Top things to experience in Japan - in any season

Japan offers a wealth of attractions for all types of travelers. Whether you enjoy bustling cities or quiet natural spaces, the country has something for you. Here are some of the most noteworthy activities and places to consider exploring during your visit.

Unwind in nature's relaxing waters - taking a bath in an onsen hot spring

A cherished part of Japanese culture revolves around onsen or natural hot spring baths. Japan's volcanic geography has left the country with thousands of hot springs fed by mineral-rich waters. Visiting an onsen is a soothing way for both locals and visitors to unwind.

Some of the best places to do this relaxing ritual include areas near Nikko nestled at the base of regal Mount Fuji. The hot springs of Shikoku Island on the west coast are also highly praised for their curative waters and scenic setting. However, for a truly special experience, make a trip to the iconic Kinosaki Onsen, near Kyoto. Strolling the wooden boardwalks between its seven hot spring baths while dressed in traditional yukata is breathtakingly serene. The steaming waters are rich in health-giving minerals and holding a rinsed towel above your head allows you to be gently misted in hot spring vapors.

Surrender to the warmth enveloping tired muscles in an onsen's unparalleled simplicity and camaraderie. It's no wonder the Japanese consider hot springs an essential part of preventative healthcare and rejuvenation!

Experience the power and grace at a live Sumo show

Sumo is deeply engrained in Japanese culture as a sport showcasing strength, agility, and national pride. Two colossal opponents square off in the dohyō ring to claim victory by forcing their rival out of bounds or to touch the dirt surface with anything other than their feet. Matches are explosive, often ending in a mere matter of seconds. This intensity makes attending a tournament a truly visceral experience. The biggest events take place annually in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka, typically lasting fifteen days.

Cheer with the energetic crowd as these real-life superheroes battle through grueling promotions. Consider timing your Japan trip around one of these can’t-miss spectacles to deeply appreciate Sumo's hallowed place in the cultural landscape. The raw spectacle will stay with you for years to come.

Gaze upon Japan's sacred Fuji Mountain

Towering over Honshu Island is the renowned Mount Fuji, a snowcapped dormant volcano whose perfect volcanic cone has enthralled onlookers for centuries. Reaching nearly 12,400 feet, its peak commonly wears a pristine white crown for much of the year.

Holding profound spiritual importance, Fuji-san is one of three hallowed Mountains worshipped in the Shinto tradition. Over 200,000 pilgrims annually undertake the strenuous climb to pay homage at its summit, rewarded with breathtaking panoramas.

It's no wonder Fuji has also served as a holy muse, depicted in countless beautiful artworks. Whether seen from afar in lush green foothills or lakeside landscapes, its majestic form never fails to inspire awe.

Special mountain-viewing tours grant access to privileged vistas, like the lone 5th Station hut admiring the iconic peak's snowy plumes just after dawn. Fuji's sublime natural splendor has come to represent all that is quintessentially Japanese—a national icon worthy of its esteemed place in landscape and culture alike.

Experience a unique stay in a capsule hotel

For travelers prioritizing location and value over space, capsule hotels offer an affordable lodging option found primarily near major train stations across Japan. These compact accommodations provide privacy on a budget. Basically, you will enter a personal capsule outfitted with comfy mattresses, pillows, blankets, and amenities like TV, radio, power outlets, and WiFi. Centrally located shared facilities mean guests come together to socialize over hot showers, relax in lounges, or enjoy gaming.

Layouts are efficient yet welcoming, with gender-specific floors and around-the-clock front desks. It's an intriguing peek into minimalist Japanese living. While some question if it's an eccentric experience, it allows budget explorers to fully maximize their time in expensive cities.

For those wanting an affordable city sleepaway surrounded by nightlife and still craving privacy, a capsule hotel is a unique cultural immersion worth considering. Urban lovers will appreciate these innovative housing solutions.