Things to see and do when visiting Japan
Japan, a land where ancient traditions seamlessly blend with cutting-edge technology, offers travelers an unforgettable journey through culture, cuisine, and natural beauty. Whether you’re planning an Asian adventure or considering adding Japan to your travel itinerary, here’s our guide to the must-see attractions and experiences in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Cultural Experiences
Ancient Temples and Shrines
No visit to Japan is complete without exploring its spiritual heritage. In Kyoto alone, you’ll find over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines. Don’t miss:
- Fushimi Inari Shrine with its thousands of vermillion torii gates
- The Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), a Zen temple covered in gold leaf
- Sensoji Temple in Tokyo, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple
Traditional Arts
Immerse yourself in Japan’s rich cultural traditions:
- Watch a geisha performance in Kyoto’s Gion district
- Participate in a traditional tea ceremony
- Experience a sumo wrestling match
- Try your hand at origami or calligraphy
Modern Marvels
Tokyo’s Neon Wonderland
The capital city offers a glimpse into the future with:
- The bustling Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest pedestrian crossing
- Akihabara’s electronic paradise and anime culture
- The observation decks of Tokyo Skytree or Tokyo Tower
- Robot restaurants and themed cafes
Technology and Innovation
Visit cutting-edge attractions like:
- The Miraikan Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation
- TeamLab Borderless digital art museum
- Experience the bullet train (Shinkansen) to travel between cities
Natural Beauty
Cherry Blossom Season
Time your visit during March-April to witness the magical sakura season. Popular spots include:
- Ueno Park, Tokyo
- Philosopher’s Path, Kyoto
- Mount Yoshino, Nara
Mount Fuji
Japan’s iconic mountain offers:
- Climbing opportunities during summer months
- Stunning views from Lake Kawaguchiko
- The Fuji Five Lakes region for outdoor activities
Onsen (Hot Springs)
Relax in natural hot springs at:
- Hakone, near Tokyo
- Beppu, famous for its “hells” (jigoku)
- Kusatsu Onsen, known for healing properties
Culinary Adventures
Must-Try Foods
Japan’s cuisine is a journey itself:
- Fresh sushi at Tsukiji Outer Market
- Authentic ramen in every region
- Osaka’s street food, including takoyaki and okonomiyaki
- Wagyu beef in Kobe
- Kaiseki, traditional multi-course dining
Food Markets
Explore local flavors at:
- Nishiki Market in Kyoto
- Kuromon Market in Osaka
- Ameya-Yokocho in Tokyo
Unique Experiences
Stay in a Ryokan
Experience traditional Japanese hospitality in a ryokan (Japanese inn) with:
- Tatami mat rooms
- Futon bedding
- Kaiseki dining
- Private or communal onsen baths
Visit During Festivals
Japan’s calendar is filled with colorful celebrations:
- Gion Matsuri in Kyoto (July)
- Sapporo Snow Festival (February)
- Awa Odori dance festival in Tokushima (August)
Practical Tips for Visitors
Getting Around
- Purchase a Japan Rail Pass before arriving
- Use IC cards for convenient public transport
- Download navigation apps with English support
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms and mild weather
- Fall (September-November): Autumn colors and comfortable temperatures
- Winter (December-February): Skiing and winter illuminations
- Summer (June-August): Festivals but hot and humid
Cultural Etiquette
- Remove shoes when entering homes and some restaurants
- Bow as a greeting
- Don’t tip – it’s not customary
- Be quiet on public transportation
From Denmark to Japan
While our guests at Linde Bay Hotel enjoy the serene beauty of Denmark, many also dream of exploring distant destinations like Japan. Consider combining your Scandinavian adventure with an Asian journey – the contrast between Denmark’s hygge culture and Japan’s unique traditions creates an unforgettable travel experience.
Whether you’re planning your trip from our comfortable rooms at Linde Bay Hotel or simply dreaming of future adventures, Japan offers a perfect blend of ancient traditions and modern marvels that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.
Planning your next adventure? Contact our concierge at Linde Bay Hotel for travel recommendations and assistance with international travel arrangements.
