Japan Things to Do

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  • view 2 of Hiroshima from Hiroshima Castle
      view 2 of Hiroshima from Hiroshima...
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  • one of the entrances to Hiroshima Castle
      one of the entrances to Hiroshima Castle
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  • Itsukushima Shrine
      Itsukushima Shrine
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  • Hiroshima Peace Museum
      Hiroshima Peace Museum
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Most Viewed Things to Do in Japan

26.

Asakusa   Tokyo

Asakusa, Tokyo

 158 Reviews  Sensoji Temple is believed to be the first temple ever built in the Tokyo area and was originally founded by a fisherman, Haji Nakatomo, who is said to have built the temple after finding a statue of... 

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27.

Gion (Geisha district)   Kyoto

Gion (Geisha district), Kyoto

 64 Reviews  It's not a long walk but it really holds a historical look. building looks new but in the old japanese style. Restaurants there are little above the average price wise. at the end of the road you will... 

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28.

Universal studio   Osaka

Universal studio, Osaka

 26 Reviews  in japanese that ture but still loads for fun for those who have never been to universal stuido of usa. just access the site of universal sutio and you will understand everthing , it is a very... 

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29.

Nagoya Castle   Nagoya

Nagoya Castle, Nagoya

 28 Reviews  With its famed golden shachi dolphin roof decorations, Nagoya Castle is the de-facto symbol of the city. Built in 1612, the main edifice was reconstructed in 1959 on its original foundation after... 

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30.

Chinatown (Nankin-Machi)   Kobe

Chinatown (Nankin-Machi), Kobe

 12 Reviews  Kobe is home to one of Japan's three most famous Chinatowns (Yokohama and Nagasaki being the other two), so when the Chinese New Year arrives (setsubun), the Chinatowns are great places to visit, and... 

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31.

Peace Park and Memorial Museum   Hiroshima

Peace Park and Memorial Museum, Hiroshima

 128 Reviews  I once stayed with a friend who lived a stone's throw away from the Peace Museum in Nagasaki and since then, I have always wondered what it was like to live near a building charged with so much... 

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32.

Todaiji Temple   Nara

Todaiji Temple, Nara

 75 Reviews  Todai-ji ("Great Eastern Temple") is reputedly the largest wooden structure in the world, and it houses what must be one of the largest bronze statues of Buddha around, the Daibutsu or Great Buddha.... 

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33.

Snow Monkey Park   Nagano

Snow Monkey Park, Nagano

 4 Reviews  Without a doubt, one of the coolest spectacles in all of Japan is to watch the wild snow monkeys of the Japanese Alps sit out a snowy winter day soaking in the hot waters of a naturally-heated onsen.... 

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34.

Korakuen Garden   Okayama

Korakuen Garden, Okayama

 12 Reviews  Korakuen Garden is considered to be one of the three best gardens in Japan since the Edo Period. It was constructed by Tsuda Nagatada by orders of the daimyo Ikeda Tsunamasa and took thirteen years to... 

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35.

Itsukushima Shrine   Miyajima

Itsukushima Shrine, Miyajima

 30 Reviews  If you are in the Hiroshima city, you must visit Itsukushima-Jinjya in Miyajima. It's the shrine (not a temple) with famous red torii (gate) in the water, but has lots more than just the... 

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36.

Shinjuku   Tokyo

Shinjuku, Tokyo

 72 Reviews  This was a stunning experience with all the different varieties of cherry trees in full blossom. Incredibly beautiful! The garden is run by the Ministry of the environment now but it has a long... 

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37.

Kiyomizu Temple   Kyoto

Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto

 98 Reviews  I really loved the short visit I made to this place. i like the atmosphere of this narrow streets with souvenirs shops along your way up the hill to the temple. the temple is realllllly huge and you... 

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38.

castle   Osaka

castle, Osaka

 62 Reviews  Visit the Castle... its very interesting. Its a fairly long walk from the Rail Station, but its an interesting walk and the Castle is quite unusual which is why it should be seen. Pity to go all the... 

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39.

Aquarium   Nagoya

Aquarium, Nagoya

 7 Reviews  The most interesting thing for me in this Aquarium is the dolphins performance. They really brilliant. Cool !! Beside that you can see the big whales and you can find nemo and dory also in here... 

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40.

Meriken Park & Harborland   Kobe

Meriken Park & Harborland, Kobe

 24 Reviews  in this area, you can do a lot. there is the mosaic mall just on the other side from kobe tower, all the cafe and restaurants there have the sea view. i wrote a review about the aswome fisherman... 

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41.

Miyajima   Hiroshima

Miyajima, Hiroshima

 33 Reviews  I was skeptical about the appeal of Mt. Misen since one round trip ticket costed me 1800 yen, which was by far the most expensive ropeway I had ever used. "No view is worth this much, " I remember... 

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42.

Nara Park   Nara

Nara Park, Nara

 33 Reviews  There is around 1000 Deers rooming Nara , they eat somthing called Shika Senbei which is rice crackers specially made for them. they costs 150 en and sold every where. But take cares they are... 

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43.

Zenkoji Temple   Nagano

Zenkoji Temple, Nagano

 5 Reviews  The main hall is typical Buddhist architecture from the mid Edo Period. The principle image is enshrined inside the altar in the innermost temple. Admission to the inner temple is 500 Yen, and... 

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44.

Kibiji District (Kibi Plains)   Okayama

Kibiji District (Kibi Plains), Okayama

 6 Reviews  Saijo Inari is known as one of the three great Inari Shrines in Japan (Fushimi Inari in Kyoto and Toyokawa Inari in Aichi being the other two). It is unique, because the complex is composed of a... 

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45.

Five-Tiered Pagoda   Miyajima

Five-Tiered Pagoda, Miyajima

 8 Reviews  The beautiful curved roofs of the Goju-no-to Pagoda and strinking vermilion colouring are a familiar sight on the island of Miyajima. Standing on a hill overlooking the bay and Itsukushima Shrine, the... 

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46.

Imperial Palace   Tokyo

Imperial Palace, Tokyo

 61 Reviews  this is the second of the famed double bridge in the Imperial Palace Front plaza area. There are two bridges over a moat separating the Kokyo Gaien and the Imperial Palace - these are called... 

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47.

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)   Kyoto

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion), Kyoto

 102 Reviews  Three-storey Zen Buddhist temple. Each floor was done in different architectural style - the ground floor is Heian imperial architecture, the second floor typifies warrior aristocracy and the top... 

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48.

Dotombori   Osaka

Dotombori, Osaka

 22 Reviews  Dotombori is a street in Namba alligned with eateries, arcades, and shopping centers. Many people do come for food and shopping, but the area itself is actually an attraction of sorts. The restaurants... 

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49.

Shrines & Temples   Nagoya

Shrines & Temples, Nagoya

 12 Reviews  1900-year-old shrine with lush evergreen forest is best known by one of the three Imperial Regalia, Kusanagi sword. The shrine saw the modification after the Meiji Restoration. It is a nice place to... 

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50.

Mount Rokko   Kobe

Mount Rokko, Kobe

 7 Reviews  A highland pasture spread on the peak of Mt. Rokko. Sheep, donkeys and ponies are free to graze, and visitors can come in close contact with the animals. Children can learn and try to take milk from... 

 See All 108 Things to Do in Kobe

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Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

HARAJUKU - Cos-play-zoku & rockabilly

by Pixiekatten

A Sunday afternoon in Tokyo is wellspent in Harajuku!Bewitness the colourful Cos-play-zoku (roleplay, costume play gang) amongst the youngsters at Jingu-bashi at the entrance to Yoyogi koen (park). You find them as soon as you exit the Harajuku station. I heard from friends that a lot of these kids are bullied at school and this is their way to let of some steam. Don't be afraid to take pictures! They will pose quite happily!For more crazy costume dramas go watch the Rockabilly dudes dancing! Such energy. Such cool music. Such crazy hair-do's!!! They hang out on a parking lot a couple of minutes from Yoyogi koen.Then at last. enter the park for a quiet strole. WRONG! Join the outdoor rave going on in the park. If only for a few minutes. Even if you dont normally dance. The crowd will love you. And you will go to bed with a great feeling of unrealness... Perfect way to spend a Sunday!

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NARA

by Pixiekatten

Nara - once a capital (the 1st). Now a town with 8 UNESCO world herritage sights. Head for NARA KOEN (park). Its around here you find most of the temples. TODAI-JI shouldnt be missed. Amazing temple with a huge Daibutsu (Great Buddha) hall. This is Naras star attraction!Its also here you find the cute but sometimes vicious deers (about 1200 of them). Beware! Dont carry anything edible in your pockets, they will try to get it. And their bites hurt! See pic below...When not temple hopping Nara is a pleasant town to strole around. If you're stopping for coffee and a cake find DOUCE. I cant say exactly where it is, only that it is in the very west of the town! Yummiest cakes I ever had!And for food:OKARU - 13 Higashi-mukiminamimati (that is the actual address!)They make the best okonomiyaki on hot plates on your table!!! ENJOY NARA!!!

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KYOTO STATION

by Pixiekatten

Kyoto - home of 100s and 100s of shrines and temples. But it is allowed to wake up one morning in your ryokan or hostel and feel just a tiny bit tired of them. This is the right day to explore something quite different. Something taken right from a science fiction novel or movie... This is the right day to head for Kyoto station. Its futuristic... all steel and glas... some parts of it always reminds me of the ending in Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back. Riding that escalator up up up, I kinda expect to see Skywalker fighting Vader. But theres no sounds of lightsabers. Just speakers announcing train departures and arrivals.The 15th floor is the observation level... you see beyonde the city limits! Mountains in the distance. Amazing!There's also a hotel at Kyoto station which got great examples of Ikebana in its lobby for the one interested in the japanese art of presenting flowers....

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GION

by Pixiekatten

As you might have understood from reading the introduction to my Japan pages I absolutely love the Kansai region. And most of all I adore Kyoto. I have fallen in love with Gion, the geisha district.Narrow alleys, traditional houses, cute shops and lovely teahouses. If you're lucky you might even catch a glimpse of a geisha or a maiko (an apprentice). To experience the traditional Gion, stroll along Hanami-koji, a street lined by beautiful old buildings, teahouses and restaurants. Minamiza kabuki theater is located in Gion. Another must is to visit the Yasaka Shrine, also known as Gion Shrine.

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Matsushima, Miyagi-ken

by FelixB

Matsushima is located in Miyagi Prefecture in the Tohoku area. It is pretty close to one of Japan's largest cities, Sendai. I went there on my JR East Railway Pass and it was really worth the trip.Matsushima is known throughout Japan as part of the three most scenic places in Japan. The Bay of Matsushima is packed with small islands covered with pine trees. The islands look like they are made of limestone. The color makes a great contrast to the trees, in my opinion.Not only can you find those islands with pine trees but the water has also created a bunch of islands in weird shapes. For example, islands shaped like waves or a Samurai helmet (Kabuto-jima).I took a cruise boat from the harbor for a trip around the bay. It costs 1400 ¥ and lasts for about 50 minutes. Here you get sort of an overview of the bay and the most famous of the strangly shaped islands can be seen (Niou-jima, see...

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Yokohama, Kanagawa-ken

by FelixB

Yokohama is Japan's second largest city, capital of Kanagawa prefecture and is part of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area. After the Edo Period, in which Japan isolated itself from foreign influences, Yokohama was the first harbor to open for foreign ships. This resulted in Yokohama growing from a small fishing village to a bustling city. Still today many people from Tokyo and elsewhere consider Yokohama as a trendy city influenced by western fashion.In fact, Yokohama has an above-average amount of foreigners living there. The Chinatown of Yokohama, called Chuukagai, is the largest in all of Japan. It features a large variety of delicacy shops, restaurants and other Chinese shops. I visited the brand new food theme park "Daska" with different restaurants and a live show as well as a little musuem set in 1920's Shanghai. Entrance is 500¥.The most famous attraction of Yokohama, however, is the...

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"Happo-en" Japanese Garden and Tea Ceremony

by karinyeung

A really beautiful place with Japanese gardens and a lovely little tea house. We got to experience the traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony. This venue would also be lovely for a wedding. Definitely well worth the visit.

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Tokyo

by Maline

The capital of Japan, so much to see in Tokyo, you could spend more than a lifetime exploring it.Tokyo has a population larger than the whole country of Sweden. Roughly the equivalence of the entire population of Sweden travels with the trains and subways here each day. You don't have to spell it out; Tokyo is pretty crowded.As is often the case with larger cities (and here we are talking megacity) there are several downtowns rather than one special. Depending on what you are looking for, you may want to choose different destinations within Tokyo.For a starter I would recommend Shibuya or Shinjuku. These places fulfill the foreigner's Tokyo fantasy of color, people and the likes. If you are a skyscraper junkie Shinjuku is also the place to go.Other places of interest include Ueno (museums and quaint streets, also pachinko heaven), Yoyogi park and the Meiji shrine( the city´s lung and...

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Yokohama

by tompt

Yokohama is a city south of Tokyo. It can easily be reached by train from Tokyo.Yokohama has a large china town, where 'food' is the word. Many chinese restaurants and foodstalls are found behind the chinese gates.The Yokohama stadium is nearby. Here you can enjoy a game of baseball. The hometeam is called the Yokohama Baystars. Their colors are blue and yellow. They play in the highest league.If you have time, you can visit Yokohama harbour, or the old foreigeners neighbourhood.Yokohama, a nice daytrip from Tokyo.

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Sakura

by tompt

In spring it looks like entire Japan is coloring pink. You will find cherryblossom trees in bloom everywhere. It is a japanese tradition to go and see this beauty, that last so short. They often have a drink or bite to eat under the blossoming trees.The sakura can be seen in different places on different times. Depending on the climate of the part of Japan you are visiting. Just ask in advance if you are in time. The major tourist spots like Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka should be in begin april.But we strongly recommend you visit the small village of Takato in Nagano ken. This village is in the mountains and therefor it is colder and the trees are in bloom later. The peak is around april 20, when 1500 cherryblossom trees are supposed to be in full bloom. It are all trees of the same species, which mean they are in full bloom together coloring Takato completely pink.More on our Takato page, and...

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Fun things to do in Japan

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Things to Do: Cities in Japan
  1. Tokyo Things to Do
  2. Kyoto Things to Do
  3. Osaka Things to Do
  4. Nagoya Things to Do
  5. Kobe Things to Do
  6. Sapporo Things to Do
  7. Hiroshima Things to Do
  8. Sasebo Things to Do
  9. Nara Things to Do
  10. Fukuoka Things to Do
  11. Nikko Things to Do
  12. Narita Things to Do
  13. Takayama Things to Do
  14. Okinawa Things to Do
  15. Yokohama Things to Do
  16. Shinjuku Things to Do
  17. Nagano Things to Do
  18. Yokosuka Things to Do
  19. Hakone Things to Do
  20. Nagasaki Things to Do
  21. Hamamatsu Things to Do
  22. Fuji-Hakone-Izu-kokuritsu-koen Things to Do
  23. Niigata Things to Do
  24. Naha Things to Do
  25. Himeji Things to Do
  26. Okayama Things to Do
  27. Kanazawa Things to Do
  28. Miyajima Things to Do
  29. Kamakura Things to Do
  30. Beppu Things to Do
  31. Kawasaki Things to Do
  32. Otaru Things to Do
  33. Kumamoto Things to Do
  34. Hakodate Things to Do
  35. Kitakyushu Things to Do
  36. Sendai Things to Do
  37. Misawa Things to Do
  38. Iwakuni Things to Do
  39. Okinawa City Things to Do
  40. Chiba Things to Do
  41. Harajuku Things to Do
  42. Yokohama Things to Do
  43. Shizuoka Things to Do
  44. Koyasan Things to Do
  45. Ise Things to Do
  46. Toyama Things to Do
  47. Komaki Things to Do
  48. Utsunomiya Things to Do
  49. Tsukuba Things to Do
  50. Matsuyama Things to Do

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Q:  Hi there, Will arrive in Tokyo, Narit Airport for a layover and wanted to take advantage of seeing something. I will arrive at... 

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A: youre lucky to be arriving so early, so you will likely pass through immigration fairly quickly. lets still count with an hour just in case. you can either take the... 

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