Is it possible to “complete” Japan from a travel point of view? We’re not sure…but we definitely can try. As a travel agency made up of travel lovers who have made a point of exploring up and down the country, we’ve put together this ultimate Japan bucket list of the must-do experiences to feel like you might have “done it all”.

We’re breaking up the Japan to-do list by region, with a few special sections for the “Golden Route”, as, let’s be honest, there’s just a whole lot to do in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

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Tokyo Bucket List

No one can claim to have “completed” Japan without spending at least a few days in Tokyo. The city truly has a little bit of everything, and even after years of living here, we feel like we’ve barely scratched the surface of things to do.

Only have a couple of days to cover as much of the city as you can? Check out our Custom Tokyo Tour, which pairs you with a local guide to create the bespoke Tokyo day of your dreams.

1. Hit the Major Sightseeing Spots

Like any big city, Tokyo has plenty of famous sightseeing spots. Although they can be a little touristy, we still think these spots are well worth a visit:

• Tokyo Tower
• Skytree
• Takeshita Street in Harajuku
• Shibuya Crossing

2. Visit Tokyo’s Most Important Religious Sites

Tokyo has two major religious sites. The most famous is Senso-Ji, a Buddhist temple recognisable by its giant lantern and big festivals. The second is Meiji-Jingu, the city’s most important Shinto Shrine. It is surrounded by extremely calming forest grounds, making for a great respite after the crowds in the surrounding areas of Harajuku, Shibuya, and Shinjuku.

3. Spend Time in Shinjuku Gyoen

A fantastic national garden that costs 500 yen to enter. Inside is a tranquil Japanese garden, a tea house, a multi-story greenhouse, and even an incredibly aesthetic Starbucks.

4. Shop in Kappabashi Street

If you’re interested in Japanese kitchenware, then Kappabashi Street (or Kitchen Street) is the place to go. The street is lined with pottery, cooking utensils, and some amazing Japanese knife stores.

5. Explore Akihabara

Akihabara is almost a promised land for otaku and anime lovers. The area is filled to the brim with arcades, maid cafes, and electronics stores, and you can find just about any piece of manga or video game memorabilia imaginable.

Check out our dedicated Tokyo Bucket List below…

Kanto Bucket List

The region around (and including) Tokyo is known as Kanto. It’s filled with some amazing Tokyo day trip options, as well as plenty of places worth staying for more than just one night.

6. Visit Nikko’s Toshogu Shrine

The Toshogu Shrine in Nikko demonstrates some of the most intricate and incredible wood carving in all of Japan. The temple grounds have several buildings, including a stable where you’ll find the original See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil monkey carving. The Toshogu Shrine is also home to Tokugawa Ieyasu’s mausoleum.

7. Take a Day Trip to Enoshima and Kamakura

Kamakura is a quaint little town by the beach, best known for its towering Bronze Buddha. Then, just a little way down the coast, is the island of Enoshima. You can reach it via a bridge, and you will be rewarded with coastal views, sea caves, and plenty of seafood restaurants.

8. Relax at an Onsen in Hakone

Hakone is one of the best places to experience an onsen, with hot spring baths set against mountain scenery. Many ryokan offer outdoor private and public baths where you can soak while taking in the views, and on clear days, you may even spot Mount Fuji.

9. Go Gyoza Tasting in Utsunomiya

Utsunomiya is known as Japan’s gyoza capital, with dozens of restaurants specialising in these crispy dumplings. You can easily spend a few hours hopping between spots, or stop by Utsunomiya Gyoza-kai Kirasse, which serves dumplings from a variety of local restaurants.

Kyoto Bucket List

Kyoto is the second stop on most travellers’ Japan itinerary after Tokyo. It is Japan’s old capital, and is a special place to so many locals due to the ancient temples and historic streets.

To make the most of your time in Kyoto, we highly recommend taking a guided tour, for instance, our Custom Kyoto Tour. A local guide will help to personalise the day just for you, giving you a perspective of the city that most tourists never get.

10. Sightsee Kyoto’s Ancient Treasures

There is so much amazing sightseeing to be done in this city. These spots are unlike anywhere else in the world, and you really haven’t completed Kyoto until you see them in real life:

• Kinkaku-ji
• Ginkaku-ji
• Kiyomizu-dera
• Ryoan-ji Rock Garden

11. Hike the Torii Gates at Fushimi Inari

Fushimi Inari might be the most popular tourist destination in Japan, and whilst we wish we could tell you it’s overrated…it’s absolutely worth the trip. The thousands of torii gates are even more striking in person, and if you visit early, you’ll find the shrine isn’t as crowded as you might expect.

12. Dine at a Kaiseki Restaurant

Kyoto is considered the best place in Japan to experience kaiseki, a traditional multi-course meal that focuses on seasonality and presentation. Many meals are served in historic settings, with each dish carefully prepared to reflect the time of year.

13. Walk the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

The Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is one of Kyoto’s most iconic sights, with towering bamboo stalks creating a surreal, almost otherworldly path. Go early in the morning to experience it without the crowds.

14. Explore Gion, Ninenzaka, and Sannenzaka

Gion is Kyoto’s famous geisha district, while the neighbouring areas of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka are lined with traditional wooden buildings and small shops. Together, they offer some of the most atmospheric streets in the city that feel like they’re sending you straight back into the past.

15. Eat, Drink, and Shop at Nishiki Market

Nishiki Market is Kyoto’s best spot to try local specialities, with everything ranging from fresh seafood to traditional sweets. It is also a great place to pick up regional snacks and ingredients that you won’t easily find elsewhere.

Discover our complete Kyoto Bucket List:

Osaka Bucket List

Osaka completes Japan’s “Golden Route”. It is more relaxed than Tokyo, an absolute foodie haven, and might just be one of the most fun places in the entire country.

16. Eat Your Way Through Dotonbori

We have to start with what Osaka is best known for: food. And so much of it can be found in the city’s street food centre of Dotonbori. Must-try bites are kushikatsu, takoyaki, torikara, and okonomiyaki.

17. Explore Osaka Castle

Osaka Castle stands out for its striking white and green exterior, surrounded by a wide moat and spacious park. Inside, you’ll find a museum covering its history and the life of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, but honestly, our favourite parts are the massive stone walls and huge moat surrounding the castle itself.

18. Have Fun at Universal Studios Japan

It might be crowded, and express tickets can be hard to secure…but trust us, Universal Studios Japan is worth it all. Visiting Super Nintendo Land is an absolute must-do, plus the character parades and Wizarding World of Harry Potter are just plain magical.

19. Hunt for Electronics and Anime Goods in Den Den Town

Den Den Town is Osaka’s answer to Akihabara, but a lot less touristy. It’s packed with shops selling electronics, anime goods, and retro games, and is a great place to pick up collectables or browse niche stores.

20. Walk the Floating Garden at Umeda Sky Building

The Umeda Sky Building is a distinctive twin-tower skyscraper connected at the top by an open-air observation deck. The Floating Garden Observatory offers panoramic views across Osaka, and the escalator ride between the two towers is an experience in itself.

Get our full Osaka Bucket List…

Kansai Bucket List

Kansai is a region simply brimming with cultural destinations. Some of these destinations can be visited on a day trip from Kyoto or Osaka, but many deserve a trip of their own.

21. Meet the Bowing Deer in Nara

There’s no way you haven’t seen the polite bowing deer in Nara Park all over your social media. In reality, they really are that friendly, especially if you have some deer crackers to feed to them.

22. Indulge Your Inner Otaku at Nijigen no Mori

The anime and video game-themed adventure park is located on its own island (hence being also known as Awaji Island Anime Park), with attractions built around many of our (and probably your) favourite franchises.

23. Try Kobe Beef in Kobe City

Kobe is the place to try authentic Kobe beef, prized for its rich marbling and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Many restaurants serve it teppanyaki-style, cooked right in front of you by skilled chefs.

24. Drink Matcha in Uji

Uji is famous for producing some of Japan’s highest-quality matcha, with a long history tied to tea cultivation. You can sip hot matcha, try indulgent matcha desserts, or even visit the green tea fields.

25. Stay Overnight at a Temple in Mount Koya

Mount Koya is the centre of Shingon Buddhism, where you can stay overnight in a working temple. Your stay typically includes eating shojin ryori (a traditional vegan diet), forest bathing, and even the chance to join early morning prayers.

26. Cross the Amanohashidate Sandbar

The first of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views on this list. Amanohashidate means “bridge in heaven”, as people say it looks like a pathway connecting the living and spiritual worlds. You can walk the length of it, cycle, drive, or take a boat ride around it.

Hokkaido Bucket List

Japan’s most northern prefecture (and region) might be famous for its world-class winter activities, but we think the summers there are equally amazing. The weather is perfect, and Hokkaido’s natural beauty is second to none.

27. Hit the Slopes of Niseko

Japan has several major ski resorts, but really, nothing comes close to Niseko. It has some of the best powder snow you’ll probably ever hit, with snow activities that go beyond just skiing and snowboarding.

28. Attend the Sapporo Snow Festival

Easily the region’s most famous celebration, during the Sapporo Snow Festival, you can see giant snow and ice sculptures lining the streets in local and global competitions.

29. Walk the Otaru Canal

Otaru has a slower, more nostalgic feel that sets it apart, with a quieter pace and charming historic streets. The canal is lined with old warehouses and vintage-style gas lamps, and is especially atmospheric in the evening when the lights reflect across the water.

30. Ride the Ropeway in Daisetsuzan National Park

Japan has a lot of scenic beauty, but we think Daisetsuzan National Park has some of the best. Located in central Hokkaido and surrounded by forest and mountains, the views from the top of the ropeways are nothing short of spectacular.

31. See the Flower Fields in Furano

These picture-perfect flower fields are so pretty, you can’t help but smile. The purple lavender is especially famous, but you can see stripes of red, yellow, blue, and pink blooms. Plus, Furano is also famous for its cheese and melon, so there are plenty of great treats to snack on.

Tohoku Bucket List

Tohoku offers a quieter, more rugged side of Japan, with dramatic landscapes and deeply rooted traditions. It’s a region where you’ll find fewer crowds, and we think it’s especially rewarding if you’re looking to experience something a little different.

32. Take the Wanko Soba Challenge in Morioka

In Morioka, wanko soba is a fast-paced eating challenge where small bowls of noodles are continuously served until you signal you’re done. It’s a fun and slightly chaotic experience that turns a simple meal into something surprisingly competitive.

33. Visit Hirosaki Castle

Hirosaki Castle is one of Japan’s few remaining original castles, set within a spacious park filled with moats and bridges. It’s especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, when the grounds are covered in pink petals.

34. Climb the Steps of Yamadera

Yamadera means mountain temple, although the real name is Risshaku-ji Temple. It is built straight into the mountainside, where stone steps lead between the traditional worship buildings. It’s so peaceful that you can spend a day climbing and exploring the temple and only pass a handful of other people.

35. Walk the Streets of Ginzan Onsen

Ginzan Onsen feels like stepping into another era, with wooden ryokan lining a narrow river through the town. In winter, snow and warm lantern light give the streets a quiet, almost storybook atmosphere.

36. Take in the Views of Matsushima Bay

The second of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views is Matsushima in Miyagi, a bay with 260 pine-tree-covered islands that can be explored on a scenic cruise. There are also lots of smaller, hidden bridge-connected spots for secluded hiking, with amazing old shrines and ocean views.

Chubu Bucket List

The Chubu region sits in the heart of Japan. There, you can do everything from hiking mountains to staying in traditional villages, making it a great place to experience scenic landscapes and slower-paced towns away from the major cities.

37. See How the Samurai Lived in Nagamachi Samurai District

Walk among ancient samurai residences in Nagamachi Samurai District that have been preserved and restored to an almost unbelievable degree in Kanazawa.

38. Explore Heisenji Hakusan Shrine in Fukui

This is one of Fukui’s most magical spots. The shrine is hidden in the mountains, with ancient ruins and moss-covered stone paths that make it feel like something straight out of a Studio Ghibli film.

39. Have Breakfast at Omicho Market

Omicho Market is one of Japan’s best fresh food markets, serving Kanazawa for over 300 years. The city, in general, is a super foodie destination, known for its rich and flavourful food made using local seafood and mountain vegetables.

40. Drink Tea in Higashi Chaya District

An exquisite preserved geisha district that honestly feels like stepping straight back in time to the Edo period. The wooden chaya (teahouses) line the streets, with many of them being turned into museums or cafes where you can try authentic matcha.

41. See Mount Fuji Up Close from One of the Fuji Five Lakes

It shouldn’t be too much of a surprise that Fuji Five Lakes offer some of the best views of Mount Fuji, especially on clear days when the reflection appears across the water. Lake Kawaguchi is the most popular and easiest to access, with plenty of scenic viewpoints around the shore.

Chugoku Bucket List

Too often, Chugoku gets overlooked or forgotten about. Nestled in central Japan, it is a place with expansive scenic beauty, so much gorgeous nature, and an outdoorsy vibe great for hiking or cycling.

42. Cross Kintai Bridge in Yamaguchi

Kintai Bridge is a striking wooden bridge with five elegant arches stretching across the Nishiki River. It was first built in 1673 by the local Daimyo, and carefully preserved ever since. Walking across it gives you great views of the water and surrounding hills, but we have to admit it is loveliest during Japan’s sakura season.

43. Spend the Night on Miyajima

The view from Miyajima of Itsukushima Shrine in the water is the third and final of Japan’s Three Most Scenic Views. Most people only visit on a day trip, but we think staying overnight is the best experience. The island becomes extremely tranquil, with lantern-lit pathways and extremely romantic vibes.

44. Pay Your Respects at Hiroshima’s Peace Park

Hiroshima’s Peace Park is a deeply moving place, dedicated to the victims of the atomic bombing. Although remembering the history can be heavy, it’s so important, and the Peace Park is an important Japan bucket list item.

45. See the Black Walls of Okayama Castle

Okayama Castle has earned the moniker “crow castle” for its dramatic black walls. It was first constructed in 1597, with the current version being a reconstruction finished in the 1960s. There’s certainly no other castle like it in the world.

46. Visit Japan’s Oldest Shinto Shrine in Izumo

Izumo Taisha is considered one of Japan’s oldest and most important shrines, with a history dating back centuries. It has ties to relationships and matchmaking, and is dedicated to the God Okuninushi no Okami, the creator of the land of Japan.

Shikoku Bucket List

The region of Shikoku (unsurprisingly) covers all of Shikoku Island, the smallest of Japan’s four major islands. Although smaller than Honshu, Hokkaido, and Kyushu, Shikoku’s impact is nothing short of monumental. There, you’ll find coasts, art, culture, and untouched nature.

47. Gallery Hop on Naoshima

Otherwise known as the Island of Art, Naoshima is an incredible island town and a sought-after destination for art-lovers around the world. It is covered in galleries, installations, and literal works of art, with a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and turquoise water.

48. Get Lost in the Wilderness of  Iya Valley

Iya Valley is one of Japan’s most remote and rugged regions, with steep mountain slopes and deep river gorges. It’s famous for its vine bridges, which you can carefully cross while taking in the surrounding scenery.

49. Cycle Shimanami Kaido

This is the ultimate cycling destination in Japan. The Shimanami Kaido is a scenic route that connects Honshu and Shikoku across a series of islands and bridges over the Seto Inland Sea. It is around 70 kilometres long, stretching from Onomichi in Hiroshima to Imabari in Ehime, and takes anywhere from 4-8 hours to complete.

50. Walk the Ancient 88 Temple Pilgrimage Route

The Shikoku 88 Temple Pilgrimage is a historic walking route that links 88 sacred temples associated with Shingon Buddhism. Many people still complete parts of it on foot, following mountain paths, rural roads, and coastal stretches across Shikoku.

51. Bathe in Dogo Onsen

Often rumoured to be the inspiration behind Spirited Away, Dogo Onsen is arguably the most fantastical bathhouse in all of Japan. Its history spans 3,000 years, and the onsen is a designated National Important Cultural Property.

Kyushu Bucket List

We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: not enough people visit Kyushu! Japan’s most southern region has so much to offer. We’re talking active volcanoes, perfect sandy beaches, amazing food scenes, and expansive history.

52. Try Real Hakata Ramen

The popular tonkotsu-style ramen originated in Fukuoka. It is made by simmering pork bones for hours until the broth turns creamy and full-bodied, and nowhere does it quite as well as where it was originally from.

53. Hike Around Mount Aso

Mount Aso is Japan’s largest active volcano, where, amazingly, entire communities live in the volcano crater. It has an iconic doughnut shape covered in bright green grass, and once there, you can ride horses, hike, or (our recommendation) ride the scenic train.

54. Hit the Beaches in Miyazaki

Did you know you can find lazy surf towns, white sand, and glittering ocean within Japan? Hitting the beach is the thing to do in Miyazaki, plus you can sightsee and enjoy marine activities at the same time at Aoshima, Sakaematsu Beach, or Takanabe Beach.

55. See Sakurajima Erupt

Sakurajima in Kagoshima is Japan’s most active volcano, with thousands of eruptions every year. You can reach it by ferry from Kagoshima port, and once there, explore free foot baths, bathe in the stunning bayside, and walk through peaceful forest paths.

56. Discover Nagasaki’s Immense History

Nagasaki carries a layered history shaped by its role as one of Japan’s earliest international ports. Sites like the Nagasaki Peace Park, the preserved Dejima trading post, or Oura Church help you piece together the city’s complex story.

57. Island Hop in Okinawa

Okinawa is Japan’s Pacific island paradise. The Ryukyu Kingdom is made up of 160 islands, with some of the most breathtaking views of untouched beaches, cliffs, and mangroves, maybe anywhere in the world. You can snorkel, cycle, go paddleboarding, or simply laze by the beach and take in the relaxed island energy.

General Japan Travel Bucket List

Some must-do travel adventures in Japan aren’t location-specific, but we absolutely couldn’t miss them from this ultimate Japan bucket list! To have really “done it all”, these items must also be crossed off your list.

58. Ride the Shinkansen

Riding a bullet train in Japan is one of the smoothest travel experiences you can have in more ways than one. The physical train ride itself is unbelievably smooth considering the immense speeds, but the customer experience is just as impressive. The trains are super clean, the staff are wonderfully kind, and if you remember to pick up an ekiben (station lunch box), then you’ll even eat well too!

59. Stay in a Ryokan

These traditional Japanese inns are potentially our highest recommended cultural experience. You’ll typically sleep on tatami mats, enjoy multi-course meals, and unwind in a shared bath or private onsen, all with world-class service and attention to detail.

60. Experience a teamLab Exhibition

teamLab exhibitions are immersive digital art spaces where light, sound, and motion respond to your presence. Each installation feels interactive, with shifting visuals that change as you move through the rooms.

Decide which teamLab exhibition to visit:

61. Eat Omakase-Style Sushi

Omakase sushi is a chef-curated dining experience where each piece is served one by one at the counter. You’ll often sit just a few feet away as the chef prepares seasonal fish with precision and care, creating an unforgettable dining experience.

62. Take a Cultural Workshop

Taking part in a cultural workshop is a hands-on way to experience traditional Japanese crafts and skills. Popular options include tea ceremony, calligraphy, and pottery, often led by local artisans who guide you through each step.

The Ultimate Japan Bucket List FAQs

What are the bucket list things to do in Japan?

Japan’s bucket list spans everything, from iconic temples and neon cities to onsen towns, seasonal festivals, and scenic countryside escapes. The best experiences usually combine cultural highlights, food experiences, and time in nature.

Is $1,000 enough for 1 week in Japan?

Depending on what you want to do, a budget of $1,000 is possible for a week in Japan, so long as you carefully plan for accommodation and transport. It may work if you focus on hostels, cheap meals, and staying in one area.

What is the #1 tourist attraction in Japan?

Fushimi Inari Taisha is often considered Japan’s top attraction, famous for its thousands of red torii gates stretching up the mountainside.

What is the best time to visit Japan?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most popular times, with cherry blossoms and autumn leaves offering the best scenery. The weather is generally mild and ideal for travelling across the country.

Is Japan expensive to visit?

Japan can be as affordable or expensive as you make it, with costs varying widely between budget stays and luxury experiences. Eating local food, using rail passes, and staying in business hotels or hostels can keep costs manageable.