Japan bucket list travel is the art of incorporating once-in-a-lifetime, pinch-me-is-this-real experiences during your travels. Sometimes it’s big experiences like visiting iconic sites and other times it’s the smallest moment like grabbing a snack from a local convenience store and strolling down a shotengai (classic Japanese shopping street).

The one commonality with these types of experiences is that you have to be okay venturing outside of your comfort zone, even if it’s just a little. Maybe you’re nervous about trying to navigate a new language, try a new food, or talk with strangers. But it’s those little steps that get you those bucket list moments.

If Tokyo is on your travel list, here are seven experiences you should try to have during your trip. Some of them are big and some are small, but each of them is going to give you an I-can’t-believe-I’m-here-and-doing-this kind of feeling.

Let us know if you want us to build an itinerary for you that incorporates each of these Japan bucket list experiences into your trip. Travel Coaching will give you all of our top recommendations for meals, drinks, hotels, shops, and more.

See what seven Japan bucket list experiences you need to add to your Tokyo itinerary!

See the Senso-ji Temple

Visit the historic Senso-ji Temple which is Tokyo’s oldest temple. Try and visit it during the weekdays or early in the morning in order to avoid the crowds. Depending on when you go you might be able to catch a wedding procession which is a really unique experience.

Cafe hopping in Shimokitazawa

The streets of this Tokyo neighborhood are buzzing with artists, funky bookstores, second-hand clothing stores, cafes, and record stores. It’s one of the few places in Tokyo, or Japan for that matter, where you’ll find graffiti-mural art. It’s also one of our favorite neighborhoods for cafe hopping.

Attend a Matsuri

If you’re visiting in the summer, many local communities hold traditional summer matsuri (local festivals). These are colorful and lively celebrations featuring parades, street food stalls, music, and dance. These matsuri offer a chance to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and interact with locals.

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. We recommend visiting an onsen because the customs and experiences surrounding them are ones you can only have in Japan. A few easy-to-get-to onsen towns near Tokyo for first-time visitors include Atami, Kusatsu, and Hakone.

Taste Menchi Katsu

Menchi katsu is a Japanese breaded and deep-fried ground meat patty - a fried meat cake. The meat is usually ground beef, pork, or a mixture of the two. It’s easy to find and makes the perfect street food snack. My favorite way to enjoy it is by seeking out a local butcher since they always have the freshest menchi katsu for sale. Check out Maru Menchi Katsu from Satou in Kichijoji while in Tokyo!

Stroll through Meiji Shrine

Take a stroll through the lush forested surroundings of Meiji Shrine. We recommend going early in the day so you can beat the crowds of tourists. There are often special events or festivals at the shrine, check the schedule to see if there are any additional activities or ceremonies during your visit. If you’re feeling up for a longer stroll, witness your world transform from traditional to modern by walking from Meiji Shrine, through Harajuku, and taking Cat Street (lined with stylish boutiques and cafes) to get to the ever-popular Shibuya district.

Have a sushi lunch at the old Tsukiji Fish Market

Sit at the counter so you can watch the skilled sushi chefs in action and receive your sushi directly from the chef’s hands. If you’re feeling adventurous opt for the omakase experience which means letting the chef choose the day’s freshest and finest offerings for you. Don’t forget to pair your sushi lunch with a glass of sake or an ice-cold beer!

The list of Japan bucket list experiences in Tokyo could go on and on, which is why we take travelers to Tokyo every single year. If you’d like to go on an all-inclusive small group trip with us and have some of these Japan bucket list experiences in Tokyo, check out our Inside Japan Trip.

If you already have a private trip planned and want to incorporate some of these Japan bucket list experiences into your itinerary, check out Travel Coaching and we can give you the specifics on where to eat, sleep, and shop while in Tokyo.

Travel with us around the world on one of our multi-day small group food tours. Check out our itineraries to Italy, Japan, Peru, and more! Join us as we visit tea farms in Japan, sip on limoncello in Italy, and savor ceviche in Peru.

If you’re traveling abroad 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 Travel Coaching and Private Trips with booking service.

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