10 Must-Do Experiences You Can’t Miss in Japan (2025 Travel Guide)

Introduction 👋

Hello, travelers! Planning your first trip to Japan? From traditional culture to futuristic cities, Japan offers unforgettable experiences you simply can’t find anywhere else ✨

In this latest 2025 guide, I’ll introduce “10 Must-Have Experiences” to maximize your enjoyment of Japan. Use these suggestions to create your own special travel itinerary!

Experience 1: Soak in a Traditional Japanese Hot Spring ♨️

Japanese hot springs (onsen) offer more than just bathing. While soaking in natural hot spring water, you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery and relax both mind and body.

Recommended spots:

🌋 Hakone: A hot spring area accessible as a day trip from Tokyo 🌋 Beppu: A hot spring paradise in Kyushu famous for its “Hell Tour” 🌋 Kusatsu: One of Japan’s three most famous springs, known for its highly acidic waters with sterilizing effects

Hot spring etiquette tips:

• Wash your body thoroughly before entering the bath
• Don’t put your towel in the bath water
• If you have tattoos, check in advance (private baths are recommended)

Experiencing the seasons of Japan while soaking in a hot spring is a wonderful opportunity to heal travel fatigue and appreciate the depth of Japanese culture.

Experience 2: Visit Ancient Temples and Shrines in Kyoto 🏯

The ancient capital of Kyoto, with over a thousand years of history, is the center of Japanese traditional culture and spirituality. With more than 2,000 temples and shrines scattered throughout, you can enjoy seasonal beauty year-round.

Must-see spots:

⛩️ Fushimi Inari Shrine: The breathtaking scenery of thousands of torii gates 🏯 Kiyomizu Temple: The origin of the phrase “jumping off the stage at Kiyomizu” 🍁 Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion): A beautiful building covered in gold leaf 🎍 Bamboo Grove Path: The atmospheric bamboo forest in Arashiyama

Cultural points:

• Bow slightly before passing through a torii gate when visiting shrines
• Maintain quiet behavior and be mindful of other visitors

Kyoto’s temples and shrines embody Japanese aesthetics and philosophy. Early morning or evening visits are recommended to avoid crowds and enjoy the mystical atmosphere.

Experience 3: Taste Authentic Japanese Sushi 🍣

When visiting Japan, authentic sushi is an absolute must-try! Enjoy artistic creations that combine fresh seafood with skilled craftsmanship.

Types of sushi:

🔄 Conveyor belt sushi: Enjoy various types at affordable prices 🍽️ Nigiri sushi: The authentic style prepared by sushi chefs right before your eyes 🥢 Gunkan-maki & Hosomaki: Various types that are easy for beginners to eat

Recommended spots:

🐟 Tsukiji Outer Market (Tokyo): A famous spot popular with tourists 🏮 Local izakaya (Japanese pubs): Enjoy regional seafood specialties 🍶 Sushi Academy: You can also experience making sushi yourself

How to eat sushi:

• Wasabi amount can be adjusted according to preference (let them know in advance)
• Eating in one bite is proper etiquette
• Traditionally eaten with hands rather than chopsticks

Order the “omakase” course to enjoy sushi made with the best seasonal ingredients. Even if there’s a language barrier, the beauty of food culture is that a simple “Oishii!” (Delicious!) can bridge the gap.

Experience 4: Walk Through Old Towns Wearing a Kimono 👘

Wearing Japan’s traditional kimono while strolling through old town areas offers a special experience that feels like time travel.

Kimono rental spots:

🌸 Kyoto: Numerous rental shops in the Gion and Arashiyama areas 🗼 Asakusa: The place for kimono experiences in Tokyo! 🍁 Kanazawa: Recommended for strolling through Higashi Chaya District

Photo spots:

• Stone-paved paths
• Japanese gardens with red bridges
• Streets lined with traditional townhouses

Basic kimono etiquette:

• Wear with the right side over the left (not left over right)
• Adjust the hem when sitting down
• The obi (sash) knot should be at the back

While spending all day in a kimono might feel unfamiliar at first, you’ll experience the balance of beauty and functionality that Japanese women have treasured for centuries. Rental plans that include hair styling, bags, and zori sandals are recommended.

Experience 5: Ride the Bullet Train (Shinkansen) 🚄

The Shinkansen, a symbol of Japanese technology recognized worldwide. Enjoy comfortable travel time on this super-high-speed train that runs at a maximum speed of 320 km/h.

The appeal of the Shinkansen:

⏱️ Precise timetables (average delay is only a few seconds!) 🪑 Spacious seats and views from the windows 🍱 Delicious ekiben (station boxed lunches) available at stations

JR Pass information:

• A great value ticket exclusively for foreign travelers
• Best to purchase in your home country before arrival
• Ideal for travel between major cities

Tips for first-time riders:

• Check the difference between reserved and non-reserved seats
• Keeping quiet is good manners
• Seats can rotate to face the direction of travel

With its amazing speed—about 2 hours from Tokyo to Kyoto and about 2.5 hours to Osaka—it’s a great ally for travelers wanting to visit multiple cities efficiently. Don’t miss the spectacular view of Mt. Fuji from the window!

Experience 6: Explore Japanese Convenience Stores 🛒

“Konbini,” convenient stores open 24 hours, symbolize modern Japanese culture. Experience the selection of products and services that surprise travelers from around the world.

The charm of convenience stores:

🍙 Delicious seasonal bento boxes and onigiri (rice balls) 🥤 Unique drinks you won’t see elsewhere 📱 Multi-functional services including Wi-Fi, ATMs, and ticket purchases

Why they’re popular with travelers:

• Available 24 hours
• Clean and safe
• High-quality food at reasonable prices

Must-try items:

• Egg sandwiches: Simple yet delicious
• Oden: A simmered dish with seasonal ingredients
• Regional limited-edition sweets
• BOSS Coffee: A classic canned coffee

Be sure to get a meal or snack from a convenience store at least once during your stay in Japan. You’re bound to make unexpected discoveries and encounter new flavors!

Experience 7: Participate in a Local Festival (Matsuri) 🎆

Japanese festivals celebrate important cultural events related to regional history, faith, and seasonal turning points. The colorful floats, dances, and lively food stalls will undoubtedly create lifelong memories!

Representative festivals:

🏮 Kyoto Gion Festival (July): One of Japan’s three major festivals 🎭 Aomori Nebuta Festival (August): Impressive giant lantern floats 💦 Kagawa Sanuki Takamatsu Festival (August): Popular as a water-splashing festival

Best months to visit:

• Spring: Cherry blossom festivals (March-April)
• Summer: Fireworks displays and Bon dances (July-August)
• Fall: Harvest festivals (September-November)

How to enjoy festivals:

• Wearing a yukata enhances the atmosphere
• Try various foods from stalls
• A great opportunity to interact with locals

Festival schedules may change yearly, so check the latest information when planning your trip. For popular festivals that are sure to be crowded, early accommodation reservations are recommended.

Experience 8: Visit Castles and Samurai Towns 🏰

Japanese castles from the Warring States period and old towns where samurai lived are attractive spots even for non-history buffs. Embark on a journey to experience magnificent architecture and samurai spirit.

Notable spots:

🏯 Himeji Castle: A World Heritage site also called the White Heron Castle 🍂 Kanazawa: Samurai residences and Kenrokuen Garden are beautifully preserved ⛰️ Matsumoto Castle: Known for its beautiful black appearance, designated as a National Treasure

Samurai history facts:

• Bushido spirit: Values such as loyalty, courage, and justice
• Edo period: A peaceful era that lasted over 250 years
• Meiji Restoration: The end of the samurai class and the beginning of modern Japan

Highlights & experiences:

• Views from the castle tower
• Trying on armor (yoroi)
• Watching sword-forging demonstrations

By visiting castles and samurai residences, you can feel the influence of the “bushido spirit” that underlies modern Japanese culture. Joining a historical guided tour will give you deeper understanding.

Experience 9: Enjoy a Meal at a Theme Café ☕

To experience Japanese pop culture, you can’t miss unique theme cafés! These uniquely Japanese, highly entertaining dining experiences are talked about worldwide.

Popular theme cafés:

👗 Maid cafés: Popular cosplay cafés in Akihabara 🐱 Animal cafés: Various options with cats, rabbits, owls, and more 🎮 Anime & manga cafés: Recreating the worlds of popular works 🧸 Character cafés: Limited-time special menus are attractive

Where to find them:

• Akihabara: The holy land of maid cafés
• Harajuku & Shibuya: Many cute character cafés
• Ikebukuro: Concentration of cafés for anime fans

Cultural experience points:

• Many have entrance fees or time limits
• Check photography rules
• Interaction with staff is the highlight

Japanese café culture has evolved beyond mere dining into immersive experiences. The visually appealing presentations and unique services have captivated travelers from around the world as part of Japan’s soft power.

Experience 10: Participate in a Tea Ceremony 🍵

Japanese tea ceremony, with over 400 years of history, is a profound cultural experience beyond just a beverage. Learn about Japanese aesthetics of “ichigo ichie” (once in a lifetime encounter) and the importance of cherishing each moment.

Special meaning of tea ceremony:

• Wabi-sabi: The aesthetics of simplicity and imperfection
• Every movement has meaning
• Appreciation of seasonal awareness

Tea ceremony experiences for foreign tourists:

• Kyoto: Various temples and specialized tea ceremony facilities
• Tokyo: Modern tea rooms in the Asakusa and Omotesando areas
• Kanazawa: Authentic experiences in samurai residences

Experience contents:

• Etiquette for eating sweets
• How to hold and turn the tea bowl
• How to whisk matcha (practical experiences available at some locations)

Many tea ceremony experiences offer English support and are popular activities for foreign travelers. It’s a valuable opportunity to feel the heart of Japanese “omotenashi” (hospitality), so please make time to participate.

Related Articles
👉 [5 Best Matcha Sweets in Kyoto in 2025 – A Must-Try Guide for Foreign Travelers]

Summary & Practical Advice 🧳

In Japan, you can experience everything from traditional culture to modern pop culture. Use this “list of 10 experiences” to create an itinerary tailored to your interests.

Points to note when planning your trip:

🗓️ Experiences change according to season (cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, snow scenery, etc.) 📱 Transportation IC cards (Suica/PASMO etc.) are convenient 💰 Many places still accept cash only, so don’t forget to prepare Japanese yen 👕 Check tattoo regulations at hot springs and pools in advance 😷 Wearing masks when feeling unwell is still common

Final Thoughts

Now, which of these 10 experiences would you like to try first? Please use this guide to create wonderful memories in Japan. If you have questions or comments, please share them in the comments section! ✈️ Have a great trip! 🌸

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