Here are my Japan Bucket list things for you to see and do whilst you are visiting Japan. If it’s not already on your bucket list for a destination to visit then check out my list of why you should add Japan to your bucket list, NOW!
The moment I arrived in Japan I knew it was going to be something special. Cheerful tweeting bird sounds playing at the train station creating a calming environment to ease you into the country, especially whilst dealing with jet lag. We all know how bad that is!
In Japan, everything runs very smoothly and ensures a stress-free trip. They have perfected most things, from staying in a capsule hotel to watching sumo wrestling in Japan. The experience is spot on and one that will make you want to return again and again.
As regards to my bucket list destinations to visit on your Japan trip, at the top is Kyoto, it’s amazing, definitely add it to your bucket list. Then after that, I’d recommend Tokyo, Osaka and Nara. But there are so many wonderful places to visit in Japan, you won’t be disappointed.
What makes Japan such an amazing place to visit? And why should you add Japan to your bucket list?
My Japan Bucket List Top Experiences
The Japanese Love their Cherry Blossom
I’m sure seeing cherry blossom is a bucket list item for many people. Forgetting for a moment how beautiful the cherry blossom is, well you can see from the picture. What made Japan so special for me was the Japanese’s total love and respect of the cherry blossom, known as Sakura.
Go explore Ueno Park, in Tokyo. It’s a beautiful place to visit, during March/April you’ll see hundreds and hundreds of people picnicking under the trees and along the paths. I chatted with an elderly local man who visits every day during cherry blossom season. His love for the sakura was so infectious I felt a buzz of happiness through just talking to him.
Becky’s Tip
- If you’re visiting Ueno Park, Tokyo Japan. Don’t go early or late to miss the crowds, go for the full Japanese (and a bit crazy) experience.
Yes, it’s Another Karaoke bar
The Japanese have a real love for karaoke and walking the streets you’ll come across bars full of singing men and women. I wandered into Fantasia bar, Kyoto and once I’d opened the door there was no way I was leaving.
It might seem a bit daunting at first but the Japanese are so lovely and welcoming you’ll soon be singing away with them. I did an amazing version, well I thought it was good, of Backstreet Boys, accompanied by the rest of the bar. And doesn’t everyone have singing in public on their bucket list haha!
Sumo Wrestling In Osaka Japan
This is a unique sporting event I experienced whilst I was in Osaka, Japan. The day starts with the student matches, so gives you a chance to work out the rules before the serious competitors enter the arena (although they aren’t too difficult to figure out!)
The serious sumo wrestling bouts start around 14.00, this is where it really gets interesting. You can see the different techniques used especially with the really large versus smaller wrestlers. I have to admit these were my favourite bouts and I was always shouting for the small guy!
The atmosphere in the arena was amazing the whole time. There was a lot of love for a wrestler called Endo, so naturally, I supported him too.
Becky’s Tip
- Before you arrive in Japan check out whether there are any tournaments on during your visit. And book your tickets in advance.
What’s all the Fuss About the Toilets in Japan?
If you’ve read a blog on Japan, surely someone has mentioned the toilets, they are amazing, yes, I’m talking about toilets I know! They have an insane amount of gadgets, including various water jets, dryers and heated seats which is a real luxury (even on the train).
My favourite option was the music button which played music or waterfall sound effects, to disguise what you’re doing in there, although for me it was just disguising my giggles.
Of course, there are plenty more weird things to do in Tokyo and the rest of Japan but this is an easy one to tick off!
Still confused? Read more about Japanese toilets here!
Becky’s Tip
- Start with the low water jet and work your way up. So as not to have too much excitement on your first trip to the bathroom, hehe!
Spotting the Japanese Torii
This is a must-see for your Japan Bucket List! I’d never heard of ‘torii’ before my visit to Japan but once you visit you simply can’t forget them. A torii is a traditional Japanese shrine gate. They come in various sizes and most of them are painted bright orange. For me, the bright orange torii vividly sticks in my mind. Every time I saw one I couldn’t help but click away with my camera, as was everyone else including the Japanese of course!
My favourite was the famous Fushimi-Inari in Kyoto. The torii winds up the mountainside taking you on a magical walk exploring the mini shrines on the route. I also loved the torii on Mijajima Island (UNESCO World Heritage Site). At low tide, you can walk underneath the magnificent structure and high tide it becomes a beautiful floating torii.
Becky’s Tip
- If you’re visiting Fushimi-Inari in Kyoto Japan. Then after 5 pm is a great time to visit, you miss the crowds and dusk is a great time for photos.
Riding the Japanese Bullet trains (Shinkansen)
Train travel is a wonderful way of travelling overland in any new country. But riding the Japanese bullet trains is an awesome experience. It feels a bit more like an activity than a way of travel. You can chill and relax watching the scenery go by in perfect comfort, or if you’re tired it’s the perfect place to catch up on some sleep as the ride is so smooth!
The advantage of a speedy transport service is if you’re short on time then you can take the bullet train from Tokyo for day trips out of the city and get to see a different side of Japan on your trip.
Experiencing my very first pod (aka Capsule Hotel)
I think I’m one of those people who just get excited over little things. For me, every part of staying in the capsule hotel was so exciting. I was exploring the hotel with a permanent grin on my face and clicking away with the camera.
These hotels were initially designed for businessmen working late. But now they are ever-increasing in popularity with tourists. Which is probably why in the hotel reception there was a large collection of giant suitcases that were never designed to fit in the lockers.
I’m pleased to say with a bit of brute force my rucksack fitted perfectly, well it was 1, 2, 3 and then slam the door shut!
Read about my experience: What it’s like sleeping in a Capsule Hotel
All the bars in Japan are mini size
One of the many whisky bars in Japan – only 4 stools but plenty of whisky!
You’ll notice very quickly that all the bars in Japan are designed for between 6-20 people. Smaller seems to be better because you meet more locals. My favourite best place to do this was in Shinjuku district of Tokyo. There are about 4 or 5 tiny streets to explore, known as Golden Gai.
In this area, there are over 200 little bars each with its own quirky style. See what takes your fancy and try as many as you can, without falling over! The best technique was to follow the laughs. Although due to the size sometimes these were already full up but you’re spoilt for choice so just try the next bar!
Becky’s Tip
- The Golden Gai is also quite close to the ‘red light’ area in Tokyo Japan. So be careful when you are navigating that you don’t end up in the wrong place…. as I did oops!
How can I not mention the awesome Japanese food
Japan is well-known for its sushi, but there are so many more delicious foods you can try. Some of my favourites included Ramen, a tasty broth. In some restaurants, you select and pay for your ramen by choosing a picture on a machine. A great way to try something different too.
Tofu, there are some amazing restaurants in Tokyo. Even if you think you don’t like tofu, which was me before I went then try it. I can promise you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
And lastly, Japan does some awesome street food, my favourite was exploring Kyoto’s Nishiki Street Food Market. You’ll see so many weird and wonderful types of food, I experienced my first Octopus on a stick!
Becky’s Tip
- Go to Nishiki Street Food Market in Kyoto with an empty stomach so you can try as many things as possible!
Is Japan on your Bucket List or have you visited Japan? Tell me about your favourite Japanese memories or ask me any questions in the comments section below.
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Wow! Loved this post, so much beautiful information! But the part about the toilet cracked me up ?
he he thanks Megan, glad you liked it. I try to be informative and entertain in my posts so glad I made you laugh. Have a lovely day 🙂
This is such a great post. I have to choose between visiting Japan and Australia in April… I thought I’d decided on Aus, but now Japan is definitely back in the game!
Ah a very difficult decison, I have visited both in April but the cherry blossom is defintely an experience you can’t miss. Australia is lovely in April too but I think I would pick Japan 🙂
Japan has never been on my bucket list, but you certainly paint a nice picture and give a lot of reasons to visit! I think this is like the 3rd post on Japanese toilets that I’ve read recently, lol!
Ah well hopefully I might have persuaded you to change your mind. I could have written pages and pages but I think some things are also nice as a surprise when you visit a country. Yes I really couldn’t miss the toilets out, they were so technical!
That’s amazing that you tried out the capsule hotel! I tried to do it too for my stay but it was booked out, which just supports your statement about its increasing popularity. Just incredible 🙂 nice job here!
Ah thanks Andrea, yes the capsule hotel was great fun, if you visit Japan again then I guess you won’t forget to book early 🙂 Thanks for the feedback too, appreicate that 🙂
The cherry blossoms are so beautiful, what a treat to see those! The food looks absolutely amazing. I am glad that you included the toilets, so many buttons! Next time take a video if the toilet and various features (not while you are using it of course).
Thanks Jen. Yes they really were so beautiful and the food I could have listed so much more, it’s all delicious. Ha ha I can just imagine the video, me laughing and everyone outside wondering what on earth I was doing 🙂
This is so informative post! I am pinning it! … Do I need to say the toilet trip made me laugh?! Thank you for that too!
Ah thanks Milijana, I am so glad you found it useful, defintely something to refer back to when booking your Japan trip so you don’t miss anything out. Ha ha I know the toilets, made me smile, which is kind of a bit werid for a toilet but that is the magic of Japan!!!!!!!!!!
I’ve always wanted to see the cherry blossoms in Japan. Hopefully I’ll get there in 2018, and I’ll definitely have a drink in Golden Gai. Thanks for the tips!
Ah that’s fantastic, I would recommend if you are thinking about going in 2018 to start planning end of 2017. I was late booking accommodation and didn’t do until end of January and a lot of the good places were already booked up. Golden Gai is great, you will love it. Happy to help, let me know if you would like to know anything else. 🙂
Yes I really enjoyed my time in Japan especially when it was cherry blossom season. Next time I go back I want to see the Sumo wrestling!
Ah yes, I think next time I go back I would love to go in the Autumn, I have seen so many pretty photos and I would definitely sneak in another sumo match, it was so much fun 🙂
This is great! I’ve always been curious about Japan. Those cherry blossoms are sooo beautiful, and I love the way you describe the culture! It sounds like everyone is warm and welcoming, which is so important to me when I travel.
Japan is so awesome. I didn’t get to see a sumo match but I did see the geishas, which was amazing. Also love the photoofthe cherry blossoms. I saw them in Korea and always so great to see. 🙂
Ah thanks Kelly, yes I think most people that go do love it. Yes I saw a couple of geishas, really cool to see them, so beautiful. South Korea is somewhere I would love to go too!
Japan is on my list to visit and reading this article really makes me want to book the first flight out 🙂 That’s really interesting to read about the toilets. It’s even more impressive to learn that even the toilets on the train are that well equipped. The food and taking in a sumo fight are the top things on list. Hopefully, 2017 will be my year for Japan.
Ah that is fantastic Rosemary, you will definitely have a fantastic time. Yeah the UK toilets on the train are pretty awful so this was a new experience for me ha ha!!! So many different types of food for you to try out, I’m sure you will love it 🙂
Ahhh Japan sounds amazing, such a magical place, especially during Cherry Blossom season 😀 the blossoms look something out of a fairytale land, you have captured them so beautifully! I’m longing to visit xx
Very good post Becky, I really loved your writing style, so funny… 😀 I really have to try those capsules for one night, it looks like a long washing machine 😀 The toilets look funny too with all those gadgets. But let’s be serious for a moment, I love Japanese people because they are so well educated and organised starting very young, but on the other side they have some kind of craziness when it comes to music and electronics.
Ah thanks so much Gabor, really appreciate you saying that. I always think it sounds funny in my head but never sure what other people think!!! Yes the capsules are defintely a fun experience, mine was much bigger than a washing machine!!! Yes I totally agree, a visit to the huge Sony Centre is a great place to visit for their techy gadegets 🙂
Japan seems wonderful! I’ve never heard of the capsule hotels but I’m very intrigued. Those toilets though!! How funny.
Yes it really is Erin. The capsule hotels are so much fun, if you go to Japan then you should defintely try one out 🙂
I love it! Japan is likely my favourite country on the planet! The food there makes me mouth water just thinking about it!
Yes me too, I could eat Japanese food all day long, yummy!!!
Great post! I would love to visit Japan sometime soon (fingers crossed within the next year or so 🙂 Haha, I will be prepared for the toilets, I hope…
I stayed in a capsule hotel in the Philippines, I really enjoyed it as well! So soothing and it was great to get over jet-lag by being in a dark cocoon essentially.
Thanks Miranda. I hope you have the chance to visit soon, it’s really fantastic! Yes I didn’t think about that point but they really are a lovely quiet place to get over your jet lag 🙂 Feel free to let me know if you want any more tips before you visit.
I’m so excited, going to Japan very soon. Not sure if I can do Sushi for breakfast, but will see… 😉
Wow how exciting, I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time. Give the sushi a go for breakfast, it’s so fresh it tastes delicious 🙂