Japan’s Top Travel Experiences
Japan is a country where traditional and modern cultures melt together and a popular holiday destination for Australian travellers. With so many things to see and experience all year round it is no wonder Aussies are drawn to it in huge numbers.
Whether you are visiting Japan for the first time, or are returning because you loved it so much, these top travel experiences should be of interest.
Cherry Blossoms
Experience the beauty of Japan’s Cherry Blossoms. The cherry blossom or ‘Sakura’ is Japan’s national flower, and this spring event is a stunning display of pink and white hues. The tradition of flower viewing (Hanami) has strong ties to Japan’s history and culture and has been celebrated for centuries. Visit the displays along the Kamogawa riverbank or Maruyama Park in Kyoto or stroll Tokyo’s cherry-lined Meguro or Shinjuku Gyoen. Those wishing to avoid large crowds can travel further afield to Okinawa in late January, Kyushu from mid-March or Aomori in late April.
Make Sushi
There are over a hundred different kinds of sushi in Japan. Learning how to make it yourself can be a satisfying experience. Take a class and learn the history, styles, techniques, art and etiquette of making sushi with a professional chef. Classes often include a visit to a market or shop and highlight the importance of selecting fresh, quality ingredients for the perfect sushi. The session will end with you tasting the fruits of your labour.
Bathe in an Onsen
Immerse yourself in the relaxing and restorative process of bathing in an ‘onsen’ (hot spring baths caused by Japan’s volcanic activity). Onsens offer many mental and wellbeing benefits. There are a variety to choose from. Try a mud bath, clear bath, open-air or steam bath or give them all a go. Kurashiki, Beppu, Noboribetsu, Hakone and the Izu Peninsula are popular onsen escapes.
Bamboo Forest, Kyoto
The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s most famous sights. Walk through this gently swaying grove of towering bamboo for a moment of peace and escapism as the sun filters through the stalks and casts a soft green glow offering shade and relief from the heat and humidity. Deviate from the forest’s central path to visit temples and gardens and partake in some river boating. This attraction gets very busy so arrive early to beat the crowds.
Snow Monkeys, Nagano
The Snow Monkeys of Jigokudani are a unique sight. These Japanese macaques are known for bathing in the park’s natural hot spring, especially during the snowy winter. Observe their human-like behaviour and social interactions in the steamy waters and marvel at the park’s rugged and snowy landscape.
Deer at Nara Park, Nara
Nara Park is famous for its hundreds of freely roaming deer. Feed the deer with special crackers sold in the park. The park is also home to temples and shrines, including Todai-ji, which houses a giant bronze Buddha statue. Nara Park offers a combination of cultural heritage and natural beauty. Nara is a short train ride from Kyoto or Osaka and is worth the visit.
Stay in Ryokan
A Ryokan is a traditional Japanese guesthouse that offers the ultimate Japanese experience. Embrace the culture as you sleep on a futon bed or tatami mat, use the traditional paper sliding doors, and sit on cushions at low wooden tables. If available, enjoy kaiseki meals and a multi-course dinner showcasing Japanese specialities. Many Ryokans also have their own onsen for an extra layer of luxury. Basque in this experience which highlights Japanese hospitality, culture and traditions.
Ride the bullet train
Japan’s bullet train, or Shinkansen, connects distant and major cities together with speed and efficiency. It offers a fast and comfortable way to explore Japan’s diverse cities and landscapes. Take a ride on one of the streamline trains that can reach 320 km/h but offers comfort, quiet and cleanliness. Take in the scenic countryside through the large windows and enjoy your journey just as much as your destination.
Visit a Sumo Wrestling Tournament
Sumo wrestling is Japan’s national sport that dates back over 1,500 years. It is a competitive full-contact wrestling sport that is deeply intertwined with Japan’s history and Shinto religion. Check if tournaments are on when you are planning to go to Japan as they are only held at certain times of the year. If possible, do attend a tournament as they are fascinating and showcase many traditional rituals that are still performed today.
Enjoy a Traditional Tea Ceremony
The Japanese tea ceremony, known as Chanoyu, Sado, or simply Ocha in Japanese, is a choreographed ritual of preparing and serving Japanese green tea, (matcha tea), along with traditional Japanese sweets to balance the bitterness of the tea. It is much more than a drink-serving ritual. Soak up this spiritual experience that incorporates harmony, respect, purity and tranquility. Gain a perfect insight to the aesthetics, history and principles of Japanese culture.
Geisha Culture, Kyoto
Geisha means ‘person of art’ in Japanese. A Geisha is a woman that is cultured in the art of music, dance and performance. Elegantly dressed in exquisite kimonos, Geisha has poise and discipline second to none. Observe a Geisha walking through the charming streets of Gion, Kyoto. No trip to Japan is complete without seeing at least one Geisha.
Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo
The Shibuya Crossing, often called “The Scramble,” is one of the most iconic intersections around the world. It highlights Tokyo’s fast-paced and high-energy way of life. Located in central Tokyo, in front of the Shibuya Station, the crossing features multiple crosswalks that allow pedestrians to overrun the entire intersection in every direction, with each light cycle. Several buildings around the crossing offer viewing points, such as the Starbucks in the Tsutaya building or the Shibuya Sky observation deck. Make sure you maximise your experience by walking it and viewing from above.
Mount Fuji
Mount Fuji, or Fulisan as it is known in Japan, should be noted as a must-see on your itinerary. It is the highest peak in the country, a cultural icon and a symbol of beauty and reverence.
How you choose to take in Mount Fuji’s beauty is entirely up to you. Book Fuji-facing accommodation in either Fuji Five Lakes or Hakone regions. On a clear day, go up Tokyo Tower or Skytree and relax as you admire the view or visit one of the hotel bars such as the Grand Hyatt or Metropolitan Ikebukuro. Perhaps appreciate the mountain’s beauty from a local vantage point such as the popular Chureito Pagoda or the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha Shrine. Take the bullet train south from Tokyo having requested Fuji-side seats. Feeling adventurous? Climb Mount Fuji if you visit between July and mid-September. Start your ascent in the afternoon, rest at a mountain hut overnight and make your way to the summit in time for a magnificent sunrise.
Feast in Osaka
Osaka is known as Japan’s Kitchen as it is the gateway to the many delights of Japanese cuisine. Endulge in an Okonomiyaki, a thick savoury pancake, with a topping of your choice. Try the Takoyaki, a delectable octopus dumpling snack, served with a sweet sauce. Sample Yakitori, grilled and seasoned chicken. If you have a sweet tooth, give Taiaki a go. It is a fish-shaped cake usually filled with red bean paste, custard, chocolate, or sweet potato. With a crispy and waffle-like outer layer to contrast the sweet filling.
Kenroku-En Garden, Kanazawa
This is the best and most accessible of Japan’s gardens. Located overlooking the charming gold-flecked castle town of Kanazawa, it is an ultimate expression of traditional garden styles, dotted with ponds full of Koi, teahouses, stepping stones and wooden bridges. Wander through the gardens or enjoy a seated meditation surrounded by seasonal beauty. Okayama’s awesome Koraku-en garden and Kairaku-en garden in Ibaraki are just some of the other top gardens to visit in Japan.
Ancient pottery villages
The “Six Ancient Kilns of Japan” are the most renowned pottery villages, established as long as 12,000 years ago. Each village has its own unique traditions and techniques. The villages are Echizen, Seto, Tokoname, Shigaraki, Tanba, and Bizen. Producing pottery since medieval times, many are still active today, preserving their cultural heritage. Pay one or more of them a visit and witness skills and techniques that go back thousands of years.
Karaoke bars
Karaoke is a beloved pastime in Japan and something that should be tried while you are there. Sing to your heart’s content in private rooms with friends or family. Karaoke bars provide an evening of fun and laughter and are also a great way to experience modern Japan. Choose from classic hits to the latest chart-toppers.
Seto Art Islands, Okayama
Japan’s “art islands” represent a growing wonder in the Seto Inland Sea. Consisting of contemporary art, performance, and architecture set against spectacular island scenery. Each art island offers a unique experience to visitors, often blending contemporary art with ancient cultural traditions. The popular Setouchi Triennale, a contemporary art festival, is held every three years on the islands and draws massive crowds. Take in a performance and marvel at the unique art and scenery that surrounds you.
Lake Biwa, Shiga
Japan’s largest lake is so large it is often mistaken for the sea. This famous body of water provides relief from neighbouring Kyoto’s summer extremes and provides quite cosy cabins, snowdrifts, amazing sunsets and monkeys in the winter months. If you’re a keen cyclist, take a 200km ride around its circumference, stopping overnight in sleepy villages or perhaps you would prefer to take things easy and take an alternative mode of transport. Take time to visit the Shirahige Shrine Tori that floats in Biwa Lake.
Kamakura
The seaside town of Kamakura is an hour by train from Tokyo and offers many sites for visitors. Visit the Hokokuji Temple, walk local hiking trails, admire the amazing views and cultural shrines along the way. See the city’s main temple, Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Hasedera Temple and Gardens and, of course, the Great Budda at the Kotoku-in Temple. Kamkura is close enough to Tokyo for a day trip. Try it out if you can’t make it to Kyoto while you are in Japan.
Golden Pavilion, Kyoto
The Golden Pavilion, or Kinkaku-ji, is one of Japan’s most iconic and celebrated temples in the historic city of Kyoto. Officially named Rokuon-ji, the temple is a Zen Buddhist structure renowned worldwide for its striking beauty and the detailed history behind its construction and existence. The Golden Temple’s top two floors are entirely covered in gold leaf, reflecting the sunlight and surrounding natural beauty in a dazzling display of luxury and artistry. Make time to fit this spectacle into your itinerary.
Castles
There were an estimated 5,000 fortresses that were built across Japan during feudal times. There are only 100 that remain standing. These are the top picks to visit.
Matsumoto Castle, Nagano
One of five castles designated as ‘National Treasures of Japan’ and the oldest five-tiered, six-story castle tower remaining in Japan. An elegant black and white structure with steep stairs and low ceilings. The narrow wooden windows, once used by archers and gunmen, provide amazing views of the Japanese Alps, Matsumoto City and the koi and swans circling in the moat below.
Himeji Castle, Hyogo
The brilliant white Himeji-jo castle is the finest surviving example of early 17th-century Japanese castle architecture. It compromises of 83 buildings with highly developed systems of defence and ingenious protection devices. A masterpiece construction of wood, with white plastered walls, nicknamed the “White Heron Castle”.
Osaka Castle, Osaka
One of Japan’s most famous landmarks, embodying the country’s history and architectural beauty. The castle has been a focal point of several historical events and now serves as a museum showcasing artefacts and telling the story of Osaka.
Other stunning castles include (and aren’t limited to) Kumamoto Castle, Shuri castles in Okinawa, Kanazawa Castle, Nijo Castle, Hikone Castle, Inuyama Castle, Matsue Castle, Nagoya Castle and Hirosaki Castle.
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Sources:
https://www.wendywutours.com.au/blog/japan-top10-must-do-experiences/
https://www.designerjourneys.com/blog/the-ultimate-bucket-list-things-to-do-in-japan/
https://visitmatsumoto.com/en/spot/matsumotocastle/
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/661
