Top 10 Things to See and Do in Japan

A journey through Japan's culture, landscape and daily life

Japan rewards travellers who enjoy things done properly: unhurried meals, beautifully kept gardens, immaculate trains, and a reassuring sense that the details have been thought through. For many British travellers, it feels a little like stepping into a world where etiquette and calm still matter; think a quieter, more graceful version of London at its best, but with better punctuality.

Below are ten experiences that consistently land well with first-time visitors, especially those who want culture, comfort and authenticity in equal measure.

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1) Kyoto, for temples, lantern-lit lanes and cultural elegance

Kyoto is Japan’s cultural anchor, but it’s not just about ticking off “must-see” sites. The most memorable moments often come from slowing down: a walk through old wooden streets, the hush of temple grounds, and a feeling of stepping gently back in time.

2) A peaceful, characterful temple visit that feels genuinely “local Kyoto”

Kyoto has famous temples, but the ones that stay with you are often slightly off the main tourist current — more intimate, more human, more surprising.

A lovely example is the Otagi Nenbutsu-ji Temple, where hundreds of expressive stone figures bring a warmth and individuality that’s quietly enchanting.

3) Kanazawa, for old-world refinement and one of Japan’s greatest gardens

Kanazawa appeals to travellers who appreciate craftsmanship, gardens and a sense of calm sophistication. It offers many of Kyoto’s cultural pleasures, but with a more relaxed pace.

A particularly special way to experience it is a Private Tea Ceremony in Kenrokuen Garden — a small, elegant ritual that makes Japanese aesthetics feel personal, not performative.

4) Lake Biwa, for “exhale” scenery and a superb viewpoint

Japan is not all cities and shrines — it’s also wide-open landscapes that invite you to stop talking for a moment. Lake Biwa is one of the most soothing interludes in central Japan, with space and light that’s unexpectedly restorative.

The view from Biwako Terrace is exactly that sort of quiet “wow” — scenic without being showy.

5) Takayama, for a beautifully preserved mountain-town atmosphere

Takayama’s historic centre, wooden buildings and gentle rhythm of life offer a different side of Japan — one that feels grounded, traditional and wonderfully photogenic.

If you want a respectful, immersive touch, a Kimono Experience in Takayama adds texture to the visit — not as fancy dress, but as a way to engage with the place in a considered way.

6) Nara, for Japan’s ancient heart and an experience that feels genuinely human

Nara brings essential historical context — temples, the Great Buddha, and a softer pace. It’s also an ideal place to experience Japan beyond hotels and sightseeing.

A homestay in the countryside of Nara offers that rare travel luxury: feeling welcomed, not just served — sharing everyday life in a way that’s warm, comfortable and memorable.

7) Shigisan, for a serene night that resets the mind

For travellers who value wellbeing and quiet reflection, a temple stay can be one of the most surprisingly rewarding parts of Japan. It’s not about being “spiritual” in any grand sense — it’s about stepping away from noise.

An overnight stay at a monastery in Shigisan offers precisely that: simplicity, calm, and a sense of being gently looked after while you slow the pace right down.

8) Tokyo, for neighbourhood discovery and the comfort of order

Tokyo can sound intimidating on paper, but in person it often feels surprisingly easy — clean, safe, well-organised, and full of pockets of calm. The trick is to explore neighbourhood by neighbourhood, with time for coffee stops and unhurried evenings.

9) Travel by Shinkansen, because it’s part of the pleasure

Japan’s bullet trains are an experience in themselves: smooth, quiet and reassuringly efficient. There’s something deeply relaxing about knowing the logistics are simply… handled.

10) Kyoto cuisine, for a hands-on cultural moment you take home with you

Japan’s food culture is more than restaurants — it’s craft, tradition, and joy in small details. A cooking experience in Kyoto offers a lovely counterpoint to temples and sightseeing, and it’s the sort of memory you’ll genuinely revisit back in the UK.

The Sushi class in Kyoto is a perfect example: practical, sociable and quietly confidence-boosting (and yes, you’ll dine well afterwards).