Japan National Tourism Organization *Add to Favourite
JNTO 5 Picks

Experience Japan - Activities

 
TRY

- Tea Ceremony
You will be amazed by the care that goes into making a cup of tea. Sado, literally 'the way of tea' has long been a favoured artistic ceremony amongst high society in Japan. Today it is a popular means of learning concentration of spirit and good manners.
More

Tea

- Japanese Cooking
Learn how to make your favourite Japanese dishes in a Japanese home cooking class. You can also try making sushi.

JTB Sunrise Tours
WAK JAPAN

Cook

- Kimono & Maiko
Experience traditional Japanese fashion and feel very Japanese, dress up in a kimono and take a stroll through some old streets or under the cherry blossoms in springtime. If in Kyoto, take the opportunity to be dressed up as a maiko (apprentice geisha). Make sure you have your camera ready!

Nishijin Texitle Centre, Kyoto
Nishijin Lifestyle Museum, Tondaya, Kyoto

Kimono
- Samurai/ Ninja Experience
Have you ever wished if yourself could act like a samurai? Hop on a samurai/ ninja tour and learn about the skills and weaponry of Japan's legendary samurai and ninja! In west Japan, visit Iga-ryu Ninja Museum, the birthplace of the Iga-Ninja in Iga City, Mie Prefecture.

JTB Sunrise Tours
Iga-ryu Ninja Museum
Samurai

- Zen Meditation
Zen is a Buddhist form of spiritual training. At zen temples you can participate in zen meditation. Sitting with your legs crossed and concentrating on your breathing may feel a little uncomfortable at first, however you will soon find yourself relaxed and free of tension.

Taizoin, Kyoto
Zazen

Other activities available;
- Onsen      More

- Ikebana (Flower arranging)      More

- Traditional Handicrafts      More

- Japanese Washi making      More


Top
 



SEE
- Festivals
There are many festivals and cultural events held throughout the year all over Japan. From fireworks and bon festivals in summer to snow festivals in winter, you will find many must-see attractions. More
Festival

- Kabuki and other performing arts
If the theatre is more your style you may have heard of kabuki, a Japanese form of theatre. There are a handful of theatres in Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka and some of the best players are living national treasures. More

- Sumo Tournament
Are you a sports fan? When you are in Japan you will not be able to pass up the opportunity to go to a sumo wresting tournament. Tournaments are in Tokyo in January, May and September, in Osaka in March, Nagoya in July and Fukuoka in November. More

Kabuki

- Tea House and Geisha Performance
Far from a being a café, an ochaya is tea house in which can experience and exquisite Japanese banquet and a geisha performance. Even for Japanese, it is difficult to gain access to an ochaya as the owners are reluctant to admit unknown customers. Now some houses in Tokyo and Kyoto welcome international guests to this exclusive world.
Gion Hatanaka, Kyoto
Gion Corner, Kyoto
Geisha

- Visiting temples and shrines
There are temples and shrines in every city, town and village in Japan. You may not have the time to visit every single one, but there are definitely a few that you should not miss out on.

Top


EAT
Japanese food is becoming increasingly popular all over the world. It is healthy, simple yet beautiful and delicate in flavour. Sushi is found all over the world now but for some other Japanese fare, try soba or udon noodles. There is also a host of regional delicacies such as okonomiyaki in the Kansai region. If you prefer to drink, try some sake or shochu - Japanese spirits. More Eat
Top


For a particularly unique experience, why not take up lodgings in a Buddhist temple? Koyasan of Wakayama prefecture is the home of the Shingon sect of Buddhism. As such, there over 100 temples in the area and many of them offer lodging to pilgrims. You will also find temples all over Japan that offer lodgings.

Shukubo in and around Tokyo (PDF,98KB)
Shukubo in and around Kyoto (PDF,94KB)
Shukubo in Koyasan
Stay
Top


Japan has a reputation for being expensive but it needn't be so. With great service everywhere you go, Japan offers genuine value for money and experiences you cannot get anywhere else. When you are shopping, the 100 yen shop is your one-stop-shop for almost everything. You will find it a great place to pick up souvenirs for family and friends back home. Also keep and eye out for antique and curiosity markets in most cities. You are bound to find a small treasure at a bargain price.
100 Yen shop
Antique Market
Japan Shopping Guide

Top
Shop



There is still so much more of Japan to see and do. A stroll along a busy city street will reveal a showcase of Japanese architecture both old and new. Japanese architects are renowned world wide and there is no better place to see all of their works all at once.

You have not been to Tokyo, unless you have been to Akihabara, or the Electric Town. Most major electronics companies have showrooms in this district and you are welcome to stroll on it to inspect their latest technologies. Akihabara is also one of the best places to people-watch. As you walk the streets, you will see otaku (geeks) dressed up as their favourite manga or anime character and girls dressed in Little Bo Peep outfits.

There is still so much more of Japan to see and do. A stroll along a busy city street will reveal a showcase of Japanese architecture both old and new. Japanese architects are renowned world wide and there is no better place to see all of their works all at once.



Top
Cool

Copyright © 2012 Japan National Tourism Organization Sydney Office All Rights Reserved.