Top 10 Things To Do in Japan 🇯🇵 | Hidden Gems You Didn’t Know Existed (2025 Travel Guide)
Welcome. As the sun rises over Tokyo, adventure awaits. From neon lit streets to peaceful temples and cherry blossoms, Japan is a land of wonder. Get ready for delicious food, new friends, and unforgettable moments. This is Hodo Ventures. Let’s explore Japan together. Our first stop is Kyoto, a city where every street feels like a living museum. Kyoto is often called Japan’s spiritual heart. Home to over a thousand temples and shrines. Don’t miss Fushimiari’s iconic red Tory gates winding their way up the mountainside. Then there’s King Kaku Ji, the golden pavilion shimmering on the surface of a tranquil pond, a vision of elegance and peace. Not far away, Ryanji’s Zen garden invites quiet contemplation. In the Geon district, you might spot a geisha gliding gracefully between tea houses. Kyoto’s food scene is a treasure. Try Yudofu, silky tofu simmered in a delicate broth. Whether you’re wandering through bamboo groves or pausing for a moment of reflection, Kyoto rewards curiosity and exploration, Tokyo, where tradition and innovation collide. From neon lit streets to peaceful gardens, Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Steps away from the futuristic pulse, find tranquil shrines. In Asakusa, the scent of incense drifts from Senoji Temple. The electric energy of Shibuya Crossing. Thousands cross in every direction. Shibuya Crossing is often called the busiest intersection in the world. Each neighborhood has its own personality. Harajuku bursts with wild fashion while Ginsza dazzles with luxury. In Akihabara, anime reigns supreme. Tokyo’s food scene is legendary. Every meal is an adventure. Try a quirky themed cafe, cat cafes, robot restaurants. Squeeze into a tiny izakaya under the train tracks. For a unique stay, check into a capsule hotel. Ancient festivals light up the streets. Chaotic, delicious, and unforgettable. After Tokyo’s energy, it’s time to slow down and let your senses rest. Imagine leaving behind the neon lights and stepping into a world of misty mountains and gentle breezes. Let’s journey to Hakonei, famous for its soothing hot springs, Onsen. Nestled among forests and with breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, the Onsen experience is more than just a bath. It’s a ritual of relaxation and respect. Before entering, you wash thoroughly, leaving behind the outside world and your worries. Yes, you bathe nude, but don’t worry, everyone is there for the same reason, to unwind and find peace. No swimsuits, no cameras, just the sound of water and the scent of minerals in the air. Step into the steaming water and feel your muscles melt. Look up. Maybe you’ll see steam rising against a backdrop of pine trees or snow gently falling in winter. Some baths offer views of Mount Fuji, others are tucked beside rivers or hidden in bamboo groves. Each onsen has its own unique charm. My tip for first- timers, go early in the morning or late at night for the most tranquil experience. Listen to the wind, the birds, and your own breath. After your soak, slip into a soft yukata robe and sip green tea in a tatami room. The world feels slower, softer, and somehow brighter. Don’t miss the local traditions. Try a kiiseki dinner, a multicourse feast that celebrates the seasons. Or sample black eggs from Oakuani said to add years to your life. Ride the Hakonei ropeway for sweeping views of volcanic valleys. Or wander through the Hakonei open air museum where art and nature blend seamlessly. Stay in a traditional Rioan Inn. Sleep on futons at top tatami mats and wake to the sound of mountain streams and the promise of another peaceful day. The onsen is a place to let go, to reconnect with nature, and to find a quiet joy in the simple act of being present. It’s an experience you’ll never forget. Time to escape the cities and breathe in the crisp fresh air of the Japanese Alps. Here, the mountains rise like ancient guardians, their peaks dusted with snow, even in late spring. The journey begins in Takayyama, a town where time seems to slow. Wooden houses line narrow streets and the scent of cedar drifts from centuries old sake breweries. Wander the morning market where local farmers offer mountain vegetables and handmade crafts. Sample fresh mochi, taste pickled vegetables, and sip sake brewed with pure alpine water. Each bite is a story, each smile a connection to the people who call these mountains home. Not far away lies Shirakawa go, a UNESCO world heritage village. Its steep thatched roof farmhouses called gasho zukuri are designed to withstand heavy winter snows. In spring, the fields glow with new rice shoots. In autumn, golden leaves blanket the valley. Spend a night in a traditional farmhouse warmed by a central hearth. Listen to the gentle sound of rain on the roof or the hush of falling snow outside. Here you’ll find a peace that city life can never offer. For adventurers, the Japanese Alps are a hiker’s paradise. Trails wind through lush forests across swaying suspension bridges and up to panoramic viewpoints where you can see clouds drifting below your feet. Kamakochi, known as the yusede of Japan, is an alpine valley with turquoise rivers and wild monkeys playing along the banks. In summer, wild flowers bloom. In autumn, the forests blaze with color. Pause at a mountain hut for a bowl of steaming sober noodles or soak your tired feet in a riverside onsen. The silence here is profound, broken only by bird song and the rush of water. The Japanese Alps reveal a wild, untamed side of Japan. Profoundly peaceful, deeply connected to nature, and stunning in every season. Whether you come for adventure or tranquility, these mountains will stay with you long after you leave. Let’s discover Hiroshima, a city that has risen from devastation to become a symbol of peace and resilience. Walking through Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, you feel the weight of history. The Abomb Dome stands as a silent witness. The Peace Memorial Museum honors those lost and inspires peace. Today, Hiroshima is a vibrant city filled with art and the spirit of its people. Take a ferry to Miaima Island and see the iconic floating Tory Gate. Hiroshima teaches us the power of hope and community. Let’s step back in time and hike the legendary Nakasendo Trail. A route once traveled by samurai, merchants, and poets during Japan’s Edo period. Winding through the scenic Kiso Valley, this ancient highway once connected Kyoto and Tokyo, linking post towns that still feel frozen in time. Start your journey in Magome, a beautifully restored village with cobblestone streets, wooden ins, and the sound of water wheels echoing through the air. As you walk towards Sumago, notice how power lines and modern signage disappear, replaced by traditional wooden houses and lantern lit alleys. The trail itself winds through lush forests, bamboo groves, and terrace rice fields with mountain views that change with every season. Along the way, you’ll cross old stone bridges and pass shrines tucked beneath ancient trees. Perfect spots to pause and soak in the quiet. Stop at a traditional tea house for a cup of free green tea. Many are run by locals who love sharing stories with travelers. If you’re lucky, you might spot a cargo, a traditional palenquin on display, a reminder of how travelers once crossed these mountains. Spend the night in a Minuku, a familyr run in where you’ll sleep on tatami mats and enjoy a home-cooked meal of local specialties. Wake up to the sound of birds and the morning mist rolling over the mountains. A moment that feels truly timeless. Tip for travelers. Pack light, wear sturdy shoes, and bring cash. Many shops along the trail don’t accept cards. The Nacasendo is more than a hike. It’s a journey through living history where every step connects you to centuries of travelers before you. Whether you walk a short section or the entire route, the memories you make here will last a lifetime. Kanazawa is one of Japan’s bestkept treasures, offering beauty and culture without the crowds. Start at Kenro and garden, breathtaking in every season. For samurai history, wander the Nagamachi district. The Higashi Chaya district is Kanazawa’s geisha quarter. Don’t miss the gold leaf shops and try gold leaf ice cream. Kanazawa is also famous for its fresh seafood. Head to Omicho Market to sample the legendary Kaisendon. If you’re looking for a place to slow down and truly connect with Japan, Kanazawa is waiting. Experience the heart and soul of Japan at a Matsuri, a traditional festival where the entire community comes alive with excitement and color. Matsuri have ancient roots, often tied to Shinto or Buddhist traditions, and are held to honor deities, mark the seasons, or celebrate local history. The air buzzes with the sound of tao drums, flutes, and laughter. Lanterns glow as dusk falls, and the streets fill with dancers, musicians, and families in Yucata. Festivals burst with color and energy. Floats, banners, and costumes create a dazzling spectacle. One of my favorite memories is joining a local summer festival where I tried my hand at carrying a makoshi, a portable shrine, through the cheering crowd. The sense of togetherness was unforgettable. Hanami in spring is a nationwide celebration under cherry blossoms where friends and families picnic beneath the blooms. In winter, Saparo snow festival transforms the city with massive ice sculptures and sparkling lights. Kyoto’s Gon Matsuri is famous for its grand floats and centuries old traditions. While Takayama’s autumn festival features ornate floats parading through historic streets. Each Matsuri has its own unique customs. Some feature lively dances, others solemn rituals, and many end with spectacular fireworks lighting up the night sky. Don’t miss the food stalls. Try takoyaki, yaki soba, grilled corn, and sweet treats like kakiori. The aroma alone is worth the visit. My tip: arrive early to watch the preparations and stay late to enjoy the lantern lit magic as the festival winds down. Whether you join the crowd, dance in the street, or simply watch the spectacle, a Japanese festival is pure joy, an experience you’ll never forget. Next, we journey to Noshima, Japan’s legendary art island. Floating in the Stoland Sea, Nashima is a living canvas transformed by imagination. Arrive by ferry and discover Yayoi Kusama’s iconic yellow pumpkin. All around you, art pops up in unexpected places. Rent a bike and explore coastal roads where sculptures blend with the landscape. Visit the Chichu Art Museum designed by Tadaw Ando. Don’t miss Beness House where you can sleep surrounded by contemporary masterpieces. The Art House Project transforms old village homes into immersive art spaces. Naima blends contemporary art with island life. Now for my absolute favorite part of any trip, the food. Japanese cuisine is a world of flavors, textures, and traditions. From bustling street markets to elegant dinners, Japan is truly a flavor journey. Every region has its own specialty. Definitely go on a ramen quest. Each bowl is a masterpiece, and every shop has its own secret recipe. Sushi is a must, of course. Make sure to visit a Depachica, the basement food halls of Japanese department stores. If you love food, Japan will steal your heart and your taste buds. So, what will you try first? What an incredible journey this has been. From Kyoto’s tranquil temples to Tokyo’s electric buzz, majestic mountains, art-filled islands, and unforgettable meals shared with new friends. But beyond the sights and flavors, it’s the moments of connection that linger. The laughter exchanged with strangers, the quiet ore in a mossy garden, the kindness of a local guiding you through a hidden alley. Japan rewards curiosity and attention to detail. Every visit teaches you something new, not just about this beautiful country, but about yourself. You learn to slow down, to notice the subtle beauty in everyday life, to appreciate the present moment. Every visit reveals something new, not just about Japan, but about yourself. The greatest souvenirs are the memories you carry. The sunrise over Mount Fuji, the taste of fresh matcha, the sound of temple bells at dusk. Treasure the Ichigo ichi. Each moment is unique. These are the souvenirs that matter. So wherever your path leads, whether it’s food, nature, art, or history, let your curiosity guide you. Be open to wonder and let Japan surprise you. What’s on your Japan bucket list? Food, nature, art, history. Drop a comment, subscribe to Hodo Ventures, and keep exploring. Until our next adventure, may you find beauty in every step, joy in every meal, and inspiration in every encounter. The world is waiting. Let’s keep wandering together. Until next time, stay curious.
Planning a trip to Japan in 2025? 🇯🇵
From ancient temples and mountain villages to futuristic cities and hidden islands, Japan is one of the most fascinating destinations on earth. This video covers the top 10 things to do in Japan, including famous spots and hidden gems most travelers miss.
Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been before — these are must-see places in Japan for a meaningful, unforgettable trip.
📍In this travel guide:
The best cities to visit in Japan
Secret spots like Naoshima, Nakasendo, and the Japanese Alps
Culture, food, onsens, and festivals
Real tips from real travel experiences
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OUTLINE:
00:00:00
A Journey Begins
00:00:18
The Soul of Kyoto
00:01:04
Tokyo’s Beautiful Chaos
00:01:55
The Art of the Onsen
00:03:48
Into the Japanese Alps
00:05:45
Hiroshima & Miyajima
00:06:16
Walking Through Time on the Nakasendo Trail
00:07:56
The Hidden Gem
00:08:28
The Joy of a Japanese Festival
00:10:10
The Art Island
00:10:47
The Ultimate Food Journey
00:11:20
The Journey Continues
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