Every country has its own bucket list of must-visit places and must-do experiences.
And Japan is no exception!
If you have limited time to explore, having a Japan bucket list is especially important to ensure you don’t miss out on anything before you leave.
Hey there. Sam here and I love sharing my personal travel experience in Japan with my readers (like you!) so they can discover amazing places, avoid common travel mistakes, and make the most of their time exploring Japan 🎒✨
From iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle and the bustling streets of Tokyo to hidden gems in Kyoto and beyond, Japan offers an interesting mix of culture, history, and adventure.
No matter what kind of traveler you are—foodie, nature lover, or history buff—Japan is packed with epic experiences just waiting for you to check those boxes!
Let’s get into it.
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TLDR: Japan Bucket List
- Kyoto’s Temples and Shrines
- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
- Osaka Castle
- Himeji Castle
- Attend Authentic Tea Ceremony
- Geisha Districts in Kyoto
- Sumo Wrestling Tournaments
- Traditional Onsen Bathing
- The Japanese Alps
- Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa
- Okinawa’s Beaches and Coral Reefs
- Hokkaido National Parks
- Tokyo’s Skyline: Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower
- Osaka’s Dotonbori District
- Ride Bullet Trains
- Cherry Blossom Festivals
- Gion Matsuri in Kyoto
- Sapporo Snow Festival
- Takayama Matsuri
- Skiing and Snowboarding in Niseko
- Hiking the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
- Cycling the Shimanami Kaido
- Diving in the Izu Peninsula
Historic Landmarks
1. Kyoto’s Temples and Shrines
Kyoto is known for its beautifully preserved temples and shrines, such as Kinkaku-ji, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Eikando Temple, Nanzen-ji Temple, and Fushimi Inari Taisha.
But they are more than just pretty spots for Instagrammable photos—they offer a peaceful escape from the busy modern world.
With centuries-old temples and serene Zen gardens at almost every turn, walking through Kyoto feels like stepping into a postcard from the past!
Travel tip: One of the best things to do at night in Kyoto during autumn is to visit temples and enjoy the captivating night illuminations.
2. Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park serves as a powerful reminder of the events of World War II.
Located at the epicentre of the atomic bomb explosion in August 1945, the park is home to the iconic A-Bomb Dome, the Peace Memorial Museum, and the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims.
If you didn’t know, the A-Bomb Dome is the only building that remained standing after the explosion and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Peace Memorial Museum shares the personal belongings of the victims and sheds light on the lasting impact of the atomic bomb, even decades later.
I visited this museum on my first trip to Japan, and I saw grown adults (me included) sobbing like children as we walked through its many exhibits 😢
As for the Cenotaph for the A-Bomb Victims, this curved arch serves as a memorial honouring those who lost their lives in the Hiroshima bombing or later suffered from radiation exposure.
Travel tip: If you want to know more in depth about Hiroshima and its past, you can certainly join this highly-rated Hiroshima Peace walking tour!
3. Osaka Castle
Osaka Castle is definitely one of the must-visit spots on any Japan bucket list!
Built by Toyotomi Hideyoshi in the late 16th century, this historic landmark is surrounded by a scenic moat and massive stonewalls.
The castle has been reconstructed for preservation over the years, with modern additions like an elevator for easy access between floors.
Aside from learning about Osaka Castle’s fascinating history in the castle tower, visitors can also enjoy the panoramic view of the city from the top.
Adjacent to the castle is Osaka Castle Park, which turns into one of the top hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots in Osaka during spring!
Travel tip: If you are wondering what can you do for 1 day in Osaka, check out my free guide on that! 😉
4. Himeji Castle
If you are looking to visit an original castle in Japan, then you must include Himeji Castle in your bucket list.
The original castle is where the main keep that was built during the feudal era (before 1868) is still intact and survives to this day.
Also one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, Himeji Castle is famous for its elegant white exterior and grandiose look.
The castle complex consisted of a whopping eighty buildings, connected by a series of winding pathways and gates!
Visitors are allowed to enter the main keep and you can explore its different floors by climbing the narrow staircases.
Just like Osaka Castle, Himeji Castle is a popular hanami spot and is typically crowded during spring.
Travel tip: Since there is a limit on daily visitors during peak seasons, I recommend visiting Himeji Castle early during the day.
Cultural Experiences
5. Attend Authentic Tea Ceremony
No trip to Japan is complete without attending and experiencing the tea ceremony!
Known as chanoyu, the ceremony revolves around the preparation and drinking of matcha typically in a traditional Japanese room setting lined with tatami floor.
You can opt for any Japanese tea ceremony when you are in Japan, though Kyoto and Uji are probably the best places to be for such a cultural experience.
6. Geisha Districts in Kyoto
Apart from being home to well-known temples and shrines, Kyoto is one of the few places in Japan where geisha culture remains strong.
Geishas are talented performers who train for years in communication skills and various traditional arts including singing, playing instruments, and dance.
There are five remaining Geisha districts in Kyoto:
- Gion Kobu,
- Gion Higashi,
- Miyagawacho,
- Pontocho, and
- Kamishichiken.
You might even bump into geisha as you stroll along the narrow streets glowing with lantern lights in any of these districts!
Important reminder: Please do not approach geisha as it can affect their work schedule.
7. Sumo Wrestling Tournaments
A century-old tradition deeply rooted in Japanese culture, sumo is originally an ancient performance held to entertain Shinto deities for good harvest.
Now that sumo is the national sport in Japan, you can watch any of the six lively sumo tournaments held annually in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka!
Each match takes place in a circular ring called dohyo and is preceded by rituals like salt-throwing to purify the ring before the battle.
The event tickets are released one month before the 15-day tournament kicks off, so your best bet to get them as an English speaker is through an authorized vendor.
8. Traditional Onsen Bathing
Of course you must include traditional onsen bathing in your to-do Japan bucket idea list!
Dipping in the traditional onsen is yet another centuries-old tradition in Japan,where the steaming natural hot spring water is believed to have healing and therapeutic properties.
There are also some strict onsen etiquette to follow, including:
- obligatory pre-soak showering and rinsing,
- no swimsuit allowed (bare it all),
- no towels in the water, and
- stay quiet in the communal bath area.
If you prefer privacy, consider staying at traditional Japanese inns or ryokan, which typically offer private onsen baths for a fee.
I am more of a reserved person and so I booked a private onsen all to myself when I stayed at Ryokan Hatori while exploring Kanazawa.
Here are some of the highly rated ryokan to stay that comes with private onsen:
- 21 Best Mt Fuji Ryokan With Private Onsen (+Hotels!)
- 13 Best Osaka Ryokan With Private Onsen
- 15 Best Ryokan With Private Onsen In Takayama
- 19 Best Kyoto Ryokan With Private Onsen (For Introverted Travelers!)
- 13 Top Onsen Ryokan In Kanazawa (+Private Onsen)
- 17 Best Ryokan With Private Onsen In Hakone
Stunning Natural Wonders
9. The Japanese Alps
If soaking in the beautiful mountainous view and experiencing scenic drives is more of your jam, then the Japanese Alps need to be on your Japan bucket list.
Divided into three parts (Northern, Central, and Southern Alps), this scenic mountain range is known for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor adventurous activities in every season.
Here are some of the cities and towns to visit in the Japanese Alps:
- Takayama: A rustic, beautifully preserved small town with Edo-period streets and wooden buildings
- Shirakawa-go: A UNESCO World Heritage site with century-old traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses
- Kamikochi: A popular hiking spot among hikers with crystal-clear rivers and magnificent mountain scenery
- Hakuba: One of Japan’s best ski destinations with powdery snow and multiple slopes
Travel tip: You can easily book a car through Rentalcars for your Japan road trip!
10. Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa
I visited many gardens during my two-week trip to Japan and none took my breath away like Kenrokuen Garden!
So if that doesn’t make you add this stunning garden to your bucket list, I am not sure what will.
Being one of Japan’s Three Great Gardens, Kenrokuen Garden is so beautifully designed that it encompasses tranquil ponds, tended plants, lovely flowers, and teahouses.
This Japanese Garden offers different breathtaking scenery as the seasons change,
- from pink cherry blossom scenery in spring,
- lush greenery in summer,
- vibrant maple foliage in autumn, and
- dreamlike snow-covered trees in winter.
Travel tip: I suggest spending at least half a day walking around Kenrokuen Garden so you can immerse yourself in nature and explore at your own pace.
11. Okinawa’s Beaches and Coral Reefs
When people think about Japan, the first thing that comes to mind is the ancient temples and bustling cities like Tokyo.
But at the southernmost part of Japan lies Okinawa—a lesser-known tropical paradise that offers white sandy beaches, pristine water, and stunning coral reefs!
Snorkelling and scuba diving enthusiasts would really love visiting Kerama Island and Miyako Island for their clear blue water and diverse marine life including manta rays.
For beach lovers, you can never go wrong spending time chilling and relaxing at Nishihama Beach on Hateruma Island or Sunayama Beach on Miyako Island.
12. Hokkaido National Parks
If visiting off-the-beaten-path places in Japan is on your bucket list, then you must not miss out on Hokkaido!
Located in the northernmost part of the country, Hokkaido has plenty of magnificent national parks and much of the area is unspoiled by modernisation.
Here are some of the unmissable Hokkaido national parks:
- Shikotsu-Toya National Park: Known for its stunning volcanic scenery and caldera lakes. This is also home to an active volcano with a panoramic view, Mount Usu!
- Daisetsuzan National Park: Japan’s largest national park and home to gigantic mountains, vast green forest, and Hokkaido’s tallest mountain, Asahidake
- Akan-Mashu National Park: Has three lakes with different significance, including Lake Akan (famous for rare green algae balls called marimo), Lake Mashu (among the world’s clearest lakes), Lake Kussharo (popular for hot spring baths)
- Shiretoko National Park – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Shiretoko is one of Japan’s most remote and untouched regions, filled with dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife like brown bears, eagles, and orcas
Modern Attractions
13. Tokyo’s Skyline: Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower
One of the must-do things on your Japan bucket list is enjoying the stunning panoramic view of Tokyo’s skyline at Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower!
As Japan’s tallest structure, Tokyo Skytree is an Instagrammable spot that gets especially crowded during sunset when visitors gather to capture the breathtaking city scenery.
Tokyo Tower has two observation decks where visitors can enjoy the city view. You can see as far as Mount Fuji on clear days!
Travel tip: Here’s a free guide for you if you are planning to explore Tokyo for 4 days 😉
And it’s best to buy the entrance ticket to Tokyo Skytree and Tokyo Tower online to skip the long queue!
14. Osaka’s Dotonbori District
If eating local snacks from every place you visit in Japan is more of your thing to do, then make your way to Dotonbori District when you are in Osaka.
From the scrumptious takoyaki to savoury okonomiyaki and juicy yakitori, there is something for everyone here!
This vibrant district is filled with neon lights too, with the Glico running man sign being the city’s unmissable attraction.
15. Ride Bullet Train
No trip to Japan is complete without riding the bullet train!
Also known as shinkansen, these trains offer a smooth, comfortable ride even at a speed of more than 200 km/hour.
Plus you will get to see the beautiful rural scenery of the countryside outside your seat window as you leave the bustling city.
I took plenty of bullet trains when I was in Japan for the first time and I was left in awe by the stunning views when I was on the Limited Hida Express en route to Takayama from Kanazawa 🥰
Travel tip: Skip the queue and book your train tickets online through Klook!
Lively Festivals and Events
16. Cherry Blossom Festivals
If you can only visit Japan one time, then I would suggest you visit there during the spring season.
That’s because the sakura tree blooming season creates a lovely, dreamylike pink-white scenery!
Cherry blossom festivals are a huge deal in Japan, and the authorities even share the cherry blossom forecast as the sakura bloom varies by region.
During the cherry blossom period, locals will have a picnic and celebrate the season with their loved ones and friends under the sakura tree while enjoying the view together.
Some of the popular hanami spots in Japan include:
- Tokyo’s Ueno Park
- Osaka’s Osaka Castle Park
- Kyoto’s Maruyama Park & Philosopher’s Path
- Hokkaido’s Goryokaku Park
17. Gion Matsuri in Kyoto
Though summer in Japan can be quite hot, it is actually one of the best months to visit Japan to experience its big-scale festivals showcasing century-old traditions and interesting culture.
And if you plan to visit in the summer, I recommend you to participate in the Gion Matsuri, which is one of the most famous festivals in Japan!
Held throughout July annually, the biggest highlights involve a grand parade featuring giant yamaboko floats on the 17th and 24th July.
Some decorated floats can be over 25 feet tall and weigh more than 10 tonnes 😲
Just right before the parade, the streets turn into a huge festival where spectators can witness traditional music performances and indulge in local street food, creating a wholesome, vibrant atmosphere!
18. Takayama Matsuri
For the autumn season, one of the best festivals you can attend is Takayama Matsuri in Gifu Prefecture.
Held in the small, picturesque town of Takayama, this lively festival showcases stunningly decorated floats called yatai.
Spectators can also enjoy the entertaining puppet show performed by skilled puppeteers on the float itself.
And at night, the floats are lit with lanterns, giving the well-preserved Edo street in Takayama a dreamy feel!
19. Sapporo Snow Festival
Sapporo Snow Festival is one of the biggest winter festivals in Japan, making it one of the top bucket list items!
Held every February, this magical festival features massive snow and ice sculptures, winter activities like snow rafting and skiing, and of course captivating light illuminations.
Outdoor Activities
20. Skiing and Snowboarding in Niseko
If winter activities like skiing and snowboarding are on your Japan bucket list, then the best place to experience that is at Niseko.
Famous for its light powder snow, Niseko has four interconnected ski resorts that offer a variety of slopes and trails suitable for all skill levels.
Ski enthusiasts can also hit the slopes at night in Niseko, so you can have more fun and time skiing on the well-lit trails!
Travel tip: The best way to end your skiing and snowboarding day in Niseko is to have a relaxing dip in the hot onsen.
21. Hiking the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Kumano Kodo is a network of ancient pilgrimage trails used by emperors, monks, and travellers for the past 1000 years with the ultimate goal of reaching Kumano Sanzan (three grand shrines).
The trails also offer travellers stunning views of lush greenery, misty mountains, and picturesque villages along the way.
Travel tip: Don’t worry if you are new to hiking—there are trails for all levels, so beginners can still add this spiritual adventure to their bucket list!
22. Cycling the Shimanami Kaido
If you are into cycling, then the bucket list activity that you need to do to complete the 70 km cycling route, Shimanami Kaido.
Connecting Honshu to Shikoku, this scenic route offers cyclists the stunning coastal scenery of the Seto Inland Sea, beautiful beaches, traditional fishing villages, and of course an adventure of their lifetime!
For convenience, you can easily rent a bicycle of your choosing from the nearby bike rental stalls so you don’t have to bring your own gears 😉
23. Diving in the Izu Peninsula
With crystal clear waters and diverse marine life, diving in the Izu Peninsula is a must-do bucket list item for ocean lovers.
Here are some of the best dive spots in Izu Peninsula:
- West Izu: Futou, Osezaki
- East Izu: Futo
- South Izu: Mikomoto
Since it is only a two to three-hour ride away from Tokyo, Izu Peninsula makes a great short weekend getaway for a dive trip!
Final Thoughts: Japan Bucket List
There you go—the 23 best Japan bucket list ideas that you need to try at least once when you are exploring the country!
Whether you are soaking in an onsen, wandering through historic streets, or swimming next to the manta rays, you are bound to have an unforgettable travel experience in Japan.
So start planning, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure you will never forget!
Sam Lee, founder of Sam Lee Travel, is a seasoned traveler with over 10 years of experience exploring various Asian countries. Having lived in Singapore for almost a decade, Sam has developed a deep understanding of the culture, customs, and attractions in the region.
With a passion for outdoor travel adventures and water sports, Sam has helped over 25K readers per month plan their trips around Asia, including off-the-beaten-path destinations, offering helpful travel tips and unfiltered personal travel experience.