10 Incredible Things To Do in Japan

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you. Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more.

10 Top Things to Do in Japan

Alright, backpacking crew, let’s get right into the good stuff. It doesn’t matter if you’re travelling to Japan solo, as a couple, with mates, or even with kids in tow; this slice of Asia delivers experiences that will stimulate all your senses.

From mountain treks and street food crawls to ancient temples and neon lights, the Land of the Rising Sun is full of mystery and wonder. Get ready to make the memories you’ll tell your grandkids about in years to come.

1. Dive Headfirst Into Tokyo’s Neon Nightlife

Tokyo at night is unlike anywhere else in the world. The first time I walked through Shibuya Crossing after dark, I genuinely stopped in the middle of it and just looked up. My mouth is wide open. Mesmerised.

Screens flashing, music leaking out of arcades, the smell of grilled skewers drifting through the air, this chaotic assault on my senses knocked me for six. Eventually, I made my way into Golden Gai in Shinjuku and managed to secure a spot in a tiny bar that only had six seats. I ended up sharing sake with a local graphic designer who insisted I try a smoky Japanese whisky. I’ve never tasted anything quite like it.

There are plenty of fun things to do in Japan at night. But experiencing Tokyo and its nightlife is my favourite. Who doesn’t love belting out karaoke? Enjoying ramen at 2 am? Having random conversations with strangers? And just being intoxicated by the city’s vibrant atmosphere?

You should be aware that trains stop running in Tokyo at around midnight. But if you miss it, don’t worry. They resume around 5 am. You can always just stay out till then.

2. Chase Sunrise Through Kyoto’s Torii Gates

Kyoto can feel overwhelming by mid-morning, so trust me when I say it’s best to go early. I reached Fushimi Inari just after sunrise and had entire stretches of torii gates to myself. 

The air was cool, the city still quiet, and every step up the mountain was completed in peace. I’m glad I did this because by 9 am, the area was overrun by tourists, and I could hardly hear myself think.

Kyoto is one of those must-see things to do in Japan that changes completely depending on the timing. After your early morning hike, grab a coffee nearby and wander Gion’s backstreets. It’s nowhere near as busy there. If you’ve got time, book a small tea ceremony session. I found that learning the meaning behind each movement made my stay in Kyoto much deeper.

I was solo travelling and booked onto this day tour to see the highlights: Fushimi Inari, Kinkakuji, Bamboo Grove 1 Day Bus Tour. I’d highly recommend it to anyone keen to see the best sights in Kyoto 🙂

3. Feast Your Way Through Osaka’s Street Food Scene

Osaka is loud, proud, and obsessed with food. I instantly fell in love with it. I especially like hanging out in Dotonbori at night. The neon crab signs waving above you, grills sizzling, and people laughing shoulder-to-shoulder are compelling.

One time, I was invited to try to make okonomiyaki at a tiny counter spot and absolutely butchered the flip. The locals laughed, and the chef fixed it before handing it back as if nothing had happened. That’s Osaka in a nutshell. 

If you’re looking for cool things to do in Japan that feel social and relaxed, this city delivers in spades. Try takoyaki straight off the griddle (it’s molten hot and slightly dangerous!) and then follow your nose to other snack stalls. Street snacks usually cost under ¥800. I recommend eating where the locals line up.

If you’re travelling solo in Japan, joining a food tour is a great way to experience the food culture in Osaka and make a few new mates along the way. I can highly recommend this Street Food Tour.

4. Hike Mount Fuji Under the Stars

Climbing Mount Fuji is quite strenuous. So, it might not suit everyone. Overall, it’s a 6-hour round trip minimum, and the switchbacks are relentless. The air also thins out near the top, which is something you’ll need to be aware of.

That said, hiking Mount Fuji under the stars is an incredible experience, and honestly, it was one of the most beautiful places I visited in Japan. I would recommend it to anyone. My group started around 7 pm with a headlamp and joined a slow-moving line of hikers winding up the mountain. 

To my surprise, it’s quite a social experience. People chat between rest stops, share snacks, and complain about the cold. But the conversation soon stops when you are at the top, gazing in awe at the Milky Way. One time, I even stayed there until sunrise. Watching the sky slowly turn orange above a sea of clouds is something I’ll never forget.

If climbing isn’t your thing, rent a bike around Lake Kawaguchiko instead. The reflection shots on the water are unreal.

5. Soak in a Mountain Onsen

You might feel a bit awkward walking naked into an onsen for the first time. But you’ll soon forget any inhibitions you have when you slide into the soul-lifting 41-degree mineral water.

I’ve been to a few onsens during my time in Japan. However, my most memorable experience took place outdoors in Hakone. It was winter, which meant the steam rose into freezing mountain air, while snow covered the nearby Mount Kami. The view was extraordinary and gave me goosebumps, which was odd, considering I was in warm water!

Onsen culture is one of the most unique things to do in Japan because it forces you into introspection. There are no phones or loud talking allowed. It’s just the heat and a deeply relaxing silence. Make sure you wash thoroughly before entering. The shower stations are part of the ritual.

6. Reflect at Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park

Walking through the Peace Memorial Museum at Hiroshima is emotional and confronting. I spent nearly three hours inside, moving slowly through exhibits and the harrowing survivor stories.  

It’s one of the most powerful sights in Japan and such a powerful testament to peace. It also gives context that you just don’t get from reading about the tragic events. I suggest heading there mid-afternoon to avoid the rush of school groups.

After your visit, consider taking the ferry to Miyajima Island. Seeing the floating torii gate at sunset is one of those meaningful things to do in Japan.

7. Wander the Japanese Alps in Kamikochi

Kamikochi surprised me. I expected a decent hike. It is called the Japanese Alps after all. However, I didn’t foresee myself taking in stunning views of crystal-clear rivers, wooden suspension bridges, and snow-capped peaks reflecting perfectly in still water.

The main trail along the Azusa River is mostly flat, about 6km return. So, it should be manageable for most people. It actually felt quieter than similar alpine areas I’ve been to in Europe, such as the Rätikon mountain range in Liechtenstein.

If you’re craving a bit of nature to escape from the cacophony of lights and noise of the city, this is one of the best places in Japan to reset.

8. Learn to Make Sushi with a Local Chef

I LOVE sushi, and I’ve always wanted to learn how to make it. That is why I signed up with a small sushi class in Tokyo. There are plenty around. But I chose Tsukiji Cooking at the Fish Market Tsukiji Outer Market.

To be honest, I was expecting something touristy. But it wasn’t at all. I was taught how to properly rinse rice (about 6 careful washes) as if I were a trainee chef, and why knife angle matters when slicing fish. The chef also explained the regional differences between Tokyo and Osaka styles.

The experience was hands-on, personal, and one of the coolest things I did in Japan. It really helped me connect with the culture. I also tried fish I’d never had before, which made everything even more enjoyable.

9. Island-Hop Around Okinawa Prefecture

Tourists naturally prioritise their Japan itinerary around major Japanese cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama. And they are definitely worth visiting. However, you should also make the effort to head to some of its islands as well.

Many people don’t realise that Japan has over 14,000 islands. The best ones I’ve been to are within the Okinawa Prefecture. Located some 400 miles from the mainland, it’s almost like a different country.

The water here is turquoise, and the beaches are subtropical. The pace is also much slower, and the culture has its own unique identity. I snorkelled near Zamami Island and saw magnificent coral gardens just metres from shore. It actually reminded me more of Southeast Asia than Tokyo.

If you’re wondering what to visit in Japan beyond cities and temples, you need to plan a stay in Okinawa. Rent a scooter, and explore the unknown.

10. Celebrate at a Local Matsuri Festival

Like many of my favourite travel moments, I stumbled into a summer matsuri in Kyoto by accident. And I am glad I did. Lanterns were glowing, drums pounding, and street vendors shouting over each other. Within minutes, a local family waved me into their dance circle.

It was utter chaos, and I loved it.

Festivals are some of the most fun things to do in Japan because they’re communal. You’re not just watching. You are actively encouraged to be part of it. 

Wherever you go in Japan, ask locals when the next festival is happening. When it’s on, try the street snacks. Play festival games. And even wear a rented yukata if you want to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

How to Get Around Japan

Japan is very easy to make your way around because its transport system runs like clockwork.

Most backpackers take trains. A 7-day Japan Rail Pass starts around $250–$300 USD (if purchased before arrival), and can save serious cash if you’re covering long distances like Tokyo to Hiroshima. To put this into context, individual bullet train tickets usually range from $90–$150 USD, depending on where you go. I know what you’re thinking – Japan ain’t cheap.

For those on tighter budgets, overnight highway buses cost roughly $25–$70 USD. Companies like Willer Express are popular with backpackers. In part because they save you a night’s accommodation. 

In cities like Tokyo and Osaka, you’ll find the local metro system to be extensive and affordable, too. Typically, you can expect to pay $1.50–$3 USD per ride. As previously mentioned, they generally run from around 5 am until midnight.

If you want to rent a car, in particular to visit more rural areas, you’ll find most of the major rental companies in Japan. They usually charge around $40–$100 USD per day, depending on the vehicle you get.

One of my top tips for travelling in Japan is to rent a car to go to Mount Fuji from Tokyo; if you split the cost between a few friends, it works out to be really affordable and gives you so much more freedom to explore than a bus route. Just make sure you get an International Driver’s Permit from your home country before you leave!

Grab Yo' Self a Rental Car!

One of the best ways to travel off-the-beaten-path is to hire your own wheels. If you can convince a few mates to join you, it can actually be pretty affordable… and bloody good time!

Check Rental Car Prices

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance to Japan

Before you get swept up in planning all the epic things to do in Japan, it is important to sort out your travel insurance. Japan is incredibly safe. But accidents do happen, no matter how organised you are. Missed flights, stolen gear, and unexpected injuries on a Fuji hike are all part and parcel of travelling.

If you’re backpacking or travelling long-term, SafetyWing covers you well. Their setup is built for digital nomads and flexible travellers. They offer month-to-month payments, with no long-term lock-in contracts. Best of all, you can literally sign up while already on the road.

Take five minutes to get covered. Then you can focus fully on ramen runs, mountain treks, and neon city nights without that “what if” voice in the back of your head.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

My key takeaways on the best things to do in Japan

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after exploring Japan, it’s this. The magic isn’t just in the headline attractions. It’s also in the moments in between. Sure, the big-ticket sights are incredible. But some of my favourite memories came from getting slightly lost in a quiet Kyoto backstreet. Or sharing convenience store snacks with other backpackers on a late train.

The best things to do in Japan aren’t always the loudest or most Instagrammable. They’re the experiences where you try the unfamiliar food. Strike up a conversation. Wake up early for that sunrise. Or stay out too late in Tokyo just to see what happens.

If you are planning a visit to Japan, my best advice is to avoid overscheduling. Instead, make sure you leave space for spontaneity and being open to whatever opportunities for adventure show up next. And last but not least, have the best time!!