Best Things to Do in Japan 2025-2026

What are the best things to do and see in Japan in 2025? Are you going to visit Japan soon?! Are you not sure about where to go, what to experience, what to eat, where to stay?

Japan has been established as one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the world. Whether you want to have a short or long vacation that all depends on the list of the places you want to travel to.

fushimi_inari-taisha_kyoto — A Tunnel of Torii Gate, Fushimi Inari-Taisha. Photo Credit: themonnie at Flickr through Creative Commons licensing.

You will have to be careful while taking a decision about “where to visit in Japan?” so that you don’t miss a thing. Many things have changed over the years in Japan. New hotels, restaurants, gardens, resorts, shopping malls have been built to amuse and entertain the tourists.

Although, Japan’s natural beauty has not changed a bit at all. Every time you get there in the spring you would explore unforgettable view of cherry blossoms (sakura). It is still the same when it comes to viewing autumn leaves in the fall.

Let’s find out the best things you could do and see in Japan.

Chidorigafuchi Sakura Spot, Tokyo. Photo Credit: Marufish at Flickr through Creative Commons licensing.

Japan has four seasons – winter, spring, summer and autumn. Every year, based on these wonderful seasons many festivals are held throughout the country. Upon arrival of each season, nature here changes dramatically.

Autumn and spring nature make us proud to be part of this great nation because you would not find picturesque scenery elsewhere that we have during these two seasons. In early spring, Japan encounters a festival called ume matsuri (plum blossom festival). It is not that much famous as hanami though but you would definitely love to see it.

Many foreign travelers like to visit Japan, especially in spring since the great festival Hanami begins. Hanabi (fireworks) events are held throughout the country in summer so don’t miss it if you are in Japan during this time of period.

Arashiyama Autumn Nature, Kyoto. Photo Credit: Kimon Berlin at Flickr through Creative Commons licensing.

The way Japanese people enjoy spring the same way they enjoy the autumn season. That’s the real fact!

People usually get excited to colorful autumn leaves around everywhere but public parks, mountains slopes, lakes, temples’ grounds host the most amazing fall color spots in Japan. Find useful information on how to make a trip for seeing autumn leaves in Japan.

Sapporo snow festival in Hokkaido. Photo Credit: hirotomo t at Flickr through Creative Commons licensing.

Needless to say that winter of Japan creates an outstanding atmosphere to explore something that you never knew before.

It is a pleasure to inform you that there are some popular winter festivals held in Japan and one of them is purely great. Yes, that’s called “Sapporo snow festival” hosted by Sapporo city in Hokkaido.

Summer in Japan means celebrating the traditional summer festivals by locals across the country. People experience magical fireworks displays at night, they join in the parades, sing traditional songs, dance, and play traditional musical instruments.

Kabira Bay Beach, Ishigaki Island. Photo Credit: Nicholas Wang at Flickr through Creative Commons licensing.

The most popular Japanese summer festivals are Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, Sendai Tanabata Matsuri, Gion Matsuri in Kyoto, Akita Kanto Matsuri, Awa Dori Festival in Tokushima during the O-bon week, Sumida River Fireworks, Tenjin Matsuri in Osaka, Gujo Odori in Gifu and so on.

If you are planning to visit Japan in July then you can experience most of these famous Japanese summer festivals. Check out the summer festival calendar here.

Sometimes Japanese beaches are neglected by many tourists, but my experience says you must go to the coastal area in the summer and have fun swimming and sunbathing at the beaches. Here are the some famous Japanese beaches: Shirahama Beach, Aoshima Kaizuiyokujo, Miyazaki, The Amami-Oshima beaches (Kyushu), Kabira Bay and Shirahama Ohama Kaisuiyokujo, Shizuoka.

Lavender and Flower Garden in Hokkaido. Photo Credit: James.Kirk at Flickr through Creative Commons licensing.

There is another thing you could do that is visiting Furano town in summer. It is a small town, but in the summer it becomes stunningly beautiful with its impressive flower gardens including awe-inspiring lavender fields.

The best time to see lavender in furano is in July. Biei, the neighbor city of furano has a perfect place to view panoramic flower garden along with lavender flowers. Please read more about lavender season in Hokkaido.

Kinakaku-ji Zen Buddhist temple. Photo Credit: Marufish at Flickr through Creative Commons licensing.

Japan itself a country where many temples and shrines are seen almost everywhere. Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan is renowned for its historic temples and shrines.

If you would like to visit such places, there is a number of Buddhist temples and shrine waiting for you to discover such as Meiji shrine, Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kinkaku-ji (Golden temple), Sensō-ji, and Great Buddha (Diabutsu). In fact, there are more!

matsumoto_castle_and_bridge_japan — Matsumoto Castle and Bridge, Matsumoto. Photo Credit: Kimon Berlin at Flickr through Creative Commons licensing.

If you would like to explore historic old castles then visit Nijo castle, Osaka castle, Matsumoto Castle, and Himeji castle. Remember I am not mentioning you all the famous castles here.

The one who is fond of outdoor traveling and adventure then he/she must go to see the Lake Ashi, Itsukushima, shinjuku gyoen (park), Yoyogi park, Arashiyama, Hokkaido, Mount Koya, and Mount Fuji. A lot of fun activities are waiting for you in these places.

Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden in Tokyo. Photo Credit: giiku at Flickr through Creative Commons licensing.

You also can explore the city life of Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Yokohama, Nagoya and Kyoto. Actually, Tokyo would be the top destination if you wish to take a look at city life and at the same its beautiful nature out there.

Perhaps it would be best for you if you visit Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Imperial Palace, Tokyo Skytree, Meiji Shrine, Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo Disneyland, Akihabara (Anime and Manga district) and etc. But if you wish to see old city of Japan then you must visit Kyoto where famous Geisha exist.

Soba noodles! It is very delicious. Photo Credit: Yosuke Shimizu at Flickr through Creative Commons licensing.

Are you a foodie type of person who loves tasting various types of foods including the ones you have never tasted before? If so, Japan welcomes you the most!

Japanese cuisine is very famous not only here in Japan but worldwide. You must taste some of Japanese foods such sushi, ramen, soba noodles, tempura, sashimi, yakitori, Japanese green tea and many more.

Souvenirs shop in Hokkaido. Photo Credit: Simon Desmarais at Flickr through Creative Commons licensing.

Shopping is a part of traveling. You just can’t throw it away from your travel plan. In Japan, small and large shopping centers give you the opportunity for finding out the most cutest and beautiful things you want to buy as souvenirs to take home. Except all these things you could stay in Ryokan (Japanese inn), taking bath in onsen (hot spring), watch sumo wrestling, visit the snow monkeys, visit the wonders of Japan such as Lake Mashu, Mount Zao, the Great Buddha in Kamakura and many more.

Lastly, things are going to be fine with you, just make sure you have got a complete tour plan/itinerary & package. Sometimes, you may face some problems there such as language, natural disaster (earthquake, excessive rains & summer heat), and etc. In general, these issues can’t resist you from exploring this magical country.

Read useful Japan travel info at various travel websites & blogs, book your hotel in advance, and make your mind to be much stronger than ever it was before. However, in two words to explain Japan – “Incredible Japan“. Have a very good time and good luck.