Experience

Top 20 Experiences in JapanA beautiful country with a rich culture and history, Japan has a long list of activities and experiences to offer…TemplesThere are hundreds of temples scattered all over Japan. These places of worship are dedicated to Buddhism, a…SnowJapan experiences winter from December up until March. In this span of time, many places around the country are…SkiingWith many world-class ski resorts, Japan is one of the top destinations in the world during winter. It is home to…ShrinesBuilt for the purpose of enshrining Shinto spirits and other kami, shrines are religious structures that are found…ShoppingJapan is known for being one of the world’s best places for shopping. It has a wide array of stores, malls and…OnsenOnsen, or natural hot springs, are found throughout Japan. They are a popular destination not only among foreign…NightlifeMany major cities in Japan remain vibrant and alive late at night and even up until the early morning, as young…MuseumsJapan is home to numerous museums focusing on a wide array of subject matter, whether it is history, art, science,…Manga and AnimeFrom iconic characters to immersive storylines, Japan’s influence on the world of visual storytelling is…Historical SitesMany of Japan’s centuries-old structures and landmarks remain alive and busy up to the present day, and a lot of…GardensJapan boasts many gardens that showcase the creativity and ingenuity of its people. For more than a thousand…Food and DrinksJapanese gastronomy is world-renowned for its diverse collection of mouth-watering and scrumptious dishes. In the…FestivalsAwa Odori Dance – ©JNTO Just like everywhere else in the world, Japan observes a long list of festivals all year…Cherry BlossomSpringtime in Japan is a high-volume tourist season as people from all over the world travel to the country to…CastlesCastles are among the most visited attractions in Japan. There are hundreds of them all over the country, with…Amusement ParksFuji-Q Highland – ©JNTO Amusement parks and theme parks have always been among the top attractions of Japan. They…

How to choose when everything looks unmissable

Honest advice from years of helping Australians plan: do not try to do it all. Pick one anchor experience per city, a festival, a garden, a ski day, a food crawl, and let the rest of the day breathe around it, because the unplanned hours between the icons are where Japan does its best work. The guides in this section give you the background and practical detail for each experience so you can choose the handful that fit your trip, your season and your knees. Everything here is reachable by rail, and most of it is covered by a Japan Rail Pass or a regional pass.