8 Things to Do in Japan and What Not to Do (2025)

A lot of people dream of traveling to Japan, and it’s easy to understand why, as it’s the eleventh most popular country in the world. Throughout the year, Japan constantly welcomes visitors from around the globe, and this year you can be one of them!

If you’ve decided to travel to this great country, here are eight things to do in Japan, and what not to do, as well as some essential tips to make your experience the best.

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8 Things to Do in Japan This Year

Let’s start our trip through the most incredible landmarks to visit across the Japanese archipelago, starting with its wonderful capital, Tokyo.

Explore Tokyo’s Shibuya Crossing

Choosing just one place in Tokyo is pretty hard. After all, you could spend three whole days there discovering its contrasting charm. But if you truly want to see how central and vibrant this city is, visit Shibuya Crossing. This is the busiest crosswalk in the world and perhaps the most emblematic symbol of Tokyo. It dates back to the construction of Shibuya Station in 1885.

You can watch it from a distance, like from the second floor of the giant Starbucks in the Tsutaya building. That way, you can admire the incredible crowds that gather every time the traffic lights turn red. Fun fact: this intersection has been the setting for many famous movies, including the walking dinosaur scene in “Lost in Translation”.

Visit Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Shrine

Next, we move to the second most famous city in Japan and its old capital, Kyoto. This city is more steeped in history than Tokyo and offers plenty of fascinating historical sites, including dozens of shrines. Among them, Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the best-known and most important. It is also one of the oldest, dating back to the eighth century.

What sets Fushimi Inari Shrine apart is its mesmerizing Senbon Torii, or “thousands of torii gates,” which form glowing orange tunnels that stretch for several kilometers up the sacred Mount Inari. These gates, donated by individuals and companies in hopes of receiving good fortune, create a surreal and spiritual walking path through the forest.

Along the way, you’ll encounter smaller shrines, stone fox statues (Inari’s messengers), and peaceful lookouts offering views of Kyoto. While many visitors stop at the lower levels for quick photos, those who hike to the summit are rewarded with a quieter, more reflective experience, whether for spiritual reasons, cultural interest, or photography.

Photo by Stephan Streuders

 

Experience a Traditional Tea Ceremony in Uji

You can’t visit Japan without participating at least once in a tea ceremony. It might seem like a simple tradition to some, but give it a chance. This experience will give you a better understanding of key elements in Japanese culture and philosophy.

A tea ceremony centers around the act of brewing and enjoying tea, not just as a common beverage, but as an art. It usually involves a small group of guests, always in a quiet environment with a direct connection to nature, and places remarkable attention on every detail of the process. For many people, it’s a grounding experience that makes you focus completely on the present and appreciate the charm of small everyday pleasures.

Photo by Mikhail Nilov

 

Relax in a Hot Spring (Onsen) in Hakone

Another great attraction to visit while exploring the best things to do in Japan is the onsen. And if we’re talking about hot springs, you should visit Hakone. The city is located in Kanagawa Prefecture and is part of the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It has been one of Japan’s most popular and renowned hot spring destinations for centuries.

For the best experience, check out the Yumoto Hot Spring District, which offers several outdoor pools at the foot of a wooded hillside. They’re the perfect place to relax and enjoy Japan’s natural beauty.

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Climb Mount Fuji

At 3,776 meters, Mount Fuji stands as Japan’s highest peak and one of its most recognizable symbols. It has been revered for centuries as more than just a mountain, but a spiritual icon. In June 2013, it was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Site.

The most popular route to climb it is the Yoshida Trail, which offers a manageable way to reach the summit. It typically takes about 6 hours to ascend and 4 hours to descend. For one of the most magical experiences of your trip, start the trek in the evening to arrive at the top in time for the breathtaking sunrise.

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Discover Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park

If you’re a history lover, you cannot miss one of Japan’s most significant sites. Hiroshima was the first city in the world to suffer a nuclear attack, on August 5, 1945. This irreversibly changed the course of World War II and Japan’s history, and the city remains a testament to it.

Today, at the site where the bomb detonated, you’ll find an open space filled with trees and green lawns dedicated to the memory of the victims. Keep in mind, this area was once the city’s commercial center. Along the banks of the Motoyasu River, the park and its surroundings feature nearly 50 monuments, including the Memorial Cenotaph, the Peace Memorial Hall, the famous Children’s Peace Monument, the Rest House, and the A-Bomb Dome.

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Experience Cherry Blossom Season at Ueno Park

Spring in Japan feels like a dream, and there’s no better place to experience it than Ueno Park in Tokyo. Known for its stunning avenue of cherry blossom trees, this park becomes a national attraction during the sakura season, which typically peaks between late March and early April. You can join hundreds of locals and tourists who gather daily to walk beneath the pink canopies, enjoy hanami picnics, and capture the fleeting beauty of the blossoms. You can learn more about the best time to visit and other incredible places in our article about Japan’s Cherry Blossom Season.

But Ueno Park is more than just cherry trees; it’s also one of Tokyo’s cultural hubs. Within walking distance, you’ll find the Tokyo National Museum, home to one of the richest collections of Japanese art and historical artifacts. And for families or wildlife lovers, the Ueno Zoo, Japan’s oldest zoo, is a must-see, especially if you want to catch a glimpse of its beloved giant pandas.

Photo by Evgeny Tchebotarev

 

What Not to Do in Japan

When visiting Japan, it’s important to respect local customs and etiquette. For example, do not tip in restaurants, as service charges are typically included and tipping may be seen as awkward or unnecessary. On public transportation, avoid talking loudly or making phone calls, as quiet is expected. It’s also considered impolite to eat while walking in public spaces, so finish your food before moving on.

Some customs are familiar worldwide, such as avoiding pointing at people or things, as it’s considered rude. Others may be unfamiliar if you come from a Western country, for example, always removing your shoes indoors, especially in homes and traditional accommodations. Also, when visiting temples or shrines, don’t take photos in sacred areas, even if you’re unsure.

 

Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Japan

Stay Connected With Yoho Mobile, Your Travel Companion

When visiting vibrant and culturally rich Japan, it’s important to stay connected and informed, especially if you don’t speak Japanese. One way to easily access real-time local information and keep in touch with friends is by using a Yoho Mobile’s free eSIM trial. If you want to get your eSIM plan afterwards, use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!

Plan Visits Around Cherry Blossom Season

From the second half of March to the beginning of May, the blossoms of Japan’s emblematic cherry season captivate both visitors and locals, a spectacle not to be missed. Plan your visit around this time. You can learn more about the best and worst times to visit Japan in our article about Japan’s seasons and the best activities for the whole year.

How Much Does a Trip to Japan Cost in 2025?

Before you go, find out about the cost of flights, lodging, food, and local attractions. Generally, a week-long trip to Japan costs between $2,500 and $5,000 per person. This is certainly more expensive than many other destinations, and you can read more in our article How Much Does a Trip to Japan Cost in 2025? for a full breakdown.