A trip to Japan is full of unique experiences. From the food to the temples to the metropolis of Tokyo to unusual animal encounters, the hardest thing is deciding what to do in Japan!
We have been to this country many times and each time we go to Japan we find different things to do. However, there are so many other Japanese attractions we haven’t seen. That’s why I’ve asked some travel pros to share their most unique places in Japan.
Whether you’re looking for a unique Japanese experience, cool things to do in Tokyo, or things you can only do in Japan, you’re sure to find something to add to your itinerary from our list of unique activities in Japan.
Sumo Tokyo – Top things to do in Japan
Watching a sumo wrestling tournament is one of the most unique experiences in Japan.
Sumo is considered to be the national game of Japan and has a very long history dating back to ancient times. Sumo matches include many traditions and rituals (in fact, the actual wrestling part of the match is very short), including singing, salting and foot stomping.
One of the most exciting ways to watch sumo wrestling is to attend a professional sumo wrestling tournament, where the spectators are enthusiastic about the competition.
Japan hosts six grand tournaments (each lasting fifteen days) each year in four different cities, three in Tokyo and one in Osaka.
The days of each sumo tournament are long, starting with the lower ranked wrestlers in the morning. Most spectators will show up in the afternoon in time to watch the top-ranked wrestlers compete.
Tickets for sumo tournaments go on sale over a month in advance and you can purchase them online from abroad. It’s best to buy your tickets as soon as possible, as the best seats are booked very early.
Click here for sumo tournament availability and prices
Expert tip: If you are not in Japan for a sumo tournament but still want to watch one, some sumo stables (houses where sumo wrestlers live and train together) allow visitors to come and watch their early morning practice sessions.
Sumo stables are also a good option if you are looking for a cheap activity in Tokyo, as you can visit some of the stables individually.
If you want to guarantee a spot, reserve your tickets on the tour. Click here for details.
Unfortunately, when you travel, things can and do go wrong.
World Nomads offers over 150 activities as well as insurance for emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more.
Yunessun Onsen – An Unusual Place to Visit in Japan
Japan is full of interesting and quirky cultures with many unique things to do. Hot springs are a long-standing tradition in Japanese history and culture, but Yunessun Onsen in Hakone puts a modern twist on these hot baths.
While Yunessun has a regular hot spring, there are also swimming pools that you won’t find anywhere else.
It’s these pools that make this one of the most unique places in Japan! Bathed in wine, sake, coffee and syrup, this is truly a unique Japanese spa experience.
In no particular order, you can spend as much or as little time as you like in these heated pools.
There is one important thing to note. Tattoos are strictly limited. You will be completely denied access to Yunessun’s traditional non-costume area, but there is another option for unique pools.
A waterproof bandage will be placed on any inked skin before you are allowed in.
Yunessun Onsen is a very unique place to visit and swim in Japan. The warm water is soothing, but the theme of each pool makes it an unforgettable travel experience in Japan and one of the most fun day trips from Tokyo.
Tokyo Robot Restaurant – Weird Things to Do in Japan
Visiting Tokyo’s Robot Restaurant is one of the most fun things to do in Japan and will give you the experience of a lifetime. It is located in Shinjuku and while it is indeed a tourist trap, it is the most enjoyable tourist trap ever.
Imagine dancing robots, cosplayers, neon lights, glow sticks, robot fights and dancers everywhere while electronic J-Pop is blasting out of the surround sound system.
It’s a surreal experience, and for the first 10 minutes, you won’t know what to expect. But you’ll be smiling, and it will be fascinating. This is certainly something more unique to do in Tokyo.
The Robot Restaurant Show is not something that can be verbally explained, it needs to be experienced first hand. Come with an open mind and be blown away by the crazy things you will see at the show. It has to be one of the most fun places in Japan! .
Japanese style ryokan – the best place to stay in Japan
Japan is known for its traditions and culture, and there is no better way to experience it than to immerse yourself in the culture of ryokan accommodation, which is undoubtedly one of the most unique things about Japan.
A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn developed in the Edo period (1603-1838) to support Japanese tourists. At the end of a long day of travel, visitors can enjoy the comfort of their private rooms and a shared bathing experience in a traditional hot spring bath.
When staying at a ryokan in Japan today, you can wear a traditional yukata and experience fine Japanese cuisine while dining in your room in the traditional manner, enjoying the hot spring bathing experience and sleeping on a traditional futon.
Some ryokans also offer 21st century amenities such as private bathrooms, televisions and wireless internet.
You can choose to fully immerse yourself in the culture during your stay at a ryokan, but even if you don’t speak Japanese, the Japanese hosts will explain the ryokan etiquette to you and are the kindest hosts.
Staying at a ryokan is one of the best things to do in Japan and is one of the most unique Japanese experiences that can complement your visit to the country.
