Day trips from Tokyo

If you only have limited annual leave, a Mount Fuji day trip from Tokyo can be a convenient way to include it without changing hotels. One of my favourite days in Japan was actually a last-minute day trip to Mount Fuji. We only booked a few days before, because we wanted to choose the day with the best weather and the highest chance of actually seeing Fuji clearly. There’s not much point travelling all that way if the mountain is hiding behind clouds !

The excursion we booked was fantastic. Food was included, and the day covered many of the major photo spots, including Oshino Hakkai, Saiko Iyashi-no-Sato Nenba, Lake Kawaguchiko and Arakurayama Sengen Park and Shrine. There was also plenty of time for shopping, so it didn’t feel like we were rushing from one stop to the next.

If seeing Mount Fuji is a priority, I’d recommend checking the Mount Fuji visibility forecast before choosing your day. WeatherNews has a dedicated Fuji visibility forecast, which is particularly useful when you’re deciding whether to go on one day or another.

→ Check the Mount Fuji visibility forecast

→ Browse Mount Fuji day trips and experiences on Klook

It was one of those days where having limited time actually worked in our favour we got to see a lot in one day without having to pack up and move hotels.

Japan isn’t just temples, gardens and traditional food. It’s also one of the world’s great destinations for Disney, anime, gaming and pop culture.

Go to Tokyo Disneyland

If you’re a Disney fan, you probably already know this one. But even if you’re not a huge Disney person, Tokyo Disneyland is worth experiencing for the atmosphere alone.

One thing you’ll quickly notice is how seriously Japanese visitors embrace Disney. Character hats, ears, headbands, matching outfits, themed snacks and merchandise are everywhere. Embrace it. Buy the hat.

And definitely come hungry. The Disney snacks in Japan are ridiculously cute we ended up trying as many as we could. From character-shaped treats to seasonal snacks, half the fun is walking around and seeing what everyone else is eating.

The parade is also a must. It’s colourful, energetic and so much fun to watch. Just be prepared for the fact that people in Japan take their parade spots very seriously they’ll queue surprisingly early to get a good view ! If you really want a front-row spot, don’t expect to turn up five minutes before it starts.

And if you have time, consider Tokyo DisneySea, which is unique to Japan and offers a completely different experience from the traditional Disneyland parks.

→ Browse Tokyo Disney Resort tickets on Klook

Enter Super Nintendo World

For anyone who grew up playing Nintendo, Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan is difficult to resist.

Walk into the Mushroom Kingdom, see Bowser’s Castle, collect digital coins with a Power-Up Band and experience Mario-themed attractions. Even if you’re not a huge gamer, the attention to detail makes the whole area fun to explore.

That said, this was probably not my favourite experience in Japan. We had a dedicated time slot to enter Super Nintendo World, but it was so crowded once we got inside. If you’re expecting to wander around at your own pace, be prepared for a very busy experience.

Universal Studios Japan can also involve very long waits for rides. We didn’t buy an Express Pass and ended up waiting around two hours for one rollercoaster. By that point, it had put us off doing more rides, so we spent the rest of the day walking around, looking at the different areas and, honestly, eating ! Just like at Disney, the snacks were next level. Themed food, colourful drinks and ridiculously cute character treats somehow make waiting in line feel a little more worthwhile.

My tip: if riding the attractions is a priority, I’d seriously consider budgeting for an Express Pass. It’s expensive, but depending on the day and how much you want to do, it could make a big difference to how you spend your time.

So yes, I’d put Super Nintendo World on your Japan bucket list just go in knowing that it can be extremely busy and that the extra ticket options are worth looking into before you go.

→ Explore Universal Studios Japan tickets on Klook

Step Into the World of Harry Potter

There are actually two very different Harry Potter experiences in Tokyo and Osaka.

At Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, you can explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter as part of the theme park, complete with Hogwarts Castle, themed shops, food and attractions. This was a highlight for us. Even if you’re not doing the rides, walking around the area, use your interactive wand for real life spells and seeing Hogwarts Castle is pretty cool.

In Tokyo, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo : The Making of Harry Potter takes you behind the scenes of the films, with sets, costumes, props and interactive experiences. If you’ve already visited the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London, don’t assume you’ve seen it all. Tokyo has some sets and experiences that are different from London, including the huge Ministry of Magic, which is exclusive to the Tokyo tour, as well as its Defence Against the Dark Arts and Potions classroom experiences.

The tours also have some different sets on the London side so while you’ll recognise plenty of favourites like the Great Hall, Platform 9¾, Diagon Alley and the Forbidden Forest, the two tours aren’t identical.

If you’re a serious Harry Potter fan, visiting both could give you quite a different experience.

→ Browse Harry Potter experiences in Japan on Klook

Visit a Pokémon Center

Japan is Pokémon territory.

The Pokémon Centers around the country are enormous shops filled with exclusive merchandise, plushies, games and things you probably didn’t realise you needed until you walked through the door. Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto and other major cities have their own Pokémon Centers.

And if you’re a serious fan, you can take it one step further with a visit to the Pokémon Café.

Bucket-list moment: Leave with a Pokémon you definitely didn’t plan to buy.

Visit the Ghibli Museum or Ghibli Park

For Studio Ghibli fans, Japan offers two very different experiences.

The Ghibli Museum in Mitaka, Tokyo is an intimate museum dedicated to the world of Studio Ghibli and its films.

Ghibli Park in Aichi, meanwhile, is much larger and includes immersive areas inspired by films including My Neighbour Totoro, Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle.

If you want to visit either, check ticket availability well in advance. These aren’t the kind of experiences I’d leave until you arrive in Japan.

Go to a Japanese Arcade

Forget everything you think you know about arcades. Japanese arcades are packed with claw machines, rhythm games, racing games and other machines that can keep you entertained for hours.

Try your luck at a gachapon machine while you’re there too those little capsule toy machines are everywhere. You don’t need to spend much money, which makes this an easy evening activity.

Try Purikura

Purikura are Japanese photo booths that let you take and heavily customise photos with filters, decorations and effects. They’re particularly popular with groups of friends and couples. It’s silly, slightly chaotic and very Japanese.

Bucket-list moment: Take some completely ridiculous photos to remember your trip.

Sing Karaoke in Japan

You haven’t really experienced Japanese karaoke until you’ve booked a private karaoke room. Unlike the traditional image of standing on a stage in front of strangers, Japanese karaoke is often done in private rooms with friends. Order some drinks, pick your songs and stay as long as you like. It’s an easy activity to add to an evening in Tokyo or Osaka.

Watch a Japanese Baseball Game

Baseball is hugely popular in Japan, and going to a game is as much about the atmosphere as the sport. You’ll see organised chants, songs, enthusiastic fan sections and plenty of food and drinks. You don’t need to understand every rule to enjoy the experience.

Explore Akihabara, Tokyo

For manga, anime and gaming fans, Akihabara is one of Tokyo’s most distinctive neighbourhoods. Spend a few hours exploring its anime and manga shops, arcades, gaming stores, gachapon machines and themed cafés. Even if you’re not a huge fan of Japanese pop culture, the bright streets and unusual shops make it a fun area to experience.

Some of the best memories from Japan don’t come from expensive attractions. They’re the small things you stumble across while travelling.

See the Nara Deer

Take a day trip to Nara and meet the famous deer roaming around the park. You can buy special crackers to feed them but be prepared. Once they realise you have food, they can become very enthusiastic about it. They may follow you, nudge you or give you a very convincing look for more. And one of the cutest things is that some of the deer will bow their heads to you when they want a cracker. It’s ridiculously adorable.

Just remember that they are still wild animals, so give them space, don’t tease them with food and be respectful around them. Once you’ve run out of crackers, show them your empty hands so they know there’s nothing left rather than letting them keep chasing you! It’s such a fun experience, but the best way to enjoy it is to treat the deer with a little care and respect.

See Shibuya Crossing

Yes, it’s touristy, but there’s something quite fun about standing among hundreds of people and watching the entire crossing move in every direction at once.

Take it in from street level, then find a nearby viewpoint if you want to see the famous crossing from above. It’s one of those classic Tokyo moments that is worth experiencing at least once.

Walk Through Tokyo at Night

Put your phone away for a minute and just walk. Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, Asakusa, Japan’s cities feel completely different after dark. The neon lights, tiny restaurants, convenience stores and busy streets are all part of the experience. You don’t need a ticket or reservation. Just go exploring.

Visit a Shrine Early in the Morning

Some of Japan’s most famous shrines can become extremely busy during the day. Set an alarm, go early and experience them before the crowds arrive. Fushimi Inari in Kyoto is an obvious choice, especially if you want to walk through the famous rows of torii gates in a quieter atmosphere.

Experience Cherry Blossom or Autumn Foliage Season

If your dates happen to line up with cherry blossom season, make the most of it.

Go beyond simply taking a photograph of a tree and experience hanami enjoying the blossoms, often with food and drinks, in a park with friends or family. Pack some snacks, find a spot under the trees and enjoy the atmosphere.

And don’t forget about autumn. Japan’s changing leaves can be just as spectacular, with parks, temples and mountain areas turning shades of red, orange and gold. It’s a completely different atmosphere from cherry blossom season, but equally worth experiencing.

Just don’t plan an entire Japan trip around either season unless your dates are flexible. Cherry blossom and autumn foliage timings vary from year to year and between regions, so it’s worth checking the seasonal forecasts closer to your trip.

If you happen to be there at the right time, though, make the most of it these are the kind of everyday moments that make a Japan trip particularly memorable.

Try a Japanese Vending Machine

This sounds ridiculous, but after seeing vending machines selling everything from drinks and hot food to completely unexpected things, you’ll probably start taking photographs of them too.

It’s one of those little details that makes Japan feel different from anywhere else.

You don’t need to fit everything into one trip. The best Japan trip is a collection of experiences you’ll actually remember, not a checklist you’re racing to complete. Once you know what you want to see, eat and experience, the next step is turning those ideas into a realistic itinerary.

To make that part easier, my Japan Travel Map brings together curated places to eat, things to see and spots worth adding to your trip all in one place. Less time searching, more time exploring.

→ Explore the Japan Travel Map