It’s the strangest looking Ferris wheel as it’s built onto the facade of the store and you ride in a capsule that follows an oval shape up to 77 metres high with views of the river and city.There are so many video game arcades in Japan that you won’t be able to miss them (they are loud and neon!). It’s worth getting over your fears as they are such a relaxing experience.If you want the full onsen experience, head to an onsen town. It is the perfect place to go hiking and enjoy the quieter side of Japan. Visiting one of observatories in Tokyo is a must-do among tourists since the overlook view of the city is absolutely breathtaking especially at night. They are often set amongst lovely natural settings in forests or on mountainsides. As Okinawa lies off the coast of Kyushu, it enjoys a mostly subtropical climate and is known as one of the best places to come in Japan if you are looking for some sand, sun and surf. Its Akasaka branch is (relatively speaking) more casual and approachable. Sadly, it has now closed but there are many other arcades all over the country.TeamLab Borderless is a unique digital art museum in Tokyo. The customers are called “Master” by the maids.
If you’re not sure how to make all of this a reality, consider taking a Made famous by Bill Murray and Scarlett Johannsen’s unlikely pseudo-romance in For those wanting to have their own Santori time, New York Bar in the Park Hyatt has the drinks and it has the live music.Sandy beaches, sunny weather, a laid-back atmosphere, and an abundance of modern art make Naoshima something of a must for those wanting a different Japanese experience.The entire island is like a massive outdoor art exhibit, and art-minded tourists from across the world make the pilgrimage to the island for their chance to wander amongst the installations and be soothed by the peaceful island atmosphere.In addition to the various open-air exhibitions, you’ll also find four art museum on the island with works from the likes of Monet, Warhol, Turrell, and more.
Japan is, without a doubt, one of my favourite countries in the entire world.From my first, awkward visa run back in 2009 to my hike along the Below, you’ll find my hand-picked Japan bucket list – packed full of unmissable experiences, breathtaking vistas, and scintillating cultural experiences.Whether you’re traveling solo or booking a tour, you’ll find plenty of inspiration below!When I started putting my Japan bucket list together, I figured it would be hard to fill the list.I had trouble filling my China bucket list, so why wouldn’t a much smaller country be a more challenging prospect?It proved to be quite the opposite, and I’ve had a hell of a time narrowing it down to just fifty things to do in Japan.I’m sure I’ve left some off and I’m sure I’ve included some you wouldn’t consider worthwhile, so let me have it in the comments!The below are the things I think should most prominently leap to your mind when you’re considering a trip to Japan.Some of these are landmarks or historic sites, while others are cultural experiences that I think are central to a true Japanese experience.The towering bamboo stalks of Kyoto’s Arishiyama transport visitors to another world altogether. It’s a joyous time of year when locals hit the parks for hanami picnics and eat cherry-blossom themed food.Kyoto and Tokyo are excellent famous cherry blossom spots, but we also enjoyed Okayama where it wasn’t as crowded. Richelle and I used Bright lights, deafening noise, seething crowds… it hardly sounds like an experience you’d go out of your way to have.But to many, being jostled at Shibuya Crossing is the quintessential Japanese experience.Much like Times Square in New York, Shibuya is a pedestrian area that has taken on a life of its own over the years.
With Shinto Buddhism considering deer to be messengers of the gods, the animals enjoy special treatment as they roam freely through Nara Park in (you guessed it) Nara.There is far more to Nara than just paying a few yen to feed the city’s iconic deer population, however.