The Top Sights & Experiences For Any Traveler To Japan
Even though Japan is not a huge country, it certainly isn’t small either. While cities like Tokyo and Kyoto are flooded by tourists every year — and for good reason — there are ways to experience a more off the beaten path side of the country as well.
Because there are so many things to do and see in Japan, it’s best to have a plan of what you want to engage with once you get there. While impossible to list all of the things that we love about Japan, here is a taste to get you thinking about how you would like to spend your time in this magnificent country.
Don’t forget to listen to the companion podcast here.
Tokyo
Tokyo is home to the most populous metropolitan area in the world. There are 23 individual wards of Tokyo, each governed and regulated as if they were their own city, a feature unique to Tokyo. Tokyo is a near-endless city filled with mass technology and a seemingly endless number of people. With a population greater than that of all of Canada, there is much to see and do.
Kitazawa
Kitazawa is often referred to as the part of Tokyo left out by guidebooks. While there are no major tourist attractions here, it has a large arts and culture scene and a great place to look for nightlife.
Shirube — 2–18–2 Kitazawa, Setagaya 155–0031, Tokyo Prefecture
One of Tokyo’s favorite Izakaya restaurants. The flaming mackerel (and a reservation) are a must!
Shelter — 2–6–10 Kitazawa, Setagaya 155–0031, Tokyo Prefecture
This underground live music space has been in operation for 25 years and constantly boasts a strong lineup and the possibility to meet the artists.
Shibuya Crossing
Nora Dunn of The Professional Hobo ranks this as one of her must-see places in Tokyo. The world’s largest intersection, when you picture Tokyo this is most likely one of the first places that comes to mind.
Shibuya Station — 2 Chome Dogenzaka, Shibuya, Tokyo 150–0002, Japan
After exiting the subway, you can find the famous Shibuya Crossing to the Northwest of the station.
Akihabara
Known as Japan’s ‘Electric City’, Akihabara is the place to go for everything electronic, manga, anime, virtual reality and more.
Don Quijote — 4 Chome-3–3 Sotokanda, Chiyoda, Tokyo 101–0021
A discount chain store that offers locations all around Tokyo, offering everything from groceries to high-end fashion. The Akihabara branch is home to the girl pop group AKB48, who perform daily shows at their theater on the 8th floor of the store. There is also a branch of the @Home Cafe maid cafe on the 5th floor of the store.
Shinjuku
Uta Hiroba — , 2, 2, Kabukicho-shi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, H.F. Kabukicho Building 1F
Karaoke is considered one of Japan’s favorite pastimes. While there are many karaoke options available, they are not all created equal. In Japan, you are able to rent out a private room for your group, with your own TV, speakers, and microphones. Uta Hiroba offers guests rooms starting at 145 yen for 30 min, and offers all you can drink options, plus songs in English
Robot Restaurant — 1–7–7 Kabukicho Shinjuku-ku Tokyo, Japan
Every traveler that we have spoken too will tell you that the Robot Restaurant in Shibuya is not to be missed. A sensory overload, this restaurant featuring robotic creatures that tell a story will leave you speechless.
Kyoto
Kyoto acts as an almost polar opposite to the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Kyoto represents the serene and peaceful side of Japan. Even though there are still plenty of tourists in Kyoto, this city focuses on the healing spirit of Japanese nature.
You will probably recognize photos of this shrine before the name, as it is one of the most beautiful and important shrines in Japan.
Kiyomizu-dera Temple — 1–294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605–0862, Kyoto
Translated as the “Pure Water Temple”, this is one of the most celebrated temples in Japan. Travis Sherry of Extra Pack of Peanuts tells us that a visit is a must regardless of all the tourists as it is the spiritual heart of Japan.
Monkey Park Iwatayama — 8 Genrokuyamacho, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 616–0022, Kyoto
Located in Arashiyama, just outside of Kyoto, is this park home to over 120 Japanese macaque monkeys. Visitors have the opportunity to feed the monkeys if you so desire, but be careful! These monkeys are still considered wild and it is best not to touch or scare them.
Hokkaido
Japan’s most Northern Island, Hokkaido is famous for volcanoes, natural hot springs (onsen) and ski areas. Travis from Extra Pack of Peanuts even went as far to say it was one of the best places he has ever been. With its unspoiled nature, Hokkaido attracts many outdoor lovers, including skiers and snowboarders in the colder seasons and hikers, cyclists and campers from June to September.
For those looking to get active on their trip while being shown some of the unspoiled beauty of Japan, look no further than Cycle Hokkaido. Offering 8–12 day trips, Cycle Japan will arrange all of your accommodation and guide you throughout your journey to make sure you don’t miss a thing.
Beppu
Beppu is one of the most famous hot spring destinations in Japan, with 8 different hot springs working together to create more hot spring water than any other onsen in the country. Stephen Bugno of Go Mad Nomad and Bohemian Traveler warns that onsens are usually experienced nude and also do not allow tattoos, so plan accordingly.
Hyotan Hot Spring — 159–2 Kannawa, Beppu, Ōita Prefecture 874–0042, Japan
For only 750 yen you can experience this traditional onsen, offering both indoor and outdoor springs as well as private options and meals. Awarded three stars by the Michelin tourist guide, this onsen is one to write home about.
Tanayu Hot Spring — 1 Kankaiji, Beppu, Ōita Prefecture 874–0822
Located inside the Suginoi Hotel, these hot spring facilities are complimentary for guests, but also available for daytime visitors. Considered the most famous onsen in Beppu, boasting a rooftop swimming area with views of Beppu Bay. Bonus — the hotel offers a free shuttle bus between JR Beppu Station every 15 minutes.
As Stephen Bugno tells us, there is really no bad place to go in Japan. No matter where you end up you will experience a plethora of culture, beauty and unique quirks that you can only find in Japan.
Have You Checked Out HI! Japan?
This article is only half the fun! Be sure to also check out the Japan Youth Hostel Inc ‘s HI! Japan Podcast, featuring more information and interviews with budget travelers to Japan!
Be sure to check out all of our amazing contributors!
- Travis Sherry of Extra Pack Of Peanuts & Location Indie
- Nomadic Matt
- Nora Dunn of The Professional Hobo
- Stephen Bugno of Gomad Nomad & Bohemian Traveler
- Amanda & Ryan of The World Wanderers
- Simona & Jure of Slovenians Travel
- Marie & Sam
- Moataz Ahmed
- Shazeen Pirani
- Anna McLendon
- Aubrey Newberry
- Linsday May
Thanks
HI! Japan is a podcast presented by Hosteling International Japan and their network of over 200 hostels across Japan.
The podcast is produced and hosted by Jeremy Enns and the team at Counterweight Creative.
With help from Japan World Link
This article is written by Karina Penner. Based out of Canada, Karina has a passion for all things global. An avid traveler, culture seeker and fearless foodie, Karina loves to experience the world and share her stories through the written word.
