Fun things to do in Japan: my 15 favourite activities

Welcome to Japan, a country famous for its ancient traditions and advanced technology. Once you land in Tokyo or Osaka, it’s impossible not to find fun things to do during your holidays. From the majestic views of Mount Fuji and the sumptuous Shinto shrines in Kyoto or Nikko to pristine beaches to relax all over the Okinawa Archipelago, the hardest thing is to choose what to do! Considered one of the safest diving destinations in the world, the country of the rising sun, and especially its southern prefecture, Okinawa, is one of the favourite places to go for ocean lovers who are into surfing or scuba diving. 

At world-class dive sites such as Yonaguni Monument, Manta City, or the Kerama National Park, you will be able to see turtles, hammerhead sharks, and manta rays or experience wreck diving. But there are so many other things to do besides diving in Japan, like trying some local food, relaxing in a hot spring bath, or even visiting an interactive digital exhibition that will blow your mind. Here are 15 of my favourite activities to do in Japan as a scuba diver for you to find some inspiration. Note that most of these activities include places below 600 m of altitude. Still, for the few locations which are above, altitude is indicated so you can safely plan your itinerary between scuba diving and sightseeing during your stay in Japan.

1 – Chasing the best views of Mount Fuji in Kawaguchiko, Yamanashi

Admiring the majestic Mount Fuji, the highest peak in Japan with 3776 m of altitude, is on any visitor to do list. However, seeing Japan’s most famous volcano can be trickier than it sounds. Indeed, fog and clouds often cover the iconic Japanese peak, which can even be seen from Tokyo on a clear day. The best time is to get up early, since visibility is usually better in the morning.

Some of the best views of Mount Fuji, called “Fujisan” in Japanese, are located on its northern side, in the region of the five lakes around the town of Kawaguchiko. In the spring, when the cherry tree blossoms, or in the fall, when the maple trees turn red, catching a shot of Mount Fuji and its reflection on Kawaguchi Lake or Motosu Lake through the branches is the promise of a killer shot (for information, Kawaguchiko is above 800 m in altitude). Still, in the same area, Chureito Pagoda is maybe one of the most famous sights in Japan, with its gracious red pagoda and Mount Fuji (if lucky) in the background.

But if managing through the clouds wasn’t enough, planning for nature’s blossoms or autumn colours can be even trickier at higher altitudes. For instance, I visited Kawaguchiko two weeks too early for cherry blossom, but I think it’s part of the fun. As a rule of thumb, you can keep in mind mid-April for cherry blossom and mid-October for “momiji” leaves in Kawaguchiko.

While I enjoyed spending a couple of days in Kawaguchiko to find all the best viewpoints, if you’re short on time, you can book a private tour from Tokyo to see them all in one day!

2 – Swimming with turtles in the Kerama National Park, Okinawa

The Kerama Shoto National Park is one of the reasons why scuba diving in Okinawa became famous. Directly accessible from Naha thanks to daily ferries and scuba diving charter boats, it is surprisingly easy to visit as a scuba diver or even an enthusiastic snorkeler.

The islands are fantastic natural havens with paradise-like beaches and great snorkelling, which you won’t find on the main island of Okinawa. Depending on the time you have to visit the Kerama Islands, you may have to choose between Zamami, Aka, and Tokashiki, the three main islands of the park. Tokashiki Island is the closest to Naha; it only takes 35 minutes to cross over, while it takes about an hour to get to Aka and Zamam, which are on the same ferry line. Learn more about the best way to start planning a trip to Okinawa.

There are beautiful dive sites all around the islands of the park, but I have a personal preference for the sites on the west coast of Tokashiki near Aaren Beach. However, as I stayed on both Zamami and Takashiki islands, I could go snorkelling with turtles early in the morning directly from the beach at Ama Beach and Tokashiku Beach, respectively. Unforgettable!

3 – Diving with manta rays in Ishigaki, Okinawa

Ishigaki is another scuba diving highlight of the Okinawa Prefecture, thanks to its resident manta ray,s which can be seen all year round. Be aware that the best spots for diving with manta rays in Ishigaki are near Kabira Bay, between April and October. As the winds change during wintertime, manta rays can still be found southward in the waters of Kuroshima or Iriomote islands.

Beyond scuba diving, the “Stonewall” island offers a perfect balance of peaceful nature and lively culture. Thanks to the numerous ferries linking the Yaeyama Islands, even you won’t be able to visit them all, but don’t miss the opportunity to explore Taketomi-Jima. It is only 10 minutes away. This is the loveliest and most preserved island I got to visit in the entire Okinawa Prefecture.

4 – Exploring an ancient sunken city in Yonaguni, Okinawa

Yonaguni is simply the most legendary spot in Okinawa and Japan for scuba divers. It is usually the reason people first hear about scuba diving in Okinawa. Yonaguni is the westernmost island of Japan and is actually closer to Taiwan, being just a bit more than 100 km away. With its endemic horse species and green grass ranches, it isn’t the regular tropical island you would expect.

The main highlight of Yonaguni is its underwater monument, called Kaitei Iseki in Japanese. Some call it the Yonaguni Monument, others the sunken city of Yonaguni, surrounded by myths and conflicting scientific studies; the truth is, nobody knows for sure what this massive stone formation is. In any case, you won’t be disappointed as this is a once-in-a-lifetime drift dive!

On top of this, between January and March, if you are an experienced diver with at least 100 dives, you may give it a try to see the hammerhead sharks when diving in Yonaguni. Be aware that I saw them five times out of nine, so being patient and persistent is usually required.

5 – Soaking in hot springs in the Izu Peninsula, Shizuoka

If I had to keep only one thing to do in Japan, it would be soaking in a natural hot spring (“onsen”) outside while a snowflake falls on my nose! While I had this experience after visiting the snow monkeys in Nagano Prefecture, my best onsen experiences were in Yugawara, Kanagawa Prefecture, and in Ito, Shizuoka Prefecture, as I was scuba diving in the Izu Peninsula.

They are usually fully equipped facilities with lockers and all the soap, shampoo, conditioner and hairdryer you may need. I enjoyed taking my shower and resting in the hot spring bath so much that I would use it each morning and each evening whenever I stayed in a ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), which are usually built around one. We’re never too clean, right?

The water can be hot, ranging from 38°C to 42°C, so it can be more or less challenging to get in or stay in for long. As the water from the spring continuously flows into the hot spring bath, no chlorine is used, leaving the skin incredibly soft. Each volcanic hot spring has different mineral concentrations and hence different healing properties. This is such a good excuse to try as many as possible, right?

Here are the list of hotels and ryokan where I enjoyed the most my “onsen” experience:

• The Ryokan Tokyo in Yugawara
• K’s House in Ito
• Minshuku Miyama in Yamanouchi

6 – Eat delicious sushi without breaking the bank at a kaiten sushi restaurant

Thanks to the “kaiten” sushi restaurants, the budget traveller can enjoy quality sushi at the best price. The kaiten is a rotating conveyor belt that presents different types of sushis the sushi chefs have freshly prepared. You just need to pick the plate you like, and you will pay based on the plate’s colour and how many you eat.

The Hamazushi chain has restaurants all over Japan. I loved their concept so much that I went to their addresses in Tokyo, Ito and even Naha, in Okinawa. Their average price, 150¥ for 2 nigiri sushi, is so affordable that I usually end up with a bill of 800 to 1000¥ (about 7 to 9€)! The address in Tokyo is 24-8 Udagawachō, 2 Chome−13, Takadanobaba.

To go beyond just eating, you can take the experience a tad further and book a sushi-making class in Tokyo!

7 – Wearing a kimono while visiting Kyoto’s most beautiful temples

I didn’t plan for it, but the first thing I ever did in Japan was to rent a kimono in Kyoto, thinking I was purchasing one! While it was before I could communicate in Japanese, I should have known that kimonos are so expensive that the 50€ I paid could only be for a rental! If you think this is expensive, first, yes, it is dear, but you can find places which do it for cheaper. However, even if I felt a bit stupid for not understanding, it remains one of my favourite experiences ever in Japan, as it included nearly 30 minutes of elaborate dressing up in a real silk kimono, not a cotton yukata!

You can keep the kimono for the entire day and take photos in the most beautiful temples of Kyoto, such as the Kiyomizu-dera, Fushimi-Inari or the Kinkyaku-ji. Note, you can also rent a kimono in Tokyo and go to the Senso-ji Temple in the Asakusa district.

8 – Being blown away by the Borderless digital exhibition, Tokyo

It wasn’t something I necessarily had on my list while exploring Japan, but this exhibition literally blew my mind. Somewhere between an arty digital experience and a new-generation amusement park, the TeamLab Borderless exhibition takes you to a new dimension where you can play with digital and interactive art.

Make sure to plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the opening time in the morning for a more enjoyable experience. You can spend the entire day inside if you want to experience everything fully. I recommend not missing the waterfall and the lamp room. The place is a maze, so take your time not to miss anything!

9 – Celebrate Hanami with a picnic under the cherry blossom trees

I understand now why everyone gets crazy about sakura, the celebrated little cherry flowers in the spring, usually in the first half of April. It is indeed beautiful, but it is also the peak tourist season from Tokyo to Kyoto. When visiting Tokyo, the top spots to see sakura are the Nakameguro River and Chidorigafuchi Greenway near the Imperial Palace. Get there early in the morning, or you can also visit these famous areas late at night, as the spectacle is equally enchanting thanks to the lighting systems.

The sakura season is also the time of one of Japan’s most beloved events: Hanami. People gather for picnics during the daytime or at night to share drinks and snacks, if possible, pink and sakura flavoured. You will find everything you need in all the supermarkets, from the tarp to put on the grass to the delicious sakura mochis.

10 – Admiring the Autumn colours of the “momiji” maple leaves in Nikko

Even if the sakura season is delightful, Fall and the “momiji” season, when the maple leaves turn bright red, and the ginkgo leaves turn bright yellow, are my absolute favourite seasons in Japan. Be careful with timing: at altitude, the season starts earlier, so plan to go mid-October, but in places by the sea, like Tokyo, it begins as late as the beginning of December.

I have spent days and days photographing the Autumn leaves at any given opportunity, as I found it mesmerising, especially at the beginning when you have a mix of green, yellow and red leaves. My top locations to see momiji leaves and take pictures were the Shinjuku Park and Koishikawa Garden in Tokyo, Yugawara in Kanagawa Prefecture and Shuzenji in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Still, Nikko and its UNESCO World Heritage Toshogu Shrine was just another level of stunning as I visited it at the beginning of November. The Shrine itself is mostly in a pine tree forest, but near the entrance, the Treasure Museum has a gorgeous garden full of maple trees. For the full autumn colours show in the wild, take the bus to Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Waterfalls. Note that, as it is higher in altitude (1269 m), you will need to get there earlier, mid to end of October. It is possible to book a private tour from Tokyo to make the most of a day trip to Nikko.

11 – Meeting with the snow monkeys in Jigokudani Park, Nagano

If you are lucky enough to visit Japan in the wintertime when snow falls on the Japanese Alps of the Nagano Prefecture, there is one place you must see: the Snow Monkey Jigokudani Park. While it takes several trains or buses to get there from Tokyo and a long walk along an icy trail for a total of 3 to 4 hours, seeing Japanese fluffy monkeys soaking in hot springs with snow all around is just so unique that you won’t regret it.

Take the opportunity to stay in the town of Yamanouchi at a traditional ryokan for a hot-spring bath (for humans!) surrounded by snow, and taste some of the best sake, soba noodles, and chestnuts from the area. By the way, don’t forget the snow monkey park is at 850 m of altitude.

12 – Choosing your favourite skyline views of Tokyo

Visiting one of the many Tokyo observatories should be on your list of places to visit in Tokyo, even if you have only a short stopover. Considering the number of free options, I don’t recommend Roppongi Hills (1800¥/2300¥) & Tokyo Sky Tree (2060¥/3090¥). I find their entrance cost outrageous. I visited the observatory at Roppongi Hills during my very first trip to Japan. I don’t think the view was that much better than the other places, including the free options at the Tokyo Metropolitan Towers or the Bunkyo Civic Centre, which are already excellent viewpoints.

I recommend going to the World Trade Centre in Hamamatsuchō (620¥ – about 5€). At the 40th floor, the Seaside Top observatory offers the best view in town, with the Tokyo Tower in the middle of Tokyo’s skyline. The observation deck is stylish and comfortable. While the straight windows make a lot of reflection, it’s important to note that it is one of the rare places where tripods are allowed.

13 – Ordering a matcha latte at a maid café in Akihabara, Tokyo

If you are a fan of manga and/or video games, the Akihabara District is the place you need to go to while in Tokyo. Even if you are not, the “electrical town” (nicknamed for its numerous neon lights) is still a fantastic area to visit, especially if this is your first time in Japan. Wander around the electronics and manga-inspired goodies shops, before daring to push the door of the other speciality of Akihabara. For information, this is where the Go Kart tours, inspired by Mario Kart, became famous before spreading across Japan!

The Otaku Mecca is also famous for its maid cafés. At places such as @Home Café, you can enjoy all the most “kawaii” (cute) culture of Japan, as girls dress up in cute maid costumes and serve adorable (but overpriced) food and drinks. Some people love it, others hate it. I can’t help it, but I like the place’s positive vibe and the cute drawing on my hot matcha latte, with J-pop music in the background.

14 – Swimming at the most beautiful beach in Japan, on Miyako Island

The sand is so white and thin, the water so clear and blue, that even if I could visit all the beaches around Japan, Yonaha Maehama Beach on the south shore of Miyako Island would have to be the most fabulous beach where you can go swimming in Japan. A hint that I may be right was seeing newlyweds taking their wedding pictures every 15 minutes, with the fabulous shades of blue and turquoise in the background.

15 – Learning Japanese in Japan at a language school

From 2018 to 2019, I lived and dived in Japan for a total period of 8 months. For 4 months, I studied Japanese at a language school in Tokyo, which was a childhood dream. For a total cost of 2300€ (which wasn’t the cheapest nor the most expensive), learning to communicate autonomously in Japanese dramatically improved my experience in Japan, since outside big cities like Tokyo or Okinawa, very few people can speak English.

I can now book my hotel rooms and dives all over Japan by email or phone without help, and I can order the best food at the best price in a restaurant while making new friends!