Japan Bucket List

Visit Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

Walk through the famous bamboo grove in Arashiyama, Kyoto, known for its towering bamboo stalks and serene atmosphere

Bath in Onsen

Experience a traditional Japanese hot spring bath for relaxation and cultural immersion

Visit the Tsukiji fish market

Experience the world's largest fish market in Tokyo

Visit Yokohama

Visit Yokohama, port city of Japan

Attend the Kabuki Performance

Watch traditional Japanese theatre in Kabukiza

Create a haiku poem

Write haiku poetry

Watch Akira

Watch Akira, a groundbreaking 1988 Japanese animated cyberpunk film

Watch Ghost in the Shell

Watch Ghost in the Shell, a groundbreaking cyberpunk anime film exploring themes of identity and technology in a futuristic world

Watch Lost in Translation

Watch the movie Lost in Translation, a film about two Americans forming a connection in Tokyo

Drink shōchū

Try shochu, a traditional Japanese distilled spirit made from various ingredients like sweet potatoes, barley, or rice

Visit Himeji Castle

Visit Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Japan's most iconic and well-preserved feudal castles

Eat dashi soup

Try dashi, a fundamental Japanese soup stock made from kombu seaweed and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes)

Visit Jigokudani Monkey Park

See the Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, bathing in hot springs in Jigokudani Monkey Park

Visit Fukushima Exclusion Zone

Explore the Fukushima Exclusion Zone, a unique area affected by the 2011 nuclear disaster in Japan

Visit Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)

Visit the iconic Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, known for its top two floors completely covered in gold leaf and surrounded by beautiful gardens

Visit the sake brewery

Tour traditional sake production

Play hanafuda

Play hanafuda, a traditional Japanese card game with beautiful floral designs and seasonal themes

Play shogi

Learn and play shogi, a traditional Japanese strategy board game similar to chess

Visit Ogasawara Archipelago

Visit the remote Ogasawara archipelago, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique wildlife and pristine marine environment

Visit Okunoin

Visit Okunoin, the largest cemetery in Japan located at Mount Koya, with over 200,000 tombstones and the mausoleum of Kobo Daishi

Visit Matsue Castle

Visit Matsue Castle, one of Japan's few remaining original feudal castles located in Shimane Prefecture

Visit Hikone Castle

Visit Hikone Castle, a well-preserved original castle from the Edo period in Japan, known for its historic architecture and scenic views of Lake Biwa.