No one can change my mind on this – if you want insider experiences, you need to be open to getting out of your comfort zone. But trust me when I tell you that once you get there, it’s where the real fun happens.

Each of the experiences listed below offers a unique inside perspective into the spirit of Japan. These might not be normal for your first time in Japan and might require a little more research and planning to make happen. But I say, be brave and incorporate a few into your trip! They will elevate your experience in a way that leaves you feeling empowered to keep stepping off the beaten path and appreciative of the inside perspective you experienced.

Our Inside Japan trip is full of these exact types of experiences - ones you wouldn’t find in a guidebook or in all of your Google searches. The Inside Japan trip is for travelers who want unique experiences without the mental gymnastics of planning a trip or navigating a new city and cultural norms on their own. If that sounds like you, contact us, and let’s chat about whether this trip fits into your travel plans.

If you’re planning a trip on your own, here are three activities I highly recommend you add to your itinerary. If these sound interesting to you, we’d be happy to help you create a customized itinerary with even more unique experiences.

Visit an onsen.

Japan is a volcanically active country which means there are thousands of hot springs, or onsen, scattered throughout the country, and because of this, Japan has a long history and developed a bathing and hot spring culture. There are entire villages and towns built around hot spring areas with lots to see and do. Namely, enjoying a relaxing soak in the baths. I recommend visiting an onsen because the customs and experiences surrounding them are ones you can only have in Japan.

There are public baths and onsen which you can visit for a day, or you can enjoy these amenities at your accommodations if they have them. Be aware that clothing is not allowed in the onsen. Most onsens are separated by gender, though a few mixed-gender baths do exist. There is etiquette and a set of rules to follow, but once you understand them, an onsen experience is one you can uniquely enjoy in Japan and will be the reason you return again and again.

A few easy-to-get-to onsen towns near Tokyo for first-time visitors include Atami, Kusatsu, and Hakone.

Pro tip: Find an onsen with a rotenburo, or outdoor bath, where you can have a relaxing soak while surrounded by nature and breathtaking landscapes.

Eat with the locals.

You’ll find a variety of eating styles in Japan beyond your standard sit-down restaurant, including folks standing up and eating, eating at a long bar, or sitting down on mats around a table. One of the best ways to connect with local culture is to eat with them in a comfortable atmosphere.

One of my favorite things to do when I visit Japan is to visit a tiny Japanese bar by myself and enjoy food and drink with the locals. (It’s very normal to dine alone in Japan. If you’ve never done it before or are afraid to do so, this is the perfect country to give it a try!) Inevitably, I end up chatting with other convivial customers and the store owner serving food from behind the bar. Everyone is relaxed and it’s all about unwinding and having fun!

Pro tip: If you really want to try something different, I suggest you find a tachinomi, or standing bar, where, you guessed it, you stand while you eat. Expect a lively atmosphere and a little bit of chaos (for Japanese standards), but once you politely find a place to settle in, the real fun begins!

Stay at a ryokan.

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn, especially around hot spring villages. It’s more than just a place to sleep, but rather a place centered on embodying Japanese hospitality, or omotenashi. Omotenashi is a difficult concept to put into words but is sometimes translated as “wholeheartedly looking after guests.” I like to call it “mindful and humble hospitality”. Rather than tell you what it is, you’re better off experiencing omotenashi for yourself. You’ll find Japanese-style rooms with tatami mats, futon beds, Japanese-style baths, and local cuisine. When visiting a ryokan, it’s a bit like being treated like royalty no matter the establishment. That’s Japanese hospitality.

Staying at a ryokan might seem intimidating if it’s your first time with unfamiliar customs, etiquette, and procedures, but just follow along and you’re in for one of the most relaxing experiences of your life. From your arrival to the preparation of your room, while you enjoy your dinner, traditional dress, and meals, the Japanese ryokan experience anticipates details that display a strong sense of making sure guests feel considered and cared for.

Pro tip: Onsen towns are filled with ryokan. Combine your stay at a ryokan with an onsen experience! If you’re hesitant about the communal onsen experience, there are often ryokans that include the option to book a room with a private bath.

If you’re traveling to Japan on your own and don’t know where to start or want to tap into our travel expertise to make the most of your trip, check out our customized travel coaching and optional booking service.

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