10 Amazing Experiences You Can Only Have in Japan

    Hello, everyone! Welcome to my blog, where I share my travel tips and adventures around the world. Today, I want to talk about Japan, one of the most amazing and unique countries I have ever visited. Japan has a rich and diverse culture that is unlike any other. Japan offers many experiences that you can only have in this country, and they will blow your mind. In this post, I will introduce you to 10 amazing experiences you can only have in Japan, based on my personal opinion and research. Let's get started!

## 1. Eat sushi from a bullet train

Sushi is one of the most famous and delicious Japanese foods, and you can find it everywhere in Japan. But did you know that you can also eat sushi from a bullet train? Yes, you heard me right. There are some conveyor belt sushi restaurants that have a special lane for bullet trains that deliver your sushi orders directly to your table. The bullet trains are modeled after the real ones that run across Japan, and they are very fast and fun to watch. You can order your sushi from a tablet and wait for your bullet train to arrive. This is a very exciting and unique way to enjoy sushi in Japan.

## 2. Stay at a temple or a ryokan

If you want to experience the traditional Japanese lifestyle and culture, you should definitely stay at a temple or a ryokan. A temple is a place of worship for Buddhists, and some temples offer accommodation for visitors who want to learn about Buddhism and meditation . You can stay in a simple room with tatami mats and futons, and join the monks for morning prayers and vegetarian meals. You can also enjoy the serene atmosphere and the beautiful gardens of the temple.

A ryokan is a traditional Japanese inn that offers a comfortable and relaxing stay. You can stay in a spacious room with tatami mats and futons, and enjoy the amenities such as yukata robes, tea sets, and toiletries. You can also enjoy the delicious Japanese cuisine that is served in your room or in the dining hall. Some ryokans also have hot spring baths that you can soak in and relax.

## 3. Visit shrines and temples

Japan has thousands of shrines and temples that are dedicated to various gods and buddhas . They are not only places of worship, but also places of beauty and history. You can admire the architecture, the sculptures, the paintings, and the gardens of the shrines and temples. You can also learn about the legends, the rituals, and the festivals that are associated with them.

Some of the most famous shrines and temples in Japan are:

- Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine: A Shinto shrine in Kyoto that has thousands of red torii gates that form a tunnel-like path up the mountain .

- Todai-ji Temple: A Buddhist temple in Nara that houses the largest bronze statue of Buddha in the world .

- Meiji Jingu Shrine: A Shinto shrine in Tokyo that is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken, who modernized Japan in the 19th century .

- Kinkaku-ji Temple: A Buddhist temple in Kyoto that is covered with gold leaf and reflects on a pond .

- Senso-ji Temple: A Buddhist temple in Tokyo that is the oldest and most popular temple in the city .

## 4. Drink sake

Sake is a traditional Japanese alcoholic drink made from fermented rice . Sake has a complex and delicate flavor that varies depending on the type of rice, water, yeast, and brewing method used. Sake can be enjoyed hot or cold, depending on the season and preference. Sake can also be paired with different kinds of Japanese food, such as sushi, tempura, yakitori, etc.

You can drink sake at many places in Japan, such as restaurants, bars, izakayas, etc. You can also visit sake breweries and learn about the history and process of sake making. You can also taste different kinds of sake and find your favorite one.

## 5. Explore department store basements

Department store basements, or depachika, are one of the best places to find a variety of food in Japan . Depachika are like food paradises that offer everything from fresh produce, seafood, meat, bakery, deli, sweets, etc. You can also find ready-made meals, bento boxes, sushi, etc. that you can take away or eat at the seating area. Depachika are also great places to find souvenirs, such as local specialties, snacks, sweets, etc.

Some of the most famous depachika in Japan are:

- Isetan Shinjuku: A department store in Tokyo that has a huge and luxurious depachika that offers high-quality food from all over Japan and the world .

- Daimaru Kyoto: A department store in Kyoto that has a historic and elegant depachika that offers traditional and seasonal food from Kyoto and other regions .

- Hankyu Umeda: A department store in Osaka that has a popular and lively depachika that offers a variety of food from Osaka and other areas .

## 6. Soak in a hot spring

Hot springs, or onsen, are natural sources of hot water that are rich in minerals and have various health benefits . Japan has thousands of hot springs all over the country, thanks to its volcanic activity. You can soak in a hot spring and relax your body and mind. You can also enjoy the scenic views of the mountains, the sea, the forest, etc. that surround the hot springs.

Some of the most famous hot spring areas in Japan are:

- Hakone: A hot spring resort area near Tokyo that has many types of hot springs and views of Mount Fuji .

- Kusatsu: A hot spring town in Gunma that has one of the most abundant and acidic hot springs in Japan .

- Beppu: A hot spring city in Oita that has the largest number of hot springs and the most diverse types of hot springs in Japan .

## 7. Make your own wind chime

Wind chimes, or furin, are one of the symbols of summer in Japan. They are made of glass, metal, ceramic, etc. and have a paper strip attached to them. They make a soothing sound when the wind blows. They are also believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good luck.

You can make your own wind chime at some workshops in Japan. You can choose the shape, color, and design of your wind chime. You can also write your wish or message on the paper strip. You can take your wind chime home as a souvenir or hang it outside your window.

## 8. Experience tea ceremony

Tea ceremony, or sado, is a traditional Japanese art of preparing and serving green tea, or matcha . Tea ceremony is not only about drinking tea, but also about appreciating the tea utensils, the tea room, the calligraphy, the sweets, the flowers, and the hospitality. Tea ceremony is also a way of expressing the spirit of harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility.

You can experience tea ceremony at some places in Japan, such as temples, museums, hotels, etc. You can learn about the history and etiquette of tea ceremony from a tea master. You can also try making and drinking your own matcha.

## 9. Become a ninja

Ninja are one of the most popular and mysterious figures in Japanese history and culture . They were spies and assassins who used various skills and tools to accomplish their missions. They were also known for their stealth and agility.

You can become a ninja at some places in Japan, such as ninja villages, ninja museums, ninja schools, etc. You can wear a ninja costume and learn about the ninja history and secrets. You can also try some ninja activities, such as throwing shuriken (ninja stars), using blowguns, walking on water, etc.

## 10. Become a samurai

Samurai are another famous and respected figure in Japanese history and culture . They were warriors who served their lords and followed the code of bushido (the way of the warrior). They were also skilled in swordsmanship and martial arts.

You can become a samurai at some places in Japan, such as samurai museums, samurai studios, samurai schools, etc. You can wear a samurai armor and learn about the samurai history and spirit. You can also try some samurai activities, such as wielding a katana (samurai sword), performing a sword dance, fighting with other samurai, etc.

## Summary

These are the 10 amazing experiences you can only have in Japan that I recommend. Of course, there are many other wonderful experiences you can have in Japan , such as eating ramen , visiting anime shops , riding bullet trains , seeing cherry blossoms , watching sumo , etc . Japan is a country that has something for everyone , and you will never