30 Bucket List Experiences You Must Try in Japan
Embark on the journey of a lifetime with our Ultimate Japan Bucket List. Discover 30 unforgettable experiences that reveal the heart, culture, and excitement of Japan - from bustling cities to tranquil escapes.
Last updated: 15.09.2025
Last updated: 15.09.2025
Tokyo
Visit the Shibuya Scramble Crossing
Possibly the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, Shibuya Scramble is a chaotic but thrilling spectacle of modern life in Tokyo. Standing at the center as hundreds of people cross from all directions is like being part of a living city pulse. No trip to Japan feels complete without witnessing this iconic moment that captures the energy and rhythm of Tokyo itself.
Explore teamLab Planets
This digital art museum immerses you in interactive, light-based installations where you become part of the exhibit. Walking barefoot through water-filled rooms and mirrored spaces is a surreal, multi-sensory experience.
Possibly the busiest pedestrian crossing in the world, Shibuya Scramble is a chaotic but thrilling spectacle of modern life in Tokyo. Standing at the center as hundreds of people cross from all directions is like being part of a living city pulse. No trip to Japan feels complete without witnessing this iconic moment that captures the energy and rhythm of Tokyo itself.
Explore teamLab Planets
This digital art museum immerses you in interactive, light-based installations where you become part of the exhibit. Walking barefoot through water-filled rooms and mirrored spaces is a surreal, multi-sensory experience.
Watch Sumo Wrestling in Ryogoku
Home to Japan’s national sport, the Ryogoku district hosts tournaments where you can watch sumo wrestlers clash in ancient rituals. It's a rare chance to witness a deeply rooted cultural tradition up close.
Shop in Harajuku’s Takeshita Street
Famous for youth fashion and quirky trends, Takeshita Street offers a window into the colorful creativity of Japanese pop culture. From rainbow crepes to cosplay stores, it’s a fun overload for the senses.
Visit the Ghibli Museum
A dream for fans of Studio Ghibli, this museum in Mitaka reveals how the iconic animations are brought to life. Expect whimsical exhibits, short films, and a peek into Hayao Miyazaki’s imaginative world.
Home to Japan’s national sport, the Ryogoku district hosts tournaments where you can watch sumo wrestlers clash in ancient rituals. It's a rare chance to witness a deeply rooted cultural tradition up close.
Shop in Harajuku’s Takeshita Street
Famous for youth fashion and quirky trends, Takeshita Street offers a window into the colorful creativity of Japanese pop culture. From rainbow crepes to cosplay stores, it’s a fun overload for the senses.
Visit the Ghibli Museum
A dream for fans of Studio Ghibli, this museum in Mitaka reveals how the iconic animations are brought to life. Expect whimsical exhibits, short films, and a peek into Hayao Miyazaki’s imaginative world.
Kyoto
Experience a Traditional Tea Ceremony
In Kyoto, the heart of Japanese culture, participating in a tea ceremony offers a serene, reflective experience. You’ll learn the graceful rituals of matcha preparation in a setting steeped in Zen philosophy.
Stroll through Fushimi Inari Shrine
Known for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates, this shrine offers a magical walk through sacred mountain trails. Each gate is donated by individuals or businesses, creating an ever-growing tunnel of devotion.
In Kyoto, the heart of Japanese culture, participating in a tea ceremony offers a serene, reflective experience. You’ll learn the graceful rituals of matcha preparation in a setting steeped in Zen philosophy.
Stroll through Fushimi Inari Shrine
Known for its 10,000 vermilion torii gates, this shrine offers a magical walk through sacred mountain trails. Each gate is donated by individuals or businesses, creating an ever-growing tunnel of devotion.
See Geishas in Gion
Wander Gion’s cobblestone alleys in the evening for a chance to spot a Geisha heading to an appointment. These professional entertainers preserve centuries-old arts and are a rare sight outside Kyoto.
Take a Rickshaw Ride in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Glide through towering bamboo stalks with a guide pulling you in a traditional rickshaw. It’s a peaceful way to explore one of Japan’s most photogenic natural spots.
Visit Kiyomizudera Temple
This UNESCO-listed temple offers panoramic views of Kyoto from its wooden stage built without nails. Its hillside location and seasonal changes make it breathtaking year-round.
Wander Gion’s cobblestone alleys in the evening for a chance to spot a Geisha heading to an appointment. These professional entertainers preserve centuries-old arts and are a rare sight outside Kyoto.
Take a Rickshaw Ride in Arashiyama Bamboo Grove
Glide through towering bamboo stalks with a guide pulling you in a traditional rickshaw. It’s a peaceful way to explore one of Japan’s most photogenic natural spots.
Visit Kiyomizudera Temple
This UNESCO-listed temple offers panoramic views of Kyoto from its wooden stage built without nails. Its hillside location and seasonal changes make it breathtaking year-round.
Osaka
Eat Your Way Through Dotonbori
Famous for street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, Dotonbori is Osaka’s neon-lit food paradise. Try everything from grilled squid to Instagram-worthy cheese dogs.
Visit Osaka Castle
This iconic landmark is both historically important and visually stunning. Climb to the top for great views and learn about Japan’s feudal era inside the museum.
Enjoy Universal Studios Japan
Home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World, USJ is a world-class theme park for thrill seekers and pop culture fans alike.
Famous for street food like takoyaki and okonomiyaki, Dotonbori is Osaka’s neon-lit food paradise. Try everything from grilled squid to Instagram-worthy cheese dogs.
Visit Osaka Castle
This iconic landmark is both historically important and visually stunning. Climb to the top for great views and learn about Japan’s feudal era inside the museum.
Enjoy Universal Studios Japan
Home to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Super Nintendo World, USJ is a world-class theme park for thrill seekers and pop culture fans alike.
Watch a Comedy Show
Osaka is the birthplace of Japanese comedy (manzai). Head to a theater like Namba Grand Kagetsu to see why locals say humor runs in the city’s blood.
Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel
One of the world’s largest Ferris wheels, it offers stunning views of Osaka Bay and Mount Ikoma. At night, the wheel lights up with LED patterns visible across the city.
Osaka is the birthplace of Japanese comedy (manzai). Head to a theater like Namba Grand Kagetsu to see why locals say humor runs in the city’s blood.
Ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel
One of the world’s largest Ferris wheels, it offers stunning views of Osaka Bay and Mount Ikoma. At night, the wheel lights up with LED patterns visible across the city.
Osaka Castle was originally built in the late 16th century by warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi as a symbol of unification during Japan’s warring states period. Though the original structure was destroyed multiple times, the current reconstruction from 1931 features a modern museum inside and is surrounded by one of Japan’s most beautiful urban parks, especially stunning during cherry blossom season.
Nara
Hiroshima
Feed Deer in Nara Park
Nara’s deer are considered sacred and freely roam the park. You can buy special deer crackers to feed them, and many even bow politely before accepting the snack.
Visit Todai-ji Temple
Home to the Great Buddha, this massive wooden temple is a marvel of engineering and faith. The statue inside is one of the largest bronze Buddhas in the world.
Try Mochi-Pounding at Nakatanidou
Watch mochi being made the traditional way in a high-speed hammer-pounding performance. It’s a delicious and dramatic local specialty.
Nara’s deer are considered sacred and freely roam the park. You can buy special deer crackers to feed them, and many even bow politely before accepting the snack.
Visit Todai-ji Temple
Home to the Great Buddha, this massive wooden temple is a marvel of engineering and faith. The statue inside is one of the largest bronze Buddhas in the world.
Try Mochi-Pounding at Nakatanidou
Watch mochi being made the traditional way in a high-speed hammer-pounding performance. It’s a delicious and dramatic local specialty.
Visit the Peace Memorial Park
Dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb, the park and museum offer a powerful and emotional journey through history. The flame of peace burns until nuclear weapons are no more.
Try Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki
Unlike the Osaka version, this savory pancake is layered with noodles and cabbage. It's cooked in front of you at counter-style restaurants for a unique dining experience.
Take a Ferry to Miyajima Island
Famous for the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, this island blends natural beauty with spiritual serenity. You may also spot tame deer and hike up Mount Misen.
Dedicated to the victims of the atomic bomb, the park and museum offer a powerful and emotional journey through history. The flame of peace burns until nuclear weapons are no more.
Try Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki
Unlike the Osaka version, this savory pancake is layered with noodles and cabbage. It's cooked in front of you at counter-style restaurants for a unique dining experience.
Take a Ferry to Miyajima Island
Famous for the floating torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, this island blends natural beauty with spiritual serenity. You may also spot tame deer and hike up Mount Misen.
Hokkaido
Ski in Niseko
Known for its powder snow and stunning alpine scenery, Niseko is a world-class ski resort. It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned snowboarders.
Soak in a Snowy Outdoor Onsen
Bathing in natural hot springs while surrounded by snow is a quintessential Hokkaido winter experience. Try Noboribetsu or Jozankei for a luxurious soak.
Join the Sapporo Snow Festival
Held every February, this festival showcases giant ice and snow sculptures that transform the city into a frozen wonderland. It draws millions of visitors from around the world.
Known for its powder snow and stunning alpine scenery, Niseko is a world-class ski resort. It’s perfect for both beginners and seasoned snowboarders.
Soak in a Snowy Outdoor Onsen
Bathing in natural hot springs while surrounded by snow is a quintessential Hokkaido winter experience. Try Noboribetsu or Jozankei for a luxurious soak.
Join the Sapporo Snow Festival
Held every February, this festival showcases giant ice and snow sculptures that transform the city into a frozen wonderland. It draws millions of visitors from around the world.
Okinawa
Snorkel in Blue Cave
Okinawa’s Blue Cave is famous for its glowing turquoise waters, best explored by snorkel or scuba. The marine life and visibility are exceptional.
Explore Shurijo Castle
Once the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, this castle reflects Okinawa’s unique cultural blend. Though it suffered fire damage, restoration continues to preserve its beauty.
Enjoy a Beach BBQ
Locals love their beach culture. Join a beach BBQ or campfire session for food, music, and ocean views that feel miles away from mainland Japan.
Okinawa’s Blue Cave is famous for its glowing turquoise waters, best explored by snorkel or scuba. The marine life and visibility are exceptional.
Explore Shurijo Castle
Once the royal palace of the Ryukyu Kingdom, this castle reflects Okinawa’s unique cultural blend. Though it suffered fire damage, restoration continues to preserve its beauty.
Enjoy a Beach BBQ
Locals love their beach culture. Join a beach BBQ or campfire session for food, music, and ocean views that feel miles away from mainland Japan.
Nagasaki
Visit the Nagasaki Peace Park
Built to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing, this moving memorial is both sobering and hopeful. The park features powerful sculptures donated by countries around the world, representing a collective wish for peace. It’s a must-visit for understanding Nagasaki’s deep historical significance.
Explore Glover Garden
Perched on a hillside with sweeping views of the bay, Glover Garden is home to a collection of Western-style mansions from the Meiji era. The most famous, the Glover Residence, is Japan’s oldest Western-style house and is rumored to have inspired the setting of Madama Butterfly. The peaceful garden paths offer a romantic, nostalgic atmosphere.
Ride the Nagasaki Ropeway to Mt. Inasa
Considered one of Japan’s top three night views, the panorama from Mt. Inasa is unforgettable. The ropeway ride itself is scenic, and once at the top, visitors are treated to a sparkling view of the harbor city framed by mountains and sea. It’s the perfect way to end a day of exploring Nagasaki’s layered past and present.
Built to commemorate the victims of the atomic bombing, this moving memorial is both sobering and hopeful. The park features powerful sculptures donated by countries around the world, representing a collective wish for peace. It’s a must-visit for understanding Nagasaki’s deep historical significance.
Explore Glover Garden
Perched on a hillside with sweeping views of the bay, Glover Garden is home to a collection of Western-style mansions from the Meiji era. The most famous, the Glover Residence, is Japan’s oldest Western-style house and is rumored to have inspired the setting of Madama Butterfly. The peaceful garden paths offer a romantic, nostalgic atmosphere.
Ride the Nagasaki Ropeway to Mt. Inasa
Considered one of Japan’s top three night views, the panorama from Mt. Inasa is unforgettable. The ropeway ride itself is scenic, and once at the top, visitors are treated to a sparkling view of the harbor city framed by mountains and sea. It’s the perfect way to end a day of exploring Nagasaki’s layered past and present.
From deer-filled parks to futuristic art museums, this Japan bucket list combines the best things to do in Japan for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re looking for fun things to do in Japan or seeking deep cultural experiences, these 30 unforgettable moments will leave a lasting impression. Let this list be your guide to the top things to do in Japan - each city, temple, and quirky activity brings you closer to the heart of this fascinating country.