Peak season is coming to Japan and that means there’s no better time to enjoy perfect weather, autumn foliage, and a whole host of activities. Our experts have selected their Top 5 favourite things to do and see to help you make the most of your time in the Land of the Rising Sun this fall.
1. Private Tokyo Pop Culture Tour
Dive into Tokyo’s vibrant pop culture on a guided tour through three iconic neighbourhoods. Start in bustling Shibuya, home to the famous Hachiko statute and the legendary Scramble Crossing, then wander the narrow streets of Center Gai, packed with boutiques, manga cafes, and quirky sights that are perfect for selfies. Next, explore the pedestrian-friendly Harajuku and Cat Street where candy shops and colourful fashion await. Finish in Akihabara (a.k.a. Electric Town), home to electronics, anime, and gaming culture.
2. Traditional Tea Ceremony
Step into a world of serenity with a tea ceremony at a traditional Machiya townhouse. There you’ll settle onto tatami mats as your host demonstrates the art of preparing and serving tea, a ritual steeped in Zen philosophy. You’ll discover the meaning behind each graceful movement, learning about the different tools and varieties of tea, and experience firsthand how this ancient practice reflects Japanese mindfulness and hospitality.
3. Ultimate Ramen Experience
Meet your guide in Tokyo and set off to discover a highlight of the city’s food culture: ramen. One of the best places to do this is in Shinjuku where you’ll visit some of our experts’ best-loved local ramen spots, each specializing in its own style, and enjoy steaming bowls along the way. You’ll also learn about ramen’s roots as a working-class food and why these simple eateries are celebrated for their flavour over their decor. Hungry to learn more about ramen itself? Get your fill with this quick read on some of our favourite soups.
4. Performing Arts in Kyoto
Spend an evening in Gion Kobu, the city’s largest entertainment district, where you’ll witness a rich variety of Japanese performances including demonstrations of chanoyu (the art of preparing tea) and flower arrangement, accompanied by traditional Japanese music on the koto. You can also watch an ancient bugaku dance and a comedic kyogen performance, before witnessing the night’s highlight: an elegant Kyomai dance performed by maiko, who are training to become geishas and embark on careers of entertaining guests with dances and songs.
5. teamLab Planets Tokyo
And finally, our experts recommend making time for teamLab Planets Tokyo: a museum of mind-bending art installations and vast, immersive spaces. Here you’ll find immersive experiences like walking barefoot through water where colourful koi swim beneath you and transform into flowers as they go, exploring a limitless crystal universe, wandering among a floating flower garden packed with blooms, and more. With so many interactive exhibits to discover, this is more than a visit…it’s an hours-long sensory journey.
The Time is Now
From vibrant city streets to timeless ceremonies, Japan in autumn is an experience like no other. These activities are some of our favourites but there are plenty more waiting to be discovered and, with fall on the way, there’s no better time to start planning an unforgettable journey.
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Written by: The Hayes & Jarvis Team
Posted in: City slickers
Japan inspiration
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