Japan’s festivals are vibrant and colourful, where tradition, fire, dance, and community come alive in the streets. Donny Haryadi / Unsplash
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20 Best Things to Do in Japan
One moment, you’re bowing respectfully at a 1,000-year-old Shinto shrine surrounded by stillness and cherry blossoms, and the next, you’re zipping through Tokyo at 300 km/h on a sleek bullet train or ordering sushi from a robot waiter. But this isn’t your usual checklist of touristy attractions or guidebook must-sees.
If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to dive deeper, wander off the main path, and collect real stories instead of just selfies, this list is for you. From fire rituals in mountain temples to quiet nights in a book-themed capsule hotel, these are the kinds of experiences that stay with you long after your trip ends. Here’s a guide to explore the best things to do in Japan.
Japan is a peaceful haven where felines outnumber humans and rule the quiet, scenic streets like furry little locals. Joesef key / Unsplash
1. Visit a Tiny Island with More Cats than People (Cat Island, Aoshima)
Tucked away off the coast of Ehime Prefecture, Aoshima is a tiny fishing village where cats outnumber humans by nearly six to one. Originally brought in to deal with the island’s rodent problem, the feline population slowly took over, and today, they rule the roads, nap on boats, and casually sprawl across doorsteps like they own the place (because they basically do).
There’s no flashy tourism infrastructure here, just serene sea views, sleepy alleyways, and dozens of curious cats ready to greet you. A similar vibe awaits on Tashirojima, another cat-dominated island in Miyagi Prefecture, where locals believe that feeding cats brings good luck.
Whether you’re a cat lover or simply craving a quiet, quirky escape from Japan’s bustling cities, visiting one of these islands is a surreal and heartwarming experience you’ll never forget. And this is the best thing to do in Japan.
just sway with the rhythm, dancing under the stars with strangers-turned-friends becomes Family. Danial Beaucham / Unsplash
2. Dance at a Traditional Bon-Odori Summer Festival in a Yukata
Bon-Odori is Japan’s beloved summer dance festival, where communities come together to honor the spirits of their ancestors. It’s for locals; travelers are warmly invited to join in too. One of the most famous and immersive festivals is Gujo Odori in Gifu Prefecture, where dancing doesn’t stop at sundown; it continues until dawn during the peak nights of Obon season.
Dressed in a light cotton yukata (often available to rent or borrow), you’ll join a moving circle of people, young and old, performing simple, graceful dances passed down for generations.
Whether you follow every step or just sway with the rhythm, dancing under the stars with strangers-turned-friends becomes one of those magical moments that define one of the best things to do in Japan.
visiting one of these winter villages is the best things to do in Japan. Matthardy / Pexels
3. Visit a Remote Snow Village Lit Up Only in Winter
Tucked away in Japan’s mountainous countryside are villages that look like they’ve stepped out of something like a fairy tale, and in winter, they transform into something even more magical. Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Gifu Prefecture, is known for its steep-roofed gassho-zukuri farmhouses designed to withstand heavy snow.
Come winter, the entire village is blanketed in thick, powdery snow, and on special nights in January and February, the houses are illuminated with a warm golden glow that reflects off the snow like a dream. Ouchi-juku, a preserved Edo-period post town in Fukushima, where thatched-roof homes line a snowy main street, lit by lanterns and filled with the smell of charcoal fires and local snacks.
These villages aren’t just beautiful; they offer a glimpse into rural Japan’s past, untouched by time. Whether you’re sipping hot amazake under the lights or walking through quiet snow-covered paths, visiting one of these winter villages is like stepping into a living snow globe.
a traditional Japanese houseboat across Tokyo Bay, carrying guests through a night. Mohamed Jamil / Unsplash
4. Cruise on a Traditional Yakatabune Boat with Dinner and Lanterns
A yakatabune, a traditional Japanese houseboat, a long, low wooden boat once favored by nobles and samurai for river banquets, now glides peacefully along the Sumida River or across Tokyo Bay, carrying guests through a night of soft lantern light, gentle waves, and sweeping skyline views.
As the city glows in the distance, you’ll sit on tatami mats in a cozy, lantern-lit cabin, enjoying an elaborate course meal featuring seasonal Japanese delicacies from fresh sashimi and tempura to grilled seafood for morning breakfast. Many cruises offer yukata rentals, making it easy to fully immerse yourself in the old-meets-new ambiance.
Outside, you’ll catch views of iconic landmarks like the Tokyo Skytree, Rainbow Bridge, and even fireworks in the summer. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, an evening on a yakatabune is a slow, soulful way to see Tokyo.
5. Take a Night Walk in a Historic Samurai District
There’s something quietly powerful about walking through a samurai district after dark when the crowds are gone and the only sound is the soft crunch of your footsteps on stone. In places like Kanazawa’s Nagamachi district or Kakunodate in Akita Prefecture, history lingers in the air.
These preserved neighborhoods, once home to elite warriors of the Edo period, are lined with earthen walls, wooden gates, and centuries-old residences that whisper tales of honor, discipline, and old-world elegance. By night, the streets glow gently under traditional lanterns, and the dim light casts poetic shadows on the clay walls and cobbled lanes.
You’ll pass by quiet canals, small bridges, and houses that still carry the family crests of the samurai who once lived there. Some homes are open to the public during the day, but walking through the district at night feels like a secret.
6. Sleep in a Ryokan Run by Locals in a Small Village
There’s no better way to feel Japan than by staying in a family-run ryokan tucked away in a quiet village. Unlike big hotels in the cities, these traditional inns, especially in places like Takayama in the Japanese Alps or Kurashiki, with its preserved canal district, offer an intimate look at regional life.
They welcomed me like a distant relative returning home: shoes off at the door, soft tatami mats under your feet, and sliding paper doors leading into serene, minimalist rooms. Dinner is a highlight: beautifully arranged kaiseki-style meals made with fresh, local ingredients, often cooked by the hosts themselves.
The flavors, the hospitality, and the rhythm of rural Japan all come together here. In the morning, wake up to the sound of birds or a distant temple bell, sip green tea, and feel completely present.
7. Share Laughter at a Local Comedy Show (Osaka’s Manzai Scene)
Beyond being Japan’s culinary hub, Osaka shines as the nation’s comedy capital and nothing showcases that better than the lively, quick-witted world of manzai performances.
The back-and-forth rhythm is sharp, expressive, and filled with exaggerated reactions that transcend language barriers. Even if you don’t speak Japanese, the tone, timing, and body language are so vivid, you’ll find yourself laughing along with the locals. The best place to experience this is Namba Grand Kagetsu Theater, operated by the legendary Yoshimoto Kogyo, where top comedians perform daily in the heart of Osaka.
8. Send a Wish into the Sky at a Lantern Festival
Bioluminescent beaches of Lakshadweep
There’s a quiet kind of magic in standing among strangers, holding a glowing lantern close to your chest, and whispering a wish into the night sky. Here is the best things to do in Japan, some places like Asuka Village in Nara or tucked-away towns in Gifu Prefecture, lantern festivals bring communities and travelers together under starlit skies to release their hopes and dreams into the air.
You’ll be given a paper lantern, soft, warm, and fragile, and a chance to write a personal wish, a prayer, or a simple word of gratitude. As night falls, the crowd gathers, and the countdown begins. Then, hundreds of lanterns float upward in gentle unison, lighting up the darkness like fireflies with purpose.
Locals might share a smile or a kind word, and though the moment is quiet, the connection feels deeply human. It’s a perfect experience for solo travelers seeking meaning, couples marking a milestone, or anyone ready to let go of the past and lift something bright into the future.
9. Watch Sumo Wrestlers Train Up Close
It’s a Far from the stadium lights and ceremonial fanfare, these early sessions are where the real grit lives. You’ll sit quietly on the floor, just feet away, as rikishi (sumo wrestlers) clash with explosive power and discipline.
Sweat drips, bodies collide, and behind it all is a deep, almost sacred routine passed down for centuries. These wrestlers live together, train together, and follow a strict lifestyle that demands total dedication.
Watching them so close, massive, focused, and yet respectful in every movement is an unforgettable window into one of Japan’s oldest and most revered sports. You don’t need to understand all the rules to be moved by the intensity and honor on display.
10. Explore Tokyo’s Tiny Bar Alleys (Golden Gai Style) Without a Tour Guide
Konyak Tribe of Nagaland
Forget fancy lounges and curated cocktail menus; the real magic of Tokyo nightlife hides in its narrow, lantern-lit bar alleys. Places like Golden Gai in Shinjuku, Harmonica Yokocho in Kichijoji, or the gritty-cool lanes of Koenji are lined with tiny bars no bigger than a bedroom, each with its own personality. No need for a tour guide; part of the fun is the mystery.
Just pick a door that feels welcoming, slide it open, and step into someone’s world. Inside, you might find a jazz bar that only plays vinyl, a whiskey joint run by a retired salaryman, or a punk-themed dive with posters from the ’80s. Most only seat 5 to 10 people, which means you’ll probably be chatting with the owner and regulars in no time, even if it’s with hand gestures and smiles.
It’s intimidating at first but exhilarating once you realize how warm and quirky these hidden places can be. Each stop is a new story, and by the end of the night, you’re no longer just a visitor; you’re part of Tokyo’s endlessly fascinating, endlessly welcoming underground nightlife.
11. Soak in a Mixed-Gender Outdoor Onsen in the Snow
Imagine sinking into steaming, mineral-rich waters as snowflakes gently melt on your shoulders, all while surrounded by ancient forest and mountains wrapped in silence. That’s the experience of a rotenburo (open-air onsen) in winter, especially in remote regions like Nyuto Onsen in Tohoku. What makes it even more special? Some of these traditional hot springs still offer mixed-gender bathing, a rare and culturally rich custom that invites couples, friends, and solo travelers to share the magic without barriers.
These baths aren’t flashy resorts; they’re rustic, often centuries old, with wooden cabins, stone pools, and a deep connection to nature. You’ll soak beside locals and fellow adventurers in peaceful quiet, the cold mountain air contrasting beautifully with the warmth of the water.
Most require a towel wrap or provide rental bathing gear, and etiquette is always respectful and serene. It’s more than just relaxing; it’s deeply grounding, a moment where modern worries dissolve into steam, and the ancient rhythms of Japan embrace you fully.
12. Eat in a Japanese Grandma’s Kitchen
Skip the restaurant reservations and step into the warm, lived-in kitchen of a Japanese obāsan (grandma), Japanese Grandma’s cafe where the scent of simmering miso and freshly steamed rice greets you at the door. In some towns and countryside regions, you can now book intimate, Airbnb-style meals hosted in real homes, a movement that’s lovingly called “obāsan kitchens.”
Here, the food is more delicious. You might help chop vegetables, shape onigiri, or stir a family miso soup recipe that’s been passed down for generations. Over tea and home-cooked dishes, your host may share memories of childhood, stories from post-war Japan, or funny moments raising kids who now live in Tokyo.
There’s no pretense, no menu, and often very little English—just pure human connection, warm laughter, and the feeling of being treated like a beloved grandchild, even if only for a few hours.
13. Camp Under Mount Fuji Instead of Just Climbing It
While most travelers race to conquer Mount Fuji’s summit, there’s a quieter, arguably more magical way to experience Japan’s iconic peak by camping beneath it. Near Lake Kawaguchiko or Lake Motosuko, you can pitch a tent right at the water’s edge, surrounded by pine forests and open sky, with Fuji towering quietly in the distance.
Wake up early, unzip your tent, and watch as the first light of sunrise paints the mountain in soft pink and gold, its perfect reflection shimmering across still lake waters. No climbing gear, no altitude headaches, just pure serenity. Many campsites in the area offer fire pits, rental gear, and even outdoor hot springs nearby, making it easy for first-timers to enjoy.
At night, you can sit by a crackling fire, grill some local vegetables or yakitori, and stare up at a sky full of stars—a side of Fuji few get to see. It’s peaceful, photogenic, and surprisingly accessible—a chance to connect with nature and Fuji’s quiet power without the crowds.
14. Experience a Night at a Capsule Hotel with a Twist
Spending the night in a capsule hotel isn’t just a budget travel hack; it’s a futuristic, surprisingly cozy experience you’ll be talking about long after your trip. These sleek, stacked sleeping pods were once meant for businessmen catching a quick night’s rest, but Japan has since turned the concept into an art form.
Today, you can choose from capsules that feel like spaceships with glowing blue lights, manga libraries with walls of comics to read all night, or wellness-inspired women-only floors complete with aromatherapy and soft ambient music. Each pod is snug but private, with high-tech doors, adjustable lighting, USB ports, and often a personal TV.
You’ll find them in major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto, often inside train stations or hidden in vibrant neighborhoods. It’s clean, safe, efficient, and totally Japanese.
15. Get Lost in Japan’s “Art Island” Naoshima
Tucked away in the Seto Inland Sea, this quiet island has been transformed into one of the world’s most unique cultural destinations, where contemporary art meets rural Japan in the most unexpected ways. You’ll wander through museums buried in hillsides, like Chichu Art Museum, where works by Monet and James Turrell are displayed using only natural light.
Step into a public bathhouse that’s actually an art installation or stumble across a giant yellow pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama sitting alone at the edge of the water. Even the architecture by masters like Tadao Ando is part of the experience, blending concrete minimalism with the island’s soft, coastal charm.
Stay overnight in the Benesse House, a hybrid of museum and boutique hotel, where art lines the corridors and your room overlooks the sea. There are no big crowds, no loud distractions, just art, nature, and the feeling that you’ve stepped up.
16. Celebrate a Local Festival Most Tourists Skip
Beyond the famous Kyoto Gion Matsuri, Japan’s most unforgettable festivals often unfold in the untamed countryside, ancient and blissfully unknown to most tourists. Take the Dosojin Matsuri in Nozawa Onsen, for example: every January, this otherwise sleepy ski village erupts into a fiery celebration of protection, fertility, and local spirit.
Men in their 20s and 40s (ages believed to bring bad luck) climb atop a towering wooden shrine they’ve spent days building, while the rest of the village attempts to burn it down—yes, really. Sparks fly, flames roar, and tradition and chaos collide in the snowy night air. Locals pass around hot sake, kids wave lanterns, and laughter fills the streets.
It’s messy, meaningful, and wildly fun. These lesser-known festivals are where Japan’s true cultural heartbeat can be felt raw, community-driven, and deeply rooted in ancient beliefs. You won’t find big banners or souvenir stands, just locals doing what they’ve done for generations, happy to let you in on the secret.
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