22 best things to do in Japan (by the time you’re 35)

With its perfect mix of deep tradition and brightly coloured cities, Japan is a dream for any globe-trotter. There’s plenty of things to do in Japan for everyone, it’s a crowd-pleaser for sure, whether you’re a history buff, a food fanatic, a serial shopper, or someone who just wants to take in the sights. Read on for our list of the best things to do in the Land of the Rising Sun.

1. Get a sunrise snap of Mt Fuji

There’s a reason Mount Fuji is in all the photos – it’s simply spectacular. Its cratered peak is snow-capped all year round and on a clear day, it’s visible for miles. From Tokyo, you can get a good view from the Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree, but in the morning it’s best seen from the lakes in the surrounding regions.

Contiki’s Japan Unrivalled tour includes a stop in Hakone, near Lake Ashinoko – and if you’re lucky enough to be up before the fishing boats, you might be rewarded with an image of the mountain reflected in the still, clear water. No filter required.

2. Explore Tokyo’s districts

Whatever your vibe, you’ll find it somewhere in the mega metropolis that is Tokyo. Fashionistas will love the funk-fusion of Harajuku (so admired by Gwen Stefani), zen seekers will appreciate the famous Senso-Ji Buddhist temple in Asakusa and shopaholics need look no further than the streets of Ginza. If you’re a foodie, why not try a sushi-making class at the new fish market in Toyosu? And for a bit of everything, head to the famous Shibuya crossing. Snapping a selfie at the world’s busiest intersection is obligatory – but are you brave enough to cross?

3. Get your geek on at Akihabara

Technophiles, assemble! You’ll find plenty awesomeness at the world’s largest electronics bazaar. One of the coolest things to do in Japan is to head there at night when the neon signs are all lit up, but visit any time to find all the latest gadgets, software, manga and toys. For total immersion, try the Final Fantasy themed Eorzea café, or simply wander around gawking at all the eye-popping electronics. It’s a pop culture paradise.

4. Have a ‘Super’ time go-karting around a real city

There won’t be any bananas or coins to collect, but you’ll still have to watch where you’re going as you’ll be driving on actual roads in an actual city! These experiences aren’t affiliated with Nintendo, so they won’t actually say Super Mario Kart on them, but you can still pick your kart and helmet and some companies will even rent you a superhero costume.

Contiki offers this experience in Osaka and Tokyo, so all you have to worry about is having the correct license, and it’s Ready, Set, Go for the ride of your life! What better way to get the adrenaline going for some karaoke and sake later.

5. ‘Hang around’ an active volcano on the Hakone Ropeway

Mount Hakone last erupted 3,000 years ago, but a 30-minute gondola ride will show you that it is still very much active, with bubbling springs and sulphurous fumes dotting the landscape. Drift over this scene in comfortable safety, then once you’re on the ground treat yourself to a local delicacy –  boiled eggs turned black by the sulphur in the water. If you feel the need to stretch your legs there are some great hiking trails around the lake, or if not, take a cruise and enjoy the views of Mt Fuji from the lake.

6. Take time for tea

The tea ceremony, known as The Way of the Tea, is a serious business in Japan, steeped in history, ceremony and tradition. Tea rooms, called chashitsu, are typically made of wood, and guests must remove their shoes and wash their hands before entering and sitting on the traditional tatami mats. Japan’s capital has several famous tea houses, including Happo-En, with its six different floors and famous 500-year-old bonsai tree, and Jidaiya, where you can enjoy your tea in a traditional kimono.

7. Get steamy in an Onsen

This must be at the top of your list of things to do in Japan! When your legs and feet need a rest from all that sightseeing, revive them with a rejuvenating soak in one of Japan’s famous hot springs. These traditional open air baths – called Onsen – are all over the country and have been part of Japanese culture for thousands of years.

Contiki tours offer an Onsen experience in Tokyo, but be warned – you’ll have to put modesty aside, as swimsuits aren’t allowed! Think of it as a bonding experience with your new travel mates.

8. Ride a Japanese bullet train

The Japanese take efficiency to a new level with the Shinkansen, the fastest high-speed train in the world. Originally unveiled for the 1964 Olympics, Shinkansen always depart on time – not a second too late or early – and zoom across the Japanese countryside at a cool 320km per hour.

A Shinkasen ride is included in all Contiki’s Japanese tours, so the tricky booking process is taken care of. You’ll be at your next destination in the same amount of time it takes to fly, with considerably less carbon footprint. It’s a win-win for the planet and your bucket list. Bonus points if you’re lucky enough to hop on the Hello Kitty train!

9. Pray for world peace at Hiroshima

Nowhere is there a starker reminder of the global reach of World War II than at Hiroshima. The town that was completely destroyed by the atom bomb in 1945 is now home to the Hiroshima Museum and Peace Park, where the great cenotaph lists the names of almost 300,000 victims – and more are being added each year.

As you wander around the park, contemplate the paper cranes at the children’s memorial, pause for a moment at the Flame of Peace, and ring the Peace Bell in hope for the future. It’s a heartbreaking and haunting place.

10. See the gate between the worlds at Mijayima Island

Not far from Hiroshima is Mijayima Island, where the great torii gate of the Itsukushima Shrine stands imperiously as if floating on the water. Arrive at high tide for maximum impact, then hike or take the ropeway to the top of nearby Mount Misen for views over the island. There are some architectural marvels to look out for, including magnificent temples and shrines, but watch out for the miniature deer – carelessly placed snacks will be gone before you can say ‘pagoda’!

11. Walk through a thousand gates at Inari Shrine

Along with Buddhism, Shinto is Japan’s main religion, which is founded on the belief in the existence of protecting deities, or guardians, known as kami. This shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, and is famous for its thousands of orange torii gates, creating a bright vermillion tunnel leading up the mountain. Explore the shrine and then follow the trail up to the summit, and be sure to look out for the many fox statues placed around the trail, believed to be the messengers of Inari.

12. Make snow angels in Japan-uary

There may not be cherry blossoms in winter, but there’s plenty of snow – especially in January where there’s fresh snow most days. If powder and pistes are your thing, Contiki’s Winter Wonder tour includes a Ski plus option in Hakuba.

Spend your days gliding over the pristine slopes of Japan’s northern alps, then unwind with a dip in the hot springs. If your legs need a rest, how about dangling them from the sky on a mountain glide, where there’s nothing but glistening white as far as the eye can see. Winter is one of the best times to visit Japan.

13. See fifty shades of pink during the cherry blossom season

Undoubtably one of the most popular things to do in Japan, and one of the busiest tourist seasons for the country, nothing evokes thoughts of Japan quite like the gentle rain of cherry blossoms. Called Sakura, these burst into life every spring in a short but brilliant display, dusting the whole country in a coat of delicate pink. Symbolising the impermanence and transience of life, the Japanese observe hanami – or flower viewing – by picnicking under the cherry trees, often staying long into the night when the blooms are illuminated by lights and lanterns.

Ueno park in Tokyo is a popular spot, where the blooms last from late March to early April. Just remember to take your rubbish home with you – the Japanese are scrupulous when it comes to tidiness!

14. Fill your feed – and your belly – with a traditional tasting meal

Sampling Japanese street food is a must, but don’t overdo the katsu at lunch time if you’re heading for Kaiseki in the evening. This traditional Japanese tasting meal comprises many small courses, all presented in the simple yet exquisitely beautiful way that only the Japanese seem to manage.  You’ll start with appetizers, followed by sashimi, cooked dishes, a rice course and dessert with palate cleansers in between. Have your food filters ready, because you’ll definitely be ‘gramming some gourmet.

15. Find your zen in a Buddhist temple

There’s nothing like a moment of calm to balance the buzz and activity of city sightseeing, and no one does mindfulness better than the Buddhists. The best time to join them is first thing in the morning, when the world is quiet and the only light comes from flickering lanterns. Be carried away by the monks’ chanting and watch as the rising sun reflects off the sumptuous golden decoration. Take a deep breath. Pause. Then go about your day with a new spring in your step.

16. Spend the night in a Capsule Hotel

Is there anything that screams ‘I’ve been to Japan’ more than spending a night in a capsule hotel? This type of accommodation is exactly what it sounds like: small capsules in a wall featuring a bed and some space on the side for storage. If you’re a light-packer just passing through Japan’s cities and towns, then this is all you need.

It feels a little futuristic, maybe even like you’re in a spaceship, and when you’re in a country as technologically-advanced as Japan, that kind of makes sense.

17. Visit the Ritsurin Garden

A traditional Japanese garden right in the heart of Takamatsu, the Ritsurin Garden is a stunning natural area to get some fresh air and appreciate the art of landscaping. It’s dotted with all kinds of native plantlife and has a backdrop of lush mountains – you wouldn’t even know you were in the middle of a city!

Walk over moon-shaped bridges, known as sori-bashi, and gaze at your reflection (and koi fish) in emerald ponds, then enjoy tea in their tea house, built during Japan’s Edo Period.

18. Buy tickets to a sumo fight

After you come back from your trip and your friends ask ‘what are the best things to do in Japan’ don’t forget to include witnessing a real life sumo match. These impressive competitions are full-contact wrestling matches where rikishi – wrestlers – attempt to force their opponent outside of the fighting ring.

Of course, the most impressive aspect of sumo wrestlers is that they fight basically entirely naked! Sumo fighting is an ancient and well-respected sport in Japan, with traditions and rituals tying back to Shinto practices, such as salt purification.

19. Take a stroll between rows of bamboo

Arashiyama Bamboo grove is one of Japan’s most popular sights, and for good reason, have you ever seen anything like it? Take a stroll between thick rows of tall and sturdy bamboo and get lost in this land of giants. It’s like nothing you’ll ever do, truly a natural wonder of the world, and if you were to be visited by a Shinto spirit, this would be the place…

20. Take a trip to Okinawa

The Okinawa Prefecture is a separate southern island of Japan, but it’s well worth the extra costs in travel fees. The island has a tragic past tied to various wars and occupations, and many museums will detail this history. But it’s also home to tourist attractions, the most fascinating of which is Shurijo Castle: a stunning structure of brilliant red, adorned with those typical sloping tiled roofs.

21. Feed deer in Nara

Deer are a sacred animal in Nara, protected as ‘natural monuments’, and this dates all the way back to an ancient myth which tells the story of a god travelling atop a white deer from the Ibaraki Prefecture to Mt. Mikasa in Nara. Now, in Nara Park, deer roam wild and visitors are invited to feed them deer crackers – shika senbei – and roam alongside them. It’s a true Disney princess moment and a sweet day trip out!

Once you’re done, it’s time to feed yourself with some amazing Japanese food! Eat sushi, takoyaki, bento boxes, or even some delicious ice-cream!

22. Get whimsical at the Ghibli Park

One cannot visit Japan without taking a day trip to the Ghibli Park in Nagakute and awakening the slumbering child inside. The long-awaited park opened in 2022 and is a testament to the beauty and whimsy of Hayao Miyazaki’s work and influence on Japanese and anime culture as a whole.

The park features attractions and installations based on the gorgeous locations and mischievous characters of Ghibli films such as Spirited Away and My Neighbour Totoro, surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes.