We’re so excited to be saying konnichiWOW again to all the endless things to do in Japan with travel to the country back. Days of mouthwatering sushi food trips, out-of-the-city excursions to temples and palaces, and immersive cultural experiences are calling, and we can’t wait for you to experience them too!
From classic tours outside the city to iconic amusement parks, we’ve created a list of top experiences not to miss out on during any traveler’s adventure to the Land of the Rising Sun!
1. Enjoy an unobstructed view of Osaka’s scenic sights at the Harukas 300 Observatory
To those looking to see Osaka sights from a different perspective, we recommend adding a stop to the top of the Abeno Harukas to your Japan itinerary! Located on the 58th to 60th floor of Osaka’s tallest skyscraper, the Harukas 300 Observatory allows guests to enjoy an awe-inspiring panoramic view of Osaka’s skyline from the building’s 360° glass-enclosed deck.
While taking in the bird’s eye view of the city, you can also indulge in a delicious meal at the Sky Garden 300 restaurant or even breathe in the fresh air at the open-air plaza on the 58th floor. We definitely won’t forget the thrilling feeling of being on top of the world as we circled the deck!
Klook tip: Consider scheduling your visit to Harukas 300 at sunset and see the city shine as its lights brighten up the night sky.
2. Spend a day with over 17 million authentic Lego pieces and 10,000 Lego model sets at Legoland Japan
Aside from taking the kids to Universal Studios Japan or Tokyo Disneyland, families can also consider spending a whole day enjoying the interactive experiences and fun-filled rides and shows of Legoland Japan. The popular theme park located in Nagoya has over 40 rides, shows, and attractions and over eight different themed areas for you to check out!
What we particularly love about our visit to Legoland Japan was the numerous interactive zones that allow guests to visualize and experience science at work by playing with LEGO! Our creativity was unleashed by the number of things we built during our visit.
Klook tip: Remember to make a stop at the LEGO Factor Tour while in the park and see the story of how the beloved toy is made.
3. Experience digitized nature with the exhibits and installations of teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka
A botanical garden by day, and awe-inducing art space by night is what teamLab successfully creates with teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka. The 240,000 sqm outdoor art exhibition space transforms the scenic Nagai Botanical Garden into an experiential art space that transforms once people and nature come together. As you explore the garden, get a close look at over 1,200 species of plants while the digitized art space changes through the influence of wind, rain, birds, and people!
For those who weren’t able to visit the teamLab Borderless last August or have no plans yet to head to Fukuoka for teamLab Forest, we highly recommend not missing out on teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka for that dose of contemporary art to your Japan trip!
4. Live in the magic of Disney with a trip to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea
Calling all kids and kids-at-heart, the “Happiest Place on Earth” is waiting for you. Tokyo-bound travelers shouldn’t miss out on the excitement of not just one, but the TWO Disney theme parks of Japan! Experience classic Disney magic with the timeless rides and shows of Tokyo Disneyland, like Pirates of the Caribbean or Hyperspace Mountain!
If you’re looking for a twist to your Disney experience head to Tokyo DisneySea for an adventure exploring the mystical myths and legends of the sea. The park is geared more towards older guests with more heart-racing rides like the Raging Spirits and Journey to the Center of Earth!
Klook tip: Plot out two days of your Japan Itinerary to Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea to be able to maximize and fully experience the wonders and attractions of the two amusement parks.
5. Travel easily to see the historical landmarks of Japan with the Nikko Pass
A small city located north of Tokyo, Nikko shares the stories of Japan’s rich heritage and culture through the well-preserved temples, shrines, and natural landscapes of the area. The historic destination is famously known for being the location of some of Japan’s World Heritage Sites and national treasures like the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, Nikkosan Rinnoji Temple, and Taiyuin Temple. Travelers looking for a taste of the great outdoors will love exploring Nikko’s natural landscapes like the Kanmangafuchi Abyss which has a scenic walking trail through a gorge.
To easily get around the area, consider getting the Nikko Pass for convenient and easy travel. With the pass, you’ll be able to get on and off public trains and buses unlimitedly – and even get discounts to select attractions and stores in Asakusa, Nikko, and Kinugawa. What a steal!
Klook tip: Make a stop at Nikko Toshogu Shrine, and keep your eyes peeled for the carvings of the famed three monkeys in the “see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil” poses!
6. Check out and explore the new themed areas of Universal Studios Japan
A trip to Osaka isn’t really complete without enjoying the exciting rides and shows of the iconic Universal Studios Japan! The action-packed theme park has leveled up even more with the addition of several new rides and themed areas just waiting for you to experience.
Our favorite new areas? Super Nintendo World and Minion Park, of course! Video gamers are going to love how Super Nintendo World was able to bring to life our favorite game characters, especially at the Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge! If your kids are big fans of the kooky Minions of Despicable Me, they’ll love the street show Minions Greeting where they can have their photo taken with them.
Klook tip: Check out our handy guide on how to book Universal Studios Japan tickets for an easy ticket-purchasing experience.
7. Take in Mount Fuji in all its glory and beauty with a memorable day tour around the area
One of Japan’s most famous sights, a trip to Mount Fuji is a great idea for both a cultural and historical day away from the city! An adventure to the highest mountain in Japan takes you not only to the famed natural landmark but also to popular attractions like Fuji Hakone, Lake Kawaguchi, and Oshino Hakkai located around the area. The tour is a feast for the eyes with the vibrant colors of the natural landscapes and stunning landmarks of the Japanese countryside you’ll be passing through!
Klook tip: Shopaholics will for sure love the stop at Gotemba Premium Outlets, so make sure that you set a bit more budget when you head out for the tour!
8. Get a chance to wear an authentic Kimono as you stroll the streets of Asakusa
What better way to really immerse yourself in Japanese culture while touring the city than with a memorable kimono experience? The national dress of Japan is one of the world’s most recognizable traditional costumes, and you now have the chance to try them out on the streets of Asakusa.
We loved the beautiful collection of authentic kimonos and yukata we could choose from and the shop’s skilled experts who helped us dress in them. We were even able to have our hair set with accessories before heading out to explore the area. A must for any cultural day out in Tokyo!
9. Walk through the magical world of the Harry Potter films
Photo Credit: Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo - The Making of Harry Potter
Calling all Harry Potter fans! Finally, you'll be able to step into iconic sets such as the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and the Hogwarts Express on Platform 9 ¾ at the new Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter!
Discover behind-the-scenes secrets of the Wizarding World and enjoy lots of fun activities including becoming a Hogwarts portrait and stepping into the crowd of a Quidditch match. To complete the experience, visitors can stop for a refreshing Butterbeer in the world’s biggest Butterbeer bar or even enjoy a Professor Umbridge-inspired Afternoon Tea. Building on the success of Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - the Making of Harry Potter, the new Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo will also feature exclusive sets only available in this location. This will be the largest indoor Harry Potter attraction in the world and you can expect to spend around four hours exploring the only Warner Bros. Studio Tour to open in Asia.
Klook Tip: Make sure to pre-book your tickets before visiting Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo. Tickets won’t be sold at the location.
Make your trip to Japan even more worthwhile!
Photo credit: Satoshi Hirayama on Pexels
All set for your trip? If you still haven’t finished building your Japan itinerary, check out our list of new things you can do in Tokyo or other uncommon experiences to try out to be able to experience the best of what Japan has to offer.
