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  • Unique Things To Do In Japan That You Wouldn’t Find Elsewhere In The World

    Team Klook
    Team Klook
    Last updated 17 Nov 2022
    Pig and 2 pirate ships

    Japan will never fail to surprise you!

    Japan is known for its advanced technology and its picturesque views. The country managed to preserve its culture and historical landmarks while continuing to keep up with the times. With their authentic touch in every aspect that they do, Japan also became a hub for eccentric fashion and style.
    Since the Japanese are naturally keen, minimalist, and are also about zen, it's not surprising to see activities that are only available in the country. You can see shops that develop a social bond and other activities that promote wellness.
    Whether you’ve already been there or are still planning your Japan trip, you’ll never run out of unique things to do in the Land of the Rising Sun. Step away from your usual Japan itinerary and add these unique activities on your next visit.

    1. Visit an owl cafe

    Concept pet and coffee shops has gained attention from animal lovers all over the world and Japan doesn’t limit their pet cafes to just cats and dogs. When in Tokyo, you can sip your coffee while fluffy owls entertain you. The Cafe HOOTHOOT in Tokyo houses six species of owl and has seven birds in total. You don’t need to worry because they’re not hostile since they’ve been taken care of by humans since birth. It’s also situated in a quiet area so you can just relax and bond with owls.
    Owl in the table
    Still need a little convincing? When including this as one of your Japan destinations, you can book a reservation with 1 free drink on Klook. This way, it can save you more time and money.
    Enjoy a relaxing day with the owls in Tokyo along with a FREE drink when you book here!
    Tokyo Cafe HOOTHOOT
    Address: 1F GOLD CREST Shibuya, 10-16 Shinsen-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
    Contact Information: 03 6778 2364
    Time: Weekdays - 1 pm to 11 pm; Weekends - 12 pm to 11 pm

    2. Have a date with the micro pigs

    Yes, we’re not yet done with animal cafes. You usually hear cafes that have adorable fur babies but this one is surely one for the books and may be one of the highlights of your Japan trip. Also located in Tokyo, the popular Mipig Cafe in Harajuku lets you bond with the friendly piglets and just relax. Mipig Cafe has several branches in Japan so you can just check out which one is the nearest to you. To avoid more hassle, you can plan your visit in advance and make a reservation here.
    Pigs walking
    Address: Varies per branch. See full list here.
    Contact Information: Varies per branch. See full list here.
    Social: Instagram and Twitter

    3. Check out chinchillas, otters, and hedgehogs in Tokyo

    Just when you thought Japan had run out of cafes to put up, Japan also has cafes that house adorablechinchillas, otters, and hedgehogs. If you love animals, you might want to consider this on your Japan itinerary. You’ll feel relieved seeing how friendly they are to the customers. You can choose a package in advance when you book here.
    Man holding the Chincillas
    Harry Harajuku Terrace
    Address: Zinguumae 426 Bldg 3F, 4-26-5, Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
    Time: 11 am to 7 pm daily

    4. Ride a segway while strolling a park

    We’ve mentioned how advanced Japan is, especially with technology, so it's no surprise to hear robot restaurants exist and also this unique kind of experience. Another Japan destination worth visiting is Ishigaki, especially if you’re also planning on checking out Okinawa.
    Bicycle use for strolling
    People trying to ride a bike
    When in Ishigaki, you can get to enjoy the sprawling beauty of Banna Park while riding a segway. Segway is a two-wheeled self-balancing ride that’s easy to use. If you’re having second thoughts in trying this activity, don’t worry because when you purchase this package through Klook, you can get a free practice session with easy to understand instructions. You can also take some photos and even flex it to your pals when sharing this beautiful experience during your Japan trip.
    Take a tour like no other and see the beauty of Ishigaki when you book here!
    Banna Park
    Address: Ishigaki, Okinawa 907-0023, Japan
    Contact Information: +81 980 82 6993

    5. Ride a pirate ship

    When you hear of Japan, one of the most iconic destinations is Mt. Fuji. But did you know that you can add a special experience on your Japan trip?
    Two pirate ships sailing
    An exclusive package brought by Klook, you can make your trip to Mt. Fuji and the town of Hakone more special and unique when you take a ride on a pirate ship. If you love shopping, you can also roam around the Gotemba Premium Outlets so you can also buy souvenirs. You also get to ride the ropeway cable car to reach the Ōwakudani Volcanic Valley and get a glimpse of the hotsprings. You won’t regret booking it because you can do a lot more and when you visit during winter, you can also enjoy playing in the snow at a snow resort at Fuji’s 2nd station.
    Take the path less traveled and see Mt. Fuji while on a pirate ship when you take Klook’s exclusive tour!
    Witness the beauty of Mt.Fuji and Japan’s natural wonders while on a pirate ship when you purchase it here.
    How to get there
    Once booked, meet your tour guide at the Shinjuku Center Building near JR Shinjuku Station's West Exit. Your tour to Mt. Fuji will begin once you arrive at Mt. Fuji Fifth Station.
    Gotemba Premium Outlets
    Address: 1312 Fukasawa, Gotemba, Shizuoka 412-0023, Japan
    Contact Information: +81 550 81 3122

    6. Meet the bowing deers in Nara

    You can see a lot of tourist spots around Kyoto and while you’re at it, you can add another place on your Japan destinations and take a side trip to Nara to witness gentle deers that roam freely around the city. They are used to people which is why it’s safe to take photos with them and even feed them. These deers are also so polite that they know how to take a bow when greeting the visitors.
    Deer in the park
    Nara Park
    Address: Nara City, Japan
    Contact Information: (+81) 742 22 0375
    How to get there:
    From Osaka: Take the Yamatoji Line from either JR (Japan Rail) Osaka Station or Tennoji Station to JR Nara Station.
    From Kyoto: Take the JR Nara Line from Kyoto Station to JR Nara Station. Miyakoji rapid trains leave every 30 minutes. You can opt for local trains, but the trip usually takes an hour and fifteen minutes one-way compared to the 45-minute trip of the rapid trains.
    From Tokyo: Go to Tokaido Shinkansen Line and alight at Kyoto Station. From there, take the JR Nara Line to JR Nara Station.

    7. Go on a drift ice cruise in Hokkaido

    Japan has four seasons and during winter, you can see drifting sea ice in the northern part of Hokkaido and in the Shiretoko peninsula. This is such a unique tour experience when you add this on your list of to-do’s during your Japan trip, especially if you plan on visiting around January to April. You can go on a cruise in the coast and witness floating sea ice or if you’re feeling more adventurous, you can join activities that will take you to the sea ice along with trained guides.
    Ship sailing in the iceberge
    To fully enjoy this trip, research ahead on things to bring, wear, and have your trip arranged at Aurora Boarding place where you’ll ride the massive ship that’ll bring you around the Sea of Okhotsk. However, you’ll have to reach Abashiri station first. You can see more details here.
    Drift Ice Sightseeing & Icebreaker Ship Aurora
    Address: 4-5-1 Minami 3 Johigashi, Abashiri-shi, Hokkaido (Roadside Rest Area Ryuhyo-Kaido Abashiri)
    Contact Information: +81 152 43 6000

    8. See Snow Monkeys enjoying a bath in the hot springs

    While Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park is covered in thick snow during winter, the snow monkeys do enjoy taking a bath in the hot springs around the snow-covered mountains of Nagano. Seeing over 100 monkeys basking in the warmth of these natural hot springs will be worth the trip and it will forever be kept in your memories.
    Monkey bathing in the hot spring
    There are tons of things to do in Japan and it’s always better to plan ahead to lower your cost. You can check out more promos and discounts that you need for your Japan trip here.
    See bathing snow monkeys on natural hot springs when you visit Japan. Book a trip here.
    Jigokudani Monkey Park
    Address: 6845 Hirao, Yamanochi, Shimotakai District, Nagano 381-0401, Japan
    Contact Information: +81 269 33 4379
    Each of your Japan trips will give you a new memory to keep. All you have to do is prepare ahead, fix your Japan itinerary in advance if you can, and be in the moment!
    IMPORTANT NOTE: Be a responsible traveler! All information on this post are accurate from the time of writing. Rules, regulations and guidelines are updated frequently and may change without Klook’s prior notice. For your safety, check with the respective LGU’s and establishments directly before your travels. 

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