Japan doesn’t reveal herself all at once. She’s like an unfolding narrative: full of layers, contradictions and hidden wonders. You’ve likely heard of the cherry blossoms and the bullet train, but the real magic is often found in the everyday. It’s in the affordable convenience store snacks, the soothing hum of a rural onsen, or the pure joy of losing yourself in a game centre under neon lights. Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, these are the best things to do in Japan to experience the country’s full spectrum, from the iconic to the subtle.
1. Visit a Game Centre (and get lost in neon nostalgia)
Step into a world of neon lights, familiar 8-bit soundtracks, and the gentle buzz of competition. Battle your friends in Mario Kart, then hunt down the perfect purikura (photo booth) – Japan’s arcades offer a riot of fun and an unforgettable sensory overload. Bonus points if you find yourself stuck in a UFO catcher (crane machine game) for longer than you care to admit.
2. Grab a bite from the kombini
Japan’s kom (convenience stores) are far from ordinary. From neatly wrapped onigiri (rice balls) to seaweed-flavoured crisps, each snack offers a portable moment of joy. My go-to? A satisfying “tamago sando” (egg sandwich) from 7-Eleven, juicy “famichiki” boneless fried chicken from FamilyMart, and the healthier treats at Natural Lawson. It’s easy to see why the kombini is in the souls of all Japanese locals.
3. Indulge in a luxury fruit experience
Only in Japan can a single strawberry be presented like a jewel. Here, fruit isn't just food – it’s a seasonal art form, often treated as gifts in immaculate packaging. Try a hakutou, white peach from Yamanashi, or a muskmelon from Shizuoka that costs more than your train ticket. And yes, it will be the best fruit you’ve ever tasted in your life.
4. Lose track of time in a depachika
Beneath Tokyo’s sleek department stores lies a culinary treasure trove: the depachika. On these food floors, you’ll discover gleaming bento boxes and delicatessen-to-go, alongside freshly baked bread, seasonal fruits, and high-quality sweets. As you wander through, indulge in sample servings from comforting simmered vegetables to artisanal desserts. From perfect picnic snacks to gourmet take-home meals, the depachika never disappoints.
5. Sink into serenity at an onsen (or sento)
There’s something humbling about bathing naked with strangers, with calming steam rising from mineral waters. Be it a rustic onsen in the Nagano Alps or a retro-tiled sento in Tokyo’s historic Shitamachi area, this is where the country teaches you to slow down, soak and be present. The experience is as much about cleansing the mind as it is about relaxing the body.
6. Take a doraibu deeto like a local
Rent a car, load up a playlist (J-pop, of course), and set off on a doraibu deeto – a leisurely road trip where the journey is just as important as the destination. Drive from the city centre to Kamakura for a refreshing seaside breeze, or head towards Yamanakako for one of the most stunning views of Mount Fuji. Don’t forget to stop at michi-no-eki (charming roadside stations) along the way for local souvenirs and delicious edible treats.
7. Ride the Shinkansen and marvel at the future
The Shinkansen is more than just a train; it’s a marvel of modern engineering that connects Japan’s cities at lightning speed. Whether you’re headed to Kyoto or Karuizawa, the smooth, almost silent ride will make you feel like you’re travelling into the future. Pair it with an ekiben lunch box to-go and watch the scenery rush by like an old-fashioned painting.
8. Appreciate the seasons
In Japan, the seasons and nature’s ever-changing beauty are profoundly celebrated. The country constantly transforms, from the soft pink gradation of cherry blossoms in spring to the fiery red foliage of autumn. And it’s not just the landscapes that change – Japanese cuisine follows the rhythm of the microseasons, offering new ingredients and flavours with each passing month.
9. Sip tea in a café that’s anything but ordinary
Japan’s themed cafés aren’t just for tourists; they’re a window into the country’s uniquely quirky imagination. Sip a latte surrounded by hedgehogs, or let a maid café transport you into a playful alternate reality, there’s a spot for every fantasy. Start in Harajuku or Akihabara, but don’t overlook the hidden gems tucked away throughout the city.
10. Dance, eat, and sweat at a Matsuri
Matsuri season is when Japan truly comes alive. Festivals are a whirlwind of energy - drums that reverberate through the streets, brightly coloured “mikoshi” palanquins carried by the crowd, and fireworks that light up the night sky. From Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri to Aomori’s Nebuta Matsuri, these celebrations immerse you in the heart of Japanese culture, food, and community in the most vibrant way imaginable.
11. Go rural, and fall in love with slowness
Japan’s countryside is where the noise of the city fades and life unfolds at a slower pace. Rent a bike in the Noto Peninsula, enjoy a peaceful soak in Nyuto Onsen, or get lost in Hokkaido’s endless flower fields. The rural landscape offers a rare, slow-paced beauty – perfect for recharging and reconnecting with nature.
12. Shop for treasures you didn’t know you needed
Japan is a wonderland of carefully crafted, beautifully made things. From handpicked stationery at Itoya to artisanal ceramics in Kyoto, you’ll stumble upon items you didn’t know you wanted but will soon be unable to live without. And don’t even get me started on the endless array of pens and post-it notes that make organising your life a much more colourful experience.