Japan Travel Guide: the best things to do, see, and eat
Japan may just be the “it” destination of the moment. We’ll show you why you should get a trip on the calendar.
Soaring towers. Shinto shrines. Seasons that bring a sense of wonder to the country. Our Japan Travel Guide is here to give you the scoop on the Land of the Rising Sun and highlight how you can get the most out of your Japan tour. We sat down with some of our staff to hear their experiences and are sharing their Japan travel tips with you!
Japan travel basics
Currency: Japanese yen
Language: Japanese. Expect to hear limited English outside of major cities.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites: While Japan has 23 in total, some of our favorites are Himeji Castle in Himeji, the “floating” gates of the Itsukushima Shrine in Hatsukaichi, and the Tenryu-ii Temple in Kyoto.
Best way to get around: Walk or jump on the clean and efficient train system. On our tours, we also whisk you around on a private motor coach, so you can see even more of the country.
Phrase to know: When speaking with our staffers, the first thing they said was how kind everyone they met was. So, say “arigatou gozaimashita,” which means thank you, to show your gratitude!
Fun fact: You may have heard of Japan’s world-famous sakuras (aka cherry blossoms), but did you know that you can see and taste these seasonal flowers? If you’re traveling to Japan in the spring, you’ll be delighted to see sakura tea and sakura mochi (a pink rice cake wrapped in a cherry leaf) on menus.
When is the best time to visit Japan?
From the beautiful pink cherry blossoms in the spring to the golden autumn foliage, Japan has a season for everyone. See which one matches your travel interests.
Go to Japan in the winter for the Sapporo Snow Festival
Winter often ushers in amazing seasonal festivals around the world, and wintertime in Japan is no exception! The Sapporo Snow Festival is a multi-day festival where travelers get the chance to see some amazing artwork, like ice sculptures and snow statues. While strolling between the artwork stalls at the festival, you will also find several different winter activities to take part in, like ice skating. You can visit Sapporo on our South Korea & Japan: Seoul to Tokyo tour.
Visit Japan in the spring for cherry blossom season
These blooms only last for a short while, so you’ll want to go on our Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Tokyo to Kyoto tour between mid-March and early April to spot them. This is the prime time to go to see the sakura around the country and join in celebrating hanami, the act of enjoying the cherry blossoms. “Everything is sakura this time of year,” said staffer Drew. “The food, the art, anything and everything. It’s magical.”
Travel to Japan in the summer for fireworks and festivals
Summer means it’s time for Japanese fireworks festivals, called hanabi taikai. Hanabi translates to “fire flower” and highlights how fireworks burst and fade in quick succession. They’re a symbol of “mono no aware,” the Japanese concept of finding beauty in impermanence. One of the most famous displays takes place at the Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival in Tokyo. If you come to Japan in the summer, you’ll also be treated to street festivals—specifically Gion Matsuri in Kyoto. This monthlong festival in July features street parties, floats, parades, and traditional music.
Head to Japan in the fall for momijigari (red leaf hunting)
Fall is a great time to visit Japan for breathtaking views of the country’s fall colors, which rival the New England autumn. Starting in September in the north of Japan, the leaves begin to turn. This season lasts through November in some parts of the country, giving you plenty of time to visit and see the changing leaves for yourself.
What to see in Japan
Wondering what to do in Japan? One of the best parts of visiting Japan is learning about the culture and meaning of the sites you visit. On tour, our insightful guides will be there to share their knowledge while you soak up the stunning views at these top places to visit in Japan.
Mount Fuji
Considered to be one of three holy mountains in Japan, Mount Fuji is a must-see and one of our staffer Drew’s favorite places to visit in Japan. The five lakes surrounding Mount Fuji also offer stunning views and are a great backdrop to any commemorative photo. Whether you’re looking to hike the mountain or just stand and admire the view, any season is perfect for visiting Mount Fuji.
Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden
Originally part of the residence of the Naito family of feudal lords, it’s now a national garden featuring three distinct design styles. That means there are plenty of things to discover as you walk around this park on our Tokyo tours. It is also a fantastic place to stroll around and see the cherry blossoms when they’re in bloom. Visiting Shinjuku Gyoen is easily one of the best things to do in Tokyo, especially for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Golden Pavilion
Also known as Kinkaku-ji Temple, this temple is a must-see for any traveler heading to Japan. Kinkaku-ji has a deep connection to Buddhist history in Japan and houses many different Buddha relics. The Golden Pavilion gets its name from the top two levels that are covered in gold foil. With its gold colors reflecting from the pond surrounding it, the red leaves during autumn are truly breathtaking—making the fall a great time to visit Japan!
What to eat and drink in Japan
When going to Japan, “Bring a sense of adventure and your appetite,” said staffer Drew. While there are several different things to try eating in Japan (like all the street food our staffer Andy loved), here are some of our favorites.
Sushi
Sushi’s a staple and one of the most popular Japanese dishes outside of Japan. Some of our staffer Drew’s favorite sushi restaurants in Japan are the ones where you can enjoy omakase and see the chef prepare the sushi in front of you. “It’s an experience being able to share the meal with not just the other travelers, but with the chefs who prepares the meal,” she said.
Ramen
This is no Cup O’ Noodles. The fun of eating ramen in Japan comes from experimenting with different broth bases, toppings, and flavors. Our recommendation? Enjoy a bowl topped with an ajitama (a seasoned soft-boiled egg) while you learn about the history of ramen in Japan and its place in the culture.
Mochi
One of our top tips for traveling to Japan is to round out your trip by tasting mochi. Mochi is deeply tied to Japanese culture and has been around for centuries. While a bit of an umbrella term, mochi starts with a dough made from pounded, steamed rice. From this base, you can add flavors and tastes ranging from sweet to savory.
Unagi
If you’ve seen this famous episode of “Friends,” you’ll know Phoebe is right—unagi is a delicious meal of freshwater eel. Traditionally, unagi is grilled and served on a bed of rice (unagi-don) and is considered a delicacy. Unagi is served year-round, but it’s especially popular during the summer months.
Matcha
Identifiable by its bright green color, matcha is a powdered tea that is originally from Japan and packed full of antioxidants and fiber. Kyoto is known as one of the most popular areas for matcha. While it’s starting to become more well-known outside of the country, we recommend grabbing a cup (or two!) in Japan and trying one of the several other matcha-flavored foods while you’re there. You’ll also have a chance to learn more about matcha during a tea ceremony on our Japan tours.
Fun things to do in Japan
No matter what your interests are, you’ll find that Japan has many things for you to explore. These are the best things to do in Japan during your free time—whether you’re a literature lover, a cinephile, or have an artsy side.
Explore the T-site Tsutaya bookstore
It has a “library in the woods” design concept. The tall wood bookshelves encompass the store and it feels like you could get lost perusing the three buildings and six book departments. Maybe grab a copy or two of your favorite books and be as guilty as us in tsundoku (the act of acquiring reading materials but letting them pile up in one’s home without reading them).
Enter Fushimi-Inari Shrine
Founded in 711 A.D., the Fushimi-Inari Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto and is a must-see recommendation from our staffer Andy. With its breathtaking torii gates, the shrine offers views that will seem familiar to those who’ve seen “Memoirs of a Geisha.” These gates flank the trail all the way to Mount Inari. While walking the trail, enjoy reading the names of the families and individuals who have donated a gate. There are five shrines that make up the entire Fushimi-Inari Shrine and one of our staffer Andy’s favorite things to do was look at the different wooden plaques, called ema, where worshippers have left their prayers.
Wander through The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art
This is a terrific way to spend some free time in Kanazawa, Japan. With many exhibits going at a time, there is plenty of contemporary art to see. Some of the most popular exhibits include “The Swimming Pool” by Leandro Erlich and “Green Bridge” by Patrick Blanc. The circular design of the building and the floor-to-ceiling windows allow multiple different entry points to reflect that art can be viewed from multiple sides.
Souvenirs to buy in Japan
One of our favorite things about traveling is finding souvenirs that remind us of the time we spent exploring new places. Japan is a beautiful country filled with rich history and culture, so there are many mementos you can pick up to remember your trip. Here are a few of our favorite souvenirs to bring home.
Tenugui
Tenugui are thin Japanese hand towels that are handmade and hand-painted with several distinctive designs. One of the reasons we love recommending Tenugui as a souvenir is because they’re not only stunning and gorgeous works of art, but they are so versatile. You can hang them as art, you can wear them as a wrap, use them as a handkerchief—the possibilities are endless!
Chopsticks
Our staffer Andy’s favorite souvenir lands a spot on this list. Boutiques throughout the country often sell a variety of chopsticks in unique styles and colors. They’re a perfect gift to bring home since you’ll be reminded of all the tasty food you ate while in Japan. “There are even some places you can get them engraved,” said Andy.
Ceramics and pottery
Looking for something handmade and unique? Japan is home to some of the oldest ceramic traditions in the world. Our staffer Drew recommends picking up some handmade houseware goodies or a decorative piece while in Kyoto. You won’t be disappointed with the level of detail and attention put into these stunning pieces!
A matcha set
Did you fall in love with matcha during your travels? A matcha set is a perfect souvenir. Consisting of a matcha bowl, a wooden whisk, and a matcha spoon, this is one memento you’ll get a lot of use out of once you’re back home. You can impress your friends while you make them a cup of matcha just like you had in Japan while telling them all about your trip.
An omamori charm
Need some good luck or know a student with finals coming up? A great souvenir is an omamori charm, also known as a good luck charm. These tiny charms have origins in Buddhism and are designed to drive away evil spirits and misfortune. The charms come in many different sizes and forms, so we’re sure you can find the perfect one for you.
What to pack for a trip to Japan
Any guide to Japan will tell you to bring layers, layers, layers. Having layers is essential to make sure you can stay warm or cool whenever the weather calls for it! Here’s what else to pack for your trip to Japan.
Walking shoes
“Comfortable walking shoes are a must,” said staffer Drew. Most cities have a very extensive metro system, but walking is a great way to get around Japan.
A small bag for trash
There are few public trash cans in Japan, and littering is rightfully frowned upon. We recommend bringing a small bag to hold any trash until you can find a can or get back to your hotel. Another tip: “If you get street food, eat at the stall and don’t walk away,” said staffer Adam. They’ll have a place to throw away any trash once you’re done!
Small folder
This one comes recommended by our staffer Andy, who said, “Japan loves paper—paper tickets, brochures, you name it.” Bringing a folder is a great way to keep everything together and also makes a great souvenir to bring home.
Prepare for your trip to Japan
Japan travel FAQs
Traveler photos from Japan
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