Top Things to Do in Japan| Best Places to Visit for Tourists

Check out 15 cool experiences in Japan - wander Tokyo’s districts, visit ancient shrines in Kyoto, see Mount Fuji from afar, and meet friendly deer in Nara. This guide spills the beans on can’t-miss sights without the fluff

Japan mixes old customs with high-tech ideas throughout its islands - explore Tokyo’s glowing alleys, peaceful temples in Kyoto, or the towering summit of Mount Fuji. You’ll find something exciting here whether you love cuisine, history, or wild landscapes. We’ve picked top activities in Japan, showing cool sights, key places to visit, plus handy advice so your journey sticks with you.

Wander Tokyo's Vibrant Neighborhoods

Tokyo throws you right into Japan’s pulse, stacking different neighborhoods into a single massive city that’s ideal if you’re visiting for the first time. Instead of just walking around, picture thousands flooding across Shibuya Crossing every day. On the flip side, Shinjuku gives skyline vistas from towering heights - check out the no-cost lookout decks on top of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

At Asakusa’s Senso-ji Temple, you’ll spot a huge red lantern while strolling past shops selling trinkets or treats along Nakamise Street. Over in Harajuku, Takeshita Street bursts with oddball styles and sweet crepes - perfect if you love watching crowds during weekend outings

Set aside two whole days around here; hop on the quick subway using a Suica or Pasmo card to move easily from one Japanese sight to another

Discover Kyoto's Timeless Temples and Geisha Districts

Kyoto holds more than 2,000 temples and shrines, standing as a core spot for Japanese culture while pulling in visitors who want real historical vibes. At Fushimi Inari Taisha, countless red torii gates line winding paths up wooded slopes - making one of the most famous walks around.

Kinkaku-ji’s gold-topped hall shines on the water, whereas Kiyomizu-dera gives you a wooden platform look-out across blooming cherries or red fall leaves. By night, Gion’s softly lit paths might show a geisha walking to a teahouse if you’re lucky

Head out in spring for cherry blossoms or autumn for colorful leaves - try on a kimono to snap real-deal pics at Japan’s most-visited spots.

Chase Mount Fuji Views and Experiences

Mount Fuji, standing tall at 3,776 meters, is Japan’s tallest mountain - also a powerful national icon that almost everyone wants to see. Around it lies the Fuji Five Lakes region; Lake Kawaguchiko stands out with hot spring inns nearby while a funicular takes visitors up to Tenjo-yama Park for sweeping views

The climbing season starts in July, goes until early September - getting there from Tokyo by bus is about two hours. Close by, the Arakurayama Sengen Shrine sits with a bright red tower that lines up perfectly with Fuji, looks like a picture straight off a postcard

Cold winter mornings bring the clearest views - try pairing them with a trip to an old forgotten place for something different

Feed Deer and Explore Nara Park

Nara’s just a short trip from Kyoto or Osaka, full of wild deer that wander freely - over 1,200 of them. These animals often lower their heads when offered shika senbei snacks in Nara Park. Inside Todaiji Temple stands the massive Daibutsu-den hall. There, you’ll find the biggest bronze Buddha on Earth, measuring 15 meters high.

Kasuga Taisha’s 3,000 stone along with bronze lanterns glow along trails lined by old cedar trees. Inside the park’s museums though you’ll find relics from the Heian era

Get there ahead of time to skip the rush - this World Heritage spot mixes greenery with peace like it’s nothing.

Indulge in Osaka's Street Food and Castle

Osa­ka’s la­beled “Ja­pan’s kit­chen” be­cause of Dotom­bo­ri’s bright lights al­ong the ca­nal, plus street ven­dors sell­ing ta­ko­ya­ki. The Kuro­mon mar­ket draws crowds with juicy sea­food on sticks, while wa­gyu beef sizzles nearby

Osa-jo's surrounded walls light up with early blooms come March; head up the main keep to see the whole town sprawl below. Down south, Shinsekai brings back old-school flair using crispy fried bites on sticks - dip each piece fresh

Night markets really come alive past six. Try mixing eats with a boat trip down the river to soak it all in

Ride the Iconic Shinkansen Bullet Trains

Japan’s bullet train zips you from Tokyo to Kyoto in just 2.5 hours, racing at 320 km/h. Pick a reserved seat for relaxed rides past rolling hills while munching on tasty ekiben meals.

Japan Rail Pass works on nearly every line when hopping between cities - turn it on once you land at Narita or Haneda. For Hakone rides, regional options such as the Romancecar bring extra flavor to your journey

Feel the exact timing of train calls, plus how steady the journeys are - this is what makes moving around Japan so quick. Travel feels seamless here.

Stay in a Traditional Ryokan with Onsen Baths

Ryokans offer tatami-matted rooms, along with elaborate kaiseki meals served over several courses. Some include personal onsen baths; others have shared ones filled with mineral-laden water. Around Hakone, certain lakefront lodges position their soaking areas to face Mount Fuji. Views unfold while you relax in warm outdoor tubs

Kinosaki Onsen’s seven hot springs make strolling by the water a natural choice - rocking a yukata just feels right. Stick to the rules: scrub off first, ’cause cleanliness matters here. Watch out for tattoo limits in certain places, though you can book private soaks if needed.

Stay somewhere with meals included for real local nights; some include sunrise yoga or quiet tea rituals instead.

Stroll Kanazawa's Gardens and Samurai Districts

Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen is one of Japan’s most famous gardens - think colorful maples in fall, quiet ponds, plus lights during festival nights. Just close by, the old Nagamachi Samurai area holds together crumbling clay houses and showcases worn-out armor sets from long ago

Higashi Chiba’s geisha area has old-style tea spots along with handmade gold-leaf items, feels like Kyoto but quieter. Meanwhile, Omicho Market dishes out raw fish that's super fresh

Snow time brings glowing lights; the bullet train from Tokyo needs just two and a half hours.

Reflect at Hiroshima Peace Memorial and Miyajima

Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park remembers 1945 through the A-Bomb Dome along with moving displays inside the museum. Over on Miyajima, Itsukushima Shrine shows off its famous torii gate that seems to float when tide levels shift - recognized by UNESCO as something truly special.

Hike up Mount Misen - spot deer or monkeys while catching wide island views. Oysters pair with anago eel, shaping how folks eat here

Ferry from Hiroshima mainland; combine both sites in one day via JR Pass.

Hike the Japanese Alps in Nagano

Kamikochi Valley sits inside Chubu Sangaku National Park - trails here wind through high snowy mountains alongside bright blue rivers. The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route crosses deep gorges, using electric buses along with cable cars instead of regular roads.

Yudanaka’s snow monkeys soak in hot spring waters when it's cold. By mid-October, leaves turn vivid colors - foliage hits its peak then

Stay in Matsumoto for sights of the castle; gentle trails work well if you're just average on stamina.

Savor Nikko's Shrines and Waterfalls

Nikko National Park holds Toshogu, filled with detailed carvings tucked inside tall cedar woods. The temple sits quiet beneath thick trees. Kegon Falls drops sharply - nearly a hundred meters down. Water crashes loud at the bottom. Nearby, Lake Chuzenji reflects fiery fall colors across its surface. Leaves glow like flames on still water

Shinkyo Bridge’s bright curves watch over the holy land. Right at dawn, buses roll by before folks gather

UNESCO site blending Edo opulence and nature; visit May-November.

Island Hop to Okinawa's Beaches

Okinawa’s blue-green seas plus vibrant corals match Caribbean beauty near places such as the Kerama chain. The Churaumi Aquarium wows with its massive whale shark exhibit

Ishigaki’s Kabira Bay has glass-bottom boat rides, also night views under open stars. Explore old warship ruins underwater instead of taking forest walks in Yanbaru.

Flights from Tokyo; typhoon season peaks in August.

Tour Himeji Castle and Kobe Beef

Himeji’s snowy fortress - called Egret Castle - shows off old Japan with deep ditches and tall keeps. Just a short way off, Kobe dishes up buttery wagyu in cozy pubs

Sake spots in Nada let you sample brews. The rebuilt fortress, now a UNESCO site, shines bright after repairs

Shinkansen stops make it easy from Osaka or Kyoto.

Experience Takayama's Old Town and Festivals

Takayama’s old Sanmachi Suji lanes hold early markets along with grilled Hida beef sticks. During spring or autumn, big parades roll through on giant floats

Hike nearby Shirakawa-go's gassho-zukuri farmhouses, a UNESCO thatched-roof village.

Take a bus from Nagoya - sleep at a family-run inn.

Enjoy Seasonal Festivals Across Japan

Cherry blossoms bring picnic crowds to parks by late March. During July, Gion Matsuri takes over Kyoto’s roads with vibrant processions. In February, Sapporo turns into an icy art scene through its big snow event

Festivals light up warm evenings across the country. When you're there, it’s one of those top experiences in Japan that sticks with you - no doubt about it

Capture Your Japanese Journey with SimCorner eSIM

Get online fast - from city skyscrapers to quiet shrines - using SimCorner’s Japan eSIM, packed with endless data, talk time, and tethering. Great for checking directions on Google Maps, looking up food spots, or posting pics by Mount Fuji. Pick physical SIMs if you’re sticking around longer. See more of Japan without stress

FAQs: Top 15 Things in Japan

What’s worth checking out in Japan if you’re visiting for the very first time?

Check out Tokyo’s neighborhoods, then hit Kyoto’s shrines - both cool in their own way. See Mount Fuji from a nearby spot, chill with deer in Nara, where they walk right up to you. Osaka’s street eats? Totally worth the mess. Blend city vibes, old-school spots, and quiet outdoors across two weeks. Get the rail pass - it saves time, lets you bounce around easy

What’s the top moment for activities in Japan?

Spring brings cherry blossoms - try March or April. Autumn shows off colorful leaves around October, November. Summer’s alive with local festivals. Head to Hokkaido when it snows for quiet winter views. Skip Golden Week if you hate packed streets.

What can you enjoy in Japan alongside your children?

Tokio's Disney park, petting deer in Nara, sunny shores down south - Okinawa’s coast is a vibe. Digital lights at teamLab shift like dreams when you move. Hot spring stays feel old-school cozy. Trains make hopping around with kids smooth. Aquariums pop up everywhere you least expect 'em.

Budget things to do in Japan?

Free temples or shrines, snacks from corner stores, train adventures with a pass, hostels that feel like old-style inns. Grab food at markets for under ¥1,000 each day.

What’s there to explore in Japan outside urban areas?

Hiking Fuji beats trekking the Alps - onsen dips spice up island shores while festivals pop when seasons shift.