Things to Do in Japan
Check out must-see sights and activities:
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple, Cultural Tours, Theme Parks.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple, Cultural Tours, Theme Parks.
Explore popular experiences
See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings.
Historic Sites
Sacred Shinto site with a serene ambience, known for thousands of orange torii gates and fox statues. Pathways lead through tranquil tunnels for a reflective journey.
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Religious Sites
Tranquil gardens with a variety of flora, traditional Japanese and Taiwanese design elements, and serene tea house settings for a peaceful stroll or picnic.
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Religious Sites
Historic temple set in Asakusa, adorned with intricate details and surrounded by vibrant market avenues. Features traditional rituals, fortune-telling, and picturesque gardens.
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Neighborhoods
Vibrant district known for neon-lit streets, diverse street food, particularly seafood and snacks, and a lively atmosphere ideal for people-watching and nightlife.
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Historic Sites
Historical temple set on a hill, admired for its traditional Japanese carpentry and serene spiritual ambiance. Features panoramic city views and a famed spring with healthful waters.
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Points of Interest & Landmarks
Serene shrine enveloped by lush greenery and cultural landmarks in the heart of Harajuku. Enjoy peaceful walks, spiritual sites, traditional ceremonies, and a unique wishing board.
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Art Museums
Neighborhoods
Serene bamboo grove walkway amid lush landscapes and historical sites, paired with river views from iconic bridge and scenic boat rides. Features trails, wildlife, and cultural landmarks.
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Neighborhoods
Traditional neighborhood brimming with street food, craft shops, and historical temples. Cultural activities include kimono dressing and local markets. Vibrant side streets invite exploration.
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Historic Sites
Historic castle featuring white stucco walls and panoramic views from its steep wooden staircases. Grounds include well-preserved gardens and a small shrine; guided tours available.
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Nature & Wildlife Areas
Tranquil park with free-roaming deer and seven historic temples, offering peaceful walks and animal interaction. Mindful feeding is encouraged, with deer that bow for treats.
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- nadia_izzyColombo, Sri Lanka229 contributionsIt’s always crowded and it’s a lengthy walk, but the 10,000 gates, the history and everything that guides you through this place is an experience. You definitely need to spend 2-3 hours here and savour the history and beauty of this placeWritten March 13, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Gregory HAlexandria, VA18 contributionsThis historic building Is most beautiful and the setting, the landscape around the temple is one of the most exquisite places I have ever seen. I am very well traveled. The place is an absolute jewel! Must see!Written March 9, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Ben FBloomington, IN2,059 contributionsFirst-time Tokyo visitors should not miss Shinjuku Gyoen, and neither should anyone. The park is massive, featuring multiple gardens, ponds, temple structures, a Starbucks, a greenhouse, and even more amenities I didn’t see. There are audio guides available for those who desire them.
Carve out at LEAST half a day here. The park opens and closes at set times, and there’s an admission fee, but the price is reasonable and, to my relief, credit cards are accepted.Written March 10, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Terhi HSeinajoki, Finland133 contributionsA beautiful temple in the middle of busy Tokyo. We went there in the morning and there were still crowds of people already there.
We looked at what the future would bring according to the predictions. My husband received a bad prediction and it was left at the temple according to tradition. I myself received a good prediction.
Before going to the temple, you wash your hands and mouth. The water was very cold and your hands were frozen for a long time after washing.
It's incredible how well the temple has stood the test of time. It has clearly been well cared for.Written March 13, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Yeong-Ho Y2 contributionsAs a top thing to do while in Osaka, I had to come here. The picture with the running man is also a must. Not a super clean part of Japan, but the food is outstanding.Written January 9, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Gus WoltmannParis, France79 contributionsVisiting Kiyomizu-dera Temple with my family was one of the most memorable experiences of our trip to Kyoto. This historic temple, perched on the hillside, offered breathtaking views, fascinating history, and a peaceful atmosphere that made our visit truly special.
First Impressions
As we approached the temple, we were immediately struck by its grandeur and the lively atmosphere of the approach road, lined with charming shops and traditional teahouses. The excitement built as we made our way up the gentle slope, and when we finally reached the entrance, the iconic wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera stood before us in all its glory.
Exploring the Temple
Walking through the temple grounds, we admired the stunning architecture, especially the massive wooden stage that extends over the hillside. The view from the platform was spectacular, overlooking the city of Kyoto with lush greenery and colorful seasonal foliage adding to the beauty. We took our time appreciating the craftsmanship and the deep sense of history embedded in the temple walls.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Learning about Kiyomizu-dera’s long history made our visit even more meaningful. Founded in 778, the temple has withstood centuries and remains one of Kyoto’s most cherished landmarks. The name "Kiyomizu" means "pure water," referencing the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink from three different streams believed to grant longevity, success, and wisdom.
Family Experience
Experiencing Kiyomizu-dera with my family made it even more enjoyable. We took turns making wishes at the Jishu Shrine, known for its love stones, and tried drinking from the Otowa Waterfall for good luck. The atmosphere was serene yet lively, and we all appreciated the opportunity to reflect and take in the beauty around us.
Final Thoughts
Kiyomizu-dera Temple is a must-visit in Kyoto. The combination of history, natural beauty, and cultural richness made our visit incredibly rewarding. Whether admiring the views, exploring the sacred grounds, or simply enjoying the tranquil ambiance, our family visit to Kiyomizu-dera was an experience we will cherish forever.Written March 1, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ben FBloomington, IN2,059 contributionsMeiji Jingu is just simply THE experience you should have when in Tokyo and Japan as a whole. If nothing else, this is the place to visit. Words can’t adequately elucidate how your time will look, sound, or feel, so you’ll need to make the visit for yourself to find out.
The shrine is in the middle of a heavily forested park with walking paths, traditional structures, and serenity you’d never expect in a huge city. Be prepared for a lot of walking, and make sure to check the weather prior to going. Ideally you’d visit in good weather, but you never know. And remember to treat the grounds with respect and watch your behavior.
There are some cafes/restaurants, a gift shop, public toilets, and a museum or two on site as well. The nearest (or perhaps easiest) metro station to access the shrine and grounds is Harajuku.
Come come come!Written March 9, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - MasonswebDianella, Australia18 contributionsA highly recommended experience at Team labs Tokyo - did not disappoint. An excellent immersive project of visual art - allow at least 3 hrs to enjoy all the components.Written March 16, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Gus WoltmannParis, France79 contributionsWe had an amazing time visiting Arashiyama with my family! Nestled in the scenic western part of Kyoto, it’s a perfect blend of natural beauty, culture, and history. We started our day by exploring the famous Bamboo Grove — walking through those towering bamboo stalks was like stepping into another world. It was peaceful and awe-inspiring, with a sense of tranquility that left us all in awe.
After the grove, we strolled along the Togetsukyo Bridge, where we enjoyed the picturesque views of the Katsura River and the surrounding mountains. The views were breathtaking, especially with the vibrant autumn foliage.
We also took time to visit Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and its beautiful garden. It was a great spot to relax, reflect, and learn about Japan's Zen culture.
One of the highlights for my kids was the Iwatayama Monkey Park. The hike up to the park was a bit challenging but well worth it. Not only did we get to see wild macaques up close, but the panoramic view of Kyoto from the top was spectacular.
Finally, we ended our visit by enjoying some local sweets and exploring the quaint shops in the area. The whole experience was perfect for families — a mix of nature, culture, and fun that we’ll all remember for years to come! Highly recommend Arashiyama for anyone visiting Kyoto! 🌿🐒🍂Written February 23, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Ben FBloomington, IN2,059 contributionsI had a flight to catch later in the day, so my hours spent in Asakusa were fleeting; I’ll need to come back and truly experience the neighborhood. In addition to Senso-ji, there are hundreds of nice food, drink, and shopping vendors to explore. The streets are often narrow and pedestrian-friendly, albeit there are a lot of pedestrians all times of day it seems—friendliness proven! I hardly made a dent into the most exciting parts of the area, but where I did go and the sights I did encounter made me optimistic that my next visit would be even more thrilling. I might even take a rickshaw…Written March 10, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- OldjackGreater Melbourne, Australia29,750 contributionsThe Himeji Castle is the most visited in Japan and and it dates back to 1333 with modifications and additions since and it has survived earthqaukes and WW2 bombings in this area . Expect many visitors and crowds although it was well managed but some of the rooms and stairs were quite dark and you do have to take off your shoes. From Osaka take the JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line from Osala Station to Himeji station.Written March 14, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Cecilia DHong Kong, China1,006 contributionsWorth the trip!! Such beautiful scenery. The temple is quite unique and the gardens are beautiful. There are deers everywhere so if you have kids for sure they will love it.Written February 22, 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above attraction descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information.
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