Published : 6/26/2026
Updated : 6/26/2026
Author : Aakansha Vatsalya
Japan is a country of contrasts. Ancient temples are close to modern city centres, and snow-covered mountains are just a few hours from tropical beaches. Cities are fast-paced, while the countryside is much more relaxed. With thousands of islands stretching from the north to the south, each region feels unique. It’s important to choose the experiences that match your interests.
This guide covers the best things to do in Japan, including Tokyo’s landmarks, Kyoto’s temples, Mount Fuji viewpoints in Japan, Okinawa’s islands, and practical tips to help you plan your holiday.
Beyond its famous landmarks, Japan offers an unusually wide range of experiences across a relatively compact country. You can visit a UNESCO-listed temple in the morning and sit down at a Michelin-starred restaurant in the evening. The Jigokudani Monkey Park in Nagano is just a few hours from Tokyo. The southern islands have coral reefs that rival the Maldives.
The best things to do in Japan include culture, nature, food, and beautiful coastlines. Each is found in a different part of the country, so your getaway will depend on where you choose to visit.
This guide is organised by region to help you find the best things to do in Japan.
Region | Highlight | Best Season | Key Activity |
Tokyo | Temples, digital art | Mar-Apr, Oct-Nov | Senso-ji, TeamLab |
Kyoto | Shrines, foliage | Mar-Apr, Nov | Kyoto temple circuit |
Fuji / Nagano | Mountains, snow monkeys | Dec-Mar, Jul-Sep | Mount Fuji Japan, Jigokudani |
Izu Peninsula | Hot springs | Year-round | Onsen ryokan stays |
Okinawa | Islands, diving | Apr-Oct | Ishigaki, Yonaguni Island, Miyako Island |
Tokyo is where most travellers begin their visit to Japan. The city moves fast, but it also holds some of Japan's oldest cultural sites. Here are two of the most popular things to do in Tokyo, Japan, that deserve a spot on any first-time visitor's itinerary.
Built in 645 CE, Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple, located in the Asakusa district. It is one of the most visited religious sites in the country.
What to know before you go:
Tribe Travel Tip: The Senso-ji temple grounds are open 24 hours, while the Main Hall is generally open from 6:00am to 5:00pm (from 6:30am between October and March). Get there before 8am for the best photos and a calm atmosphere.
TeamLab Borderless is a large-scale digital art space where rooms shift and respond to visitors as they move through them. It is one of the standout things to do in Japan for art and design lovers.
What to know before you go:
Kyoto is Japan's cultural heart. With over 1,600 temples and shrines spread across the city, it offers more Kyoto temple options than anywhere else in the country. Give yourself two days on foot or by bicycle to cover the highlights.
Start with these three for your first visit:
The time of year you visit Kyoto makes a big difference.
Season | Peak Period | Best Spots |
Cherry Blossom (Sakura) | Late March to early April | Maruyama Park, Philosopher's Path |
Autumn Leaves (Momiji) | Mid-November | Eikan-do, Tofuku-ji |
Both seasons are very popular with visitors. At these times, Kyoto temple grounds get crowded, and hotels fill up weeks in advance, so it’s best to plan ahead.
Visiting Kyoto’s temples during these seasons is one of the most popular things to do in Japan, and it’s easy to see why.
Japan’s main island offers three unique nature experiences: high volcanic peaks, coastal hot spring towns, and snow-covered monkey parks. All of these are within easy reach of Tokyo.
Mount Fuji, Japan, is the country's highest peak at 3,776m. On clear days, it is visible from parts of Tokyo, but the best views come from the Fuji Five Lakes region.
Best viewpoints:
Climbing season: July 1 to September 10
Detail | Info |
Trail | Yoshida Trail |
Climbing Fee (2026) | ¥4,000 (mandatory) |
Daily Climber Limit | Yes, applies |
If you don’t plan to climb, the Kawaguchiko area is still worth spending a full day for photos and lakeside walks.
The Izu Peninsula is south of Tokyo in Shizuoka Prefecture. It’s one of the easiest onsen regions to reach and makes a great addition to a Tokyo holiday.
Key towns to know:
What to expect at an onsen on the Izu Peninsula:
Tribe Travel Tip: Book a ryokan on the Izu Peninsula at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance during peak months. Many have private outdoor baths included with the room rate.
Jigokudani Monkey Park is in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture. Here, Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, bathe in natural hot springs during winter. It’s one of the most unique things to do in Japan.
Visit details:
Detail | Info |
Best months | December to March |
Open | Year-round |
Entry fee | ¥800 per adult |
Getting there | Shinkansen to Nagano (~2.5 hrs from Tokyo), then local train + 30-min walk |
The walk to the park goes through a snow-covered forest trail. Allow 30 minutes each way on foot.
Okinawa shows a different side of Japan. Instead of temples and mountains, you’ll find coral reefs, white sand, and warm water. Each of these three islands has something special to offer and is worth a visit.
Ishigaki is the main hub of the Yaeyama Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. It is one of the top things to do in Japan for anyone who dives or snorkels.
What to know:
Yonaguni Island is about 108 km from Taiwan and is Japan’s westernmost point. It’s best for experienced divers looking for something unique.
What to know:
Miyako Island is southwest of Okinawa’s main island and is famous for its clear water and white sand beaches.
What to know:
Here are some tips to help your getaway to Japan go smoothly. This is what you should know before you arrive.
It’s much easier to plan activities in Japan once you have the logistics figured out.
The things to do in Japan span a wide range of landscapes. From snow monkeys to Japan's huge variety of experiences. One day you might see snow monkeys in Nagano’s hot springs, and the next you could be relaxing on the white-sand beaches of Miyako Island. Each region has its own appeal, from Kyoto’s temple trails to the hot springs of the Izu Peninsula and the coral reefs of Okinawa.
The best things to do in Japan depend on what you enjoy most: culture, nature, food, or coastal scenery. You can often experience all of these within just a few hours of travel.
Holiday Tribe’s travel advisors can help you create a Japan tour that balances cultural highlights and natural wonders, so you don’t miss anything.
Yes, Indian passport holders need a visa for Japan. Applications typically take 5 to 7 working days. Apply through the Embassy of Japan or an authorised visa agency in India.
Japan can be tricky for strict vegetarians, as many broths contain fish stock. However, Buddhist temple cuisine (shojin ryori) and tofu-based dishes are widely available, especially around Kyoto temple areas.
A first visit works well over 10-14 days. This gives you enough time to comfortably cover Tokyo, Kyoto, Mount Fuji, and Japan's viewpoints, and one or two island destinations.
Yes, if you plan to travel between cities. The JR Pass covers Shinkansen routes between Tokyo, Kyoto, and other major stops. Check current pricing at the official Japan Rail Pass website before purchasing.
Japan is still largely cash-based. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger stores, but many temples, local restaurants, and smaller shops, including those near Ishigaki and Jigokudani Monkey Park areas, prefer cash.
Yes. Most visitors get around Japan without speaking Japanese. Major cities have English signs on public transport, and translation apps make menus, directions, and everyday conversations much easier. Learning a few basic phrases is appreciated, but not necessary for a comfortable visit.
Published : 6/26/2026
Updated : 6/26/2026
Author : Aakansha Vatsalya