Top 25 Travel Experiences in Japan

My Favorite Japanese Experiences as a Tourist

Would I say the following Japan travel experiences are not to be missed? That depends on what sort of traveler you are and what the Land of the Rising Sun means to you.

For me, I was deeply thrilled, tickled, and impressed by the following adventures during my visits, to the extent that my memories of them became the definition of the name “Japan.”

Many of these travel experiences and memories are also unique to Nihon. In other words, they are worthy of the phrase, the flavors of Japan.

I dare say that any other traveler who had the pleasure of these experiences would also remember them fondly. They would be what these travelers remember about their visits years and years down the road. Starting at number 25, here are my favorite Japanese tourist experiences.

25. Checking Out the Amenities of Japanese Business Hotels

Japanese business hotels are affordable chains of smaller hotels originally targeting the domestic business travel market. Nowadays, many cater to international budget travelers too. Even today, I continue to be amazed by the variety of amenities provided by these budget chains.

Other than choices of pillows and pajamas, free supper, and useful facilities like washing machines and microwaves, Japanese business hotels are now even offering wide selections of shampoos, body cleansers, room fresheners, massage equipment, and body care product samples for ladies.

Is this the result of cutthroat competition or the epitome of Japanese devotion to complete customer satisfaction? (Omotenashi, or Japanese hospitality, in other words) I have no idea. I just know that checking into a Japanese business hotel is like a mini-adventure. I can easily spend half an hour trying those amenities like a child.

24. Snacking at Cooked-Food Sections of Large Japanese Department Stores

A visit to any Japanese departmental store's basement food section is always an atmospheric Japanese travel experience. Other than a wide variety of food sold, many stalls also heavily slash prices when closing time approaches, thus transforming the marketplaces into culinary paradises for budget travelers.

At the same time, free samples are frequently available too, making such food sections a great way to learn about Japanese cuisine. Lastly, the vibrant, almost rowdy ambiance is positively rejuvenating. I can’t fully explain, but I always feel enlivened after a visit.

23. Experiencing Japanese Orderliness First Hand

Witnessing Japan’s legendary orderliness in person will always count among my most surreal Japanese experiences. The way Japanese passengers meticulously clean up their seats after dining on trains. The way they panic and hunch over, with mouths covered, when their smartphones ring on public transportation.

Of all the examples I’ve seen, the most memorable remains that of the queues at Asakusa Temple on New Year’s Eve 2008. Despite the hundreds of people waiting to offer prayers at midnight, there was no mess, no din, no jostling even.

Everyone was neatly and quietly queuing in a straight line. More than anything else, this convinced me that public consciousness is truly an enshrined way of life in Japan. Needless to say, this conviction also fills me with admiration.

22. Setting Your Watch Using the Shinkansen

The punctuality of Japanese trains is heavily promoted on many Japanese travel pamphlets. They do completely mean it when they use the phrase “you can set your watch by …”

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For the kick of it, I always do exactly that upon reaching Japan, even if my watch isn’t inaccurate. Note, however, such punctuality could be a double-edged sword too. More than once, I balefully watched a train speed away when I was but a few seconds late.

Japanese punctuality is indeed legendary, but it can also be unforgiving.

21. Shopping in a Japanese Department Store

The Japanese take the adage “The Customer is King” seriously. Actually, they literally practice it, especially in large departmental stores.

Be prepared to be pampered and adored like royalty when shopping at these places, even if you’re just buying something that’s decisively cheap. Truth be told too, I’m still a little overwhelmed by such service despite having visited Japan more than fifteen times. It’s often a little too embarrassing and unnerving. That nice old lady just wouldn’t stop bowing!

20. Visiting a Japanese Snack Bar

To be honest, I’ve ever only enjoyed this uniquely Japanese experience once. That was during my very first solo trip to Japan in the late 90s, when I was young, foolish, and much less self-conscious.

My takeaway from that visit: being a “master” i.e. Japanese bartender at these hole-in-the-wall outlets truly requires exceptional conversational and customer observation skills. Over three hours, the master continuously came up with new topics to chat about, despite him hardly speaking English and me barely understanding Japanese.

As awkward as that evening was, we never stop talking. Eventually, other customers joined us and we had good laughs over many things. Making those few hours one of my fondest travel memories ever.

Someday, I really ought to visit another Japanese snack bar. With a better grasp of the Japanese language now, I believe I will enjoy this experience far more.

19. Ascending Japanese Castles Like a Valiant Samurai

In my opinion, Japanese castles are as grueling to ascend as they are beautiful. This is particularly so for the original ones that are not reconstructions; for example, Matsumoto Castle and Himeji Castle.

Other than a long meandering walk to the keeps, steps within the keep themselves are outrageously steep and narrow. Inevitably, I end up sweaty and breathless during these treks. Both hands balled into fists too as I press on.

And yet, I continue to visit Japanese castles, because I never fail to experience a strange euphoria upon reaching the topmost floor. A euphoria that’s not simply due to the panoramic views at the top level.

What drives me? Is it the illusion that I have momentarily been a samurai successfully rushing to my lord’s aid? I’m still trying to figure this one out. Meanwhile, I continue to race up as many Japanese castles as I can during each visit.

18. Getting Lost in the Underground Labyrinths of Japan

Don’t laugh. I panicked during my first visit to Shinjuku Station in 1998. Dear Lord, just how large is this behemoth? Where on earth is the exit for Studio Alta? Could everyone just stand still for one moment so that I can get my bearings?

During my 2015 trip, I had a similarly dizzying moment in Fukuoka’s Tenjin Chikagai. I couldn’t see the opposite end of the mall when I entered. After briskly walking for a few minutes, I still couldn’t see the opposite end.

That’s how large and complex major Japanese stations and underground districts could be. If you enjoy navigating endless corridors of shops, a visit to any could be your most memorable Japanese travel experience, as it sometimes is for me.

On the other hand, if you are bad with directions and crowds, well, be prepared. Get a free map too.

17. Staying in an Onsen Town

Many travel guidebooks describe famous onsen towns like Gero and Kinugawa as overbuilt and ugly. Quite honestly, I agree.

In spite of that, a night in any of these towns could still be an enchanting Japanese cultural experience. It’s possible if you know what to avoid or what to go for.

For me, one definite draw is that magical hour right after sunset, i.e., what photographers call the blue hour. Drab concrete buildings are less noticeable. Here and there are also Japanese visitors enjoying the evening cool while strolling in traditional Yukata robes.

A serenity gradually accumulates till it’s completely dark, with everyone back at their Ryokans. Thereafter, at the right spot and with a can of beer/tea, you can almost feel the world standing still.

You will also feel yourself floating down the invisible waters of time. Waters that are also absolutely rejuvenating.

16. Time Traveling in the Kiso Valley

My friends have very contradicting opinions regarding the Kiso Valley. Some adored it, claiming their hikes there were their best Japanese travel experiences. Others downright lambasted the historical postal towns dotting the valley as overrated, and deeply regretted wasting time making their way there.

Having visited Narai, I can only say the experience is what you want to make out of it. Can you bring yourself to cognitively ignore the little clues of modernity scattered here and there? Things like electric lights, modern attire, and so on?

If you can, you will suddenly find yourself back in the Edo Era. I managed to do so for a few minutes when in Narai. Looking back, I considered myself to have briefly traversed time.

15. Childlike Excitement When Choosing Ekiben

Ekiben is the Japanese portmanteau for eki and bento, and refers to packaged meal boxes intended for consumption on trains.

If that sounds unappealing to you, know that Ekiben are nowhere near being dreary refrigerated meals. There’s an entire institution behind these beloved meal boxes, and each year, F&B establishments compete intensely to come up with the most appealing and attractive offers.

In my case, I always feel like a child entering a candy store when patronizing an Ekiben shop. Everything is so colorful and so artfully packaged. It is also always such a challenge to decide which to buy, and which regional specialty to try.

14. Visiting Japanese Locations That Have Appeared in Japanese Video Games

This is a geek thing. As an avid video gamer, I frequently see famous Japanese landmarks or locations replicated in games. Because of this, I always make it a point to visit such spots when in Japan. This for the purpose of believing, if only momentarily, that I’ve been transported into my favorite games.

For example, many of my evenings in Japan were spent at or around the entertainment districts featured in Sega’s Yakuza series.

During my latest visit, I devoted nights and days to exploring the many Tokyo districts and buildings featured in the Shin Megami Tensei and Persona series.

As childish as the above might sound, it’s incredible fun, fun that could get downright intoxicating.

The visits are doubly more enjoyable when I pair these excursions with soundtracks from the games. Anyone who has seen me during these excursions would surely note I get completely wild-eyed. Wild-eyed and very kid-like.

13. Discovering “Hidden” Scenic Spots in Japanese Gardens

When I first read about this cultural Japanese experience in landscaping books many years ago, I was deeply skeptical. Hidden spots within Japanese gardens promising unique views? Yeah, right. Even if they exist, how dramatic could they be? Isn’t it a matter of looking at the same tree from another angle?

After visiting various famed Japanese gardens over the years, such as Tokyo’s Rikugien, I’m pleased/ashamed to say how foolishly wrong I was. To put it simply, these power spots hit you like a smart whisk on the behind. You make a turn and suddenly it’s before you, indeed still the same tree or bridge or hut, but under a totally different light.

In many cases, one could even say the revelation is like an epiphany.

12. Being Nude in an Open-Air Onsen

I’m not endorsing exhibitionism! Neither am I referring to those famous rustic onsens surrounded by glorious forests or bleak snowscapes.

I’m talking about minimal, small-town riverside facilities that almost always consist of no more than a simple shed. You merely need to drop a coin into a collection box as an entry fee. Thereafter, for the next hour or so, you are free to be as one with nature.

The “best” part of this Japanese experience, so to speak, is that such places are often in full or partial view of nearby walking paths too. What’s the greater kick here? To be seen? Or to watch pedestrians obliviously stroll past with eyes politely averted? By the way, many of these facilities are only usable by guys. I don’t think I need to explain further.

11. Entering Geek Paradise

For a nation that places so much emphasis on social conformity, Japan is incredibly tolerant of alternate cultures. Wait, I should say no other country possibly celebrates alternate, i.e., geek culture as much as Japan.

Not only are there numerous chains of stores entirely devoted to such fan communities, there are events, seminars, and performances regularly scheduled too. The avid gamer and anime fan I am, you can imagine how thrilled I am whenever I step into such stores or events. It’s like finding slices of heaven, readily available in all corners of Japan.

10. Donning Traditional Japanese Attire in a Periodic Theme Park

This is a costly activity, and frankly, you’d need to be with companions to truly enjoy it.

If you do get to try such “cosplaying,” though, I believe you would agree with me that there is no better way to immerse yourself in Japanese heritage. The elaborate setups at periodic theme parks like Nikko Edo Wonderland will also ensure only the very fussy would find the illusion incomplete.

9. Having a Snack at a Matsuri Stall

Did you notice that I did not include watching a Matsuri procession as one of my favorite Japanese experiences? Well, the truth is, I’ve ever only attended one and I didn’t enjoy it at all.

It was very crowded and I stood for nearly an hour before the procession came. Worse, I barely captured any worthy photographs, no thanks to the crowds.

That’s not the case, though, when it comes to having a snack at a Matsuri food area. Consider this scenario. You’re at the corner of the food area with several yakitori skewers in your hands. Above you looms the branches of a cherry blossom tree, petals occasionally drifting onto your lap.

Before you, tourists and Japanese people saunter past, some laughing, some snacking. How does that sound to you? Is it an Anime perfect moment? It is always for me.

8. Watching Anime on a Japanese Train

Speaking of anime, is there any better time to enjoy an episode than while on a speeding Japanese train? Especially when Japanese symbols like Mount Fuji are just outside the window?

7. Photographing Japanese Festive Illuminations

At the risk of sounding racially offensive, I’d share I’ve always long felt that the Japanese tend to yari-sugiru, or “overdo.”

One example of this is festive illuminations. Now, such illuminations, such as those for Christmas, are common worldwide. Yet, the way the Japanese “do” illuminations is seriously on another level. I was completely blown away when I visited Ashikaga Flower Park during its massive annual winter illumination.

The same goes for smaller-scale illuminations such as those for autumn leaves, cherry blossoms, midsummer, etc. The short of it, I don’t think there’s a more dazzling way to spend an evening in Japan. If you’re there while these festive illuminations are ongoing, it’s sheer tragedy, and foolishness, to give them a miss.

6. Enjoying Kyo Kaiseki

I’m not fond of seafood. Because of that, I find many Japanese classic dishes unpalatable.

That said, I still try as much as possible to have a Kyo Kaiseki meal whenever I’m in Japan, the reason being these are such stunning feasts for the other senses.

The international fame Kyo Kaiseki enjoys nowadays, I’m sure I need not explain beyond saying, each course is like a piece of meticulously crafted artwork ceremoniously presented to you. My most memorable Kyo Kaiseki meal remains my very first one in 1998. Could I share that I simply couldn’t stop grinning throughout the courses? Nor stop taking photographs?

5. Relaxing in Onsen Theme Parks

Most of my friends who have visited Japan dislike onsen theme parks like Osaka’s Spa World or Tokyo’s Oedo Onsen Monogatari. (The latter now, regretfully, permanently closed) They consider them loud, touristy, and borderline juvenile.

While I don’t entirely disagree, I’d highlight that such attractions could still be immensely enjoyable, provided you enter with the right mentality.

Other than easily accessible locations, there’s always a vibrant sense of merriment and entertainment, on top of a slew of activities to try. Allow me to share that I enjoy said ambiance so much, I always spend my final nights in Tokyo at Oedo Onsen Monogatari.

To me, it is the perfect way to end a Japanese holiday.

4. Attending Kyo Odori

Here’s what happens when you attend a Kyo Odori, or Kyoto-style dance performance. Before the performance, you could enjoy a mini tea ceremony, after which you are free to take home the ceramic plate used to serve you wagashi.

The performance then begins, and every act of it is a glorious celebration of Japan’s most distinctive cultures, celebrations filled to the brim with boundless beauty.

Not to exaggerate but the first time I watched Kyo Odori, I felt the ladies were putting on a grand “welcome to Japan” ceremony for me. It’s ridiculous to speak of but the beauty there and then invited me to indulge. And to remember this Japanese cultural experience for life.

3. Attending Hanatorou

What’s better than visiting centuries-old Japanese temples full of artworks designated as national treasures? Visiting the same temples at night when they are gorgeously illuminated, of course!

Two of my visits to Kyoto coincided with Hanatorou, or the “flower lantern road.” Believe me when I say exploring Kiyomizu Temple or any of the other illuminated Higashiyama temples at night is hands-down one of the most atmospheric Japanese travel experiences one can ever have.

Even the shopping streets around the lit temples are unforgettable. Every shop and corner becomes a photographer’s dream set piece.

2. Getting Mobbed by the Street Gangs of Nara

I jest. I’m not talking about Yakuza here, I’m referring to the free-roaming deer found all over Nara Park.

As adorable and as docile as they seem, these little darlings will energetically mob you the moment they detect a deer cracker in your hands. Even if you aren’t holding food, they might still sneakily check out your bags, or bossily yank at any paper you’re holding.

As harrowing as this sounds, know that nearly all visitors end up in stitches after a “mobbing” experience. I myself always have a hearty laugh and never visit the Kansai region without a day trip to Nara.

1. Those Moments When Mount Fuji Decided to Reveal Itself

During my earliest visits to Japan, I visited all of the famed Mount Fuji viewing spots, some repeatedly, without so much as a glimpse of the mountain.

By my sixth trip, I have given up. I no longer schedule visits to any viewing spots. I don’t even bother to stay awake when riding the Tokaido Shinkansen between Tokyo and Nagoya.

And then she appeared. During my seventh trip and while I was heading to Tokyo on the Shinkansen. One moment she wasn’t there. The next, bam, there she was. As majestic and as breathtaking as she is in photographs.

The only word I have for this viewing is “magical.” It was truly as if Mount Fuji appeared by magic before me.

Needless to say, the impact of that dramatic moment is now my favorite Japanese travel memory. When I think of Japan, I recall that moment. Possibly, nothing else I’d encounter in my future Japan trips would ever surpass this moment.

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2018 Ced Yong