Here are 15 things most people enjoy while visiting Japan. It’s an immersive experience where you walk around in the dark (there’s no map) and interact with a series of colourful exhibitions of light and sound displays. It features traditional thatched houses from across the Hida region that were moved to the museum in 1971. 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. Vegetarian sushi made with tofu, cucumber, or other vegetables is harder to find, but you can read our vegetarian Japan guide for ideas. 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. 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. We really enjoyed a group cycling tour with Satoyama Experience from the adorable town of Hida-Furukawa near Takayama. In this article, we’ll tell you what are things that you can possibly do when you’re in Shibuya Tokyo. 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. This page contains affiliate links. 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. Not realizing that taxi doors open automatically in Japan, I committed my first etiquette faux pas– a very common one indeed, and typically laughed at. There are many things to do there that could be in the top 10 attractions. Early in the morning you can join the monks for their chanting and fire ceremony. I love Japan. Eating sushi in Japan is different from elsewhere and there are strict rules—see this sushi in Japan guide for tips. The most popular way to enjoy the blossoms is with a picnic under the trees. For some people, these strange things just make visiting Japan even more appealing. Zen Buddhist temples usually feature kare-sansui or dry landscape gardens made from rocks and gravel carefully raked into patterns that suggest rippling water. Special days in Japan. In the rare case that they don’t, they pass out tardy notices for you to give to your employer. From its “maid cafes” to Tokyo’s unique fashion lines, Japan has been surprising its visitors with cool stuff for years. You must buy your tickets at least a month in advance—see the Ghibli website for details. To see 10 things you can't find outside of Japan, keep reading! 8. 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. You can find many other ryokans all over Japan—search on Booking.com. It offers various experiences for visitors. She also loves everything about children; teaching them; taking care of them; and playing with them. It’s close to Hakone-jinja shrine where a large red torii gate overlooks the lake. They make travelling between major cities very fast—Tokyo to Kyoto, a distance of 450km (280 miles) can be covered in 2 hours 15 minutes by the fastest shinkansen Nozomi. For at least one night of your trip, I highly recommend staying in a ryokan, which is a traditional Japanese inn. Japan has hundreds of widely observed traditions associated with ceremonies, rituals, holidays, celebrations, business and life in general. So, let’s look at 5 most special things you can only see in Japan. Consider purchasing an Express Pass to skip the queues. We also did a DIY half day trip along the Kibiji Bike Path past beautiful off-the-beaten-path temples, rice fields, and cherry blossoms. One can go for up to $400. Toilets. The perfectly shaped volcano is Japan’s highest mountain at 3776 metres, and it’s especially lovely in the winter and spring when it is snow-capped. Make sure you book tickets in advance as it usually sells out, and arrive just before opening. See our guide to the 50 Best Gifts for Travelers which includes unique suggestions for exploring the world at home. Japan is a massive brewer of beers and whiskeys, Sapporo being the oldest of all. 15 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Japan (According to local sources: As compared to prices in Singapore, it’s relatively around 20% cheaper off retail price) Origami 折り紙 Paper Kits. 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. 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). Read our Kyoto temples guide for more on the differences between temples and shrines. The summer kimono known as yukata is often worn for festivals © Hathawulf / Pixabay 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. In addition to that, Genevieve especially loves to go on Mission Trips and serving different kinds of people. The epic, multi-course meals are a highlight of a stay in a ryokan and have been some of our best meals in Japan. Many people visit on a day trip, but it’s worth staying overnight to get an early start and avoid the crowds. Ukiyo-e or Japanese woodblock prints are uniquely Japanese and flourished during the Edo Period from the 17th to 19th centuries. We stayed at the friendly Morizuya Ryokan which has two small onsens available for private use in the afternoon—perfect for your first time. I encourage you to seek out a more peaceful bamboo forest for yourself. My favourite temple in Kyoto is the quirky Otagi Nenbutsuji in the lovely Arashiyama neighbourhood. 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. Let’s start with Japanese toilets… I may have a slight obsession with toilets. If you are vegetarian, look out for the meat-free alternative shojin ryori instead—our favourite place for this is Bon in Tokyo. 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