When you first step into a new place, everything feels like an exciting discovery, right? From architecture and fashion to unique foods. Experiencing these local gems is the heart of travel.
While you might find some Japanese-inspired items in your home country, nothing beats enjoying the activities with the authentic vibe here in Japan.
We have already covered the top places to visit in Japan, so here i would like to introduce some must-experience spots and things to do in my homeland of Japan.
As a Japanese girl I hold all of these activities dear, and I hope you will find it interesting to hear from someone who has grown up in Japan, what us locals like to do the most and what i recommend!
1. Japan’s Pride: Sushi 🍣
Is it true? I heard something wild from a friend! Apparently, at sushi places abroad, besides tuna and salmon, there’s hardly any other fish options.
Sure, they’re tasty, but come on, there’s a whole ocean out there! In Japan, sushi comes in dozens of varieties – from various fish to unique toppings and even seared versions.
Once you hear this, there’s no way you’re missing out on sushi in Japan, right? And don’t just stop at fish; try the shellfish sushi too! While fancy sushi joints are great.
I’d also recommend conveyor belt sushi spots. For just around 100 yen a plate, not only do you get delicious bites, but you might even see sushi whizzing around on lanes.
Though post-COVID, some places tweaked the conveyor style, but sushi still zips down lanes right to you!
I introduce 3 cheap but good sushi restaurant on this page. Check it out!
2. Viewing cherry blossoms: Also called Hanami 🌸
When you think of Japan, cherry blossoms might spring to mind. For us Japanese, the arrival of these spring blooms is a big deal. The ‘sakura front-line’ (the advance of of the cherry blossoms in Japan), predicting when they’ll blossom, even makes daily news during the season!
For Japanese people, the Japanese word for ‘flower’ often has the same meaning as ‘sakura’ (cherry blossom). I think this is a good representation of how much impact this event has on our culture.
We really like ‘hanami’ which literally translates to ‘flower viewing’. Picture this: laying a big mat under a cherry tree during the day, munching on packed lunches, and chatting away. By night, it turns into a lively gathering with drinks and snacks.
Some even party under the blossoms till dawn! There are also pop-up restaurants where you can enjoy meals under illuminated trees.
If you’re in Japan during this time, grab some snacks and relax under a cherry tree. It’s an experience not to be missed and that is truly local to Japan!
Discover some of the best cherry blossom spots in our seasonal events in Tokyo and seasonal events in Kyoto articles. Don’t miss these breathtaking sights!
3. Mini Concert Hall : Karaoke 🎤
In many countries, karaoke means a machine in a bar where anyone can get up and sing in front of a lively crowd. It’s a blast, especially when you bond with fellow singers.
In Japan, karaoke is all about those cozy private rooms. Imagine chilling with some of your friends, belting out your favourite songs, just the way you like it.
Some karaoke places in Japan have these themed ‘concept rooms’. Imagine belting out your favorite tunes in a room with a sumo wrestling ring! Yep, you can enjoy some karaoke while soaking in that sumo vibe. Pretty cool, right?
Feel like singing solo? We do that too. Whether you’re in the mood to croon softly in dim lighting or rock out in a bright setting, there’s a room for you.
Got only a short time? The 200 yen per 30-minute rate’s perfect for you. Planning to belt out tunes for hours? The ‘Free Time’ package is an absolute bargain! During weekdays, you can enjoy Free Time karaoke for around 1000 yen – a great deal for music enthusiasts!
And, guess what? Many spots even let you grade your singing skills and offer unlimited soft drinks.
If you’re ever wandering the streets of Tokyo or Osaka, you’ll spot a karaoke place in no time. Many are open till dawn, perfect for those nights when you miss the last train after a few drinks.
I’ve got some top karaoke chain recommendations coming up !
 |  |  |
| Jankara | Manekineko | BIG ECHO |
You can find at least one of these recommended chains in practically all Japanese cities, great prices and vibes.
4. Blessings from Volcanoes: Onsen (Hot Springs) ♨️
While I missed Japanese food during my long stays abroad, nothing compared to soaking in a bath. Sure, many tourists enjoy a good bath, but in Japan, it’s a whole different vibe.
You’ll find hot springs both indoors and out in Japan. Imagine soaking outside, feeling a breeze and hearing the distant chirps or forest rustles.
Most are safely fenced in, but some rare gems, like in the picture, let you bathe with no barriers! I have put together a list with my most recommended onsen destinations here.
Here, it’s not just solo baths but joining strangers or friends in the same tub. Imagine my surprise when a foreign friend said they’d never been seen naked by their buddies! In Japan, we bond over onsen trips, chatting and laughing while soaking together.
We even have a saying, “naked camaraderie”. So, don’t be shy, get into an onsen as it is one of the most Japanese things to do.
Ever hit the onsen with your partner only to realize you’ve got to split up to bathe? It’s a bit of a bummer, right? Good news though!
Some hotels come with a game-changer: private hot springs right in your room. Now that’s a way to share a special soak together, maybe with a drink in hand, all while soaking up some stunning views. Total relaxation, together.
Unsure about the do’s and don’ts? Check out the guidelines on this page. Trust me, it’s the perfect remedy for travel fatigue.
5. Japan’s Traditional Attire: Kimono 👘
For many Japanese, wearing a kimono is a unique experience, and slipping into a yukata to attend summer festivals is one of our favourite pastimes.
Wearing a yukata involves several steps, and the obi belt can be tight, making it a tad challenging to walk. But that’s all part of the charm of wearing traditional attire.
Especially in Kyoto and in Kamakura, day rentals are a hit. It’s definitively one of the top things to do there, for around 4,000 yen, you can rent a kimono to dress up and sightsee at the same time.
Give it a go for a truly memorable time!
6. Big Hit with the Young Crowd: Purikura 📸
Dive into a ‘Purikura’ booth and it feels like you’ve entered a tiny studio – all decked out with lights and camera.
Before flashing that smile, choose from vibrant backgrounds and snazzy frames. After taking around 6 shots, head over to the doodle booth to add your personal touch with pens and stamps.
All for just 400 yen! And the cherry on top? They turn into stickers! Perfect for personalizing your gear.
Often found in arcades, the latest purikura can enhance your skin and enlarge your eyes, making you look even cuter. Imagine someone with naturally big eyes trying it out – it’s going to be epic!
It’s definitely a fun and very Japanese activity you shouldn’t miss.
7. Japan’s Traditional inn: Ryokan 😴
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, characterized by tatami-matted rooms, communal baths, and other unique features.
Many ryokans serve local Japanese dishes for dinner and breakfast, using regional ingredients.
Unlike typical hotels, instead of beds, guests sleep on futons laid out on the tatami floor. Instead of sofas, seating often consists of legless chairs. Experiencing sitting and sleeping on the floor can be a fresh, unique experience for many.
Also, ryokans usually provide guests with yukata-type sleepwear. However, a common issue with these yukatas is that they might come undone overnight, leaving one feeling somewhat exposed by morning!
8. Sacred Place: Shrine ⛩️
Shrines are sacred places associated with the traditional Japanese religion, Shinto. They are facilities dedicated to worshipping deities, and are recognized by their unique architectural features like gates and main halls.
Each shrine enshrines specific gods related to love, business prosperity, safety, and more. Many people in Japan visit shrines to make wishes.
Even for a Japanese like me, it’s not uncommon to forget the proper manners and procedures when visiting a shrine. However, understanding and following these practices can lead to a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture.
Please refer to this page for a detailed explanation of how to worship at a shrine.
9. Japan’s Unique Dining Bars: Izakaya🍺
Ever heard of an ‘izakaya’? Think of it as Japan’s cool, relaxed hangout where alcohol and bites meet.
One of the most popular things to do for Japanese people in the city after a hard days of work or school is cooling down at an izakaya.
You’ll get to sample a variety of dishes on small plates – mostly traditional Japanese flavours that you won’t find in your regular restaurant.
These are high reputation izakaya chain restaurant:
| Izakaya | Izakaya logo | Informaton |
|---|---|---|
| Torikizoku |  | Every dish is uniformly priced at just 360 yen, offering an extensive menu. Despite the low prices, this izakaya doesn’t skimp on portion sizes or flavor, guaranteeing a satisfying experience. |
| Kushikatsu Tanaka |  | This chain restaurant, famous for Osaka’s specialty Kushikatsu, allows you to enjoy Kushikatsu of meat and vegetables not just in Osaka, but all over Japan. Most items on the menu are priced between 100 to 200 yen per Kushikatsu, making it a delicious and affordable treat. |
| Isomaru suisan |  | Enjoy freshly caught seafood, grilled right in front of you, straight from the tank. The added charm of most of these eateries is their 24-hour operation, making them a fantastic option for early morning or late-night visits. |
If you choose an izakaya for your evening meal, forget a quiet dinner; izakayas are buzzing with chatter and laughter. Some even offer all-you-can-drink deals, so you can toast the night away without breaking the bank. Cheers!
10. Japan’s Original Entertainment: Pachinko💰
Ever heard of ‘Pachinko’? Imagine a neon-lit, loud pinball arcade, uniquely Japanese and always buzzing with energy! Hit a win, and you’re treated to flashy animations and sounds.
In Japan, while gambling is a no-go, Pachinko is the exception and a popular pastime! Win balls and swap them for prizes or cash. Starting at just 1000 yen, it’s a must-try experience!
The value of each pachinko ball can differ depending on the machine. For those looking for low-risk entertainment, trying the ‘1-yen pachinko’ is ideal. With this, 1,000 yen gets you 1,000 balls, perfect for a casual gaming activity.
11. Tea Ceremony Experience 🍵
In the serene tea room, I got to whisk my own matcha under a master’s guidance. Before sipping the vibrant green tea, I nibbled on a traditional sweet, learning there’s an art to even this.
Beyond just preparing tea, I was introduced to the deeper meaning behind the room’s design and the tranquil garden.
This wasn’t just about tea, but a journey into the heart of Japanese tradition and the spirit of ‘wa’ or harmony. It’s an immersive taste of Japan’s soul I’d recommend to anyone!
How about experiencing it in Kyoto, the birthplace of tea culture? Then, I recommend that you also experience the activity of making Kyoto sweets in conjunction with the tea ceremony experience.
12. Cars for the people, by the people of Japan: Rickshaw
Hop on a rickshaw and take a trip back in time through the streets of Kyoto or Asakusa, Tokyo. At a leisurely pace, you’ll be able to soak up the sights and sounds of these historic cities.
You can find them in scenic spots like the bamboo groves of Arashiyama, near the iconic Kiyomizu-dera, or in the geisha district of Gion.
In Tokyo, the Asakusa area, famous for Senso-ji Temple, is another great spot for a rickshaw ride. If you’re in Tokyo, be sure to also check out some of my best things to do while in Tokyo for more insider tips.
No need to book a Rickshaw in advance; you’ll see plenty of rickshaws ready for passengers!
As you glide through narrow alleyways and past towering temples, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a scene from a Japanese movie.
Your rickshaw driver will be happy to share stories about the city’s history and culture, giving you a deeper appreciation for this fascinating place.
13. A celebration of nature through food: Japanese confectionary
Wagashi is a traditional Japanese confectionery.
Since the Japanese cuisine culture has a rooted idea of valuing plant-based ingredients, Japanese confectioneries mainly use plant-based ingredients such as azuki beans and glutinous rice flour.
The sweetness of azuki beans and the fluffy texture of glutinous rice flour can be said to soothe the hearts of Japanese people.
Also, Japanese confectioneries often have motifs of seasonal flowers and seasonal events. In the spring season, you can enjoy sakura mochi (sakura: cherry blossom, mochi: rice cake), which is a mochi wrapped in salted cherry leaves.
And in the summer, you can enjoy mizu yokan, which has a refreshing appearance that is like water. The refreshing appearance, reminiscent of water, can even make the summer heat feel a bit more bearable.
Japanese confectionery truly symbolize Japanese traditional culture, and has a big meaning to us locals.
In Kyoto, where the art of tea blossoms, you’ll find the world of wagashi has bloomed right alongside it. Here, old-school confectionery shops sit alongside modern takes on these traditional treats.
Sure, you can find mouthwatering wagashi all over Japan, and I introduce many of them on this page.
But Kyoto? The realm of traditional Japanese confectionery, in Kyoto this is known affectionately as ‘Kyogashi’, is simply unparalleled. It would be a true miss to leave Kyoto without experiencing these exquisite treats. Make sure to indulge in at least one – it’s a must-thing to do in Kyoto!
You can also check out my other article that showcases the best confectionery of Kyoto, offering a treasure trove of recommendations. Dive in, and you’re sure to discover some fantastic insights!
Conclusion
Japan is bursting with its own quirky traditions and rich culture, promising memories that’ll stick with you forever.
Experience any of the things to do we’ve dished out in this article, and you’re unlocking a doorway to Japan’s enchanting soul.
I hope you have found the article interesting, and please leave a comment or write to me with any questions. Otherwise, I hope to see you in Japan!
