Choose from 200 Fun Things to Do in Japan
ShowingFilter 61-80 of 200 listings.
Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine
Located on the north side of Lake Kawaguchi, the Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine was built in the ninth century after Mt Fuji erupted, causing chaos and tragedy among the locals. This shrine was built as a gesture by the people to appease the anger of the gods that they believed caused the mountain to erupt.
On the approach to the shrine, giant 800-year-old cedar trees line the path on either side, with stone lanterns guiding the way to the red pagoda beyond. In the past, the Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine was a common starting point for climbing Mount Fuji from the north, with the trailhead located directly behind the shrine's main hall. Most hikers today, however, are more in favor of cutting their journey time by up to five hours by forgoing a trip to the shrine and beginning their climb from the Fuji Subaru Line 5th Station instead.
The Maternal White Falls are located around half an hour’s walk from Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine. These waterfalls are stunning enough on their own, but on a clear day, there’s also some impressive views of Lake Kawaguchi and the mighty Mount Fuji to be had along the way.
Practical Info
Kawaguchi Sengen Shrine can be reached by bus from both Kawaguchiko Station and Fujisan Station. (It’s a 30-minute walk from Fujisan Station).
Address: 1 Kawaguchi, Fujikawaguchiko, Narusawa, Yamanashi Prefecture 401-0304, Japan
From $ 350
Komagatake Ropeway
See the so-called Nagano Alps from Japan's highest aerial tramway, the Komogatake Ropeway. The Ropeway opened in 1963 and is a popular way to take in one of the most stunning, scenic views in Japan. The Ropeway runs from the edge of Lake Ashi to the summit of Mount Komagatake, its namesake. The ropeway carries passengers 950 meters (3,116 feet), making it the highest vertical aerial tramway in the country. The ride soars through the clouds to provide views of Japan's highest mountain - Mt. Fuji, as well as the seven Izu Islands, Lake Ashinoko, and expansive coastline.
At Mt. Komogatake's summit, passengers off-load to a woodland area with a small shrine and numerous hiking trails to explore. Since the panoramic views are the highlight, it's recommended to only ride the Ropeway on clear days when the mountain summits can be spotted from the ground.
At Mt. Komogatake's summit, passengers off-load to a woodland area with a small shrine and numerous hiking trails to explore. Since the panoramic views are the highlight, it's recommended to only ride the Ropeway on clear days when the mountain summits can be spotted from the ground.
Practical Info
Access the Komagatake Ropeway from Hakone Park, part of the Fuji Hakone Izu National Park, about 90 minutes by rail from Tokyo. The single car aerial tram holds 101 people, and the 2.3 kilometer ride (1.4 miles) takes 7 minutes and 30 seconds. There are 10-20 minutes between cars. The trip costs ¥2,200 roundtrip (about $25USD). The Ropeway operates from 9:00am - 5:00pm every day but closes during inclement weather. Take the ride on weekdays to avoid crowds.
Address: Komagatake Ropeway, Hakone, Japan
Hours: 9am - 5pm
Admission: ¥2,200 Roundtrip
From $ 90
Kondoi Beach
Stationed on the west coast of Taketomi Island, Kondoi Beach offers travelers unlimited access to vast turquoise waters and perfect white sandy shores. Kondoi is home to some of the best snorkeling in the area, too—but visitors say it all comes at a price. Travelers looking to unwind on the shores of Kondoi should be ready to shell out 1500 yen per day for access to snorkels, masks and beach umbrellas. And while tourists say the beach is quiet, peaceful and perfect for catching sunsets, most agree that greater Okinawa offers other equally beautiful options at more budget-friendly prices.
Practical Info
Taketomi Island is accessible by boat only. Travelers can catch the Anei Kanko or Yaeyama Kanko ferries from Ishigaki.
Address: Taketomi Island, Japan
From $ 34
Kyoto Imperial Palace
The Japanese royal family lived in Kyoto Imperial Palace until 1868, when the capital moved to Tokyo. It’s located within the Kyoto Imperial Park, which also houses other palaces and shrines. This must-visit attraction allows visitors to gain a greater understanding of Japan’s rich history and culture while enjoying landscaped gardens.
The Basics
Although Japan’s royal family haven’t lived in the Kyoto Imperial Palace for more than 150 years, the imperial furnishings have been preserved and reflect the life of the royals in the mid-19th century. The beautifully landscaped Kyoto Imperial Park surrounding the palace contain jogging trails, picnic benches, numerous plants and water features, and is one of the finest public gardens in the city.
Travelers can visit the Imperial Palace independently, or as part of a full- or half-day sightseeing tour of Kyoto. Such excursions also tend to include sites such as the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji), Kiyomizu Temple, Gion, and Nijo Castle. The palace is located in Kyoto City, to the north of Kyoto Station, so is a convenient stop on sightseeing tours of the city.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Admission to the park is free.
- While the gardens can be visited independently, the palace buildings can only be entered by prior arrangement with the palace authorities.
- The palace is very close to Nijo Castle, and the two places can be visited together in a convenient morning or afternoon of sightseeing.
How to Get There
The Kyoto Imperial Palace is located between two JR Subway stations, Imadegawa and Marutamachi, both of which are a short walk away. Imadegawa station is a bit closer to the entrance gate.
When to Get There
The palace is closed Mondays, as well as from December 28 until January 4, plus some other public holidays. From April to August, it is open from 9am until 5pm; in September and March, from 9am until 4:30pm; and from October to February, from 9am until 4pm. Last admissions are allowed in 40 minutes before the grounds close.
Visit Kaninnomiya Mansion
While it’s not easy to go inside the Imperial Palace itself, visitors can go inside Kaninnomiya Mansion, a restored Edo-period luxury home within the Imperial Park. There were once hundreds of such mansions around the Imperial Palace, but this is the only survivor. The mansion, teahouse, and gardens with a pond are worth visiting—plus, they’re also free.
Address: Kyoto-Gyoen, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 601-8151, Japan
Admission: Free
From $ 34
Katsunuma Winery
Wine-making in Japan began in the 19th century and is now produced in various regions across the country. Situated in the Yamanashi Prefecture, Katsunuma lies within picturesque countryside at the eastern part of Kofu Valley and to the north of Mount Fuji.
The Katsunuma Winery was established in 1937 and lies at the very heart of the region, easily accessible as a day trip from Tokyo. The main building is styled on the traditional architecture of Japanese private houses. For three generations, the Katsunuma Winery have cultivated grapes in an area covering more than 70 acres, with 70% of their harvest produced from indigenous Koshu grapes.
Visitors can tour the cellars where the wine is stored in barrels for fermentation and the bottling process is conducted. The highlight for many of course is the wine tasting, with the Katsunuma Winery Co. producing their very own ‘Aruga Branca’ range.
Practical Info
The Katsunuma Winery can be reached from Tokyo by catching a train to Katsunuma-budokyo Station. The journey takes around an hour and 30 minutes. The best time to visit is October when the vines are laden with grapes.
Address: 71 Shimoiwasaki, Koshu, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan 409-1313, Japan
From $ 90
Kuromon Ichiba Market
Nicknamed “Osaka’s kitchen,” the Kuromon Ichiba Market caters to the city’s chefs. Every day, cooks from well-known -- and hole-in-the-wall -- restaurants scurry through the 600 meter-long market’s 170 food stalls purchasing fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, eggs, herbs, and more to prep their kitchens.
Originally, the market was known as “Emmiji Market,” named after a nearby temple. Over time, locals began referencing the market in regards to a large black gate that rested near it and the temple. Eventually, the translation for “Black Gate Market” stuck, and that’s how Kuromon Ichiba Market got its name.
Although the market caters to the restaurant industry, the general public is welcome. Locals and tourists alike walk the length of the Kuromon Ichiba to experience shopping in Osaka’s Kitchen. The market has everything from fresh sea urchin and puffer fish to dried scallops, artisanal mocha, and ready-to-eat kabob meats. The market boasts many high-quality restaurants, as well, that serve local Osaka dishes like okonomiyaki – a savory pancake.
Practical Info
The individual food stalls have their own operating hours. The market is located a short walk from Nippombashi Station on the Sakaisuji Line of the Osaka Subway or Kintetsu Nippombashi Station on the Kintetsu lines. There are ‘rest stops’ along the long market with bathrooms, sitting areas, and even free wifi. These make for great places to enjoy snacks purchased from the vendors.
Address: 1-15-6 Nippombashi, Osaka, Kansai 542-0073, Japan
Hours: Different for each stall
From $ 36
Kasuga Shrine
Located in the city of Nara, a day trip’s distance from Osaka, the Kasuga Shrine dates back to the year 768, when its construction was ordered by Emperor Shotoku. In the centuries since, it has been rebuilt several times.
This celebrated Nara shrine is most famous for the series of giant stone lanterns that line the paths toward its entrance. They are lit twice each year during the biannual lantern festivals in early spring and early autumn. Hundreds more bronze lanterns, many donated by temple worshippers, hang within the buildings of the complex.
The Shinto shrine complex is part of the UNESCO-listed Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara, and the path leading up to it winds through Nara Park, where it’s sometimes possible to spot deer roaming freely.
Practical Info
Kasuga Shrine is located on the eastern end of Nara Park, about 30 minutes on foot from Kintetsu Nara Station. You can also catch a bus from JR Nara Station.
Address: Nara Park, Japan
Hours: 6 a.m.-6 p.m. April to September, 6 a.m.-5:30 p.m. October to March
Admission: Free (outer area), 500 yen (inner area)
From $ 45
Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine
Known as the shrine of love, the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine is said to be around 1,500 years old. Its impressive entrance gate, called a torii, stands at 15 meters tall (around 50 feet). The main shrine is adorned with delicate carvings and has been listed as an important cultural building within the region. It is also a popular place for people to get married, as well as the site of a summer festival featuring tunnels of colorful wind chimes, live music, and even a ‘shrine bar’.
Dedicated to the God of Marriage, there is a good chance of witnessing a wedding procession on your visit to the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine. The site is surrounded by greenery and is not as crowded with tourists as other famous shrines, meaning if there is no wedding or festival during your visit, it’s a peaceful place to relax and take some photographs.
The shrine also has its very own restaurant; Musubi cafe serves various meals and desserts throughout the day and has a gift shop selling books and other souvenirs to remember your visit. Hikawa Shrine can be visited as part of a Kawagoe Walking Tour, which also takes in other famous attractions in the city.
Practical Info
The easiest way to reach Kawagoe from Tokyo is by train. The fastest way is to take the Tobu Tojo line from Ikebukuro to Kawagoe Station, which takes 30 minutes on the express train. However, the nearest train station to the old town area in Kawagoe is Hon-Kawagoe Station, which is accessible on the Seibu Line.
Did You Know? At just after 8am on the 8th and 24th of each month, the Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine hosts a special procession to promote love and enhance relationships.
Address: 2-11-3 Miyashitamachi, Kawagoe, Japan
From $ 81
Kawagoe Ichibangai Street
In Japan’s Edo period, Kawagoe was a prosperous castle town and due to it escaping damage during World War II, the city still has many of its old streets still in tact. Ichibangai Street is lined with traditional buildings on both sides, making it full of character — the ideal place to learn about the history of the area while enjoying a spot of shopping.
This small street is around 400 meters long and is situated less than a kilometer north of Hon-Kawagoe Station. The style of the buildings are that of traditional Japanese warehouses (kura), that were specifically designed to be fireproof after a large fire ripped through the area in 1893. These days, many of the buildings are either shops or restaurants catering for a burgeoning tourist crowd.
Ichibangai Street is best explored on foot as part of a Kawagoe walking tour that also takes in the old city’s other attractions, such as Dream Street, Spatiotemporal Bell, Snack Street, and Kawagoe Hikawa Shrine.
Practical Info
The easiest way to reach Kawagoe from Tokyo is by train. The fastest route is via the Tobu Tojo line (Ikebukuro to Kawagoe Station), which takes 30 minutes on the express train. The nearest train station to the old town area in Kawagoe is Hon-Kawagoe Station, which is accessible on the Seibu Line and is a popular meeting point for walking tours.
Did You Know? There’s a museum on the street where you can learn more about the fireproof warehouse buildings. It features design plans, cross sections of walls, roof tiles, and fire-resistant doors.
Address: Ichibangai Street, Kawagoe, Japan
From $ 81
Kiyomizu Temple
Kiyomizu Temple (Kiyomizu-dera) is one of Japan’s oldest and most eye-catching Buddhist temples. Its classic red pagoda has been influential to Japanese architecture for centuries. Located on a hilltop, Kiyomizu Temple is also worth visiting for its sweeping views over Kyoto.
The Basics
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kiyomizu Temple should not be missed when visiting Kyoto. Although originally built in 798, most of the current buildings date from the 17th and 18th centuries because of repeated fires throughout the years. Lovely gardens and shrines surround Kiyomizu Temple, and the stage just off the Main Hall is famous for its city views.
Kiyomizu Temple is a must-see attraction in Kyoto, so most organized tours include it on their itineraries. It’s also easily accessed via public transport. The complex offers tours of the temple and grounds conducted by a Buddhist priest.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Although the temple is part way up Mount Otowa, it is fully wheelchair accessible, with no-step paths and special vehicle access via the emergency road entrance to save climbing the steps.
- The temple grounds are large, with 30 buildings and gardens to stroll through. While it’s possible to visit quickly, if you’re trying to see many highlights of Kyoto in a short time, it’s also worth spending a couple of hours here.
- There is a small admission charge.
How to Get There
Kiyomizu Temple is best reached by bus. From Kyoto Station, catch City Bus no. 206 or 100 (on Saturdays and holidays, take the Kyoto Bus no. 18) and get off at Gojozaka and walk east. Buses are also available from Hankyu Kawaramachi, Keihan Gion-Shijo, and Keihan Shichijo stations. There are no parking lots at the temple, and nearby lots tend to get crowded quickly due to the temple’s popularity.
When to Get There
The temple is open every day from 6am until 6pm or 6:30pm, depending on the season. Special night-viewing sessions are also organized in each season, when the temple remains open until 9pm. Every season at Kiyomizu Temple offers a different experience: the temple is surrounded by snow in winter, blossoms in spring, greenery in summer, and fiery leaves in fall.
Stage on a Cliff
The Main Hall of Kiyomizu Temple is built upon a steep cliff, and the stage that hangs out in front offers amazing views of Kyoto. While this may seem like a precarious perch, especially in an earthquake-prone country, the platform has survived since 1633. The traditional construction method consists of 18 wooden pillars and uses no nails.
Address: Kiyomizu Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0862, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 18
Kohama Island
Rolling hills and uninterrupted views set the island of Kohama apart from others in the Yaeyama archipelago. Travelers can wander grassy passes and shaded trails to two of the island’s most popular lookouts—Chura san’s Point and Ufudake. Locals say Chura san offers some of the best views in the region, but travelers agree that the view from atop Ufudake, where the whole of Kohama can be seen, is equally incredible.
Just like other nearby islands, Kohama is home to some beautiful beaches, including a long stretch of sandy shores called Haimurubushi. Visitors love that its clear waters are protected by jellyfish nets, but avid snorkelers say this means underwater wildlife leaves something to be desired. Still, wet and wild visitors can rent masks and jet skis — or opt to chill out on the shores in comfortable chairs under the shade of giant umbrellas.
Practical Info
Kohama Island is accessible by ferry from Ishigaki. The ride is approximately 25 minutes, making it ideal for day trips. Visitors can also hop ferries from Taketomi and Iriomote Islands.
Address: Kohama Island, Japan
From $ 143
Kenroku-en Garden
Widely considered one of the most beautiful gardens in Japan, Kenroku-en Garden in Kanazawa began in the seventeenth century as a private garden for Kaga feudal lords. The garden first opened to the public in 1874 and was designated a National Site of Scenic Beauty in 1922 and upgraded to a National Site of Special Scenic Beauty in 1985.
In traditional Chinese gardening, there are said to be six attributes that make up the ideal garden landscape. Kenroku-en translates to ‘garden of six attributes,’ claiming to incorporate spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, water features and panoramas into this single green space.
A 90-minute strolling course takes visitors past most of the park’s points of interest, including several ponds, an observation deck, a stone lantern, one of Japan’s oldest fountains and a couple of traditional tea houses. Each season brings a new look to the garden, with spring and its accompanying plum and cherry blossoms the most popular.
Practical Info
Kenroku-en Garden is open throughout the year and charges an admission fee. The garden is accessible via a 15-minute bus ride from Kanazawa Station.
Address: 1 Kenrokumachi, Kanazawa, Ishikawa, Japan
Admission: Adults 310 yen, 6-18 years 100 yen, 65+ free
From $ 30
Kyoto Station
Kyoto Station is far more than a busy transport hub – it’s an attraction in its own right featuring shopping malls, multiple restaurants, and many other things to see and do. This modern, almost futuristic building stands in direct contrast to the traditional buildings found in the city; the station's vast main hall features an exposed-steel beamed roof, and historical aspects of Kyoto are filtered through a modern lens.
Those looking for some retail therapy will enjoy Kyoto Station’s Isetan department store, Porta underground shopping mall, and Cube shopping mall. There are some great food courts to be found within each of these, with popular eateries such as Kyoto Ramen Koji and Eat Paradise for those who need refueling.
Aside from shopping and eating, there is an open-air observation deck on the station’s top floor, which can be reached via a series of escalators and an additional flight of stairs. From here, views of the city unfold before you (albeit through heavily tinted windows). Elsewhere, the Skyway Tunnel will allow you to walk the length of Kyoto Station some 45 meters above the main hall, revealing views of both the city and station below.
Various day and night tours of the city depart from Kyoto Station. You can also enjoy a day trip by arriving into the station on a Kyoto rail tour by bullet train from Tokyo.
Practical Info
Kyoto Station has two main access points – the north and the south. The Karasuma north side faces downtown and leads out to Kyoto Bus Station and Kyoto Tower. The Hachijo side to the south provides access to a few hotels and bus stops, as well as the Toji Temple.
Did You Know? The current Kyoto Station building opened in 1997 to commemorate the city’s 1200th anniversary.
Address: 901 Higashishiokoji, Kyoto, Japan
Hours: Hours for shops and restaurants vary
From $ 30
Kawaguchi Lake
Kawaguchi Lake has the second largest surface area of the Fuji Five Lakes. It also has the longest shoreline, as well as the lowest elevation. The lake is situated at an altitude of around 800 meters, which means it has relatively cool summers followed by freezing cold winters.
The lake serves at the main hub for those looking to climb Mount Fuji during the climbing season (July and August), and is the most popular of the Fuji Five Lakes in terms of tourism. Hotels, camp sites, museums, hot spring baths, windsurfing, fishing, and boat trips all readily available in and around the lake.
A classic-style bus runs along the lakeside, transporting visitors to all of the shoreline’s activities and attractions. The route can also be walked or cycled for those looking for a more active way to explore.
Practical Info
Kawaguchi Lake is the most easily accessible of the Fuji Five Lakes, being just a 10-minute walk from Kawaguchiko Station, with a number of buses also serving the area.
Address: Fujikawaguchiko, Narusawa, Yamanashi Prefecture 401-0301, Japan
From $ 54
Kotokuin (Great Buddha of Kamakura)
The 47-foot (14-meter) tall bronze Buddha statue of Kotokuin (Great Buddha of Kamakura) is only the second tallest statue of Buddha in Japan though likely the most recognizable.
The seated figure is that of Amitabha Buddha, worshipped by Japanese Buddhists as a deity of salvation. The statue was completed in 1252 after the site’s previous wooden Buddha and its hall were damaged in a tsunami in 1248. Hundreds of years later, you can still see traces of the original gold leafing. The identity of the artist who cast the statue remains a mystery.
The temple of Kotokuin where the Buddha statue resides falls under the Jodo Sect of Buddhism, the most widely practiced branch of the religion in Japan. While the Great Buddha is the real draw, visitors can tour the temple grounds to see the four bronze lotus petals originally cast as part of a pedestal for the Buddha, as well as the cornerstones of the hall that originally sheltered the statue.
The seated figure is that of Amitabha Buddha, worshipped by Japanese Buddhists as a deity of salvation. The statue was completed in 1252 after the site’s previous wooden Buddha and its hall were damaged in a tsunami in 1248. Hundreds of years later, you can still see traces of the original gold leafing. The identity of the artist who cast the statue remains a mystery.
The temple of Kotokuin where the Buddha statue resides falls under the Jodo Sect of Buddhism, the most widely practiced branch of the religion in Japan. While the Great Buddha is the real draw, visitors can tour the temple grounds to see the four bronze lotus petals originally cast as part of a pedestal for the Buddha, as well as the cornerstones of the hall that originally sheltered the statue.
Address: Hase, 4-2-28, Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan
From $ 85
Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter
With its scenic canals lined with weeping willows, Edo-period gardens and historic merchant houses, the Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter offers an authentic feel of Old Japan at the heart of one of Japan's oldest merchant towns.
The historical quarter has been painstakingly preserved, with the 19th- and 20th-century buildings characterized by their mushikamado latticed windows, whitewashed walls and black tiled roofs, and the waterfront promenades linked by pretty stone footbridges. Highlights of the atmospheric district include the grand Ohashi House; an array of museums including an Archaeological Museum, a Toy Museum, a Museum of Folkcraft and the Ohara Museum of Art, Japan’s first museum of Western art; and the aptly-named Ivy Square, a former textile mill now crawling with ivy and home to a cluster of cafés, traditional tea houses and crafts shops.
Practical Info
The Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter is located in central Kurashiki, along the Kurashiki River.
Address: Kurashiki, Japan
From $ 30
Kitanomaru Park
Located just north of the Imperial Palace grounds in Tokyo, Kitanomaru Park was once the site of the northernmost section of Edo Castle, where members of the Tokugawa clan lived. In 1969 in celebration of Emperor Showa’s 60th birthday, the area was opened to the public as a woodland park.
Today, Kitanomaru Park is home to the Science Museum, National Museum of Modern Art and Nippon Budokan indoor arena, as well as two castle gates now designated as national important cultural assets. Tayasu-mon gate at the northern end of the park was erected in 1636, making it the oldest gate remaining in the Edo Castle complex. In springtime, the 330 trees lining the castle moat passing through the park burst with cherry blossoms; it’s one of Tokyo’s most popular sites for hanami, the Japanese custom of enjoying the annual blossom display.
Practical Info
The easiest way to reach Kitanomaru Park is by taking the Hanzomon line to Kudanshita Station.
Address: Chiyoda, Tokyo 102-0091, Japan
From $ 100
Kennin-Ji Temple
The oldest and one of the most important Zen temples in Kyoto, Kennin-Ji was founded in the year 1202 by a monk. Situated near the famous Geisha district of Gion, Kennin-ji attracts Buddhist monks on pilgrimage, as well as religious locals and tourists, and curious explorers.
The main hall is a bastion of solemnity. The architecture features rooftops that curve upwards toward the sky, as if in prayer. The original temple complex contained seven buildings, but fires throughout the centuries destroyed many. The temple was rebuilt in the mid-thirteenth century and again in the sixteenth century. Today three outstanding buildings remain: the Dharma Hall, the principal building; a tea house; and the Imperial Messenger Gate. Interestingly, the gate dates back to the 12th or 13th centuries, and today marks from stray arrows during battles can still be seen.
Kennin-ji boasts a stunning Zen garden. Like most Zen gardens, Kennin-ji's is defined by its simplicity and beauty. An aesthetically pleasing placement of rocks, trees, and grassy areas create a calming, peaceful atmosphere for strolling or simply sitting and thinking.
Practical Info
Like many temples in Kyoto, Kennin-ji's hours vary between seasons. The temple is typically open between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m, with slightly longer hours in March through October. The temple is closed from December 28-31. There is an admission fee of 500 yen ($5 USD) for adults, and there are discounts for students. The temple is a 10-minute walk from Gion Shijo Station on Kyoto's Keihan line.
Address: 584 Komatsu-cho, Kyoto, Japan
Hours: Daily 10 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Admission: 500 yen
From $ 41
Koko-en Garden
Located on the grounds of the Himeji Castle, Koko-en Garden was finished in 1992 to commemorate the one-hundredth anniversary of the Himeji municipality. The 9-acre (3.6-hectare) space, divided into nine smaller gardens, showcases the typical garden style of the Edo Period when Japan was under shogun rule.
Professor Makoto Nakamura from Kyoto University supervised the design of the gardens, which are laid out on the former site of the lord’s residence and samurai houses. The smaller garden spaces were designed so that as you walk through, the view is constantly changing.
At the onsite Tea Room, designed by an Ura school tea master, visitors can participate in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The garden also houses a Japanese restaurant where traditional dishes are served with views over the garden.
Practical Info
There’s always something worth seeing in Koko-en Garden, but by far the best time to visit is during cherry blossom season (typically between March and May) when the delicate pink blossoms adorn the garden trees.
Address: 68 Honmachi, Himeji, Japan
From $ 154
Kokugikan Sumo Stadium & Museum
Sumo is Japan’s most popular sport, and there’s nothing quite like joining 10,000 sumo fans for a match to learn about this ancient form of wrestling. The best place to experience sumo is at the Kokugikan Sumo Stadium (Ryōgoku Kokugikan), Tokyo’s largest indoor arena, where three of the six official national tournaments are hosted each year. Discover sumo’s place in Japanese culture at the attached Sumo Museum (Nihon Sumo Kyokai).
The Basics
Watching a sumo tournament in this sumo hall is a quintessential Japanese experience, and with only three tournaments per year in Tokyo, it’s important to plan (and book) ahead. If you’re visiting between tournaments, you can still get a taste of sumo culture by visiting the museum, stopping at the stadium as part of a tour of Tokyo (with visits to Tokyo Skytree and Kiyosumi Garden as well), or taking a walking tour of Ryogoku District (also known as sumo town) with a sumo wrestler as your guide.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Visit during one of three annual tournaments in Tokyo to see the hulking athletes in action.
- See the stadium on a walking or biking tour of Tokyo.
- Admission is free to the museum, which is closed Saturday and Sunday and on national holidays.
- Tournament tickets tend to sell out, especially during the final days, so it’s best to book ahead.
How to Get There
The stadium is situated a short walk from JR Ryogoku Station (West Exit) and Toei Subway Ryogoku Station (Exit A3).
When to Get There
To see sumo action live, you’ll have to plan your visit during one of three 15-day tournaments, held in January, May, and September. Wrestling takes place throughout the day, but the biggest competitors take to the ring mid-afternoon. The Kokugikan Sumo Museum is open Monday through Friday.
Seating at the Kokugikan Stadium
Spectators at Ryogoku Kokugikan have three types of seating from which to choose. Most of the seating is typical arena-style chair seats, but it’s possible to book Japanese-style floor box seats or, for the best views of the action, ringside seating on cushions. While the latter are extremely popular (and difficult for foreigners to purchase), you can arrive early in the day and watch some early matches from these seats until their rightful owners show up.
Address: 1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0015, Japan
Admission: Varies
From $ 99