10 Must-Do Cultural Activities in Japan

From the serenity of a tea ceremony in Kyoto to the vibrant energy of a Tokyo matsuri, Japan’s cultural treasures await—and topasiatour is here to turn these experiences into seamless, unforgettable journeys.
Why navigate logistics alone when our expert 团队 (team) can craft a tailored itinerary that checks off all 10 must-do activities? Whether you’re craving a front-row seat at a Kabuki performance, a hands-on kimono lesson, or a cozy stay in a historic ryokan, we handle the details: exclusive bookings, local guides fluent in your language, and insider tips to skip the lines.

Ready to dive into Japan’s traditions without the stress? Inquire now or book a group tour with topasiatour—let us turn your cultural bucket list into reality. Your adventure starts with a click.

1. Participate in a Traditional Tea Ceremony

The chanoyu (tea ceremony) is more than just drinking tea—it’s a ritual that embodies harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility. Guided by strict etiquette, you’ll learn to prepare and serve matcha, savoring every step of the process. Many tea houses in Kyoto, like En, offer hands-on workshops for beginners, allowing you to don a kimono and immerse yourself in this centuries-old practice.

Head to MAIKOYA in Kyoto. From Shin-Osaka Station, it’s a 20-minute train ride to Kyoto Station, then a 10-minute transfer to Kawaramachi Station—just a 7-minute walk from there. Choose a traditional kimono (professionally helped into it), savor delicate wagashi (Japanese sweets) with authentic matcha, and listen as the tea master explains the ceremony’s philosophy and rituals. Some instructors speak Chinese—note your language preference when booking online.

2. Watch a Kabuki or Noh Performance

Kabuki is a dynamic form of theater known for its elaborate costumes, dramatic makeup, and exaggerated gestures. Tokyo’s Kabukiza Theatre and Kyoto’s Minamiza Theatre are iconic venues to catch a show. For a more understated experience, Noh—a slower, symbolic dance-drama—offers a meditative look at Japanese storytelling. Fukuoka’s Hakata-za Theatre often hosts Noh performances with English subtitles.

For Kabuki, Tokyo’s Kabukiza Theatre and National Theatre, plus Kyoto’s Minamiza Theatre, are top picks—they offer English subtitles or program notes to explain plots and nuances. For Noh, Tokyo’s National Noh Theatre is ideal; similar venues in Nagoya and Osaka also host performances with optional translations.

3. Stay in a Ryokan and Sleep on a Futon

A ryokan (traditional inn) is a window into Japanese hospitality. From sliding shoji doors to tatami mats, these inns prioritize comfort and tradition. Many include kaiseki (multi-course meals) made with seasonal ingredients, served in your room. After dinner, slip into a yukata (casual kimono) and relax in an onsen (hot spring) if the ryokan has one. Popular ryokans can be found in Hakone, Kyoto, and Kanazawa.

Try Ryokan Sensyoen in Hokkaido, nestled in the heart of the island for a blend of tradition and nature. In Tokyo, opt for Shibamata Futen, near the scenic Shibamata district. Saikanoyado in Kaga is another gem, with tatami rooms and futon bedding. Book via sites like Agoda, looking for listings mentioning “futon bedding” or “traditional Japanese rooms.”

4. Explore Ancient Temples and Shrines

Japan’s temples and shrines are architectural marvels steeped in history. Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) in Kyoto, a Zen temple covered in gold leaf, or Fushimi Inari Taisha, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. In Tokyo, Senso-ji (Asakusa Temple) is Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple, where you can write wishes on wooden ema tablets and try your luck at omikuji (fortune papers).

Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion, a gold-leafed Zen temple) and Fushimi Inari Taisha (famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates) are musts. Tokyo’s Senso-ji, the city’s oldest Buddhist temple, lets you write wishes on ema (wooden tablets) or draw omikuji (fortune slips). In Kyushu, Munakata Taisha is worth the trip—from Fukuoka’s Hakata Station, take a JR Kagoshima Line local or express train to Togo Station. Wander the grounds, admire the architecture, and soak up the history.

5. Learn to Wear a Kimono

Dressing in a kimono is an art form. The intricate folding, tying of the obi (sash), and choice of accessories reflect seasons and occasions. In Kyoto’s Gion district, rental shops like Yumeyakata offer kimono styling services, pairing you with a professional who will help you pick the perfect outfit for a stroll through historic streets or a temple visit.

The Nishijin-ori Center in Kyoto is perfect. Beyond weaving demos and exhibits, you can rent kimonos—even elaborate geisha/maiko outfits or bridal junihitoe (twelve-layered robes). Stroll the city in your kimono for photos and immersion.

6. Attend a Matsuri (Festival)

Japanese matsuri (festivals) are lively celebrations filled with music, dance, and food. The Gion Matsuri in Kyoto (July) features elaborate floats parading through the streets, while Tokyo’s Sanja Matsuri (May) draws millions with its mikoshi (portable shrines) carried by crowds. For a winter festival, head to Sapporo’s Snow Festival in February, where giant ice sculptures light up the city.

Gion Matsuri

Kyoto’s Gion Matsuri in July features stunning float processions. Tokyo’s Sanja Matsuri in May draws crowds with mikoshi (portable shrine) parades. For something unique, check out Aichi’s Kunimiyama Shrine Naked Man Festival on the 13th day of the Lunar New Year. From Nagoya’s Kanayama Station, take a train to Kunimiyama Station—less than 10 minutes on foot to Owari Okuni Shrine. Join the cheering crowds for the full energy.

7. Try Your Hand at Calligraphy

Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) is a blend of art and discipline, using a brush and ink to create characters that convey emotion and meaning. Studios in Tokyo’s Ueno Park or Kyoto’s Arashiyama district offer short lessons, where you’ll learn basic strokes and create your own piece to take home. It’s a calming activity that connects you to Japan’s written culture.

Studios in Tokyo’s Ueno Park or Kyoto’s Arashiyama offer short lessons. Learn basic brush strokes under a teacher’s guidance, then create your own piece to take home—a calming dive into Japan’s written art.

8. Experience a Traditional Onsen

An onsen (hot spring) is a cornerstone of Japanese relaxation. Fed by natural hot springs, these baths are believed to have healing properties. Whether you visit a public onsen or a private one at a ryokan, remember the etiquette: wash thoroughly before entering, don’t wear swimwear, and keep towels out of the water. Beppu (Oita Prefecture) and Kusatsu (Gunma Prefecture) are renowned for their onsen towns.

Ehime’s Dogo Onsen Honkan, built in 1894, is Japan’s oldest onsen and an Important Cultural Property. For luxury, Hoshino Resorts KAI Yuduka in Shimane has private open-air baths in each room, plus local performances and fresh seafood. Remember onsen etiquette: wash thoroughly before entering, no swimwear, and keep towels out of the water.

9. Visit a Japanese Garden

Japanese gardens are designed to mimic nature in a serene, minimalist way. Kinkaku-ji’s garden in Kyoto, with its reflecting pond and carefully pruned trees, is a masterpiece of Zen design. Tokyo’s Rikugien Garden is perfect for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in spring, while Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, one of Japan’s “three great gardens,” showcases seasonal beauty year-round.

Kinkaku-ji’s garden

Kyoto’s Kinkaku-ji Garden shines with its reflecting pond and meticulously pruned greenery, a classic Zen design. Tokyo’s Rikugien Garden is lovely for spring cherry blossoms, while Kanazawa’s Kenrokuen—one of Japan’s “Three Great Gardens”—stuns year-round. Wander to appreciate the naturalistic layout, seasonal plants, and serene ambiance.

Rikugien Garden

10. Learn to Cook Japanese Home-Cooking

Beyond sushi and ramen, Japanese washoku (home cooking) is a UNESCO-listed tradition. Take a cooking class to learn how to make dishes like okonomiyaki (savory pancake), tempura, or sukiyaki (hot pot). Schools like Tokyo Sushi Academy offer hands-on lessons, where you’ll master techniques passed down through generations, using fresh, local ingredients.

Head to T 十日町市 (Tōkamachi) in Niigata. From Tokyo, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station (75 minutes), then a 30-minute local train. Learn to make three regional comfort dishes using seasonal ingredients, guided by locals—get a taste of real Japanese family cooking.