By now, you probably have a pretty clear idea of what you want to see on your adventure to Japan.
Perhaps the dazzling lights of Tokyo have captured your attention, or the gorgeous gardens of Kyoto have called your name. Japan is a place where the traditional and modern cultures blend to create this vibrant paradise. It’s unlike anywhere else in the world. If Japan is not at the top of your list, allow us to tell you why it should be.
We have taken the endless number of experiences that await you in Japan and narrowed them down to the top 11.
Unless you have ticked them all, you really haven't experienced Japan, right?
Read more: Discover Wendy Wu Tours Japan Packages
1. Spend a Night in a Ryokan
Eat, drink and sleep like a local. A Ryokan is a centuries-old style of guesthouse that offers the ultimate experience of Japan. The traditional Japanese-style inn was created to maintain the natural standard of living, rather than showcasing the latest modern conveniences.
With traditional sliding paper doors, low wooden tables and a futon with sitting cushions, there is no better way to experience Japanese life than residing in a Ryokan for a night. Sleep on futons and tatami mats, dine on traditional food and bathe in the relaxing warm waters of an onsen.
Experience a night in a Ryokan on our 15-day Journey through Japan tour.
2. Learn How to Make Sushi
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Japan’s most popular cuisine that has reached the world, sushi. With over a hundred kinds of sushi in Japan – what better way to appreciate the mouth-watering snack than to make it yourself? Discover the history and etiquette of making sushi with a professional chef.
Learn the tricks of the trade when it comes to Japanese cuisine, from its place of origin! The sushi here carries a taste of authenticity, taking you back to Japan with every bite you take.
Learn to make sushi on our 22-day Japan By Rail tour.
3. Cruise on Tokyo Bay
Where the night sky meets the futuristic and illuminated city of Tokyo. Tokyo Bay is the perfect viewpoint to gaze in awe at the twinkling lights of the capital.
Offering a stark contrast between ancient and modern Japan, Tokyo is a glimpse of what makes Japan iconic; and to truly admire its beauty, one must board a boat! Take to the serene waters of the Bay and tuck into dinner with the backdrop of the city. It really does not get any more perfect than that!
Take a cruise on Tokyo Bay on our 9-day A Week in Japan tour.
4. Admire Mount Aso
While Mt Fuji towers over the other peaks across the islands, Mount Aso should definitely not be overlooked. Sitting in the heart of the southern Island Kyushu, Mount Aso is the largest volcano in Japan and is surrounded by natural beauty.
Its crater is one of the world’s largest and encompasses various other active peaks. No picture can compare to the sense of wonder when gazing over the natural phenomenon in person.
Witness the volcano in all its glory on our 14-day Japan & the Scenic South tour.
5. Learn About the Geisha Culture
Geisha, Japanese for ‘person of art’. Elegantly dressed in stunning kimonos, with poise second to none. A Geisha is a woman that is cultured in the art of music, dance and performance. Symbolic of the Japanese culture, no trip to Japan is complete without witnessing a Geisha.
See her in her splendour walking through the charming streets of Kyoto. The best way to immerse yourself into this Japanese culture, is to learn about it first-hand from a geisha herself.
Meet a Geisha on our 12-day Jewels of Japan tour.
Read more: Discover Wendy Wu Tours Japan Packages
6. Witness a Sumo Wrestling Tournament
Sumo Wrestling is a symbol of Japan, and one of its oldest sports. It has become a ground shaking sport, for all the right reasons! Dating back over 1500 years old, sumo stems from a Shinto tradition, incorporating martial arts into the sport.
If you get the chance to see a match, you will notice many traditional rituals are still done today.
Experience a Sumo Tournament yourself on our 14-day Off-Beat Japan tour.
7. Enjoy a Traditional Tea Ceremony
A slice of Japanese traditions and ideals served with a hot cup of matcha tea. Experiencing a Tea Ceremony provides the perfect insight to the aesthetics and principles of Japanese culture. It is more than simply sipping the emblematic beverage.
Brimming with history, the ceremony’s rituals offer more about the way of life than any other experience in Japan.
Take a sip at a traditional tea ceremony on our 18 day Japan Uncovered tour.
8. Eat Your Way Through Osaka
Osaka, also known as Japan’s Kitchen, is a gateway to all things mouth-wateringly Japanese. Step into the world of street food galore! Taste the delights of Okonomiyaki, a thick savoury pancake topped with whatever you like at one of the many food stalls.
Try the classic Takoyaki, a delectable dumpling snack served with a sweet sauce. An unofficial city motto, ‘Kuidaore’, meaning ‘to ruin oneself by extravagance in food’, is a motto we can all get behind!
Savour the delights of Osaka on our 14-day Discover Japan tour.
9. Meet the Snow Monkeys
You've seen the photos online - cute monkeys relaxing in hot springs - but nothing beats witnessing the real thing. “Snow Monkey Park,” as it is known, is set aside within Joshin’etsu Kogen National Park as a refuge for the Japanese macaques who live in the hinterlands of this beautiful, mountainous area.
Accustomed to humans, the monkeys can be observed up close, and they almost completely ignore their human guests. Keep in mind, the snow monkeys are wild and sighting them is never guaranteed, particularly during the breeding season which runs from late September through to November.
Witness the Snow Monkeys on our 14-day Off-Beat Japan tour.
10. Bathe in an Onsen
Sitting at the top of our list is the ultimate experience in Japan. Japan’s Onsens hot springs are naturally warm waters caused by the island’s volcanic activity. As these are natures way of inviting you to relax, onsens offer numerous mental and wellbeing benefits.
With a variety of options from mud baths, to clear baths to open-air sand and steam baths – the Hot Springs have something for everyone.
Soak in an Onsen on our 14-day Japan & the Scenic South tour.
11. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum
Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum to reflect on history, strength, and hope. Visit the emotional exhibits that honour the victims of Hiroshima as well as the Genbaku Dome (also known as the Atomic bomb Dome), the only structure left standing in the area where the first atomic bomb exploded on 6 August 1945. You will gain a better understanding of peace and remembrance in this calm and beautiful place.
Take in the history on our 12-day Jewels of Japan tour.
Feeling eager to tick these off the list? Japan could be the next destination you to add after all!
