There is no surprise why Japan is one of the top travel destinations in Southeast Asia.

For one, it boasts a wide myriad of food—from freshly sliced sashimi to crispy tonkotsu, wholesome bowls of soupy ramen and more. The culture is also a very unique one, and the Japanese are easily the most cultured and friendliest people around.

We simply cannot get enough of Japan; there’s just so much to see and do and experience. If you still haven’t taken a first trip to Japan, you’re completely missing out. Here are the 24 Unique Things You Can Only Experience In Japan.

#1 VENDING MACHINES ARE APLENTY

You will be surprised by just how many vending machines you can encounter when strolling down a street. Every vending machine is different, and you will find a huge variety of drinks that come in the most colourful packaging!

Photo Credit: Japan Guide

#2 WATCH A SUMO WRESTLING MATCH

Dating all the way back since ancient times, sumo wrestling has always been considered as entertainment and it is the country’s national sport. You can catch a glimpse of all the action when you attend a sumo tournament by purchasing tickets from an official vendor, through their convenience stores, or from this website.

#3 SPEND A NIGHT AT GRAN CYBER CAFÉ @BAGUS

Japan is known for having the most unique hotels and one of them is a manga cafe, which is also known as a kissa cafe to the locals.

At Gran Cyber @Bagus Cafe, guests are provided with facilities such as a shower room, comfortable private cubicles for sleeping and the best part—free food!

@Bagus Gran Cyber Café
3F Adhoc Shinjuku Building
3-15-11, Shinjuku
160-0022, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5363-6253
Daily: 24 hours
Nearest Station: Seibu-Shinjuku

Photo Credit: Travel with Rhys

#4 TOUR SHIBUYA ON A GOCART WHILE DRESSED AS A MARIO CHARACTER

What better way to tour one of Tokyo’s busiest shopping districts than on a GoCart, and dressed up as a Mario character?

The MariCar SuperHero Go Cart Tour in Shibuya allows you to drive licensed GoCarts on public roads. Along the two-hour drive, you will get to see a couple of Tokyo’s most popular attractions along the way—including the iconic Tokyo Tower!

MariCar
Tel: +81 3-6712-8275
Daily: 10am – 10pm

#5 TASTE FRESH SASHIMI AND SUSHI AT TSUKIJI FISH MARKET

If you have not heard about Tsukiji Fish Market by now, you are probably living under a rock. Feast on the freshest sashimi that you will ever taste from several restaurants at the market, including Sushi Zanmai, Ryu Sushi, and the more popular Sushi Dai and Sushi Daiwa.

Tsukiji Fish Market
5 Chome-2-1 Tsukiji, Chou
104-0045, Japan
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6pm – 10pm
Nearest Station: Tsukiji Shijo

#6 GET THE BEST VIEW OF SHIBUYA CROSSING AT QFRONT BUILDING

If you are looking to get a good shot of the famous Shibuya crossing, a window seat at QFRONT Building’s Starbucks is your best bet to catch all the action. Watch locals and tourists hurrying across the intersection while you enjoy a cuppa or two.

QFRONT
21-6 Udagawa-cho, Shibuya
150-0042, Japan
Tel: +81 3-3770-2301
Daily: 6.30am – 4am
Nearest Station: Shibuya

#7 VISIT A POKÉMON CENTER

Do you really need a reason to visit any of the Pokémon Centers that can be found all over Japan?!

You will be able to find limited edition plush toys, Pokémon-themed stationaries, Pokémon printed t-shirts, and just about any other merchandise under the sun. The biggest Pokémon Centre is supposedly the one in Ikebukuro, Tokyo.

Pokémon Center MEGA TOKYO
2F, Sunshine City alpha
3-1-2 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku
170-6002, Japan
Tel: +81 3-5927-9290
Daily: 10am – 8pm
Nearest Station: Ikebukuro

Photo Credit: Rakuten Travel

#8 FEED DEER AT THE NARA DEER PARK

Nara Deer Park is one of the more well-known attractions in Nara; it is home to hundreds of tame, free-roaming deers. You can purchase deer crackers around the park to feed the creatures. Some of them even know how to bow for food—how adorable is that?!

Photo Credit: Bored Panda

#9 PET FOXES AT THE MIYAGI ZAO FOX VILLAGE

Located in the mountains near Shiroishi, the Miyagi Zao Fox Village might be a little out of the way, but it is totally worth the commute. Just as its name suggests, this is where you can feed and even cuddle tame foxes that roam around freely.

Miyagi Zao Fox Village
11-3 Fukuokayatsumiya
Miyagi Prefecture
989-0733, Japan
Tel: +81 224-24-8812
Mon, Tue & Thu to Sun: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Shiroishi

#10 GO FOR AN ONSEN EXPERIENCE

Gone are the days when onsens are traditional stone baths located far up a mountain. Present-day onsens are much more convenient since they are usually housed in mini resort facilities and come with additional services.

Think massages, aromatherapy, and even restaurants within the onsen’s grounds for a quick meal. Check out our post on some of the best onsens in Tokyo.

#11 TAKE A PEACEFUL, QUIET TRAIN RIDE

The Japanese are really considerate people and this is something that is often reflected in their public transports. It does not matter whether you board a relatively empty train or one that is packed full during peak hours—everybody onboard is usually very quiet.

Take a peaceful train ride while reading that book you have been wanting to start on, or listen to your favourite music playlist during the journey; you will be surprised at how enjoyable a train ride can be.

#12 HIKE UP MOUNT TAKAO FOR THE AUTUMN LEAVES

Don’t freak out when you see the word ‘hike’. The trek up Mount Takao is relatively manageable, and even if you prefer not to, there are cable car services to take you up the mountain.

The mountain welcomes more visitors during the Autumn season when the leaves turn into beautiful shades of red, yellow and orange.

#13 THE CONVENIENCE STORES BOAST A DELECTABLE RANGE OF MICROWAVEABLE FOOD

No other country does it like Japan when it comes to their impressive array of instant food options. Their convenience stores carry everything from cream pasta, to bento meals, soupy noodles and even omurice. The options are endless and we certainly aren’t complaining!

#14 BITE INTO THE FLUFFIEST PANCAKES EVER

The Japanese are known for their delicious desserts, and they somehow never fail to make anything look visually appealing. If you are a fan of pancakes, the ones at Gram Pancakes are so fluffy and soft that they jiggle when you shake the plate. Totally perfect for an Instagram boomerang!

Gram Pancakes
1-9-30 Jingumae
150-0001, Japan
Tel: +81 3-6804-3399
Daily: 11am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Harajuku

#15 DINE AT A VENDING MACHINE RESTAURANT

In Japan, having a meal outside without any human interaction is completely possible. Besides having ramen at Ichiran, you can visit Jihanki Shokudo, a vending machine restaurant in Gunma Prefecture. The machines carry tempura udon, hamburgers, ramen and more.

293-3 Tomizukach?, Isesaki-shi
Gunma-ken 372-0833, Japan

Photo Credit: Inside Kyoto

#16 DRESS UP AS A GEISHA IN KYOTO

The best place in Japan to see geishas is in the Gion district in Kyoto. For the uninitiated, geishas are skilled high-class entertainers; their dressing and practices are considered a form of art.

Even if you do not get to catch a glimpse of the geishas in Kyoto, you can still dress up in an exquisite kimono and learn a bit more about their culture.

#17 EVERYTHING IS ABOUT THE AESTHETICS

The Japanese hold very high standards when it comes to the aesthetics of the food they serve. Everything looks almost too good to be eaten and we simply cannot resist the beautiful packaging!

#18 HAVE A GO AT A GACHAPON MACHINE WHILE YOU EAT SUSHI

The Japanese sure know how to put a creative spin when it comes to dining. At Kura Sushi in Ikebukuro, you can have a go at the in-built gachapon machines located above your seat with every four plates ordered. Oh, and did we mention that everything on the sushi menu is priced at just ¥100?

Kura Sushi
Toshima-ku, Tokyo Minamiikebukuro
1-19-5 G Building Minamiikebukuro 01 B1F
Tel: +81 03-5960-1810
Mon to Fri: 11am – 12am
Sat and Sun: 10.20am – 12am
Nearest Station: Ikebukuro

Photo Credit: Travelin’ Boots

#19 HAVE A PICNIC AT YANESEN CEMETERY DURING THE CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON

The Japanese do not treat cemeteries as an inauspicious place. In fact, the locals regularly pay cemeteries a visit either to pray, or pay respects to the dead.

During the cherry blossom season, you can pop by Yanesen Cemetery for a picnic amongst the breathtaking pink blooms.

Photo Credit: Osaka Info

#20 VISIT AN INSTANT RAMEN MUSEUM

It is safe to say that cup noodles is everyone’s guilty pleasure. But have you ever wondered have they have been made, or how long instant noodles have been around for?

Visit the Momofuku Instant Ramen Museum located in Osaka, and immerse yourself in everything related to instant noodles. You can even customise your own cup noodles as a personal souvenir!

Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum
8-25 Masumicho, Ikeda
563-0041, Osaka, Japan
Tel: +81 72-752-3484
Wed to Mon: 9.30am – 4pm
Closed on Tuesdays
Nearest Station: Ikeda

#21 GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH WILD MONKEYS AT THE JIGOKUDANI SNOW MONKEY PARK

If you are into wildlife and nature, nothing beats watching these cheeky, yet adorable monkeys bathing in the hot onsen during winter. Situated in Yamanouchi, Nagano Prefecture, Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park lies in the valley of the Yokoyu River and it is home to over 160 Japanese Macaque monkeys.

The hike up to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park takes about 30 to 40 minutes but trust us when we say that it is worth all the effort when you get up close with the wild animals.

#22 MARVEL AT THE MAJESTIC NARUTO WHIRLPOOLS

The Naruto Whirlpools are tidal pools that occur along the Shikoku coast of the Naruto Straits and these tidal pools were the very ones who inspired the famous cartoon character, Uzumaki Naruto.

A true wonder of nature created from the clash of tides from the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean, the views Naruto Whirlpools offer are so magnificent that they alone would justify a trip to Tokushima. You may book a boat tour at Naruto Sightseeing Steamship Co. which will take you on a vessel to admire these natural wonders.

#23 NOH—CLASSICAL JAPANESE MUSICAL DRAMA

Noh is a classic stage art and one of Japan’s oldest and proudest art forms where performers don a variety of masks and traditional costumes depicting different characters. The stories are told through not just dialogue, but also via singing and musical accompaniments.

Today, Noh theatre performances only happen 10 times a year but if you get the chance to see one in Japan, we highly recommend it. Where else would you get such an authentic experience?

#24 STORE AND AGE YOUR OWN AWAMORI IN A HANDMADE JAR UNIQUE TO YOU

Awamori—a type of sake unique and indigenous to Okinawa, Japan—is a distilled rice liquor which has clear distinctions from the popular Japanese shochu in several ways. Chuko Distillery is Okinawa’s oldest and most established distillery and this is where you can even buy unique hand-made jars to store and age your awamori.

Should you be in Okinawa, make sure to sign up for a free tour of the distillery which comes followed by a tasting session. It is a must to check out the cool hand-made earthenware jars and you might even catch one of the craftsmen at work when you are there!

Address: 132 Nakachi, Tomigusuku City, Okinawa

Tokyo may be one of the most well-known cities in the world but did you know that it is part of a large region called ‘Kanto’? This densely populated piece of land comprises metropolis Tokyo, as well as other prefectures of Japan such as Gunma and Tochigi.

For us, a well-rounded Japan itinerary would look something like this—soaking in the bustling ambience of the city (hint: shopping), a touch of culture to learn more about the locals and their way of living, and the addition of sightseeing activities because we are in one of the most beautiful countries in the world, after all!

From the dazzling city lights in Tokyo to catching a glimpse of the magnificent Mount Fuji, going up close to wild monkeys bathing in an onsen and admiring the lovely pink and white plum blooms at Akima Bairin, go for a wild adventure around northern Kanto and even to the Shinshu region!

If you need some recommendations, here is our detailed 5D4N Kanto itinerary with 16 tips on what to see, do and eat there.

DAY ONE – TOKYO

#1 TSUKIJI TAMA SUSHI

Begin your trip on the right note—with the freshest sashimi and sushi delicacies offered at Tsukiji Tama Sushi. The sushi bar is a mere 10-minute walk from the famous Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo and is one of the many choices you can find along the restaurant-laden street. The fine art of sushi is something we will never get tired of and you get to watch the masters in action.

Hearty eaters cannot go wrong with the standard sushi set (¥1,520) which comes with chawanmushi and miso soup.

#2 GINZA DISTRICT

Ginza is where you will find the young and fashionable crowd because the bustling street is flanked with sophisticated cafes, large shopping malls and big brands.

We paid a visit to Bistro Marx, a French cafe nestled on the seventh floor of a commercial building. Here is where you can watch the locals going about their everyday lives while you indulge in high tea.

#3 MATCHA CEREMONY

Matcha addicts have to sign themselves up for a matcha ceremony at Chazen. The tea master will perform the full tea ceremony for the guests who will also get a chance to try making their own matcha beverage too.

It takes years of experience for the tea masters to learn the tea ceremony rules as it consists of traditional methods that are passed down through generations.

#4 MORI TOWER AT ROPPONGI HILLS

Standing at 238 metres tall, Mori Tower at Roppongi Hills offers the most spectacular view of Tokyo city from the observation deck. Visit during the evening time and watch the grand Tokyo Tower light up against the mesmerising sunset. We promise you this is one memory you will not forget in a hurry.

DAY TWO – YAMANASHI PREFECTURE

#5 SUNTORY HAKUSHU DISTILLERY

Whisky fans must not miss a trip to the famous Suntory Hakushu Distillery where you go on an educational journey to learn more about whisky making through a guided tour. Fun fact: The oldest whisky in the warehouse is more than 74 years old!

Besides getting a preview of the husky production process, visitors can also have a taste of their single malt whisky Hakushu at a tasting class.

#6 WHITE TERRACE

Have a meal at White Terrace, a restaurant serving Japanese dishes and snacks near Suntory Hakushu Distillery. Featuring seasonal dishes that are made using local Yamanashi produce, guests are treated to a delectable meal against the scenic background.

We had the Okemori-mishi, also known as “container rice” that is piled up with sweet potato, seaweed, trout and more.

#7 SHOSENKYO GORGE ROAPWAY

When in Yamanashi Prefecture, you have to go to Mitake Shosenkyo—one of the most well-known gorges in Japan. Take the cable car up Shosenkyo Roapway (¥1,200) and you will be treated to a clear view of Mount Fuji and the Southern Japanese Alps during good weather. Needless to say, this makes the best backdrop for OOTD pictures!

Autumn is the best period to visit as you will get to witness the fall foliage but the panoramic view is, nevertheless, breathtaking throughout the year!

DAY THREE – NAGANO PREFECTURE

#8 JIGOKUDANI SNOW MONKEY PARK

If you are into wildlife and nature, nothing beats watching these cheeky, yet adorable monkeys bathing in the hot onsen during winter. The hike up to Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park takes about 30 to 40 minutes but it is worth all the effort when you get up close with the wild animals.

Be sure to wear appropriate clothing and hiking boots, especially in winter as the roads are icy and slippery but there is also a rental shop nearby for those who do not have proper footwear.

#9 HAKKO

Ten minutes ride away from Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, Hakko is a Japanese bar that serves up local dishes that come with a twist. While you may think this looks like your typical western fare, the ingredients that make up this grilled chicken dish are actually locally-sourced!

Go for their wide range of Japanese sake and whisky if you are feeling up for some alcoholic beverages.

#10 ZENKOUJI TEMPLE

This Buddhist temple is so old that nobody knows its exact age but it is believed by the historians that the building was erected more than 1,400 years ago. We were told that there is a secret Buddha hidden beyond the temple halls and it is so sacred that even the priests are not allowed to look at it. Imagine that.

DAY FOUR – GUNMA PREFECTURE

#11 AKIMA BAIRIN

Cherry blossoms may be beautiful to look at but we have found a new favourite and it is no less spectacular. Yes, we are talking about ume (plum) blossoms and the best time to visit is between early to mid March.

One of the best places to witness the gorgeous pink and white hues is at Akima Bairin where the ume trees spread across a large plot of land that is almost the size of 100 football fields! To say that we were in awe of the bright ume blossoms is surely an understatement and you have to see this delicate beauty for yourself.

#12 HAYAMI

Okkirikomi is a Gunma delicacy and it is essentially thick udon noodles simmered in miso-based soup. The ingredients are simple, mostly featuring seasonal vegetables but what you get is a humble and comforting dish prepared in a homestyle manner.

#13 KAISEKI DINNER AT A RYOKAN (HOTEL SEIKO)

Fancy an over-the-top meal with your travel companions? You cannot go wrong with a Kaiseki (multi-course) dinner served in a traditional ryokan. A typical Kaiseki meal can comprise more than 10 dishes and they are impressive, to say the least. What you can expect is a combination of appetisers, side dishes, soup, Japanese hot pot, tempura and others.

DAY FIVE – TOCHIGI PREFECTURE

#14 NIKKO TOSHOGU

Japanese shrines are a dime a dozen in Japan but if you are looking for one that will leave a deep impression, Nikko Toshogu in Tochigi Prefecture is the perfect choice. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the shrine is a sight to behold.

There are more than 5,000 statues built on the pillars and walls of the buildings and the intricate wooden carving designs are unbelievable. Some notable ones include the “see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil” monkeys and the Sozonozo Elephants.

#15 YUBA YUBATEI MASUDAYA

Yuba (beancurd) is a Nikko speciality and you should not leave without trying a Yuba set meal. Enjoy an exquisite meal boasting beancurd prepared in various culinary techniques.

#16 KIRASSE GYOZAKAN

Utsunomiya may be slightly out of the way but if you are heading back to Tokyo, make a pit stop here and try your hand at making gyoza because that is what the town is known for. Allow the chefs at Kirasse Gyozakan to help you in creating your very own dumplings!

Once you are done, the dumplings are pan-fried and you can enjoy them with condiments and soup.

This post is brought to you by Japan National Tourism Organisation.