Top 10 Interesting Cultural Experiences Not to Be Missed in Japan

There is no doubt that Japan is rich in culture—you just need to take a quick look around, and you’ll see that all the unique and wonderful experiences are right around you! 

Japan is famous for many things: gorgeous temples, enchanting cherry blossom trees, traditional hot springs, and anime. In fact, there are heaps  to explore when you’re in Japan. From modern to traditional, you’ll discover a fascinating blend of oddities and curiosities. 

To help you get started on your Japanese cultural exploration, here are the top ten most interesting cultural activities not to be missed in Japan: 

Temples and shrines make up a huge part of Japanese culture as sacred places for worship. They are marked with the stunning architecture of tori gates and altars. There are over 150,000 Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines across Japan. 

Spring isn’t only a wonderful time to visit Japan, but it’s also widely known as the season when Sakura trees are in full bloom. For the Japanese, cherry blossoms signify a time of renewal, and they celebrate it by eating, drinking, and spending time with family and friends – a thousand-year-old tradition called hanami. 

According to the Shinto religion, the waters of Japan’s natural hot springs (onsen) are believed to be healing waters that can purify the soul. Since then, bathing in hot springs has been part of the Japanese way of life. You can find onsens scattered around Japan, with Hokkaido having the most onsen facilities in the country. 

One Japanese cultural activity you can’t miss if you love WWE is watching a sumo wrestling match. Traditionally, sumo wrestling was born as a Shinto ritual to entertain the gods. Today, it’s Japan’s national sport! 

Contrary to popular belief, geishas are actually artisans and purveyors of traditional Japanese culture. Geisha women dedicate their lives to Japanese traditional art and put their talents to use by entertaining customers to showcase the richness of their culture. 

When in Japan, remember to say “Itadakimasu” before you eat! It can be roughly translated as “I humbly receive” as a form of grace before eating. 

Wanna know more about Japan? Check out our Japan do’s and don’ts travel guide: 

Embark on an exciting adventure with these 10 fascinating Japanese cultural activities: 

Cafe culture is huge in Japan—it just looks a little different to what you’re probably used to. Cafes in Japan are usually themed and are more of an experience than a place to sit and chat with friends over a hot cup of tea or coffee. 

There are a ton of themed cafes you can experience on a trip to Japan, including the Tokyo Owl Cafe, which is home to six species of owl and seven birds in total; you’ll be able to sit and enjoy a hot beverage while you play with these adorable animals.

Or, experience Japan’s vibrant cosplay culture at the iconic Maidreamin, a maid cafe in Tokyo where you’ll get served by waitresses dressed in cute maid costumes. 

As for samurai lovers? The Samurai Cafe brings you both comedic laughter and samurai fun. Here, the whole fam will get to hang with samurais, learn about bushido (a samurai’s code of ethics), and take wacky pics to remember the night!

When thinking of Japanese culture, a Kimono is probably one of the things that first come to mind. With fabrics of endless stunning designs and amazing colours, you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture by renting a Kimono for the day and having your pictures taken around town. Women can also get their hair and make-up included to look the part! There are many places that offer this cultural experience, giving you the opportunity to learn about this rich culture through clothing and design.

Tea is an important part of Japanese culture, and a traditional tea ceremony is a form of art waiting to be enjoyed and experienced. Book in a traditional Japanese ceremony while in Japan to experience this rich symbol of culture, which is believed to maintain a peaceful mind and wash away stress or fatigue. You’ll get to learn about the history and importance of this ceremony and enjoy delicious tea accompanied by some sweet treats.

Visiting an onsen (or hot spring) in Japan is a must. It is an important part of Japanese  culture as the waters are said to heal and wash away all your worries. One of the best 

onsens to visit in Japan is the Oedo-Onsen Monogatari in Tokyo. This is the largest facility in Japan and hosts a variety of natural hot springs surrounded by some of the most beautiful views of nature! You can also relax further as you spend time in the rock salt saunas, which will leave you feeling relaxed from the inside out.

You can’t come to Japan and not learn the art of Sushi making. The best way to learn how to make this world-famous Japanese delicacy is by booking a class. Some great classes to book  include the Nihonbashi Gourmet Tour and Sushi Roll Cooking Class, which gives you a tour of the famous Coredo Muromachi, a shopping complex in Nihonbashi home to many restaurants, tea shops, and confectioneries. 

Sumo wrestling dates back centuries and is one of Japan’s oldest sports. It is so rich in culture and is honestly like nothing you’ve ever seen before. There’s so much to learn about the life of a Sumo wrestler, so taking the day to explore this is a must. Learn about the history and what’s a day in the life of a Sumo Wrestler by taking a Sumo Street Walking Tourin Tokyo. You can also witness a Sumo practice, where you can watch the wrestlers practice the art of sumo. 

Taiko drums are known for their “earth-shaking” sound that can be heard even from a long distance and are capable of producing a variety of rhythms. They are a rich part of Japanese history and culture, so why not take a lesson and immerse yourself in a step-by-step class with a professional instructor in an authentic setting? It is the perfect party trick to take home and show your friends!

Know more about Tokyo culture—from past to present! Check out our top picks on the best places to visit in Tokyo and experience the city in full: 

Aside from the incredible food, crazy theme parks and famous attractions, Tokyo is known worldwide for its nightlife. It seems this city is giving New York a run for its money, as it’s also quickly gaining the title of the city that never sleeps. It doesn't matter if it is the weekend or a weeknight, you’ll find the locals out for a drink with friends every night of the week. Take a Bar Hopping Tour for an insight into where the locals like to go.

Buddhism and the samurai are a key part of Japanese culture, so why not book a tour to visit the incredible shrines and temples that are across places such as Kyoto and Kamakura. 

One tour to look at is Kamakura Shrines and Temples Walking Tour from Tokyo, where travellers will be  regaled with fascinating stories about Japanese Buddhism. You’ll also be able to Wash a bit of your money at the cave spring in the Zeniarai Benten or offer a prayer for good fortune. This tour is perfect for any history and cultural buff.

Bizen ware is a type of Japanese pottery traditionally from Bizen province. It has a history of over 1,000 years which makes it one of the oldest forms of pottery making in Japan, and is known for its reddish-brown colour, lack of glaze, and its shatterproof characteristics. Book yourself a class on your next trip to Japan and learn the history of this incredible art.

Wondering how to travel around Japan? Say no more! Here are the 7 best ways to go about in Japan: