Welcome to Japan! The land of tradition interweaved with the modern comforts of society. There are skyscrapers by ancient temples, there are mountaintops and oceans, there are many restaurants and markets filled with fresh foods, and lots of activities to choose from for the perfect trip. Dive in to this guide with an open mind and take my suggestions into consideration.
1.Fighting a Retired Sumo Wrestler (Tokyo)
To begin the experience, you head to a Chanko Nabe restaurant. There the sumos explain the history, traditions, and the wrestling moves associated with their fighting form. The translator there will assist in any communication issues. You will have a chance to don a costume suit and fight the sumo wrestlers. I got enough courage to go at the end.
Afterwards, fresh hot pot, tonkatsu (Japanese pork cutlet), rice, and green tea are served for the guest. During your meal there is also a QA session with the sumos in which you can ask them anything. A guy at our table asked them how their man parts were not injured during the fight and the sumo had his mate help unwrap their loincloth to show how long and bound up it really is.
2.Dress up as a Geisha or Maiko(Kyoto)
There are multiple experiences for women and men to dress up traditional. I loved my transformation as a Maiko in Kyoto, and I learned so much from the experience. After getting greeted you are asked to remove any makeup and to dress in a robe with tabi socks. Afterwards, you choose between three poses out of an array that you would like to be positioned in.
Thereafter, a makeup artist will put wax on your face as a base and paint your face white except a couple places on the back of your neck. You will be able to choose if you would like to be the geisha (a more mature look) or a maiko (an apprentice geisha which is a softer, more innocent look.) Then they will do the rest accordingly. A black wig may be put on you to disguise any hair. You get to choose a kimono from many different options and a hair accessory to go along with it. A photographer takes your photos and they even have extra props to use for fun at the end. You wait for about 20-30 minutes and pick up your pictures. It’s a fun experience and you have a neat keepsake.
3.Traditional Ryokan and Onsen Experience (Many locations)
My favorite ryokan was a place in Hakone called Fukuzumiro. It was close to the station and had a serene river beside of it. You can buy their kaiseki dinner for 50 dollars. It is absolutely delicious, and they serve you so many courses throughout it. Every course was filled with flavor and they have a variety of alcohol to choose from if tea is not your thing. I tried sake for the first time, and I prefer it chilled. It had a smooth taste to it.
They lead you to your spacious room and will set up your chabudai (low table) for when you eat and put down your futon for later. Additionally, you get a lightweight kimono and have access to their hot springs. The public one is gender segregated and the private one is at a higher cost. I would suggest you strip down and use the public one. I was so nervous at first, but the experience made me grow more confident in myself. The onsens are relaxing and make you feel like your muscles are healing.
4. Nara Deer! (Nara obviously)
If you are in Kyoto and love animals, you need to take the train down to Nara which is about an hour away and experience the wild deer there. There are many, and you can love on them all. Buy the crackers to feed the deer, but be warned they can get aggressive when they are wanting their treats. They were pulling me in all directions trying to grab them out of my hand. The deer are said to bow if you bow to them. As a matter of fact, I tried it out and the deer do bow.
5. Capsule Hotel (Many locations)
A capsule hotel is a small room that is big enough for a bed and a tv to hang on the wall. There are lots of styles to choose from and they are cheaper compared to most hotels. There are female only capsule hotels, there are capsule hotels that are space themed, there are capsule hotels that come with onsens, there are some that have bookshelves on the outside of them, and many more. Most come with a curtain or small door to shut. They were comfy to me, however I stand at five foot three so a taller person may not agree with me. There are lockers that you put your bags in. The picture below is the female only capsule located in Akihabara. The name of the hostel is Akihabara Bay Hotel. Here is the link:
【Official site】Akihabara BAY HOTEL｜Women’s only capsulehotel (bay-hotel.jp)
6. Pet Café (Many locations)
I found an adorable bunny and otter café in Ikebukuro. You choose the time you want to spend with the animals. Then you wash your hands and put on an apron. You can buy a drink from the café too, but I passed. First, I got to play with the bunnies. They were healthy looking, and you can feed them treats and hold them. Afterwards, they took me downstairs and I saw the otters. When I first entered the room, it seemed like I was under attack, but the otters were just super playful! There are many more cafes in Japan though if you are into other animals. They range from the furry and fluffy like cats to the scaly ones like reptiles. In short, choose the one that suits you.
7.Try the Legendary Black Eggs (Owakudani)
This is a short stop if you are heading to Mt Fuji in which I highly recommend. You can take the aerial tram up there and jump off at the stop or you can do the hike. The black eggs come in packs of 5 and it is said that for every egg eaten 7 years is added to one’s life. It is worth a shot. The eggs are boiled in a hot sulfur spring. That is what makes the shell black. It is also worth stopping here to get a look at the active volcanic activity happening around you.
8.Sushi Conveyor Belt (Tokyo)
There are a couple choices in Tokyo such as Uobei or Katsumidori. You order as many plates of sushi as you like off a tablet and it comes directly down to you. It is a fun experience. How many plates can you stack?
In conclusion, no matter what you choose to do you will have a great experience in Japan.