Japan offers more than just temples, sushi, and cherry blossoms. This is a country brimming with one-of-a-kind cultural experiences that are immersive, quirky, and unforgettable. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned traveler, discovering the most unique things to do in Japan will add authenticity and wonder to your journey. From soaking in an onsen to sleeping in a capsule hotel, this guide highlights the top Japanese experiences you simply must try.
Sleep in a Capsule Hotel
Japan’s capsule hotels are a minimalist traveler’s dream. Originally designed for salarymen needing a quick overnight stay, these tiny pods have evolved into futuristic, clean, and surprisingly comfortable accommodations.
What to Expect:
- A private sleeping pod with lights, charging ports, and a screen
- Shared bathrooms, lounge areas, and lockers
- Male-only, female-only, or mixed floors
Top Picks:
- Nine Hours (Tokyo & Kyoto)
- The Millennials Shibuya
- First Cabin (premium capsule-style)
Soak in an Onsen (Hot Spring Bath)
Bathing in an onsen is one of the most traditional and relaxing unique things to do in Japan. These natural hot springs are rich in minerals and often surrounded by scenic mountain views.
Types of Onsen:
- Outdoor (rotenburo) for nature lovers
- Ryokan onsen in traditional inns
- Public bathhouses (sento) for a local experience
Etiquette Tips:
- Wash thoroughly before entering
- No swimsuits allowed
- Tattoos may not be permitted (check ahead)
Best Onsen Areas:
- Hakone
- Beppu
- Kusatsu
- Noboribetsu (Hokkaido)
Watch a Live Sumo Match
Sumo is more than a sport—it’s a ritualistic spectacle steeped in tradition. Watching a live tournament offers a deep look into one of Japan’s most sacred traditions.
When and Where:
- Held in January, May, and September in Tokyo
- March in Osaka, July in Nagoya, and November in Fukuoka
- Tickets sell out fast—book early
Bonus Tip:
Visit a sumo stable for a morning practice session.
Stay at a Traditional Ryokan
Immerse yourself in Japanese hospitality by staying at a ryokan, a traditional inn featuring tatami mats, futon beds, sliding doors, and multi-course kaiseki meals.
What to Expect:
- Yukata (casual kimono) to wear during your stay
- Japanese-style meals served in-room
- Optional onsen or private baths
Top Ryokan Regions:
- Kyoto’s Gion
- Hakone and Mt. Fuji area
- Takayama and Kanazawa
Experience a Japanese Tea Ceremony
Step into Japan’s quiet elegance with a tea ceremony, where every movement is deliberate and symbolic. It’s an art form that offers mindfulness and insight into Japanese aesthetics.
Where to Try It:
- Kyoto’s Gion or Uji districts
- Tokyo tea houses in Ueno or Asakusa
- Cultural centers in Kanazawa or Nara
Tip:
Look for English-friendly sessions with kimono rental included.
Dine at a Themed Café
From maid cafés to robot restaurants, Japan’s themed cafés are wild, entertaining, and some of the most unique things to do in Japan.
Popular Themes:
- Maid Cafés (Akihabara)
- Animal Cafés (owls, cats, hedgehogs)
- Vampire or prison-themed cafés
- Robot Restaurant (Shinjuku – theatrical dinner show)
Ride the Shinkansen Bullet Train
Travel at over 300 km/h on the sleek and silent Shinkansen—an experience in itself.
Top Routes:
- Tokyo to Kyoto (2 hours 15 mins)
- Tokyo to Hiroshima (4 hours)
- Osaka to Fukuoka
Tip:
Get a Japan Rail Pass for unlimited long-distance travel over 7, 14, or 21 days.
Explore Quirky Museums and Attractions
Japan is home to some of the most bizarre, delightful, and fascinating museums on the planet. These attractions go far beyond art and history—they celebrate everything from noodles to parasites to fantastical animated worlds. If you’re looking for unique things to do in Japan that make great stories and Instagram-worthy moments, these offbeat destinations are a must.
Noteworthy Quirky Museums:
Cup Noodles Museum (Yokohama & Osaka):
Design your own instant noodle cup, learn about the history of ramen, and walk through a creative, hands-on factory exhibit. Great for kids and foodies alike.Ghibli Museum (Mitaka, Tokyo):
A whimsical space dedicated to the works of Studio Ghibli, complete with original artwork, short films, and recreations of iconic scenes from My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance.Meguro Parasitological Museum (Tokyo):
Fascinating and slightly gross, this free-entry museum showcases real preserved parasites, including a 8.8-meter-long tapeworm. A niche but unforgettable experience.Shitamachi Tanabata Museum (Tokyo):
Focuses on local customs and crafts, especially around traditional Japanese festivals and decorations—ideal for cultural explorers.TeamLab Borderless & TeamLab Planets (Tokyo):
These immersive digital art museums blur the lines between art and technology. Walk through interactive light forests, floating flower rooms, and mirrored infinity zones. Perfect for adults and children alike.Ninja Trick House or Samurai Museum (Tokyo):
Dive into Japan’s martial heritage by trying on armor, learning sword techniques, and exploring the legends of ninja and samurai warriors.
Join a Local Festival in Costume
Attending a Japanese festival (matsuri) is one of the most vibrant and community-rich unique things to do in Japan. But going beyond spectating and actually participating—by wearing a traditional yukata or joining a dance or parade—can transform your trip into a truly immersive cultural memory.
Top Festivals to Experience (and Dress Up For):
- Gion Matsuri (Kyoto, July):
One of Japan’s most famous festivals, with massive floats (yamaboko) paraded through Kyoto’s streets. Yukata rentals are common during the event. - Awa Odori (Tokushima, August):
Join a massive street dance procession known for its rhythmic chants and colorful traditional attire. Tourists are often invited to dance in special sections. - Nebuta Matsuri (Aomori, August):
Features illuminated floats, warrior costumes, and energetic haneto dancers. Tourists can rent costumes and apply to join parades. - Tanabata Festival (Sendai, August):
Based on a romantic legend, this festival features stunning paper streamers and elaborate street decorations. Perfect for families and couples. - Sapporo Snow Festival (February):
Don’t expect yukata in the snow, but enjoy snow sculptures, hot drinks, and warm street food. Some zones have cosplay-friendly events. - Cherry Blossom Hanami (March–April, nationwide):
While not a “festival” in the traditional sense, hanami season is a festive cultural celebration. Wear a floral yukata and enjoy picnics under the sakura.
Tips for Festival-Goers:
- Rent a yukata or kimono from local shops near festival areas. Many packages include dressing assistance and hair styling.
- Check local event calendars and weather forecasts before committing.
- Be respectful—don’t enter performer or religious spaces unless invited.
- Bring cash—food stalls and rentals rarely take credit cards.
Travel Tips for Enjoying Unique Japanese Experiences
- Always check local etiquette before participating
- Learn a few Japanese phrases—locals appreciate the effort
- Many experiences require advance booking (tea ceremonies, sumo, Ghibli Museum)
- Be respectful—especially in sacred places like onsen and shrines
- Travel with a small towel, hand sanitizer, and coins for lockers
FAQs – Unique Things to Do in Japan
Are capsule hotels in Japan safe and clean?
Yes, they are secure, well-maintained, and offer separate gender sections.
Can foreigners in Japan use onsen?
Absolutely! Just follow the etiquette. Some may restrict tattoos, so check ahead.
What’s the best time to see sumo in Japan?
Tournaments happen every other month. Tokyo hosts three annually—in Jan, May, and Sept.
Are tea ceremonies in Japan tourist-friendly?
Yes, many are tailored for tourists and offer English explanations and kimono rentals.
Do I need to reserve a themed café in Japan?
Popular ones like the Robot Restaurant or animal cafés may require advance bookings.
Is it okay to take photos during festivals or ceremonies in Japan?
Yes, but be respectful. Avoid flash and follow posted rules.
Can I rent a yukata or kimono?
Yes, especially in Kyoto, Asakusa (Tokyo), and Kanazawa—often bundled with tea ceremonies or photoshoots.
What is the best city in Japan to try all these experiences?
Tokyo offers the widest variety, but Kyoto, Osaka, and Hakone provide excellent traditional and local options too.
Final Thoughts: Experience Japan Beyond the Guidebooks
There’s no shortage of unique things to do in Japan, whether you’re soaking in a volcanic hot spring or enjoying a cup of matcha in a 400-year-old tea house. These authentic, quirky, and immersive experiences are what transform a regular trip into an unforgettable adventure. Embrace the unexpected, follow local customs, and you’ll come away with memories and stories that are uniquely Japanese.