16 Essential Japan Experiences Every Traveler Must Try

Japan is full of reasons to fall head over heels in love with it.

Whether you're searching for the best food in Tokyo and Osaka or soaking in the country's breathtaking landscapes, it's impossible to experience everything in one trip. But you'll have a blast trying.

We've created the ultimate guide to Japan’s top experiences to help you plan your next adventure. Plus, don't forget to explore the gallery above for even more stunning travel inspiration from Japan.

EXPLORING THE GREAT OUTDOORS

While Japan is renowned for its vibrant, cutting-edge cities, be sure to set aside a few days to immerse yourself in its breathtaking natural beauty. From towering mountain peaks to pristine white-sand beaches, this country has it all.

Here are a few unforgettable Japan experiences that offer the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

Winter Sports

Nagano, which hosted the 1998 Winter Olympics, has long been a go-to destination for snow enthusiasts. In recent years, Niseko on the northern island of Hokkaido has gained popularity among powder lovers for its fresh, high-quality snow and world-class dining scene.

On Honshu Island, Zao Onsen in Yamagata Prefecture offers a unique winter experience with skiing, rejuvenating hot springs, and the famous 'snow monsters' – trees blanketed in thick snow and ice.

For something truly unique, the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route – known as the 'Roof of Japan' – lets travelers drive along a road flanked by towering snow walls that can reach heights of up to 17 meters.

Beach Hopping

Being an island nation, Japan’s beaches are just as awe-inspiring as its towering skyscrapers and high-speed bullet trains.

Located in the north of Japan's main island, Jodogahama Beach (meaning Pure Land) is a serene, hidden paradise with crystal-clear waters and striking white rocks.

If you’re drawn to softer, darker sands, Ibusuki Beach is your perfect escape. This subtropical gem is famous for its unique sand bathing experience, known as suna-mushi.

For those who love island hopping, the Matsushima region offers a stunning collection of 260 tiny islands, all covered in lush pine trees.

Onsen Soaking

For those new to Japanese onsens, be prepared: Nudity isn’t just accepted, it’s expected.

The term 'onsen' refers to Japan’s natural hot springs, but it also encompasses facilities like spas and inns that channel the thermal waters into their own bathing areas.

While onsens are found all over Japan, Beppu is considered the country's hot spring capital, boasting more than 2,500 springs and being the second-largest source of thermal water in the world.

For travelers with tattoos, visiting a Japanese onsen can be tricky, as many establishments prohibit ink, due to its association with yakuza gangs.

Luckily, there’s Tattoo-Friendly, a website that lists accommodations welcoming to those with tattoos. You can filter your search by facility type – such as gym, pool, hotel, ryokan (inn), or sento (public bath).

Each property featured on the site provides a brief overview of its amenities, along with details about its tattoo policies.

Hanami

Each spring, Japan pauses for a few weeks to take part in hanami, a cherished tradition of admiring the vibrant blossoms that signal the season’s arrival.

Hanami is so beloved that the Japan Weather Association broadcasts an annual sakura (cherry blossom) forecast on TV, and the Japan National Tourism Organization offers up-to-date cherry blossom predictions on their website.

Here are some of the top spots in Japan to join the annual cherry blossom viewing celebration.

Hiking

With its mountainous terrain, trekking is one of Japan’s most popular activities.

For a spiritual adventure, embark on the Kumano Kodo, a multi-day pilgrimage through Wakayama Prefecture, where you’ll be treated to delicious food, charming rural villages, and rich cultural experiences along the way.

Over a thousand years ago, emperors and nobles traveled to the main Kumano Kodo shrines via a network of hiking paths. After completing the trek, we suggest spending the night at a temple in Koyasan, a mountaintop town at the heart of Shingon Buddhism.

In Koyasan, ancient cedar forests coexist with historic pagodas, paved streets, restaurants, schools, cafes, and souvenir shops.

The enchanting Yakushima forest on Kyushu Island (featured in Hayao Miyazaki’s legendary film Princess Mononoke) and the Sagano bamboo forest near Kyoto offer tranquil, family-friendly spots for a peaceful walk in Japan.

TRADITION

Japan is a master at balancing tradition with innovation, leading in technology while also cherishing its rich history in architecture, art, fashion, food, and sports.

Here are a few experiences that will immerse you in the traditional side of Japan.

Stay in a ryokan

Looking for an authentic Japanese inn experience, complete with tatami mat floors, onsen baths, and sliding doors?

Staying at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese guesthouse, is the perfect way to experience Japan’s hospitality. With options for every budget, they are most commonly found in rural areas outside major cities.

Guests are encouraged to wear yukata (casual kimonos) and socks, while enjoying traditional Japanese meals prepared on-site.

For a truly exceptional ryokan experience, check out our feature on six of Japan’s most stunning inns.

Tea ceremonies

The Japanese tea ceremony, known as chado, is a time-honored tradition of preparing and serving matcha, a high-quality powdered green tea.

To create matcha, green tea leaves are grown in the shade, dried, and ground into a fine powder to preserve their nutrients. During the ceremony, this powder is whisked with hot water in a small bowl until a frothy foam forms, emphasizing both the process and the meditative state it inspires.

Kyoto is the ultimate destination to experience Japan’s matcha tea ceremony or simply enjoy a few cups of the prized beverage. There are numerous tea-making classes and demonstrations available in English and other languages.

Kimonos

Kimonos, Japan’s most iconic traditional garments, are renowned for their beauty and craftsmanship. However, their intricate design and meticulous production process make them a costly souvenir.

On the island of Amami Oshima, for example, it can take up to two years to complete just one kimono.

One of the most respected kimono manufacturers is Okaju, located in Kyoto. Established in 1855, it is now led by the fourth-generation artisan, Shigeo Okajima.

If you'd like to try wearing a kimono during your trip to Japan, several rental shops throughout Kyoto offer the experience.

If you'd rather admire these stunning garments from a distance, head to Gion, Kyoto’s historic district, where you can see geishas strolling by in their elegant kimonos.

Before snapping photos, make sure to check out this guide on the dos and don'ts of geisha-watching.

Sumo Watching

Sumo is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Historians believe the sport has been practiced for over 2,000 years, and its traditions have remained remarkably consistent since the Edo period.

Securing a seat at one of Japan's six major sumo tournaments each year can be nearly as challenging as stepping into the ring yourself. However, with a bit of planning, you can catch the action. Tickets are available through Japan's official sumo website.

There are also other ways to get up close and personal with sumo wrestlers.

When they’re not in the ring, sumo wrestlers dedicate themselves to rigorous training at sumo stables, known as beya.

These stables, primarily located in Tokyo’s Ryogoku district, are where wrestlers eat, sleep, live, and practice on a daily basis. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular for tourists to watch morning practices, which start around 5 a.m. and last for three to four hours.

Learn more about Japan’s sumo stables here.

CUISINE

Japan’s culinary scene is a paradise, shaped by a rich heritage, an intense cultural love for food, and a near-sacred devotion to freshness and perfection in every dish.

Here are a few of Japan’s essential culinary experiences. If you’ve already sampled some, dive even deeper into the nation's food culture with our list of 25 must-try Japanese dishes.

Sushi

When you think of Japanese cuisine, sushi is likely the first dish that comes to mind.

Sushi is more than just fish on rice – nigiri is only one variation. Mastering sushi making can take a lifetime, but travelers can get a taste of it at Sushi University, where you can learn to tell the difference between nigiri and nori-maki.

The beauty of good sushi lies in its simplicity: it depends on the freshness of the ingredients and the skill of the chef’s knife.

Whether you prefer your raw fish atop a delicate mound of vinegared rice, wrapped in crispy nori seaweed, or pressed into thick rectangular blocks, sushi is available in a wide range of price points.

For a truly luxurious experience, head to Sushisho Masa (106-0031 Tokyo, Minato City, Nishiazabu, 4 Chome−1−15) in Tokyo’s upscale Roppongi district, where sushi perfection awaits.

Then there's Sukiyai Jiro, the legendary sushi spot in Tokyo’s prestigious Ginza neighborhood, renowned as the best sushi restaurant in the world. Tucked away in a basement near the Ginza Metro Station, Sukiyai Jiro became a global sensation after the 2012 documentary, “Jiro Dreams of Sushi.”

Kobe beef

Renowned for its exquisite marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture, Kobe beef is one of Japan’s most highly sought-after meats.

Kobe beef, a variety of Wagyu beef, is named after the region where the cattle are raised and is relatively rare, with only 3,000 cattle achieving Kobe grade status each year.

This can be confusing, but here's a simple way to understand it: Wagyu, which translates to “Japanese cow,” refers to specific breeds of cattle that are part of a pure, traceable bloodline.

The Kansai region, home to Osaka, is known for producing the three top varieties of Wagyu: Matsusaka, Kobe, and Ohmi. However, beef from other regions can be just as delicious.

Learn more about Japan’s different types of beef here.

Soba, or Japanese buckwheat noodles, are typically served either cold with a dipping sauce (zaru soba) or hot in a savory dashi broth.

Among all types of soba, the true standout is te-uchi, which translates to 'handmade' in Japanese. This hand-kneaded and hand-cut soba offers superior firmness and flavor, far surpassing mass-produced varieties.

For an extraordinary soba experience, visit Iwate in northern Japan, where you can indulge in a 400-year-old tradition of all-you-can-eat noodles known as 'wanko soba.'

Triumphing over all other soba styles is te-uchi soba, crafted by hand to achieve perfect texture and taste, setting it apart from mass-produced alternatives.

At one wanko soba restaurant, a customer managed to eat an impressive 570 bowls in a single sitting.

Yakitori

At a yakitori restaurant, you’ll find every part of the chicken served on skewers, from tender breasts to crispy skin and even gizzards – all expertly prepared in the Japanese way.

One of the top spots to enjoy yakitori is Tokyo’s Torikado, a premium omakase restaurant where the chef decides your meal from start to finish.

For a more casual experience, head to an izakaya, a laid-back Japanese pub where you can enjoy yakitori with a cold beer. Check out our picks for the best affordable izakayas in Tokyo.

Kaiseki

Travelers planning a trip to Kyoto will almost certainly come across the term “kaiseki.”

At first glance, kaiseki may seem like just an elaborate multicourse Japanese dinner with visually stunning dishes, but there’s much more depth to this carefully crafted, often luxurious dining experience.

For those who understand its true essence, kaiseki is a reflection of “omotenashi,” a Japanese concept meaning heartfelt hospitality and attention to detail.

Curious to learn more? We followed chef Hisato Nakahigashi of the two Michelin-starred Miyamasou, a renowned restaurant and ryokan, to create this beginner’s guide to kaiseki meals.

Ramen

There’s nothing more soothing than a hot bowl of ramen to slurp down on a chilly, rainy day.

Ramen comes in four primary styles: Shoyu (soy sauce-based broth), Shio (a lighter version of shoyu), Miso (fermented soy bean-based), and Tonkotsu (rich, creamy pork bone broth).

Dinogo Travel teamed up with Brian Mac, the founder of Ramen Adventures, to share his top ramen picks from Tokyo and beyond, including Hokkaido’s miso ramen, Kumamoto ramen from Kyushu, and a variety of shoyu-based bowls. Discover more about these delicious options here.

Sake

Sake, the traditional Japanese rice wine, has a rich history that stretches back to the third century.

Produced across the country, sake is especially renowned in Japan’s Tohoku region in the northeast, where some of the finest brews are crafted. Many sake brewers even offer tours.

What sets Tohoku’s sake apart is its unique geography: harsh winters with heavy snowfall and a long-standing agricultural tradition due to the region’s relative isolation.

For those visiting the north, several sake breweries offer tours in English and tastings, though you’ll need to book in advance through their websites.

Discover more about the renowned sake makers of the Tohoku region here.