What to Do in Japan: First-Time Visitor Guide (2025)

What should you do in Japan? Visit Tokyo, eat ramen and sushi, go to an izakaya, visit a konbini (convenience store), take the shinkansen to Kyoto, and try an onsen. This is the definitive guide for first-time visitors to Japan.

What to Do in Japan: The Top 10

1. Visit Tokyo — Start here. Tokyo is the gateway. 3–5 days minimum.

2. Eat ramen — Tokyo has the best ramen in Japan. Go to a local shop, not a chain.

3. Go to an izakaya — Japan's greatest social invention. Part pub, part restaurant. Essential.

4. Visit a konbini — A Japanese convenience store (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) is unlike anything in the West. Your first stop.

5. Take the shinkansen — Bullet train to Kyoto. 2.5 hours. Book ahead.

6. Visit Kyoto — Temples, traditional streets. Different from Tokyo. 2–3 days.

7. Try an onsen — Hot spring bath. Know the etiquette. Do it.

8. Eat sushi — Tokyo sushi is the best. Standing or counter.

9. Walk Shimokitazawa — Tokyo's most interesting neighborhood. Vintage, bars, cafes.

10. Get a Suica or Pasmo card — IC card for trains. Works everywhere.

What to Do in Japan: Tokyo vs Kyoto

Tokyo — Modern, dense, food, nightlife, neighborhoods. Stay longer.

Kyoto — Temples, traditional, slower. More touristy but worth it.

Both — 5–7 days in Tokyo, 2–3 in Kyoto. Take the shinkansen between them.

What to Do in Japan: Practical Tips

Get a Suica or Pasmo — At the airport. Use for trains, buses, convenience stores.

Visit a konbini first — 7-Eleven ATMs accept international cards. Get cash.

Learn basic phrases — "Sumimasen" (excuse me), "Arigatou" (thank you). Goes far.

Don't tip — Not expected. Can be awkward.

Use Google Maps — Works for trains. Japan Travel app for shinkansen.

What to Do in Japan: What to Skip

Robot Restaurant — Expensive, not representative.

Overcrowded temples at peak hours — Go early or late.

Trying to do too much — Japan rewards depth. Pick fewer places.

Assuming you need Japanese — You don't. Point, nod, smile.

FAQ

What should I do first in Japan? Visit a konbini (convenience store). Get onigiri, use the ATM, see what Japanese retail looks like. Then eat ramen.

What are the best things to do in Japan? Visit Tokyo, eat ramen and sushi, go to an izakaya, visit a konbini, take the shinkansen to Kyoto, try an onsen. Skip most tourist attractions.

How many days do I need in Japan? Minimum 7 days. 10–14 days is ideal for Tokyo + Kyoto + day trips.

Do I need to speak Japanese? No. Basic phrases help. Pointing works. Tokyo is used to English.

What is the best food in Japan? Ramen, sushi, izakaya food, konbini onigiri. Start with ramen.

Is Japan expensive? Tokyo can be. Ramen ¥800–¥1,200. Izakaya ¥3,000–¥5,000 per person. Konbini is cheap. Budget ¥5,000–¥10,000 per day for food.