Discovering Japan: 10 Things to See and Do

Japan has a rich history and culture that offers a wide variety of things to see and do. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, there’s always something new to discover in Japan. Here are a few of the many things to see and do when visiting Japan.

Visit Kyoto: Kyoto is the former capital of Japan and is known for its beautiful temples and shrines. Some of the must-see temples include Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji (the Zen temple with a famous rock garden), and Fushimi Inari-Taisha (the temple with thousands of red torii gates).

Explore Tokyo: Tokyo is the capital and largest city in Japan and is known for its modern and traditional culture. Some of the must-see places include Tokyo Tower, which offers a great view of the city, the Meiji Shrine, which is a shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, and the Tsukiji Fish Market, which is the largest fish market in the world.

Take a dip in an Onsen: Onsens are hot springs that are found throughout Japan. Taking a dip in an onsen is a great way to relax and experience Japanese culture. There are many different types of onsens to choose from, including indoor and outdoor onsens, and those that are mixed-gender or gender-segregated.

Experience a traditional tea ceremony: The tea ceremony is an important part of Japanese culture and is known for its elegance and simplicity. The ceremony involves preparing and serving tea in a traditional manner and is a great way to learn more about Japanese culture.

Enjoy Japanese food: Japan is known for its delicious food, which ranges from sushi and ramen to tempura and yakitori. Some of the must-try dishes include sushi, which is raw fish served on small pieces of rice, ramen, which is a type of Chinese-style noodle soup, and tempura, which is seafood or vegetables that have been deep-fried in a light batter.

Visit Mt. Fuji: Mt. Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan and is considered a sacred place. Visitors can take a bus tour to the 5th station of Mt. Fuji and hike to the summit or take a tour of the mountain’s base.

Attend a traditional Japanese festival: Japan is home to many traditional festivals, which are held throughout the year. Some of the most famous festivals include the Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, which is held in July and features a parade of floats, and the Cherry Blossom Festival, which is held in the spring and is a celebration of the cherry blossom trees.

Visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki: These two cities were destroyed by atomic bombs during World War II. Visitors can learn more about the history of the bombings and the effects they had on the people of Japan by visiting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Nagasaki Peace Park.

These are just a few of the many things to see and do when visiting Japan. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, Japan has something to offer everyone.