20 Things to Do in Japan From Shrine Walks to Street Food

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By SophieOccasions EditorHome & Rooms·Updated Oct 9, 2026·20 ideas·9 min read·Editorial standards

Looking for things to do in japan that leave room for more than city sightseeing? Think walks beneath red shrine gates, little food stops and a lake view of Mount Fuji.

These pictures give you plenty to start with, whether you’re drawn to bright streets or tree-lined paths.

You can keep your plans simple or build a trip around a few favorites. Just remember that cherry blossoms and snowy villages belong to different seasons, so treat this as inspiration rather than one itinerary.

Japan Travel Ideas Worth Saving

walk beneath red torii gates

We’re starting off strong with these gorgeous red torii gates. I love how they follow the stone steps uphill, with green plants growing right beside the path.

For a walk like this, add Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari Taisha to your plans. Leave yourself room to enjoy the route rather than stopping only for a photo.

Where to stayWhere to stay in Japan: compare hotels for your dates

see Shibuya after dark

If you love bright city lights, this one is for you. Shibuya’s glowing signs and crowded crossing look so different from the leafy shrine path above.

Try visiting after dark for this kind of view. Cross with the pedestrian signals, then step out of the flow of people if you want to take pictures.

row beside cherry blossoms

How pretty is this? The pale pink branches hang right over the water, with colorful rowboats dotted between them.

A boat outing at Tokyo’s Chidorigafuchi is a lovely idea for cherry blossom season. Check flowering updates and boat availability before making it the centerpiece of your day.

follow a bamboo path

I am obsessed with how tall the bamboo looks here. The straight green stems fill both sides of the path, with just a little sky showing overhead.

Save Kyoto’s Arashiyama bamboo grove if this is your kind of walk. Keep to the visitor path and leave the bamboo untouched.

meet the deer in Nara

Those deer definitely have their eyes on the visitor’s hands! This is a sweet bit of inspiration for a Nara Park visit, but remember that the deer are wild animals.

Give them space and follow the park’s feeding guidance. If you choose to feed them, use only the designated deer crackers rather than your own snacks.

look for lakeside Fuji views

This Mount Fuji view may just be my favorite one so far. I love the pink blossoms in front of the snowy peak, with the lake stretching across the bottom.

Plan a lakeside stop in the Fuji area if you want a similar outing. Clear mountain views and peak blossoms aren’t guaranteed, so keep your schedule a little flexible.

plan an outdoor bath stop

Don’t want every day to be packed with sightseeing? An outdoor bath could be a lovely change of pace.

The rock-edged pools and misty green valley in this picture are gorgeous.

Use the setting as inspiration rather than a confirmed Japanese location. For your trip, choose a verified onsen and check its bathing rules before booking.

pick up some takoyaki

How cute is that octopus-shaped tray? The takoyaki are covered with sauce, pale drizzles and fine flakes, so there’s plenty going on in this little snack.

Add a takoyaki stop to your food plans, especially if you’re visiting Osaka. Give the centers a chance to cool before taking a big bite.

see the Golden Pavilion

I am in love with the gold exterior of Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji. The dark roof edges and green pine branches look so pretty beside it.

Look up at the bird ornament on the roof while you follow the visitor route. It’s a little detail worth noticing beyond the whole-building photo.

watch the snow monkeys

The monkey resting at the edge of the pool is my favorite part of this picture. Snow sits on the surrounding rocks while two others soak in the water.

For a visit like this, look into Jigokudani Monkey Park. Follow staff guidance, keep your distance and remember that snow and bathing monkeys aren’t guaranteed on any particular day.

step into digital art

If you are looking for something full of color, then this one is for you. Blue waterfall-like light covers the walls and floor, with bright pink flowers scattered through the scene.

Look into a teamLab exhibition for this kind of immersive art experience. Check the current installations at your chosen venue rather than expecting this exact room.

try a kimono rental

How gorgeous is this dark kimono with its pale patterned obi? The small bag and floral hair ornament are such pretty finishing touches.

If you’d like to try wearing one, consider a rental shop that helps with dressing. Choose a nearby walking route and respect photography restrictions around homes and private lanes.

ride the Shinkansen

A bullet train with Mount Fuji behind it? This is such a lovely bit of travel inspiration. The white train and snowy mountain almost match.

Consider a Shinkansen journey between cities on your route. If a Fuji view matters to you, check the route and seat side before booking, though clouds can still hide the mountain.

see Miyajima’s waterfront gate

I love how the shrine buildings frame the red torii gate across the water. The blue bay and mountains make this view of Itsukushima Shrine especially pretty.

Check the tides when planning your Miyajima visit. Higher water gives the gate that surrounded-by-the-sea look shown here.

explore Harajuku’s streets

Calling all color lovers, this is a fun neighborhood to put on your list. The pink and blue outfits beneath the Harajuku sign bring so much personality to this street scene.

Browse the shops and take your time along the side streets. If you’d like a photo of someone’s outfit, ask permission first.

try a tamagoyaki snack

Here is another little food stop worth saving. This thick slice of rolled omelet comes on a small tray, with more golden rectangular portions displayed behind it.

Look for tamagoyaki while browsing food stalls. I’d leave room for a few different snacks rather than making every food stop a full meal.

visit a snowy village

The steep roofs and glowing windows are so pretty under all that snow. This is a completely different side of the trip from bright city streets.

For this kind of scenery, look into the historic villages of Shirakawa-go or Gokayama. Check winter transport and any special-event reservations, then stick to public routes around the houses.

explore Himeji Castle

If you love beautiful buildings, Himeji Castle belongs on your list. The white walls and overlapping gray roofs give you so many little details to look at.

I especially love the curved roof corners against the blue sky. Leave time to enjoy the exterior instead of treating it as just a quick stop before going inside.

sit down for ramen

Who else would put a ramen stop high on their list? These bowls have thin noodles, sliced meat, chopped green onions and egg halves with bright orange centers.

Choose a bowl from the shop’s menu rather than relying only on a photo. If you have dietary restrictions, check the broth as well as the toppings.

take an autumn garden walk

Last but definitely not least, we have this gorgeous autumn scene. I am obsessed with the red leaves around the arched bridge and little roofed structure.

If fall colors are your priority, build in a garden or temple-ground walk during your trip. Check local foliage updates before choosing your day.