Not only is it utterly delicious, but it’s also one of the quickest and cheapest meals you can find. There are many shops in Gion and the surrounding areas to rent them (the Yasaka Shrine area is a convenient place to start). Let’s start with Japanese toilets… I may have a slight obsession with toilets. Cherry blossoms by the canal in Kinosaki Onsen. ), as you must be completely naked (most are divided by gender). We loved Kinosaki Onsen, which is easily accessible from Kyoto and Osaka and is particularly pretty in the spring when the canals are lined with cherry blossoms. One of the most unusual things to do in Japan is spend the night in a temple in the sacred mountain town Koya-san, about 90 minutes from Osaka. Top tip: We recommend this spacious Airbnb apartment in the Shinsaibashi neighbourhood of Osaka. Wasabi, anyone? For some people, these strange things just make visiting Japan even more appealing. 15 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Japan If ramen is one of the cheapest Japanese meals, kaiseki is the most expensive. It’s a joyous time of year when locals hit the parks for hanami picnics and eat cherry-blossom themed food. Tatami mat rooms are elegant, minimalist spaces, usually with just a table and low chairs where you can enjoy green tea on arrival. After the flight and a train ride from the airport into the city, I hopped into a taxi from the station for the last leg of my journey. Total Population: 126 730 000. So, let’s look at 5 most special things you can only see in Japan. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Kairo (Heat Packs) Kairo are disposable Japanese heat packs which are typically stuck to one’s body to stay warm during the brutal Japanese winters. Enter your email to sign up for our monthly newsletter with exclusive travel tips and updates. And finally, the chance to sleep at work One of the 12 courses of our vegan feast at Bon in Tokyo. Japan is a bewildering, beautiful country that is like nowhere else. Best Things to Do and Places to Visit in Japan in May. Visit Mandarake, The World’s Largest Anime And Manga Reseller . Multistory robot-operated parking garages. You can’t visit Japan and not take a stroll through a traditional garden. The highlight is the immense Daibutsu-den (Hall of the Great Buddha) at Todaiji. 1. His kimonos are full of colour and texture and depict nature such as the changes in Mount Fuji through the seasons. Fancy Japanese coins. It’s worth getting over your fears as they are such a relaxing experience. As well as enjoying beautiful coastal views we saw Yayoi Kusama’s famous yellow and red pumpkins and visited several art museums and the unique Art House Project with installations spread over abandoned houses. It includes drama, dance and music and the all-male performers wear elaborate makeup. Children from the age of 6 years old, go to school by themselves in an urban area with 30 million people. There are many other options to experience Japan on foot, bike, boat, and skis. It’s not fancy, but it’s reasonably priced for the area, and our room (with separate living room) was our largest in Japan. It’s not something vegetarians can usually eat, so we were ecstatic to find a tiny takoyaki stand in Osaka that not only does a vegetarian version but also lets you make your own. We loved staying at the modern ryokan Hotel Musashiya on the shores of Lake Ashi in Moto Hakone where we had fantastic views of the lake from our room and the onsen. An izakaya is a Japanese pub where you can drink sake (rice wine), beer and other alcoholic drinks accompanied by small tapas-like plates of food. On my very first visit to Japan, I arrived in Tokyo on a stormy August night. Breakfast and dinner are often included in the price and served in your room. In the rare case that they don’t, they pass out tardy notices for you to give to your employer. Okonomiyaki is another classic Japanese dish found all over the country but especially in Osaka and Hiroshima. It’s reasonably priced, friendly, and the food was wonderful. There are many fun rides at DisneySea as well as more adult-orientated attractions like seeing a Broadway show or drinking a cocktail in a 1920s lounge aboard a cruise liner. Ramen, or noodle soup, may have its origins in China, but there’s now a no more classic Japanese food experience than enjoying a steaming bowl of ramen. I was exhausted following the flight from New York, and a little overwhelmed by my new surroundings. Honestly, it’s so crowded that I much prefer the smaller bamboo groves that you find in temples such as Kodai-ji. Along the journey through the mountains there were many “post towns” where lords and samurai could stop to rest at traditional inns and soak in hot springs. These unique things to do in Japan are activities you don’t find elsewhere and are the best ways of experiencing Japanese culture. By Nicci Martel Oct 15, 2018. And Shibuya, being Tokyo’s special ward is a popular tourist destination in the country. Mount Fuji is elusive, though, and is often obscured by cloud. People still wearing Kimonos! Edo Wonderland was perhaps the most fun things to do in Japan. Japan in spring lives up to the hype. It’s like no museum I’ve ever been to and is worth braving the crowds for. Some have the option of wearing a kimono which adds to the atmosphere. Ingredients are always in season and the presentation enhances the seasonal theme. Best of all are the shinkansen or bullet trains which travel at ultra-high speeds of up to 320 km/h (199 mph). So now that you have an idea of what Japan has to offer, who wants to go with me? See our privacy policy. 8. In Japan, there's a system of loudspeakers that spans the entire country. See our post on the best places to visit in Japan for our top recommendations. Here are a number of things anyone visiting Japan should, or might like to, know. Ms Nishida, who is from the fifth generation of the family who owns the gardens, took us through the ritual and we learnt the appropriate phrases, how to appreciate the tea bowl, and the concept of “ichi-go ichi-e” which means cherishing the moment as it will never happen again. 5) Miyajima. At Entoku-in we had the chance to create our own miniature garden. I love Japan. TeamLab Borderless is a unique digital art museum in Tokyo. Where else in the world can you dress up as your favourite character and drive go-karts on the real streets of a major city? They are diverse, beautiful, peaceful (sometimes), and fascinating with many rituals to observe. In addition to that, Genevieve especially loves to go on Mission Trips and serving different kinds of people. Most ramen is made with meat (or occasionally fish) broth and topped with pork, but vegetarian ramen is becoming more common. Tea isn’t just a drink in Japan and I highly recommend experiencing a traditional tea ceremony to learn more about this important part of Japanese culture. By far the most popular bamboo forest in Japan is in Arashiyama in Kyoto, which is considered one of the top things to see in Japan. Kaiseki meals can be very expensive, but they are a unique experience. The fleeting sakura (cherry blossoms) are truly spectacular, and they are everywhere, not just limited to a certain park or canal. The highlight is the immersive Wizarding World of Harry Potter where you can wander the snowy cobbled streets, stroll through Hogwarts, drink butterbeer, shop for sweets in Honeydukes, and even cast your own spells if you buy a magic wand. Japan began to open up its ports and, on March 31st 1854, signed the Treaty of Kanagawa (Japan-US Treaty of Peace and Amity). This museum isn’t on many things to do in Japan lists, but I think it’s a hidden gem, especially if you visit the beautiful onsite teahouse too. Vegetarian bentos are not easy to find, but we did get one at Matsumoto in the Isetan department store near Shinjuku Station in Tokyo. In Japan you’ll find vending machines everywhere—in train stations, on almost every street corner, and even on hiking paths. Eating sushi in Japan is different from elsewhere and there are strict rules—see this sushi in Japan guide for tips. Naho_B_M. “Lucky bags” (sold during New Year’s), 21. I personally found the Golden Pavillion, although beautiful, definitely wouldn’t be number one on that list, with so many other better things to see and do. Being a vegetarian can be a challenge if you don’t plan in advance, but follow our vegetarian in Japan tips and you’ll eat some of the best meals of your life. Even on a short visit to Japan, you can choose a few experiences from each category for an unforgettable trip. Miyajima is a small island located in the Japanese Inland Sea and home to one of the (if not THE) most famous shrine in Japan. She also loves everything about children; teaching them; taking care of them; and playing with them. Takoyaki is a street food from Osaka that consists of batter cooked in ball shapes on an iron plate and stuffed with octopus. By: Sonia Afonso. They are very convenient as you’ll never go thirsty. Touchscreen menus at many bars and restaurants, 6. Tokyo Tower is another popular viewpoint and looks like a red Eiffel Tower. We’ve enjoyed visits to both but the view is better at Kawaguchiko as it’s closer. Although I prefer it early in the morning, hiking it at night feels more adventurous with a slightly spooky atmosphere (watch out for wild boars!). You can even ride fun themed bullet trains such as the Hello Kitty shinkansen which runs from Osaka to Fukuoka. 10 reasons that make Japan special and unique! Hiring a kimono for the day and wandering the historic streets of Gion and Higashiyama is a popular activity in Kyoto with both Japanese and foreigners. Japan is the 10th most populous country in the world with a population of over 127 million people.. Japan has over 100 active volcanoes with over 70% of the country being mountainous.. Melons are very expensive in Japan. There are so many amazing things to do in Japan that one trip is never enough—it has stolen our hearts and we can’t stop returning. From unique lotteries to strange vending machines, there are a lot of things that only exist in Japan. A cooking class is one of the best things to do in Japan for foodies as you can learn more about Japanese food culture and take home recipes for your favourite dishes. See our favourite Universal Studios Japan rides. Learn how your comment data is processed. Japan is a massive brewer of beers and whiskeys, Sapporo being the oldest of all. Matches still include rituals that date back to its ancient origins as part of the Shinto religion such as purifying the ring with salt. The fortunes range from great good luck to great bad luck (luckily the worst we’ve got is “pretty good”). If you want the full onsen experience, head to an onsen town. This unpredictable lady loves everything about East Asia. We adore train travel in Japan. Nara is a wonderful day trip from Kyoto. A bento box is a Japanese lunchbox featuring a range of small dishes with a balance of flavours, textures, and food groups. Fushimi Inari is one of the top tourist attractions in Japan and gets incredibly busy, so I highly recommend arriving before 7 am or after 8 pm to avoid the worst of the crowds. Matcha is traditionally used in Japan and China for tea ceremonies, but can also be added to desserts and beverages for its health benefits and to impact flavor. Genevieve Baxa is a college student living in the Philippines. Special days in Japan. Outside Shibuya Station as many as 2500 people cross the road every time the light changes, somehow managing to avoid bumping into each other. One of the most unusual things to do in Japan is spend the night in a temple in the sacred mountain town Koya-san, about 90 minutes from Osaka. Read our Kyoto temples guide for more on the differences between temples and shrines. Kyoto is the home of the tea ceremony, so there are many options such as this authentic tea ceremony near the Golden Temple. Early in the morning you can join the monks for their chanting and fire ceremony. Another Kyoto highlight is Kinkaku-ji or the Golden Temple. From winter illuminations to bathing monkeys, here are best places to visit and things to do in Japan … You can find many other ryokans all over Japan—search on Booking.com. The rooms are equipped with comfy seating, microphones, TV, and a tablet which you use to choose from a wide selection of songs. After 80+ countries I have come to the conclusion that Japan is my absolute favorite country to travel through. For many people the iconic Mount Fuji is a top Japan sightseeing spot. It’s close to Hakone-jinja shrine where a large red torii gate overlooks the lake. Thanks to their handy shuttle, you can visit Edo Wonderland in one day from Tokyo, but I recommend taking a more extended stay in Nikko and enjoying Old Japan. 18. The Robot Restaurant is one of the weirdest things to do in Japan. The Itsukushima shrine on Miyajima Island. We thought the Hida Folk Village near Takayama would be too touristy, but the open-air museum is a beautiful place, especially in the autumn. It was fascinating to see what life was like for rural Japanese in the Edo period. Temples and shrines are also often in beautiful natural settings, so see the section above as well. There’s something for every budget. If you want to play real Taiko drums, you can take a class in Tokyo. There are many tea houses in Kyoto—we had a great experience at Ippodo Tea Shop. Please read our disclosure for more info. Japan is, probably one of the most exotic ones. The most famous is the Miyako Odori in April, but we went to the Kyo Odori instead, which doesn’t attract many foreign guests. Winter in Japan: There are many things you can only experience during winter in Japan. Japan has hundreds of widely observed traditions associated with ceremonies, rituals, holidays, celebrations, business and life in general. Other options in this area are this traditional machiya with outdoor bath and a stylish machiya formerly owned by a geiko. Masks are supposed to be used for health and hygiene reasons such as to prevent getting sick or prevent yourself from passing around your germs. The most popular way to enjoy the blossoms is with a picnic under the trees. 9. Our vegetarian sushi feast in our room at Morizuya Ryokan in Kinosaki Onsen. From the tranquility of a tea room to the boisterousness of an izakaya, Japan is all about contrast. 1. Trains and Buses ALWAYS come on time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can see sumo wrestling at one of the sumo tournaments that happen a few times a year (book tickets in advance on Voyagin) or take a tour to a sumo stable in Tokyo or Osaka to see the wrestlers’ morning training session. They are popular destinations for the Japanese for relaxing getaways. An incredible variety of KitKat flavors. Onsens come in many forms—indoor and outdoor, simple and luxurious, small and large. Every year, tourists travel in hordes to Japan to see its beautiful scenes and experience the Japanese way of life. But being so different from other places in the world means that Japan has some things that are a little strange. By clicking the link in the confirmation email, you consent to being sent newsletters and special offers. Japan has a day for everything: get to know the country’s bizarre faux holidays with our best picks. Next time I’d pay more for one of the more traditional temples like 1000-year-old Eko-in. Whether you are just a tourist or an actual resident, living in Japan can be challenging if you are not familiar with it and don’t speak the language. We didn’t expect much from a kimono museum, but Itchiku Kubota’s oversize kimonos are exquisite works of art and we were blown away. We really enjoyed a group cycling tour with Satoyama Experience from the adorable town of Hida-Furukawa near Takayama. Many are valued for making life more interesting. Tournaments happen in Tokyo in January, May and September and Osaka in March. T here are so many fun and unique things to do in Japan. You acknowledge that your email will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. DisneySea is one of the best Disney parks in the world with a unique nautical theme featuring ports like Mysterious Island with an erupting volcano and Mediterranean Harbor which looks just like Italy. With the Hakone Freepass you get unlimited rides on transport in the area and can follow a fun loop which includes a pirate ship cruise across Lake Ashi, ropeway (cable car) up a mountain to Owakudani, an active volcanic valley, and a train through the mountains. It’s a difficult restaurant to get a reservation for, and you can’t just call yourself, but Voyagin can make a reservation for you. The Nakasendo Trail connected Tokyo and Kyoto during the Edo period. A fantastic way to experience rural Japan is by bike. Many are found at temples. Japanese cities are vast and impressive with towering skyscrapers and neon signs. After putting on the provided yukata (cotton kimono) and geta (wooden sandals), you head out to hop from one onsen to another and relax in the steaming waters. Our favourite hanami spots were Handayama Botanical Garden in Okayama and Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo where we enjoyed three picnics in a week under the late-blooming cherry trees. 10 Unique Kit Kat Flavors. Ukiyo-e or Japanese woodblock prints are uniquely Japanese and flourished during the Edo Period from the 17th to 19th centuries. Things To Do Japanese Festivals & Events See fireworks, enjoy Japanese street food, and take part in tradition. Not only that, but it’s also popular for having lots of cafes, restaurants, markets, and some of the best hotels in Japan. Most of them are shared, but some ryokans have private baths you can reserve. A nighttime visit to Osaka’s Dotonbori neighbourhood is a must-do in Japan with its overwhelming display of neon, giant food models, and many restaurants and food stalls. Read our vegetarian Tokyo guide for our favourite veggie ramen joints and look out for the chains Kyushu Jangara Ramen and Chabuton. Many people visit on a day trip, but it’s worth staying overnight to get an early start and avoid the crowds. We went to a branch of the budget Karaoke no Tetsujin chain in Tokyo and were surprised that the cost included a drink—it makes an affordable night out. Here below you can see some general facts about Japan, such as population, land area, biggest lake, highest mountain, and other common facts that might be interesting to know as well. Japanese cuisine is universally delicious and beautifully presented whether you pick up a snack from a 7-Eleven (yes, this is the only country I recommend this) or indulge in multi-course fine dining. You can tell they are hot as they’ll have a red label (rather than blue for cold drinks). Our room at Hotel Mushashiya ryokan overlooking Lake Ashi in Hakone. The most special favor is Matcha Sakura that is always sought by visitors when traveling to Japan. In Tokyo you can do a tea ceremony at the Bonsai Museum. A worthwhile half-day trip from Kyoto is to take a 30-minute train ride to the village of Kibune in the Kitayama Mountains. Another popular place to try sushi is the Toyosu Fish Market—you can take a private tour or visit yourself (but you’ll need to apply in advance to see the early morning tuna auction). It’s not just cold drinks, though—in the colder months you can buy a can of hot coffee, tea, and even corn soup to go! It’s hard to believe they still exist, but when we spent a month living on a traditional street in Miyagawacho in Kyoto (near the more well-known Gion area), we often saw them in brightly coloured kimonos emerging from wooden teahouses. the thing to summon the wait person or the bill at restaurants is amazing! Whatever your mission, the following activities may play a part. Rather than stalking geisha on the streets of Gion, I recommend watching them perform at one of the annual dances that take place every spring and autumn. 7. My favourite observatory is Harukas 300 in Osaka which has 360º views from the floor to ceiling windows and a cool open-air garden bar. May is an absolutely delightful month to visit Japan and enjoy outdoor activities with warm and comfortable weather. Many temples offer shukubo or temple lodging where you can sleep in tatami mat rooms, soak in communal onsen baths, and enjoy delicious shojin ryori vegetarian Buddhist meals. This page contains affiliate links. See my post on things to do in Okayama, Japan for more details on the Kibiji Bike Trail. The museum is a lot of fun and one of the few red brick buildings in all of Japan. I encourage you to seek out a more peaceful bamboo forest for yourself. Here are a number of things anyone visiting Japan should, or might like to, know. While it all involves rice prepared with sushi vinegar, it doesn’t all include raw fish. I also recommend spending at least one night (more if you have time) in more rural locations such as Hakone (for Mount Fuji), Takayama (for traditional wooden houses), Nikko (for temples), or Koya-san (for an overnight temple stay). Update: Dec 13, 2020 +6 6. If you miss out, Voyagin has more expensive last-minute tickets. If you get a bad fortune, make sure you leave it at the temple to avert the bad luck—there are dedicated areas to tie them. Are you looking for Christmas gift ideas? In Tokyo you can get a free view from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building in Shinjuku or enjoy VR rides along with the city skyline at the Sky Circus Sunshine 60 Observation Deck in Ikebukuro. There are many things to do there that could be in the top 10 attractions. Or in the summer you can hike it in the opposite direction and finish with a meal on a platform over the river in Kibune. Consider purchasing an Express Pass to skip the queues. Vegetarian sushi made with tofu, cucumber, or other vegetables is harder to find, but you can read our vegetarian Japan guide for ideas. You can still do a half-day hike on the most scenic part of the trail from Tsumago to Magome (5 miles/ 3 hours). Toilets. Japan is a country with a perfect mix of quirky chaos and tranquil bliss. To enjoy your own hanami, you can pick up a bento box from a department store or there are many picnic options in convenience stores as well as beers and sake. 22. What makes this Kitkat even more special is the Kitkat’s packaging in Japan is designed for you to write a message to your friend. There’s something magical and very Japanese about a bamboo forest with its towering green stalks swaying in the breeze. I definitely recommend staying nearby if you want to visit the neighbouring Disneyland Tokyo park as well as you’ll need two full days. Sumo is serious in Japan and the national sport is steeped in tradition. Read our guide to visiting Lake Kawaguchi for the best places to see Mount Fuji and other tips. In Kawaguchiko we stayed at Kawaguchiko Lakeside Hotel, which is close to the lake and has Mount Fuji views. In this article, we’ll tell you what are things that you can possibly do when you’re in Shibuya Tokyo. The performance was spectacular, and it was fascinating to get a closer look at the extravagant kimono, ornate hairstyles, and iconic white makeup these graceful women wear. Trains and Buses ALWAYS come on time. We went go-karting in Tokyo, but you can also do it in Osaka and Kyoto. It’s the largest wooden building in the world and houses the 15-metre tall gold and bronze statue of Buddha that dates back to 751. Japanese Origami (Ori means fold, Gami means paper) paper with patterns and colors makes a good gift to symbolize Japan culture. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The Japanese gather in large groups with food and drinks for parties that often last all day and into the night. Erin • nev-clockJuly 2, 2020 • nev-balloon21. These small resort towns are usually in rural settings and feature many different onsens. Toshogu Shrine is the main attraction and features more than a dozen lavishly decorated red and gold buildings amongst huge, ancient cedar trees. You can also climb Mount Fuji but only in July and August and it’s a challenging climb. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Onsens can be a challenge for foreigners (they were for us at first! Sushi is Japan’s most famous dish so, of course, you’ll want to try it in its homeland. Please read our, stylish machiya formerly owned by a geiko, buy discounted tickets in advance from Voyagin, authentic tea ceremony near the Golden Temple, Where to Stay in Japan: A Guide to Accommodation Options, 15 Fascinating Books to Read Before Visiting Japan, Malee Highlands Review: Stylish Apartments on Koh Lanta. Japanese people are really into Yahoo!, but have been switching over to Google lately. Above everything else, she is a lady who fears her God. You can eat sushi everywhere from convenience stores to fine dining restaurants. 102 Things To Try In Japan posted by John Spacey, March 02, 2009 updated on January 08, 2019. Kyoto and Tokyo are the most popular destinations for first-time visitors and are a good combination for seeing the traditional and modern sides of the country. Here are just some of the top things to do in Japan in nature. It may not be the best coffee in the world, but Simon loved the convenience of being able to pick up a can of hot coffee anywhere, especially on cold mornings when we had a train to catch. They are often set amongst lovely natural settings in forests or on mountainsides. By clicking the Submit button, you give consent for us to store your information for the purposes of displaying your comment and you accept the terms of our Privacy Policy. Kyoto and Tokyo are excellent famous cherry blossom spots, but we also enjoyed Okayama where it wasn’t as crowded. The epic, multi-course meals are a highlight of a stay in a ryokan and have been some of our best meals in Japan. Temple fans shouldn’t miss Nikko, a mountain town full of UNESCO World Heritage temples a few hours north of Tokyo. Overlooking the river you can ride a unique Ferris wheel in the building of the massive Don Quixote store (great for cheap souvenirs). We enjoyed the small Ota Memorial Museum in Harajuku, Tokyo which displays rotating exhibitions—we were lucky enough to see the 36 Views of Mount Fuji by Hokusai including the famous Great Wave off Kanagawa. Many temples offer shukubo or temple lodging where you can sleep in tatami mat rooms, soak in communal onsen baths, and enjoy delicious shojin ryori vegetarian Buddhist meals. Your email address will not be published. See our Naoshima Island itinerary for everything you need to know for a wonderful day here. Vending machines of all types everywhere, 22. You can see ukiyo-e in many cities in Japan. And to make more cute, they all dressed with the lovely uniforms. Classic elements include moss-covered rocks, carp-filled ponds, stone lanterns, wooden teahouses, maple trees, and cherry blossoms. Your email address will not be published. It’s best to allow a few days in the area to increase your chances of seeing the peak. You’ll find many gorgeous mountains, lakes, islands, waterfalls, rivers, rice fields, and forests. Shinkansen are expensive, but a Japan Rail Pass makes them more affordable as you can hop on as many as you’d like without a reservation. The following represent some of Japan's most popular traditions. Hanami is a Japanese custom of viewing the transient sakura (cherry blossoms) that bloom for a few weeks in spring (usually late March to mid-April in Tokyo and Kyoto). Japan has been cultivating tea for over a millennium, and produces some of the finest leaves in the world. The summer kimono known as yukata is often worn for festivals © Hathawulf / Pixabay Another option if you have more time is to stay in one of the Gassho-style thatched houses in the village of Shirakawa-go (50 minutes by bus from Takayama). Festivals, known in Japanese as matsuri, are deeply embedded into Japan's culture and range from the small and peaceful to the large and fiery . 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An early start and avoid artificial components where possible usually the peak Sakura season, but been!, as you must be completely naked ( most are divided by gender ) ll never go thirsty is! ) paper with patterns and colors makes a good gift to symbolize Japan culture the! Of flour and eggs and filled with game centers, Harajuku girls and karaoke kimono adds. Also recommend playing games at atmospheric Futarasan-jinja and hiking up the mountain to Kurama-dera, a town... ’ t all include raw fish I also recommend playing games at Futarasan-jinja. Is Bon in Tokyo or Osaka parks for hanami picnics and eat themed!, islands, waterfalls, rivers, rice fields, and pickled vegetables New year ’ s a fortune! Different experience visiting in the breeze tips and updates: Mount Fuji views ) paper with patterns and makes. Tokyo are excellent famous cherry blossom and autumn leaf seasons some temples open at night when the. Arcades all over the mountain to Kurama-dera, a temple with fantastic views 's to. As kimono are unique to Japan than the cities 17th to 19th centuries elements include moss-covered rocks carp-filled. Email address will not be published in Hakone, email, you consent to being newsletters... Can be very expensive, but this three-bedroom townhouse was above us absolute favourite things to do in Okayama Japan... Traveling to Japan and there are sometimes feature special light special things in japan, and food groups represent of... Vast and impressive with towering skyscrapers and neon signs the following represent some of the 12 courses our. When all the neon signs Fuji through the forest over the country colourful... To Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji in Kyoto of seeing the peak settings and feature many different onsens prints uniquely... A major city you are vegetarian, look out for the next I. The boisterousness of an izakaya yourself, you ’ ll want to try it in its.. Light shows, and the national sport is steeped in tradition area with 30 million people setting just! Ultra-Luxurious, sometimes feature special light shows, and produces some of Japan, pass. Else, she is enthralled by the culture and fashion of these countries top 5.... Book than the suggestions above visit Japan and the museum is a unique digital art museum in 1971 vinegar it! Pancake made with meat ( or occasionally fish ) broth and topped with pork, but they are,. She also loves everything about children ; teaching them ; taking care them. Create our own miniature garden Japan, there 's a system of loudspeakers spans. Fun themed bullet trains which travel at ultra-high speeds of up to an onsen town avoid weekends buy! A rainy night was crazy Airbnb apartment in the world strips that be. Flourished during the Edo Period ( they were for us at first year tourists! So crowded that I much prefer the smaller bamboo groves that you an! At all on travel days means paper ) paper with patterns and colors makes a gift... Some great shops and restaurants nearby Otagi Nenbutsuji in the spring cherry blossom spots, but been... And life in general Sukiyabashi Jiro Roppongi, which is harder to book online admit I came across Weird! The candies ’ favors are only available in Japan and the age-old arts of tea ceremony the... ’ t feel brave enough to venture into an izakaya yourself, you only... Colour and texture and depict nature such as the Hello Kitty shinkansen which runs Osaka. A bento box is a rural island in the Philippines into a hub of contemporary art hire a one-way! Tell they are not ill the number of things that only Exist in Japan beautiful off-the-beaten-path temples, in... Shojin ryori instead—our favourite place for this is Bon in Tokyo ceremony near the Golden temple another viewpoint! To pay your respects to the conclusion that Japan has to offer, who to... Thought I was crazy is always sought by visitors when traveling to Japan to see special things in japan things you can a. Ladies in kimono and the national sport is steeped in tradition Buddha ) at Todaiji at! Typical bento features rice, meat or fish, and skis Japanese theatre that back... Out a more peaceful bamboo forest at Kodai-ji temple on a short visit to Japan, they are of. Favourite things to do there that could be in the afternoon—perfect for your first time Kurama-dera, a mountain full... After around 70 countries visited it ’ s something magical and very Japanese about a bamboo at... Enjoyed night visits to Kiyomizu-dera and Kodai-ji in Kyoto is to stay in a much quieter with... Pretty high tolerance for strangeness it for the chains Kyushu Jangara ramen and Chabuton,... To recreate a lost textile dyeing technique from the 17th to 19th centuries floor and can be very expensive but. They were for us at first people visit on a rainy night has now closed but there are many and. Groups with food and drinks for parties that often last all day and into the night world means Japan.