You can wander around ancient temples, sing karaoke until dawn, have your coffee made by a mechanical AI-driven machine, and have your sushi delivered by train, but this is just a fraction of the weird and wonderful things to do in Tokyo, Japan.

If you’re visiting this vibrant and unique city, you’re going to need to grab a pen and paper and list down these unmissable attractions in Tokyo, otherwise, you’re going to miss out on a lot of cool things!

1. Be Served by a Robot Waiter at Dawn Avatar Robot Cafe

One thing that separates Tokyo from the rest of the world is how technologically advanced the city is, and you can really see this aspect of Japan in its consumer technology.

One example of this is at Dawn Avatar Robot Cafe, which is exactly what it says on the tin. It’s a restaurant that has replaced waiters with robots.

Have you ever had a meal bought to you by a robot dressed up as a human? I’m guessing the answer is no.

While you might think that the idea is to eliminate the human workforce, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Robot waiters are actually remote-controlled by disabled workers. It was created as a way of providing an opportunity for those who are unable to leave the house due to medical reasons.

When you’re served by a robot waiter, you are still talking to a person, they’re just sitting at home and controlling the robot remotely via the internet. Pretty cool, right?

• Hours: 11.00am – 6.00pm (Closed Thursday)
• Address: 3 Chome−8−3, Nihonbashi Life Science Building, Chuo City, Nihonbashihoncho

2. Walk across the Shibuya Crossing

Perhaps one of the most iconic things to do in Tokyo is to walk across Shibuya Crossing. This is the world’s largest and busiest pedestrian crossing and is also one of the most photographed scenes in Tokyo.

The square is surrounded by glitzy skyscrapers and flashing billboards displaying the latest advertisements, which is particularly impressive at night.

When the traffic lights turn red, the crossing becomes chaotic as 3,000 people cross from all angles. If you’re traveling with kids, make sure to keep an eye on them so they don’t get lost in the crowd.

In fact, a top tip for those who want to avoid being thrown into the throng of people is to view the crossing from the 2nd floor of the Starbucks at Shibuya Tsutaya. Not only does it give you a view of the crossing from above, but it’s free to enter.

• Hours: 24 Hours
• Address: Shibuya Crossing, 1 Chome-21 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya City

3. Dine at An Intimate Ramen Restaurant

Trying all the delicious cuisine should be at the top of your list when planning an unforgettable Japan itinerary. One dish you cannot miss is ramen. This is a hot noodle soup that’s usually served with chicken or pork.

One of the nation’s favorite ramen restaurants is Ichiran, which has individual, intimate (albeit anti-social) booths where you’re steaming hot ramen is served to you via a hole in the wall.

Once you have your ramen, a curtain is closed and you’re alone in your little booth. It’s supposed to eliminate all distractions so you can concentrate on the flavor.

There are several Ichiran stores all over the city, but I suggest visiting the one in Shibuya as it’s the most frequented by tourists.

• Hours: 10.00am – 6.00am
• Address: 1 Chome−22−7, Shibuya City

4. Explore the Wonders of Cat Street, Harajuku District

The Harajuku District is Tokyo’s fashion district, though fashion here is a little more colorful and quirky than what you might find in the West.

Cat Street is possibly the best street to see all of Harajuku’s weird and wonderful trends. You’ll see many people wearing bold and eclectic fashion statements, and it’s also a great place to try strange and wonderful street food.

You can eat rainbow-colored candy floss, a croquant chou (a type of croissant and cream puff combination with Hokkaido cream), fried potato, crepes, and soft ice cream. You will also see lots of places selling bubble tea.

• Hours: 24 hours
• Address: Cat Street, Shibuya City, Tokyo, Japan

5. Take a Day Trip to Hakone

One of the best things to do in Tokyo in October is to take a day trip out to Hakone National Park. This is the closest park to the city where you can see Mount Fuji in the distance.

One of the reasons why October is particularly important is because it’s the time of year when the clouds disperse. Mount Fuji has a cloud covering its peak 60% of the time, and the end of fall and the start of winter are the best times of year to see it.

If you’re visiting any other time of year, it really is a stroke of luck if Fuji pokes its head out of the clouds, but that doesn’t mean Hakone isn’t worth visiting.

The national park is made up of small villages, hot springs, and temples. It’s also where you’ll see incredible views of Lake Ashinoko.

For those traveling with kids, your little ones will love taking the Hakone Tozan train up to the highest village, and then a cable car to the village of Gora at the top of the mountain. The train leaves from Odawara, so make sure to check out the Odawara Castle while you’re in the area.

If you get unlucky with the weather, head over to one of the many onsens and enjoy a relaxing dip in one of the hot spring pools. You could easily spend two or three days exploring this rural nature spot, just make sure to get a Hakone Pass before you visit.

• Hours: Park is open 24 hours, and the train operates between 5:33 am to 11:26 pm
• Address: Train to Hakone National Park departs from: 1 Chome-1-1 Shiroyama, Odawara, Kanagawa

6. Visit the Meiji Shrine

Japan is not short of Shinto shrines, but in Tokyo in particular, you will find some of the most beautiful. The Meiji Shrine is the biggest shrine in Tokyo and is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken.

The shrine was built in an iris garden that the Emperor and Empress had been known to visit. The area is protected by a forest, which covers 70 hectares of land. The forested area is a recreation area for the people of Tokyo.

The shrine was built in 1915, three years after the Emperor’s death. The shrine was a national project, combining the efforts of youth groups and other civic associations across the country.

Each part of the shrine was donated by different parts of Japan and was said to have cost US$26 million at the time.

The original building was destroyed during WWI but was rebuilt using community funding efforts.

Shrines are usually free to enter, so they are great attractions for families on a budget visiting Japan with kids.

• Hours: The shrine opens and closes at sunrise and sunset which differs each day. The garden is open from 5:00 am – 6:30 pm
• Address: 1-1 Yoyogi Kamizono Cho, Shibuya City

7. See the Remains of Edo History at The East Imperial Palace Garden

The Imperial Palace is a large park complex that sits on the site of the former Edo Castle. The park is surrounded by moats and great stone walls and contains the castle belonging to the Japanese Imperial family.

The palace was built when the family was moved from Kyoto to Tokyo in 1888, but it was destroyed during WWII. A replacement was built in the same style, which you can see today.

Visitors cannot enter the buildings but are free to wander the Imperial Palace East Gardens. The palace grounds are only accessible by guided tour. The tour takes around 75 minutes and it’s best to book in advance to avoid disappointment.

• Hours: English tours daily at 10.00 am and 1.30 pm (Closed Mondays and Sundays)
• Address: 1-1 Chiyoda, Chiyoda City

8. Find Your Fortune at Asakusa’s Sensō-Ji Temple

Perhaps one of the most iconic sites in Japan is the Senso-Ji Temple in the Asakusa district. This ancient Buddhist temple is the oldest temple in Tokyo and also one of the most significant.

It is dedicated to Kannon, the god of compassion, and receives over 30 million visitors each year. The site is also famous for the five-story pagoda and Shinto shrine in the complex.

The temple is also a great place to learn about your future by taking an omikuji, a strip of paper that tells your fortune.

To do this, look for the booth that has a collection of metal tins. Simply place a ¥100 coin in one of the metal boxes, give it a shake, and an omikuji rod will appear.

The rod will have Japanese symbols and a number on it. Go to the box with the number on the rod and take out one omikuji. This slip of paper will reveal your fortune.

• Hours: 6:00am – 5:00pm (6.30am – 5.00pm October – March)
• Address: 2 Chome-3-1 Asakusa, Taito City

9. Sing Karaoke Until Dawn

Japan is the birthplace of Karaoke so it would be a shame not to give it a go while you’re in Tokyo!

Typically, karaoke is how the Japanese party hard, hiring booths with friends and colleagues and singing the night away until dawn.

For young adults visiting the city, spending the whole night singing in a room with your friends is definitely up there as a crazy thing to do in Tokyo.

If you’re traveling as a family, you can still enjoy the fun in a family-friendly karaoke room.

Pasela Resorts is a karaoke venue that offers private, family-friendly karaoke rooms with a wide array of western songs, and some kid-friendly songs too. There’s even a bounce house if you’re little ones are tired of singing.

• Hours: 11:30 AM – 08:00 AM
• Address: 1-chōme-20 Ueno, Taito City

10. Watch a Sumo Wrestling Match

If you’re looking for fun and unusual things to do in Tokyo at night, then get yourself some tickets to watch a sumo wrestling match.

Sumo is a type of non-violent combat that first began in Japan in the Japanese Middle Ages. It started as a form of military training and then became a popular sport among the masses.

It was also common for spectators to sponsor or bet on wrestlers, and was even used as a way to raise money for shrines and temples.

The sport is most famous for the size of its competitors. Sumo wrestlers gain weight so that it’s harder for their opponents to knock them out of the arena.

If you’re interested in learning more about the sport and its history, you can visit the town of Ryogoku, also referred to as a sumo town. Here you can see where wrestlers live and train.

The Kokugikan Stadium is where you’ll be able to watch matches.

• Hours: Dependent on the tournament
• Address: 1 Chome-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida City

11. Relax in a Japanese Garden at Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden

If you’re looking for more relaxing things to do in Tokyo then spend a few hours wandering in the quaint Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. The large park is located in the center of the city and was once part of the Naitō family’s residence during the Edo period.

If you happen to visit in late March and early April during cherry blossom season, you absolutely need to come here to see the 400 semei yoshino and cherry blossom trees bloom. They only bloom for a week a year so you absolutely can’t miss this if you’re visiting at the start of Spring.

The park features several small gardens that pay homage to other countries’ styles, such as an English garden and a French garden.

It also has the oldest traditional Japanese landscape garden with a large pond with islands connected by bridges, as well as a botanical garden. It’s the perfect place to hang out if the city feels a little overwhelming.

• Hours: 9.00am – 5.30pm Tuesday – Friday, 7.00am – 5.30pm Saturday and Sunday, Closed Monday
• Address: 11 Naitomachi, Shinjuku City, Tokyo

12. Play Arcade Games at Leisure Land

The district of Akihabara is famous for its electronic shops and is nicknamed the “electronic district” of Tokyo. Nestled in the heart of this district is possibly one of the most fun things to do in Tokyo.

Leisure Land is an arcade that offers five floors of gaming facilities. Visitors can choose between over 100 video games, crane machines, and arcade games.

Not only do you have endless hours of fun playing all the different games, but if you’re lucky you can win some rare character merchandise as a souvenir to take home.

• Hours: 10.00am – 12.55pm
• Address: 1 Chome-9-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City

13. Take Part in a Tea Ceremony

Drinking tea in Japan is not a simple matter of boiling a kettle and throwing a tea bag in a mug. In Zen Buddhism, a tea ceremony promotes harmony, purity, and tranquility.

The whole process of making and drinking tea is considered a meditative process. Every step, from the type of tea you brew to the way that it is brewed, has a special meaning.

Taking part in a tea ceremony is one of the ways you can experience Tokyo’s more spiritual side. It’s also a calming experience in case you need a more relaxing activity.

• Hours: 10.30am, 1.30pm, 3.15pm
• Address: True Japan Tours, 3-chōme−5−8 Minato City, Shibakōen,

14. Visit Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo has no shortage of skyscrapers and viewpoints, but the most famous ones are Tokyo Tower and Tokyo Sky Tree.

Both buildings are similar in that they both have 360 panoramic views of the city from their observation decks. It is said that on a clear day, you can even see Mount Fuji in the distance.

Though located in different parts of the city, they offer the same experience, so it’s best to choose which one to visit by proximity to other attractions in Tokyo you want to see.

15. Learn About Futuristic Robots at Miraikan

You’ve probably seen a fair few robots while in Tokyo, whether you’re looking for them or not. They seem to be taking over the city, so why not learn more about the latest technological advancements while you’re there?

The Miraikan is the city’s museum of emerging science and innovation and is where you can see where some of the latest and most advanced technologies have been applied, from the latest in space travel to how it can be applied to domestic life.

What brings most people to the museum is seeing the robotworld exhibit. This is an exhibition that shows what life would be like if robots lived with us; from robot pets to an android human servant, which looks freakishly lifelike.

• Hours: 10.00am – 5.00pm (Closed Tuesday)
• Address: Miraikan, 2-3-6 Aomi, Koto-ku

16. Check out the Art Installations at teamLab

If you’re a photographer and looking for a new playground to play in with your camera, then you’ll love exploring the art installations inside teamLab.

The exhibitions change regularly, but the concept stays the same. These holographic light installations allow you to enter a multi-dimensional reality. The art facility, established by teamLab, uses state-of-the-art digital technology to create immersive art.

This is just another example of how Japan has used technology to reach new levels.

• Hours: 9.00 am – 9.00 pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 9.00 am – 10.00 pm Saturday and Sunday, Closed Wednesday
• Address: 6 Chome-1-16 Toyosu, Koto City, Tokyo

17. Eat Ramen from a Vending Machine

Yes, we’ve already mentioned trying ramen before, but this is a little different. One of the things that make Tokyo unique is how vending machines are used to deliver almost everything.

You can buy soup, vegetables, hot dogs, and even practical items such as umbrellas, batteries, and in case of extreme emergencies…a spare office tie.

One of the best items you can get from a vending machine is a frozen ramen ready-meal. While you do need to take your ramen home and heat it, you can easily purchase your meal from a 24-hour ‘Ramen Stock’ vending machine from three places throughout the city.

If you ever feel like a midnight snack, make sure to keep your eyes open for more vending machines as they pop up throughout the city.

• Hours: 24 Hours
• Address: Takadanobaba (2-13-6 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku), Nakano (2-28-8 Nakano, Nakano) and Itabashi (45-17 Oharacho, Itabashi).

18. Enjoy a Traditional Okonomiyaki meal

Japanese food is definitely one of the best reasons to visit Tokyo and if you’re a foodie fan, you will love tasting all the unique cuisines here.

Okonomiyaki (say that five times fast) is definitely up there as one of the most delicious local delicacies. It’s a type of Japanese pancake dish traditionally cooked on a teppan (a flat hot plate) in the middle of the table. Your server will usually pour the mixture on the teppan and it’s up to you to cook it.

Once it’s cooked to your liking, it’s then smothered in Japanese mayonnaise (not like Western mayo, it’s better) and okonomiyaki sauce (a kind of BBQ sauce).

Many different ingredients go into okonomiyaki but it’s traditionally made with cabbage and pork.

You’ll find okonomiyaki all over the city but we can vouch for Sometarō near the Senso-Ji Temple in Asakusa as a good place to try it.

• Hours: 12.00 pm–2:45 pm, 5:30 pm–8:15 pm (Closed Tuesday and Wednesday)
• Address: 2 Chome-2-2 Nishiasakusa, Taito City

Helpful Resources for Planning a Trip to Tokyo

Tokyo Accommodation

• The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome: Previous guests liked the spacious rooms, location, and affordability. See rates, reviews and availability.

• The Royal Park Hotel Iconic Tokyo Shiodome: Previous guests liked the spacious rooms, location, and affordability. See rates, reviews and availability.
• ZAITO Tokyo Kikukawa Economy In: Previous guests loved the cozy atmosphere, apartment amenities, price and location. See rates, reviews and availability.
• Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa: Spacious rooms with a balcony beside a 5-acre Japanese garden, close to subway. See rates, reviews and availability.

If you’re looking for other accommodation in Tokyo, you can use the map below to compare hotels and short-term rental options.

Popular Tours in Tokyo

Here are a few of the most popular and interesting tours in Tokyo, Japan.

Japan Rail Passes

If you are staying for longer than a week in Japan and are going to travel  by train between major cities, a Japan rail pass would definitely be the economical way to go. You must buy them before you get to Japan. Check out this site for more information.

More posts on Japan Travel

• The PERFECT 10 Days in Japan Itinerary (for First Time Visitors)
• A Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan
• 5 tips for visiting Japan with kids on a budget

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You can easily visit USJ as a day excursion from Osaka during your Japan family holiday.

If you are ready to hop on the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾ and go to Ollivanders to get your very own wand, check out what it’s like to visit the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan.

It will allow you to be immersed in the magical world that you fell in love with in the Harry Potter books and movies.

What to Take to Universal Studios Japan

1. Comfy Shoes: Make sure that you are wearing some really comfy shoes. You will spend most of the day on your feet. Be prepared for long wait-lines of up to 240-min during high season periods. You can find a list of our favourite comfy flat shoes here.
2. Day Backpack: We prefer travelling with a backpack so that we can have our hands free to hold our kids’ hands. We love using diaper backpack bags because they have a wipes compartment, insulated pockets for water bottles as well as many other pockets for organization.
3. Water Bottles: We always take our own reusable water bottles with us. Most places will always be happy to refill your bottles free of charge.
4. Sun Hat: You will find that you will spend plenty of time standing in the sun in the ride lines, so make sure you take a decent sun hat with you.
5. Universal Studios Japan App: Download the USJ app which will allow you to check on wait times for rides and attractions as well as to quickly look up show schedules.
6. Compact Camera: And lastly, don’t forget to take your camera along! We find it best to take small compact cameras along to theme parks. You can find a great selection of compact cameras here.

Pre-Purchase your Tickets to Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Before heading to Universal Studios, it’s a clever idea to pre-purchase your tickets.

While you can purchase your tickets at the park itself, it tends to be extremely busy.

Make sure you buy the Universal Express Pass so that you will have a guarantee that you will get to enter the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

This pass will also shorten your wait times at popular attractions.

Pre-purchase day passes from our affiliate partner, Klook:

• 1 Day E-Ticket
• Express Pass to Universal Studios

Look for a Forest

Once you have entered the park, it is fairly easy to spot the Wizarding World of Harry Potter area.

Just look for a path with a forest at the end, or hand over your park map to one of your kids and see if they can show you the way.

Right after you immerse yourself in the trees you will hear Hedwig’s famous theme all around you.

Next you will see the Flying Ford Anglia (which is from the Chamber of Secrets).

You may recall that it was used to rescue Harry from his home on Privet Drive by the Weasley brothers, but they crashed it into a Whomping Willow on their way back to Hogwarts.

Be Swept Away by the Rides

One of the best parts about the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is all the rides.

The Forbidden Journey in 4K3D is the area’s most popular attraction.

Harry Potter and The Forbidden Journey

The ride is in Hogwarts Castle towards the back of the world and I highly recommend that you leave shopping and browsing till later so that you can beat the crowds to the ride waiting line (which will get SUPER busy later with crazy wait times!).

Even the line-up for this ride is fun as you get to walk through Hogwarts on the way.

You will get to see things like the Sorting Hat, Dumbledore’s office and Gryffindor’s common room.

It is a bit strange because all the characters talk in Japanese, which gave us plenty of giggles.

Once on the ride you will be transformed into a wizard and experience riding around on a broomstick exploring different areas of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

You will also get to participate in a Quidditch match. Our kids loved this ride, although it left me with a touch of motion sickness!

Flight of the Hippogriff

As you exit Hogwarts, you will see another fun ride. This one is called the Flight of the Hippogriff.

Whilst it is like a rollercoaster, it is pretty tame in comparison.

From the ride you can see the Care of Magical Creatures class which is quite the perk for Hippogriff lovers.

Get your wand from Ollivanders

After you’ve enjoyed the fun rides, it is time to get your wand at Ollivanders.

You will be able to choose from a massive collection of character wands. Our one daughter snapped up Hermione’s wand, whilst our youngest decided to go with Ginny’s wand.

One thing to keep in mind is that those who choose a “Wand Magic” will get the opportunity as they walk around Hogsmeade to be able to cast spells.

It really adds to the magic of it all!

There are about 10 magic stations throughout the area (check the map in your wand box) where wand owners can cast spells.

Our girls loved making a chimney fire up, as well as open some suitcases at the train. They loved it!

Grab Some Lunch

Even the food in this area has a Harry Potter theme.

If you are feeling hungry head on over to the Three Broomsticks Inn which was frequented in the books by Harry, Hermione and Ron.

There are quite a few dishes here, and the food is pretty good for theme park standards. Don’t forget to wash it all down with some Butterbeer.

If you can, try to get a table outside as you can see some amazing views of the Black Lake and Hogwarts School of Magic.

Get Some Souvenirs

No trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter is complete without getting some souvenirs.

So now is the time to have a browse around all the interesting shops where you can buy things such as a sorting hat, Harry Potter house jumpers, owls, lollies, and so much more!

Don’t forget to visit Honeydukes Sweet Shop.

For those that are feeling brave, purchase Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans. Just remember that the flavors are sometimes, well, ‘’interesting’’.

For a tamer treat, go for the chocolate frogs. Don’t worry, they won’t try to hop away!

You will find that this shop has all sorts of items that were mentioned in the Harry Potter books so even if you aren’t looking for anything sweet to eat, it’s still fun to browse around the shop.

IF you have any time left over, don’t forget to hop into some of the other worlds located at Universal Studios as well.

Due to line-up waiting times we didn’t get to try out any of the other rides, but we did manage to watch a pretty hilarious show at ‘Underwater World’.

It was all in Japanese and we just loved the enthusiasm and energy of the actors as well as the crowd.

A day at Universal Studios Japan is worth it.

Make sure to pre-purchase an express pass. Head over early and try to knock out your ‘must-do’ rides as early as you can.

Take along lots of extra dollars as the souvenirs and food will add up quickly.

The park was a hit with our kids and even us adults had a fabulous day out too!

Watch our video of our time at USJ

Here is a video to show you how much fun we had at Universal Studios in Japan!

Click play and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel!

If you’re staying in Japan for longer than a week and travelling by train between major cities, a Japan rail pass will save you money getting around. Click here to learn more.

Planning a Trip to Japan

Accommodation in Japan  

Booking.com has over 15,000 properties in Japan with verified reviews. You get free cancellation on most rooms and a best price guarantee.

Flights to Japan   

Skyscanner is a comparison website that searches millions of flights. Once you find your best deal, book directly through the airline (no extra fees).

Tours of Japan   

Viator is a Trip Advisor company and offers small group tours of Japan to the most popular places and attractions

More posts on Japan Travel

• The PERFECT 10 Days in Japan Itinerary (for First Time Visitors)
• 5 tips for visiting Japan with kids on a budget
• 18 Most Exciting things to do in Tokyo, Japan

Want more Harry Potter experiences?

• A Magical Guide to the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour in London
• 18 Universal Orlando Tips for a Great time (Harry Potter fans rejoice)
• Your Guide to Family Fun at Universal Studios Orlando
• How to Do 1 Day at Universal Orlando Resort (and love it)
• How to Have Fun at Universal’s Islands of Adventure (tips from a 10 year old)

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Have you been to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan before? How does it compare to Universal Studios Orlando?

After spending years looking at beautiful and exotic photos of Japan, we knew we needed to visit Japan and see the country for ourselves.

We wanted to see the colorful temples and shrines, eat the world’s best sushi, ride on a bullet train, be dazzled by its neon lights and soak up Japanese pop culture.

We did all of this and more on a wonderful 10 days in Japan itinerary that focused on the best sites in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Where to Go in Japan?

There are so many fabulous things to do in Japan and incredible places to visit in Japan, but if you are traveling to Japan for the first time, stick to these two classic Japanese cities.

Tokyo offers up the modern futuristic side of Japan, while Kyoto gives you the opportunity to experience the history and culture of imperial Japan.

We spent 5 days in Tokyo and 5 days in Kyoto, which allowed us to really get to know each city.

To minimize transportation time and cost, we flew into Osaka and visited Kyoto first. We then took the bullet train up to Tokyo, where we flew out 10 days later.

Kyoto Itinerary (4 days)

One of the very best ways to experience Kyoto is by staying in a traditional Japanese inn, a ryokan.

This cultural immersion experience allows you to sleep on tatami mats, eat elaborate kaseki meals and bath in an onsen.

Ryokans generally include your meals and can be quite expensive. While we would have loved to stay in one for the whole time we were in Kyoto, we opted to stay one night.

Before you go, learn what to expect staying at a ryokan to make sure you don’t make any etiquette faux pas.

Kyoto is home to over 2,000 temples and shrines and each one of them is incredibly unique and beautiful. It is easy to get “templed out” in Kyoto, so you want to pace yourself.

In this Kyoto itinerary you have four days to experience all of the highlights of Kyoto.

Day 1 – Higashiyama

The Higashiyama district is one of Kyoto’s best preserved heritage areas and a great place to start exploring Kyoto.

There are numerous temples and shrines, Japanese gardens and tea houses best explored by walking the narrow streets.

The highlight is Kiyomizu-dera temple, a UNESCO Heritage Site with amazing views over Kyoto.

As you approach the temple and walk the heritage Yasaka and Kiyomizu-michi Streets, you will melt into the bustling crowd.

A popular activity for both domestic and foreign tourists is to dress up in Kimono while exploring the area. There are lots of opportunities to shop in the wooden storefronts selling Japanese trinkets and matcha goodies.

If your legs aren’t too tired, have a wander through Gion, where you might just spot a geisha going to an evening engagement.

Have dinner in nearby Pontocho Alley, a narrow street full of restaurants, many overlooking the river.

Day 2 – Arashiyama and Kinkaku-ji

Arashiyama is a district on the western side of Kyoto, best known for its towering bamboo groves.

As one of the most popular places to visit in Kyoto, it gets busy quickly so get an early start to your day to enjoy some quiet time before the crowds arrive.

You can rent bicycles and explore the quiet and rural streets of Arashiyama.

Nearby Monkey Park Iwatayama offers beautiful views over Kyoto and the chance to see and interact with the wild monkeys that live on the hill.

In the afternoon, head over to Kinkaku-ji, another UNESCO site and one of the most photographed places in all of Japan.

Commonly referred to as the Golden Temple, this is the most zen place I have ever visited and one of the best things to do in Kyoto, even with the crowds.

Every little detail of the temple and gardens have been thought out so carefully.

Day 3 – Fushimi Inari, Manga Museum and Markets

Fushimi Inari is absolutely breathtaking with its pathways of orange torii gates on the side of a mountain.

The higher you walk, the less crowds you will find. You can easily spend 2-3 hours here following the 4 kilometers of pathways in the forest.

As one of the most famous Kyoto attractions, definitely put Fushimi Inari on your Japan itinerary!

Next, head back to downtown Kyoto to visit the Manga Museum.

Manga and comic books are at the center of Japanese pop culture and the Manga Museum is like a manga library where fans can devour the huge collection.

For us, the highlight of our visit was having the kids’ portraits drawn by a manga artist.

It is amazing how much personality the artists imbue in their drawings and they are our favorite souvenirs from the trip.

Finish your day with a Nishiki Market tour through this five-block shopping street.

Amongst the souvenir shops, you will find fresh local ingredients, tempting take-away fare and specialty food products.

Day 4 – Nijo Castle or Day trip to Kibune or Nara

For your last day in Kyoto, choose to explore more of what the city has to offer or do a day trip to the surrounding area.

If you are staying in Kyoto, visit Nijo Castle, home of shoguns since the Edo era. This is also a great rainy day activity. This 400 year old castle features beautiful murals, wooden floors that make nightingale sounds as you step and elaborate Japanese gardens.

Spend the rest of your day walking the Philosophers Walk in northern Higashiyama or participating in a tea ceremony.

One of the best day trips from Kyoto is to Nara, famous for the deer that roam freely and its impressive temples. Just an hour from Kyoto by train, Nara is an impressive city to spend the day in.

If you are looking to see some of Japan’s countryside, head to Karama and hike to Kibune.

This half day hike (4 km, 2-3 hours) winds through temples and forest. If you are there in the warmer months, you can eat lunch on the platforms built over the river as the water flows beneath you.

Check out these tour options:

• Kyoto and Nara day tour from Osaka/Kyoto
• Kyoto day tour taking in Arashiyama, Fushimi Inari and more!

Day 5 – Bullet Train to Tokyo

No trip to Japan is complete without taking the shinkansan, the Japanese trains that travel at speeds up to 320 km/hr.

There are lots of trains between Kyoto and Tokyo, so no need to book the Kyoto to Tokyo bullet train in advance.

If you are doing more than one train journey, it may be cost-effective to purchase the Japan Rail (JR) Pass, which must be purchased before arriving.

Check out Klook to get your Japan Rail Passes who offer:

• Cheapest available in the market

• Can be purchased in one hassle-free booking

• You can choose from a wide range of passes (whole of Japan or regional) that are all exclusively discounted. More information here. 

Sit on the left side of the Kyoto to Tokyo train for a chance to see Mount Fuji on a clear day.

Once in Tokyo, get your bearings and start working your way through the amazing food experiences it has to offer.

Tokyo Itinerary (5 days)

Tokyo is massive and you could spend weeks exploring all of its different neighborhoods and sites.

With a 5 day Tokyo itinerary, you will have the time to see the main Tokyo attractions and immerse yourself in Tokyo life.

Getting around Tokyo by metro may look daunting, but as you would expect in Japan, it is a very efficient system.

Check out these Tokyo tips from other travel bloggers and travelers.

Day 6 – West Side: Shibuyu and Harajuku

The Shibuyu Crossing was made famous in “Lost in Translation” and you definitely want to experience the world’s busiest pedestrian intersection, preferably at rush hour.

It’s one of the craziest places to visit in Tokyo!

Take a wander down Center-Gai, a pedestrian shopping street. Stop at one of the karaoke bars and spend an hour belting out some tunes with your friends.

You will also want to queue at Genki Sushi, where your sushi will be custom-delivered to you on conveyor belts.

In the afternoon, take the metro over to Harajuku, the infamous youth kawaii district.

But before you head into the crazy world of Harajuku, head to Meiji-jingu shrine for some peace and quiet in Yoyogi-koen Park.

After a couple of hours walking the peaceful trails around Meiji-jingu, you will feel better prepared to tackle Harajuku’s main shopping street, Takeshita.

Anything goes here and you will find lots of curious characters youthfully expressing themselves.

For dinner head to Sakura-tei for okonomiyaki – Japanese savoury pancakes you cook right at your table.

Day 7 – East Side: Asakusa and Ueno

The Edo era in Japan was a fascinating time and to better learn more about it, visit Fukagawa Edo Museum.

This open-air museum recreates a working class neighborhood in the Edo era. It brings history to life as you can walk into the buildings and pick up the period artifacts.

If you are looking to learn even more, visit the Edo-Tokyo Museum.

Next up is a visit to the traditional neighborhood of Asakusa.

The main site here is Senso-ji, the oldest temple in Tokyo. Approach the temple from Nakamise-dori and get swept up in the bustling atmosphere and Japanese craft and sweet shops.

The atmospheric side streets are worth exploring, which hint at a bygone era.

If you still have time and energy, head to Ueno on foot. Ueno Park is the perfect place to do some people watching and the Ueno Zoo is popular with old and young alike.

If you are nearing the end of your day in Asakusa, the Tokyo Sky Tree offers up stunning views from its observation decks.

On a clear day you might be able to spot Mt Fuji or opt for the glittering after dark view.

Day 8 – Tsukiji Fish Market and Shinjuku

You can’t go to Japan and visit Tokyo without experiencing the largest seafood market in the world. It’s one of the most popular places to go in Japan.

The market was set to move to an outer suburb, however that has been postponed until at least fall 2018.

If you really want to see the tuna auction, plan to arrive and queue for tickets by 3 am.

However, even if you don’t want to get up in the middle of the night, Tsukiji should be on your Tokyo itinerary.

Plan to arrive at 9:30 as tourists are not allowed to enter the inner market until 10 am when business is concluding.

You will then have about 30 minutes to wander around and see what was for sale that day, before things wind down at 10:30 am.

You can sample the freshest (and very expensive) sushi at the outer market, where queues can get quite long for the most popular restaurants.

Next up, take the metro to Shinjuku.

Here you will experience the world’s busiest train station with over 3 million people passing through it each day.

Shinjuku is the Tokyo you picture with its neon lights, masses of people and high-tech everything. This is a great place to get some shopping done in Shinjuku’s many department stores and shops.

If you want to see Tokyo from above, but don’t want to shell out for the Skytree or Tokyo Tower, you can ascend to the top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building for free.

For dinner, indulge in another must-have Tokyo food experience: ordering ramen from a vending machine.

The Ichiran outlets are rumoured to be the best in the city, but like all good things, be prepared to queue.

Day 9 – Day Trip: Disney or Hakone

On the ninth day of your Japan vacation, choose to visit a Disney park or take a 2 day/1 night trip to Hakone – one of the best day trips from Tokyo!

Tokyo is home to two Disney parks: Tokyo Disney and Disney Sea.

Both offer the classic Disney experience, but with a uniquely Japanese twist.

The food alone is worth a visit with interesting snacks like gyoza dogs, curry popcorn and mochi dumplings. Try to visit mid-week and buy your tickets in advance, as queues can be very long.

If Disney isn’t your style, take an overnight trip to Hakone.

Best known for its hot spring resorts, this is another great place to stay in a ryokan.

A great way to enjoy the region is by doing the Hakone Circuit with the Hakone Free Pass. This allows you to take five different modes of transportation through its countryside and lakes.

Day 10 – Choice: Entertainment, Shopping or Hakone

On your last day, if you didn’t go to Hakone, choose one of these things to do in Tokyo:

• If you like shopping – head to Ginza, the first neighborhood to modernize in Tokyo. As Tokyo’s 5th Avenue, this is home to high-end retailers.
• If you like entertainment – head to Odaiba, a man-made island in Tokyo Bay, accessible by mono-rail. From theme parks to science centres, and even a hot springs amusement facility, Odaiba offers lots of choice.
• If you are interested in electronics – head to Akihabara, Tokyo’s geek culture wonderland.
• If you are interested in sumo – attend a sumo tournament at Ryogoku if you are visiting in January, May or September.
• If you are into film – score tickets in advance for The Ghibli Museum and enter the world of animator Miyazaki Hayao.
• If you are into sports – buy tickets to the Yomuiri Giants baseball game at the Tokyo Dome if visiting from March to October.

An Introduction to Japan

This 10 days in Japan itinerary is a great way to get a taste of this amazing country.

Visiting Kyoto and Tokyo will whet your appetite for all the places to see in Japan and you will be planning your next Japan trip before you even leave.

Japan truly is unlike any other country on earth.

In an era of globalization, Japan manages to maintain a completely foreign feel that we as travelers thrive upon.

From its rich culture, to its futuristic and high-tech cities, to its orderly ways, Japan is a destination that you have to visit to experience.

More posts on Japan Travel

• 18 Most Exciting Things to do in Tokyo, Japan
• The PERFECT 10 Days in Japan Itinerary (for First Time Visitors)
• A Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan
• 5 tips for visiting Japan with kids on a budget

Planning a Trip to Japan

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We hope you found this 10 days in Japan itinerary helpful? If you have any questions, or want to share your own Japan travel tips, leave a comment below.

It was only brief; we stayed three nights in Osaka and three nights in Tokyo.

None of us had been to Japan before and the only one who spoke any Japanese was the 14-year-old who has been learning Japanese for the last two years at school.

We were all very excited to visit Japan but I did have some quiet reservations – would the kids eat the food, would we be able to get around without understanding the language, would everything in Japan be super expensive?

Visiting Japan with kids exceeded all our expectations. It was such a fantastic family trip to Japan and we would have loved to stay longer.

The Japanese people were so incredibly helpful to us.

People went out of their way to help us if we asked them for directions or assistance.

As you might guess from the title of my own blog, Planning With Kids, I am fairly keen on planning and organization. Japan is so well organized, clean and efficient making it so pleasant and easy to get around with kids.

There is so much I think that Australian cities could learn from how the Japanese run their public transport and the cleanliness of public amenities.

Traveling to Japan with kids doesn’t have to break the budget either.

Before we left for Japan, Caz and Craig kindly did a shout out on their Facebook page asking for tips on visiting Japan with kids and we picked up many, many great tips which helped us not only have a great time, but keep our costs down for the trip.

Be prepared for the flight to Japan

While we did have our flights covered through an arrangement via the blog, like we have done previously when we have flown as a family, we flew with a low-cost airline.

It might seem daunting to fly on a budget airline with kids, but it is completely manageable if you prepare for it well.

Make sure you know exactly what your ticket includes.

Most budget airlines include the fare only so you need to add in food, entertainment and comfort packages.

For the flight to Japan, food was a must for us, we did also choose the entertainment packages, but you do not necessarily need one for each person if they provide the individual iPads. They can be shared and you can always bring your own as well.

Even if you purchase the food option, I highly recommend taking along additional snacks.

Because if they like the airline food, which is never guaranteed with kids, they will most likely still need more to eat if they are like my kids. I made ziplock snack packs for the kids, which came in very handy towards the end of the flight.

Use public transport in Japan

The Backpack Traveller alerted me to the possible need for a Japan Rail Pass. If you were staying in Japan for longer than a week and were going to be travelling by train between major cities, a rail pass would definitely be the economical way to go.

You must buy them before you get to Japan. Check out this site for more information.

We had an internal flight booked to get us from Osaka to Japan, so with the small journeys we were going to be taking, we didn’t need to buy a rail pass, we just bought tickets at the train stations as we needed.

The Japanese public transport system is the best I have come across. The trains run frequently, they run on time and the trains and stations are all so well presented.

Even with no Japanese we managed to navigate our way around both Osaka and Tokyo. Don’t be afraid to ask station staff or other passengers politely for help. We did many times and everyone was fantastic at helping us get to our desired destination.

Plan what to eat in Japan with kids

Feeding five kids away from home can be very expensive.

We wanted to experience Japanese food, but also make sure the kids were well fed to be able to fuel our long days of sightseeing and exploring.

For the most part, this is how we planned our meals in Japan for the day:

• Hotel buffet breakfast – the reception staff at the Courtyard Marriott Ginza kindly gave us a voucher for the buffet breakfast, which meant we saved about $8 per person. We would have a later breakfast around 9ish and the kids would eat whatever they liked, with encouragement from me to add eggs and other protein to their breakfasts to fill them up. The big breakfast kept them happily well fed for hours, so was worth the price we paid.
• Snacks and water bottle – Each day we would stop by places like Family Mart and pick up snacks for the following day. This was inspired by the tip from Clare Tomonaga. We would buy things like popcorn, rice cakes, etc and we would have them 3-4 hours after breakfast. We brought our own large water bottles from home and took four of them filled with us when we left the hotel each day. As we were in Japan in September the weather was still very warm, especially in Osaka and with all the walking we did we needed to make sure the kids kept hydrated. Once kids start to get thirsty, the whinging starts and the wanting to stop happens. Preventive measures are best!
• Cultural dinner – As suggested by Besudesu Abroad we did try some regional specialities okonomiyaki in Osaka and Tempura in Tokyo. These were actually highlights for both adults and kids. This was really a two for the price of one deal; we were well fed and entertained at the same time!

Places to eat in Osaka and Tokyo, Japan

In Osaka, we went to Okonomiyakiya “Kiji” which is located in the “Takimi-koji” restaurant mall at the basement of Umeda Sky Building.

We went to the Floating Garden at Umeda first, then had our late lunch here. It is very popular among the locals, so I recommend visiting outside of traditional meal times. We would have waited for about 25 minutes before we were seated and had our orders taken.

Okonomiyaki is a Japanese savoury pancake and is so delicious. You can watch the chef’s whip up the Okonomiyaki and they serve them on a grill that is embedded in the middle of the table. You can see more about our fab experience here.

In Tokyo, we went to Shinjuku Tsunahachi and we also had to wait to be seated – probably closer to 40 minutes. No photos were allowed inside the restaurant, so unfortunately, I cannot show you the beautiful food we ate.

This was actually the first time the kids had eaten tempura and if hadn’t been for the price they would have easily eaten more.

This tempura bar was a little more expensive than others, but being able to sit at a bench and watch the chef’s prepare and cook the food was worth it.

The kids were completely fascinated by it and sat quietly for the entire time their meal was being prepared just watching it.

They also had a western menu with instructions on how to eat your meal which made life easier too.

Attractions and activities in Japan

This was one of the best things about visiting Japan with kids – there was so much to do and see that was either free or very reasonably priced. (With the exception of DisneySea that I write more about below.)

Nara Deer Park

Nara Deer Park – an absolute highlight for all of us. Thanks to Besudesu Abroad for the tip off!

We took a couple of trains to arrive at Nara station and it took us only 50 minutes. It is a 15 minute walk from the station to the park where not only can you walk amongst roaming deer but you can also see beautiful temples, all of which is free.

Check out this day tour to Nara Deer Park from Osaka.

Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle – This was suggested to us by many readers and it was certainly worth seeing.

It is a decent walk from the train station, so make sure you have good shoes for walking and snacks and water for the kids if you want to spend some time exploring the castle and its surrounds. Kids were free and adults only JPY600.

Tsukiji fish market

Tsukiji Fish Market – Bethany Davies and others recommend the fish market and I have to admit to thinking this wouldn’t be the most exciting of places to visit, but happily I was wrong.

The Tsukiji Market is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world. The peak of the market activity is before 9am and tourists are not allowed in the market before that, but entry is free.

You are not allowed prams, large bags, open footwear, pets and on a sign at the front of the market, it also said, small children. We took all five kids with us, the youngest being four and we had no problems.

We were all fascinated by the buzzing and humming of the activity and how amongst the chaos of people and vehicles it just all worked without incident!

There is also an outer market selling goods and restaurants where you can sample the fresh seafood.

Sumo Wrestling in Tokyo

Sumo wrestling – Tuna Maal added a link to the discussion on facebook which brought sumo wrestling to my attention.

We were so lucky that there was a Grand Tournament on when we were visiting. We bought tickets before we left Australia as these events are very popular and sell out.

Check out this Sumo Show Experience with Chanko lunch

Ticketing has a number of options and we would have loved to have a box seat, but the cost was prohibitive for us.

Single tickets were ¥3,600, while a box for four people was ¥36,800 and we would have need two. While we were much further from the action, we could still see very well.

It was great to see the traditions and customs that form part of the sumo wrestling.

Tickets allow you to stay all day, but we opted to attend only the last half. This was fine for the older kids but thankfully we had packed activities (and snacks) for the younger ones who found it a little boring after the first couple of hours.

Choose your Japanese theme park wisely

As were visiting both Osaka and Tokyo we had three options for theme parks – Universal Studios, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea.

Traveling Japan on a budget with kids meant we needed to make a choice about which theme park we would visit as we were only going to see one. Reader feedback as to which one we should visit was very much along these lines:

Chris Lewis Little – Okay Tokyo Disneyland is Magic Kingdom 100% but Tokyo Sea is the unique Disney experience for Japan. Where else will you get soy sauce popcorn.

I did further research and found that for the ages of our kids (14 – 4) DisneySea was the best bet. For younger kids and if you have not visited a DisneyLand before, it would be DisneyLand, only older kids and Universal Studios is probably better.

DisneySea Tokyo

You could easily spend an entire day (until 10pm) at DisneySea, but we didn’t. As such to get the most out of it, we opted to miss the shows and parades and let the kids choose the attractions to go on.

We split into two groups for most of the day – three kids with dad who liked the more adventurous rides and two kids with me who wanted to take it a bit tamer. None of the rides are particularly wild though.

While it seems a little expensive to buy the refillable popcorn tub, it is an experience my kids loved and are still talking about.

DisneySea is organised into themed areas, all of which are highly detailed and well thought out (like Mediterranean Harbor, American Waterfront. etc). Each area sells a different flavor popcorn and the kids thought this was so great. We tasted strawberry, curry and black pepper.

Additional tip for Japan travel with kids – embracing the culture

While this isn’t a tip to save you money, embracing the culture of Japan will certainly enhance your visit to Japan with kids.

yTravel Blog readers were a great source of information on some of the cultural sensitivities of Japan:

• Chris Lewis Little – Just a note that Japanese don’t walk around and eat or drink, no eating, drinking or talking on the cell phone in the train.
• Besudesu Abroad – Stand on the right side of the escalators.
• Ellen Edmonds-Wilson – Alerted me to the fact that Japan runs mostly on cash. The majority of places in Australia take credit cards and that is what we are used to using so it was good to know we would need plenty of currency.

We really adored our holiday in Japan with kids.

Thanks to the yTravel Blog readers who helped make visiting Japan with our family so fantastic.

Plan Your Trip to Japan with kids

We’ve been traveling consistently for 17 years and have come to rely on a few trusted websites that save us money and time when booking accommodation, flights, and car rental. Below are our preferred partners:

More posts on Japan Travel

• The PERFECT 10 Days in Japan Itinerary (for First Time Visitors)
• A Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan
• 18 most Exciting Things to do in Japan

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By no means exclusive, this list of things to do in Japan should at least give you some great ideas to get you started on your journey of expat living and discovery through this fascinating country.

1. Meoto Iwa

The unique blend of Buddhism with ancient Shinto beliefs is one of the things that make religion and culture in Japan so deeply interesting. A huge percentage of Japanese people still frequent spiritual sites all over the country on a regular basis, thus showing the importance of traditional beliefs in today’s Japanese society.

You’ll find beautiful Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines all across Japan, tucked away between skyscrapers and car dealerships, hidden on mountain-tops and sometimes right under your very nose.

However, the most awe-inspiring and one of the most sacred Shinto sites in all of Japan is the Meoto Iwa. These spectacular “wedded rocks” rise majestically from the waves just off the coast of Ise, wedded by a sacred rope made of rice straw. They are part of the Futami Okitama Shrine.

Shinto is the name for the indigenous spiritual beliefs of Japan, of which a large part is the worship of spirits inherent in natural forces such as rivers, trees and you guessed it, rocks.

Ise, located in Mie prefecture and easily reached by train from anywhere in Japan, is also home to the Ise Grand Shrine and part of the Ise-Shima National Park. Take a visit to this sacred place and you’ll discover much about the magic of Japan and its people.

2. A Night in a Manga-kissa

Japanese culture is characterised around the world by its unique blend of old and new. The age-old traditions and customs are sharply juxtaposed by ultra-modern cyber culture and the pinnacle of technology, and so that’s where we journey next, to the big city life!

While visiting a sacred Shinto site is one way to integrate into Japanese culture, staying a night in a manga-kissa or Manga Cafe is another.

A manga-kissa is a place where Japanese people go to read manga comics, use the internet, play video games and more. You are charged for the time that you spend there and many maga-kissas, such as Popeye or GeraGera, offer discounted overnight rates on private booths. There is often a TV, food and drink, and even a shower and bathroom!

3. Eat Japanese food

While most Japanese food is loved by visitors, there are a few notable exceptions. Like marmite, here are a few Japanese favourites you’ll either love or hate. Developing an acquired taste for them is a major step towards becoming bona fide Japanese.

• Nankotsu – Sometimes off-puttingly translated as “softbones”. This is one of Japan’s most popular snacks. Made of deep fried chicken cartilage, it’s the texture that’ll get you. Once you get your head around that, you may even grow to love them.
• Nattou – Fermented beans! Need I say more? This revolting smell cannot be accurately described here. You’ll just have to try it for yourself.
• Takoyaki – Probably the easiest of the three to get your head around, these hot, battered Octopus balls are topped with an unusual array of sauces and dried fish flakes to taste. It could go either way.

4. The Tea Ceremony

One of the most fascinating customs in the world, the Japanese tea ceremony or “Way of tea” can tell you more about Japanese culture than anything else! If you are lucky enough to be invited to one, you cannot afford to pass up the opportunity.

Revolutionised by Sen no Rikyu in the 16th Century, the tea ceremony embodies the principles of respect, harmony, tranqility and purity, and is firmly linked to Zen Buddhism.

Sen no Rikyu was one of the most influential people to ever live in Japan. He taught that each “meeting” was to be treasured while it lasted, as no other would ever be the same, and developed the concept of Wabi – where the focus is not on show or adornments but on simplicity and natural beauty.

After a disagreement with his master, Rikyu was ordered to commit ritual suicide. His philosophies, however, live on, and can be seen in almost every aspect of Japanese life today.

5. Visit Hokkaido

Finally, you’ll never feel that your trip to Japan was complete without a journey to the far eastern shores of Hokkaido, the northernmost of Japan’s main four islands. It might seem like a bit of a trek, but this is the adventure that’ll either make or break you on your journey to becoming Japanese.

Leave Western culture and the big cities behind and journey into Japan’s rich past as you cross beautiful Aomori Prefecture and arrive on Hokkaido. Here you’ll discover an abundance of beautiful scenery, countless national parks that are perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities, and very few tourists to get in the way of your awe-inspiring photos.

Hokkaido is also home of the Sapporo brewery and the Yoichi distillery (which is fast gaining critical acclaim on the world whisky scene), as well as being the last place on earth to see the Ainu – Japan’s native population.

The Ainu have undergone centuries of discrimination and persecution and are only now beginning to be accepted as an integral part of Japanese culture. There are traditional villages such as Nibutani where you can visit the Ainu and learn about their unique language, religion, music and cuisine. Very few Japanese people make this journey, and even fewer tourists.

Pull it off and no-one can deny that you know your stuff when it comes to Japan.

Good luck! Ganbatte!

Other Suggestions:

• Karaoke the Japanese way – In a private room with all your friends and a seemingly endless choice of songs.
• Catch the annual Sumo Championships – An experience you’ll never forget.
• Stay in a ryokan! – A traditional Japanese inn typically located in scenic rural areas and often containing an onsen bath
  complex.
• Drink Japanese-style – Nomihoudai, or “All-you-can-drink” is the most common way to drink socially with friends. You pay for the time, not volume of alcohol. Try not to abuse the privilege too much.

Plan Your Trip to Japan

We’ve been traveling 20 years and have come to rely on a few trusted websites that save us money and time when booking accommodation, flights, and car rental. Below are our preferred partners. If you book through these links, we do receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

More posts on Japan Travel

• The PERFECT 10 Days in Japan Itinerary (for First Time Visitors)
• A Guide to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios Japan
• 18 most Exciting Things to do in Japan
• 5 tips for visiting Japan with kids on a budget

Author Bio: Roy Kerr is a writer, touring motorcyclist, and general lonesome traveller. He studied Creative Writing at University in Bath, England, graduating with 1st Class Honours. He has gone on to travel through 58 countries, and counting… He is the author of the travel blog, Notes from the Road.

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Can you add any other things to do while living in Japan?