10 Unforgettable Experiences You Can Have in Japan
Visiting Japan is an experience like no other. For thousands of years, the Japanese people have passed down the same traditions for generations. I’ve curated a list of 10 unforgettable experiences that will add culture and fun to your travels.
Cherry Blossom trees
Japan is particularly famous for its cherry blossoms, or sakura. The cherry blossom symbolizes the beginning of spring and human life, transience, and nobleness. The trees are at peak blossom for one to two weeks each year, depending on the weather.
The festivals to celebrate the blooming season are held in spring. Osaka has the Osaka Castle Park Cherry Blossom Festival and the Mount Yoshino Cherry Blossom Festival, located in Mount Yoshino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In Tokyo, there is the Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival. The dates of each festival vary every year, so check each respective website before attending.
Onsen
Onsen, or natural hot springs, are very popular across Japan. Not all onsen are the same, and the various minerals provide different health benefits, but all with the goal of relaxing your mind and body. You can visit a resort or hotel or dip your toe in a public bathhouse. However, the most authentic experience is an overnight stay in a ryokan, or a Japanese-style inn. Ryokan offers an opportunity to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle. For the most authentic experience, seek one in the hills close to volcanic activity.
It is common to go into the onsen with no clothes on. However, in many public bathhouses and other onsen, clothes are allowed. The Japanese are used to this. If you’re not comfortable with that setting, there are plenty of places where you can keep your clothes on.
Attend the Gion Festival–or any festival
The Gion Festival is probably the most famous in Japan and is held in Kyoto each July. The celebration dates back to 869 AD, when it was a religious ceremony to make the gods happy. Today, festival-goers can attend day and night parties and see float processions on a few evenings during the month. Make accommodation reservations months in advance, or plan your train, bus, or car route into Kyoto for easier navigation to this popular festival.
In addition to this festival, Japan has all kinds of festivals throughout the year, from art, food, dancing, religion, music, and more. Plan a visit to the festival you’re interested in to experience local culture and traditions.
Ski & Snowboard
People often think of skiing in Canada, the US, and the Swiss Alps. Did you know Japan has excellent skiing, too? There are hundreds of places to ski or snowboard in Japan, such as Hokkaido, Japan Alps, Tohoku, and Nagano (host of the 1998 Winter Olympics).
The ski season is about the same as North America, from November to April. You can take a day trip from Tokyo or stay at an all-inclusive resort. You can find good deals on lift tickets and rentals, especially at some lesser-known ski resorts.
Watch a Sumo Tournament
Sumo, a form of wrestling dating back about 2,000 years, is steeped in history and tradition. It was originally performed to entertain the gods during festivals but grew in popularity in the 1600s. Today, there are six major sumo tournaments in Japan each year.
The Japan Sumo Association has information about the tournaments, how to take a tour, and the Sumo Museum in Tokyo.
Manga & Anime
Manga are comics in a specific Japanese style. They cover topics ranging from science fiction to romance to life in general. More popular manga, such as Pokemon, can get turned into anime.
Anime is a popular art form encompassing all animated works, regardless of style or origin. It began as a hand-drawn style and has evolved using computers and graphics. People come from around the world to learn more about manga and anime, attend festivals and events, and visit museums and cafes.
See the Snow Monkeys
A visit to Jigokudani Monkey Park is different from your typical onsen experience. Visitors can observe Japanese macaques (aka snow monkeys) bathing year-round in the natural hot springs. Originally, the monkeys would watch humans relaxing in the onsens and, over time, began to imitate the behavior themselves. The park was established in 1964 to provide a protected environment for the monkeys while allowing humans to observe them in their natural habitat.
Visit Mt. Fuji
To experience the breathtaking Mt. Fuji, take a day trip from Tokyo or book an overnight stay closer to Mt. Fuji. Plan your trip around the weather because cloudy days might prevent you from seeing the mountain. If you can’t make it to Mt. Fuji, there are many vantage points from which to view it.
Spend the Night in a Capsule Hotel
Consider a capsule hotel if you need inexpensive, no-frills overnight accommodations. The first capsule hotel in the world opened in 1979 in Osaka. The concept is rows of dorm-like pods big enough for one person to sleep in. You lock up your belongings in a locker or equivalent, and depending on the amenities, you have shared bathrooms and common areas.
This is a one-of-a-kind experience that has gained popularity with travelers, so more modern and higher-quality capsule hotels are popping up throughout Japan.
Visit a Temple or Shrine
Japanese temples and shrines have historically been places of worship, learning centers, and gathering places for locals. What’s the difference? Temples are associated with Buddhism, and shrines are associated with Japan’s indigenous religion, Shinto. Shrines typically feature a torii gate at the entrance, whereas temples often have a sanmon gate or pagodas. The architecture, cultural offerings, and traditions of temples and shrines are deeply significant in Japan, making a visit to one an experience you shouldn’t miss.
Temples and shrines are all over Japan, but if you are visiting a major city, here are some suggestions of places to visit:
Tokyo
Kyoto
Nara
Japan offers many unforgettable experiences, from the beauty of cherry blossoms and historic temples and shrines to the excitement of sumo tournaments and the world of anime. Beyond these highlights, there are many other off-the-beaten-path destinations that reveal even more of Japan’s heritage and charm.