What are the must-dos in Japan?

Japan is one of those rare destinations that feels endlessly fascinating no matter how much you read about it beforehand. It is a country where ancient rituals still shape everyday life, yet futuristic cities push the boundaries of technology and design. From tranquil temples hidden in the mountains to neon-lit streets buzzing with energy, Japan offers travelers a depth of experiences that few places on earth can match.

For first-time visitors, especially, deciding what to prioritize can feel overwhelming. Japan rewards curiosity, patience, and an open mind. Whether you are drawn by history, food, nature, pop culture, or pure adventure, certain must-dos help you truly understand the soul of the country. This guide brings together the most unforgettable experiences in Japan, designed to inspire travelers and help you plan a journey that feels rich, balanced, and deeply memorable. For essential entry requirements, cultural basics, and planning tips, you can also refer to this comprehensive Japan travel guide for US citizens before your trip.

Experience the Timeless Traditions of Kyoto

Kyoto is often described as the cultural heart of Japan, and for good reason. With over a thousand years as the imperial capital, Kyoto preserves the country’s most iconic traditions, architecture, and spiritual heritage. Walking through Kyoto feels like stepping into another era, especially in the early morning or evening when the crowds thin and the atmosphere becomes almost meditative.

Explore Historic Temples and Shrines

One of the most essential experiences in Kyoto is visiting its historic temples and shrines. Kiyomizu-dera, perched on wooden stilts above a forested hillside, offers panoramic views of the city and is especially beautiful during cherry blossom season and autumn foliage. The narrow streets around the temple, lined with traditional shops, invite slow exploration and discovery.

Wander Through Gion Respectfully

Another unforgettable experience is wandering through Gion, Kyoto’s famous geisha district. As of 2026, many private alleys are strictly off-limits to tourists to protect the privacy of Geiko and Maiko. While you can still enjoy the main streets like Hanamikoji, it is important to respect all no-entry signs and photography bans in residential lanes. With luck, you may still glimpse a geiko on her way to an evening engagement, a moment that feels quietly magical.

Reflect on History in Hiroshima and Miyajima

Hiroshima is a place that leaves a lasting emotional impact on nearly every visitor. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park stands as a powerful reminder of the devastation caused by nuclear warfare and the enduring message of peace. Walking through the park, visiting the Atomic Bomb Dome, and exploring the Peace Memorial Museum provide a sobering but essential understanding of modern history.

Experience Modern Hiroshima and Local Cuisine

Despite its tragic past, Hiroshima today is a vibrant, welcoming city known for its resilience and warmth. Local cuisine, particularly Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, offers comfort and flavor after a day of reflection.

Visit Miyajima Island and Itsukushima Shrine

Just a short ferry ride away lies Miyajima Island, famous for its iconic floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine. Following extensive renovations, the gate is now fully visible in its vibrant red glory. At high tide, the gate appears to rise from the sea, creating one of Japan’s most photographed and spiritual landscapes. Deer roam freely around the island, and hiking trails lead to scenic viewpoints that reward those willing to explore further.

Meet Friendly Deer and Ancient Icons in Nara

Nara offers one of the most charming and approachable introductions to Japan’s ancient past. As Japan’s first permanent capital, Nara is home to some of the country’s oldest and most significant temples.

Walk Through Nara Park

Nara Park is famous for its free-roaming deer, which are considered sacred messengers of the gods. Visitors can purchase special crackers to feed them, an interaction that is both delightful and memorable. While the deer are friendly, they are also clever, making the experience entertaining for travelers of all ages.

See the Great Buddha at Todai-ji Temple

Within the park stands Todai-ji Temple, housing the Great Buddha, one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world. Standing before this immense figure is humbling and awe-inspiring, offering a powerful sense of Japan’s spiritual heritage. Nara’s compact size makes it an ideal day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, yet its historical significance and relaxed pace leave a strong impression.

Discover Coastal Beauty and Zen in Kamakura

Kamakura blends history, nature, and seaside charm in a way that feels refreshingly balanced. Once the political center of medieval Japan, Kamakura is now known for its temples, hiking trails, and coastal scenery.

Visit the Great Buddha of Kamakura

The Great Buddha of Kamakura, a massive bronze statue seated in the open air, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Unlike many other Buddha statues, this one has withstood centuries of earthquakes and storms, symbolizing resilience and calm.

Explore Temples and Scenic Hiking Trails

Beyond the Great Buddha, Kamakura’s temples and shrines are scattered among forested hills and quiet neighborhoods. Hiking trails connect many of these sites, offering peaceful walks with views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside. A visit to Kamakura is ideal for travelers seeking a slower, more contemplative side of Japan.

Witness the Majesty of Mount Fuji

Mount Fuji is Japan’s most iconic natural landmark, a perfectly symmetrical volcano that has inspired artists, poets, and travelers for centuries. Seeing Mount Fuji in person is often a bucket-list moment, and there are several ways to experience its beauty.

Enjoy Scenic Views From Lakes and Hot Spring Towns

Lake Kawaguchiko offers some of the most famous views, with the mountain reflected in calm waters on clear days. The area is especially popular during cherry blossom season and autumn, when seasonal colors frame the peak dramatically. Hakone, another popular region, combines views of Mount Fuji with hot springs, museums, and scenic transportation routes.

Plan a Mount Fuji Climb Carefully

For adventurous travelers, hiking Mount Fuji during the official climbing season now requires more planning. In 2026, a mandatory 4,000 yen fee and a daily limit of 4,000 climbers were implemented on the Yoshida Trail to manage congestion. Advance booking is highly recommended. Reaching the summit at sunrise, known as goraiko, is considered a deeply rewarding experience, symbolizing perseverance and renewal.

Relax and Recharge in Hakone

Hakone is synonymous with relaxation and scenic beauty. Located within easy reach of Tokyo, Hakone is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park and is famous for its hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and lake views.

Explore Volcanic Landscapes and Lake Ashi

One of the highlights of Hakone is the Hakone Ropeway, which passes over the volcanic Owakudani Valley. Here, visitors can see steaming vents and sample black eggs boiled in sulfur-rich waters, said to add years to your life. A cruise across Lake Ashi offers serene views, often with Mount Fuji visible in the distance on clear days.

Stay at a Traditional Ryokan

Staying in a traditional ryokan in Hakone allows travelers to experience authentic Japanese hospitality. Soaking in an onsen after a day of sightseeing is not only relaxing but also deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, promoting wellness and reflection.

See Snow Monkeys in Jigokudani

Jigokudani Monkey Park provides one of Japan’s most unique wildlife encounters. Located in Nagano Prefecture, this park is famous for its Japanese macaques, often referred to as snow monkeys, who bathe in natural hot springs during winter.

Experience Wildlife in a Natural Setting

Watching these monkeys relax in steaming pools surrounded by snow is a surreal and unforgettable sight. The experience also highlights Japan’s respect for nature and coexistence with wildlife. While winter is the most popular season, the park is open year-round and offers beautiful scenery in every season.

Admire Sacred Shrines and Nature in Nikko

Nikko is a destination that combines ornate architecture with lush natural surroundings. Located north of Tokyo, Nikko is home to some of Japan’s most elaborate shrines and temples, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Visit Toshogu Shrine

Toshogu Shrine, dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, stands out for its intricate carvings and vivid colors. The famous see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil monkeys are just one example of the shrine’s artistic detail.

Enjoy Nikko’s Seasonal Landscapes

Nikko is especially popular in autumn, when the surrounding forests transform into a tapestry of red and gold leaves. Beyond its cultural sites, Nikko offers waterfalls, hiking trails, and peaceful lakes, making it a rewarding destination for travelers who appreciate both history and nature.

Dive into the Energy of Tokyo

Tokyo is a city of contrasts, where ancient shrines sit quietly beside towering skyscrapers. Exploring Tokyo is about embracing diversity, from high-energy districts to tranquil green spaces.

Experience Iconic Neighborhoods

Shibuya Crossing captures Tokyo’s fast-paced spirit perfectly. Nearby Harajuku offers a completely different vibe, known for its youth fashion and quirky street culture.

Find Calm and Creativity in the City

For a moment of calm, Meiji Jingu Shrine provides a peaceful retreat within a forested area near the heart of the city. Art lovers should not miss the immersive exhibitions at teamLab. TeamLab Borderless now operates in Azabudai Hills, while TeamLab Planets in Toyosu remains open through 2027. These digital displays redefine the relationship between art and the viewer.

Indulge in Osaka’s Food Culture

Osaka proudly embraces its reputation as Japan’s kitchen. The city is known for its casual, flavorful street food and friendly atmosphere, making it a favorite among travelers who love to eat.

Eat Your Way Through Dotonbori

Dotonbori is the epicenter of Osaka’s food scene, with bright neon signs and countless eateries serving local favorites. Takoyaki and okonomiyaki are must-try dishes that reflect the city’s playful culinary spirit.

Explore Osaka Castle

Beyond food, Osaka Castle offers insight into Japan’s feudal history, surrounded by spacious grounds that are especially beautiful during cherry blossom season. Osaka’s blend of history, humor, and hospitality creates a welcoming experience that feels distinctly different from Tokyo or Kyoto.

Enjoy Japan’s Seasonal Beauty

Japan’s seasons shape daily life and travel experiences in profound ways. Spring brings cherry blossoms, or sakura, which are celebrated across the country with picnics and festivals. Parks, riversides, and temple grounds become gathering places where people pause to appreciate fleeting beauty. Travelers looking to balance crowds, costs, and experiences may find it helpful to understand the least expensive time to visit Japan when planning their itinerary.

Autumn is equally captivating, with vibrant maple leaves transforming mountains and cities alike. Popular viewing spots fill with color, and cooler temperatures make sightseeing especially pleasant. Seasonal events and festivals offer insight into local traditions and rhythms, reminding travelers that timing can dramatically influence how Japan feels and looks during a visit.

Travel Smart With the Shinkansen and Stay Connected

Shinkansen travel is an experience in itself. These high-speed trains connect major cities comfortably and with remarkable punctuality. It is worth noting that the Japan Rail Pass has undergone a significant price increase, making individual tickets more cost-effective for many standard routes.

Staying connected while traveling enhances convenience, from navigating transit systems to finding restaurants and translating signs. Many travelers now opt for a Japan eSIM, such as one offered by Voye Global, to enjoy seamless connectivity throughout their journey without the hassle of physical SIM cards.

Conclusion

Japan is not a destination that can be reduced to a single highlight or experience. Its true appeal lies in the balance between old and new, fast and slow, crowded and serene. From the spiritual calm of Kyoto’s temples to the electric energy of Tokyo’s streets, every moment contributes to a deeper understanding of the country.

For travelers willing to explore beyond the surface, Japan offers endless rewards. Each city, landscape, and tradition adds another layer to an already rich journey. By focusing on these must-dos, you create not just a vacation, but a collection of memories that will continue to inspire long after you return home. If you are planning an upcoming trip and want the latest insights on transport rules, attractions, and travel updates, this Japan travel guide for 2026 can help you stay informed.