Japan Rail Pass Now - Japan Travel Guide

Top 20 Experiences
Spend the Night in a Buddhist Temple
Gain a unique insight into Japanese Buddhism by spending
the night at a temple, living alongside monks as they go about
their day-to-day lives. Sleep in a traditional Japanese room with
tatami flooring and sliding doors, participate in tea ceremonies
and communal vegetarian dining, then wake early for prayers
and morning chants.
Experience the Cherry Blossoms and
Autumn Leaves
Japan’s distinct seasons usher in vibrant cherry blossom displays
and richly coloured autumn leaves which provide a magnificent
setting for sightseeing. Join a hanami picnic beneath the sakura
trees during spring or wander Kyoto’s ancient temples and
palaces while the orange-yellow kinmokusei are in fragrant
bloom.
Relax in an Onsen
The volcanic geology of Japan has given rise to atmospheric hot
spring towns known as onsen which have long been revered
for their therapeutic waters. Onsen towns and their traditional
ryokan inns can be visited throughout the year, although
they’re particularly alluring during the winter months when the
surrounding landscapes are blanketed in snow.
Watch Sumo Wrestling
Steeped in ancient tradition, sumo wrestling is Japan’s national
sport and the only country where it is practiced professionally.
You can witness its powerful rikishi (wrestlers) in action at sumo
tournaments across the country (most famously at Tokyo’s
Ryogoku Kokugikan stadium) or visit a sumo stable in the
Ryogoku district for an insight into their regimented lifestyle.
Discover Fascinating Museums
Whether you want to delve into Japan’s ancient history, learn about its obsession with
baseball or the unique manga and anime culture, there are a range of outstanding
museums to visit across the country. You can marvel at both modern and contemporary
Japanese art, witness ancient weaponry and tools, or gain a better understanding of
samurai’s evolution or the trains and railway network at these world-class institutions.
13 - Japan Travel Guide