In this article we will look at some of the adventurous things to do in Japan, pearl of the orient!
From the modern bustling metropolis of Tokyo to the quiet bamboo forests of Mt Fuji, a visit to Japan will leave you totally captivated. For a country that can blend with verve the elegance of kimonos with the speed of their sleek Shinkansen bullet trains, it comes as no surprise that the country gets millions of tourists every year.
To experience the perfect amalgamation of the old and the new, scroll down this list of incredible things to do in the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’.
Boring stuff: I have visited each of the places I recommend and give you my honest opinion, warts and all. All photos are my own unless otherwise stated and may not be reproduced without permission. Affiliate links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Adventurous Things to do in Japan
Go on a cruise
Cruise to Japan or around it – either ways, it is a great way to see what the island nation has to offer. With a wide range of itineraries, you can immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of the country. From the snowy peaks of Mt Fuji to the surreal beaches of Ishigaki Island, exploring Japan by ship has never been so easy.
On a Tokyo cruise, one can leisurely marvel at the beauty of the sacred shrines or watch the city come alive in the Ginza district. A Kyoto cruise, instead, will showcase the imperial architecture of Japan and take you to the renowned Sagano Bamboo Forest, the most tranquil spot in the country.
Cruising is also a great idea for honeymooning in Japan. Check out this Japan Honeymoon guide for more.
Visit the Whisky Library
Even if you are not a connoisseur of whisky, a visit to the Yamazaki Distillery in the Shimamoto district will leave you wonder eyed. More than 7000 bottles of unblended malt whisky are on display in this first distillery of the country. Prior reservations are a must for the tourists.
On the ground floor is the library showcasing barrels ranging in age from 1923 to the most recent ones. Visitors can sample a dram from a wide range of brown, gold and yellow shades and purchase the stuff displayed on the menus. Prices per dram start at ¥ 500 and up.
Enjoy a hot spring bath in the backdrop of Mt Fuji
This activity is what people dream of. Imagine soaking in a hot spring with Mt Fuji towering over you? The most famous of these onsens, as they are called, are located in Hakone, just one and half hours away from Tokyo by road or rail. The facilities at onsen are for rejuvenating and meditating among others.
If you will be visiting Fuji then you can’t miss Japan’s dazzling capital Tokyo. Check out this 5-day Tokyo itinerary to get the most out of your trip.
Explore the bamboo groves of Sagano
The Sagano Bamboo Forest is said to be the most beautiful of its kind anywhere in the world and one of the most visited spots by both locals and tourists in Kyoto. It gets extremely busy, especially in the peak season, and must be visited either first thing in the morning or late in the evening.
The park is located near the Arashiyama railway station, which is easily accessible from the main Kyoto junction railway station.When the wind blows, the tall bamboos sway to and fro, and look particularly awesome at that point of time. For centuries this bamboo has been an integral part of the commodity industry in the making of mats, boxes, baskets and cups in the local workshops.
Witness flower viewing in the Hanami season.
The Hanami, or the Flower season at the end of March, draws millions of tourists to Japan to witness the most beautiful natural spectacle. At this time of the year the Sakura or cherry blossoms begin to bloom and turn the country in a shade of pink. It’s also one of the top reasons why people want to buy a property in Japan
During this period, which lasts just two weeks, but varies from region to region, families get together in different parts of the country to meet up under the trees and spend time together to forget the problems of day to day life. People wonder which are the best places to witness this phenomenon, and the short answer is ‘ everywhere’.
Don’t miss the Bluefin Tuna auction
Between 3:30 pm and 6:30 pm an incredible tuna auction takes place at Tokyo’s famous Tsukiji Market, with bids reaching an astronomical price of USD 300,000 per kg for the meat of the highly prized Bluefin Tuna fish. Entry is limited to two batches of 60 persons, so get there before 3:30 to gain access.
The first group is allowed to witness the auction for just twenty minutes from 5:25-5:45 pm, while the second group can enter between 5;50-6:10pm. In the peak season, it is recommended to reach by 1pm or take help of a local guide to help you through the process.
Hike the Kumano Kodo Trail
If you love nature and solitary experiences off the beaten path, then this adventure is tailor-made for you. The Kumano Kodo is a very ancient trail used at one time by pilgrims. The route passes through remote mountain villages, dotted with traditional guest houses. This is a nice way to explore rural Japan and support the local communities that live there.
You can walk the whole path at your own pace in either two days or longer, depending on your travel needs. Located about 100km south of Osaka on the Japanese Kii Peninsula, this network of routes has been in use for over a thousand years. Those who hike here will be doing so in the steps of emperors and samurai who once lorded over the country.
The weather at the Kumano Kodo Trail can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared for all types of weather conditions. Pack rain gear, sunscreen, and a hat. If you’re not experienced in hiking, it’s a good idea to hire a guide to choose the right route and plan your itinerary.
Drop into an Izakaya
One of the craziest ways to blend with the locals and experience their way of life is to pop into an Izakaya, a tiny casual bar with food, and have a drink and some local fare. You can come across Izakayas in all parts of the country, and are best enjoyed by hopping from one to another.
These tiny eateries hardly have room for about 15 people, but that is why the atmosphere is always vibrant and loud. An Izakaya experience is known to just a handful of visitors, but is a wonderful way to mingle with the locals and try drinks and dishes which you won’t get anywhere else. Some good Izakayas can be found at the Yakitori Alley in Tokyo, the streets just outside Dotonbori in Osaka.
Go Hiking on Yakushima Island
Yakushima is a small island off the south coast of Kagoshima and is a paradise for adventurous travellers. The mountainous interior has many great hiking trails and huts for camping. The island is home to the famous Jomon Sugi tree, a type of Japanese cedar that is over 5,000 years old!
During spring and summer loggerhead turtles come to nest on the beaches of Yakushima making it a must-visit place for nature lovers. The island is dotted with beaches, onsens (natural hot springs) and has rivers and coastline perfect for kayaking.
There are daily ferries from Kagoshima and a small airport serving the island. Visiting Yakushima is definitely one of the most adventurous things to do in Japan!
Getting To Japan
Japan is well connected with the rest of the world with international airports in Tokyo and other cities across the country.
One of the most fun ways to reach the island nation is by boat, and there are daily ferries from Busan in South Korea
Many airlines in the United States offer direct flights to Japan, including American Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Flights from the United States to Japan typically take 10 to 14 hours, depending on the departure city and the airline.
On the other hand, airlines that offer direct flights from the United Kingdom to Japan include British Airways, Japan Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic. Flights from London Heathrow to Tokyo Narita Airport take around 12 hours.
Getting Around Japan
One of the best ways to get around Japan is to make use of its world-class bullet trains like the Shinkansen. This guide on how to use the train in Japan will tell you all you need to know.
The fare for a train in Japan on a day tour can vary depending on the distance you travel and the type of train you take. For example, a one-way ticket from Tokyo to Kyoto on the Shinkansen bullet train costs around ¥13,000 (about USD$115). However, you can save money by taking a slower train, such as the JR Tokaido Line, which costs around ¥8,000 (about USD$70).
Buses are also a great way to get around cheaply and I took the bus from Fukuoka to Kagoshima when I was there.
About the author:
Steve Rohan is a writer from Essex, England. He has traveled to over 60 countries, lived in Armenia, China and Hong Kong, and is now living the digital nomad life on the road.
Steve prefers “slow travel” and has covered much of the world by train, bus and boat. He has been interviewed multiple times by the BBC and recently featured in the documentary Scariest Places in the World. See the About page for more info.
Where I am now: Yerevan, Armenia 🇦🇲