Japan

Japan is having a travel heyday right now – and rightfully so – it’s an incredible country. In fact, it’s one of my favorite countries to travel to. However, in my quest to find the lesser-traveled places wherever I go, I spent a lot of time in Japan off the beaten path on multiple trips to Japan!

I’ll give you ideas on going beyond the traditional Tokyo to Kyoto route and getting away from the crowds.

Unique things to do in Japan

Watch a sumo wrestling match or training
Eat delicious ramen in a little cubicle
Hike the Kumano Kodo Pilgrimage
Go to a wasabi farm
Go really local and visit a public bath house
Visit cat temple and cat island
Go to a shot bar
Dance on Udon dough in a noodle making class
Visit Tokyo’s cat neighborhood

tokyo off the beaten path sumo tournament

Best Time to Travel To Japan

Japan is quite popular and it honestly hard to find a time when it’s not busy! The least busy time is probably winter. Regarding weather – beware of the hot, humid summers. Of course there is always the popular Cherry Blossum season and Autumn leaves festivals. The good news is that no matter when you go – there’s always festivals going on!

Average Temps: 70° – 90° F
Very crowded
Hot and humid
Fuji climbing season
Fireworks
Macha ice cream!

Average Temps: 5°F to 41°F
Hokkaido skiing and snowboarding
Illuminations and light festivals
Hot springs
Fewer crowds

Average Temps: 57°F to 77°F
Cherry blossoms
Autumn colors
Sumo wrestling
Seasonal foods
Less humid

My Favorite Food and Cocktail Tours in Japan

How to get around Japan

With so many public transportation options to get around Japan, it can be confusing to figure out how to compare prices and timetables. However, 12Go helps you compare different modes of transportation in Japan easily from their website or mobile app. You can search on dates and locations and find all of the options and book right from the site – including buses, ferries, trains, hotel-airport transfer, and more.

The best way to get around is to purchase a Japan Rail Pass. These passes will allow you to include unlimited transportation options around the country, including airport transfers and fast Shinkansen trains. They are offered in different durations and regions.

Japan Rail Passes