Best Unique Things to Do in Japan That You Need to Know
From racing through Tokyo in a Mario Kart to visiting an island full of cats, here’s your guide to Japan’s most unique experiences.
Japan is one of the hottest places to visit right now, like volcano-level hot!
From racing through Tokyo in a Mario Kart to visiting an island full of cats, here’s your guide to Japan’s most unique experiences.
Japan is one of the hottest travel destinations right now! Seriously, it’s on fire (like, volcano-level hot). Visit between March and May, and you’ll see the country transform into a dreamy sea of pink as cherry blossoms blanket the land. A pink wonderland? Now that’s pure magic.
So, get ready for the most ramen-tic adventure of your life in the land of anime, sushi, and delightfully weird game shows. And the best part? Jetpac is here to make sure it’s a trip you’ll never forget!
Real-life Mario Kart Racing
Ever wondered what real-life Mario Karting feels like? In Japan, you can actually live it! Grab your favorite player two and race through the streets of Tokyo, Osaka, and a few other cities, while decked out in full character costumes!
With a custom city route and all the nostalgic vibes, it’s one of the most unique things to do in Japan. Just a heads-up - you’ll need to book in advance, be at least 18 years old, and have an international driving permit. Let’s hope your real-world driving is better than in the game!
Maid Cafes
Maid cafés might sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but in Japan, they are a quirky part of modern culture. Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by cheerful maids in costume, ready to treat you like royalty, complete with cute performances, games, and even karaoke!
It might feel a little surreal at first, but once you're in, it’s like entering a whimsical alternate universe. It’s definitely one of the most unique things to do in Japan and an experience you won’t soon forget.
Cat Island
An island full of cats? Nope, you’re not dreaming! It’s real, and it’s purr-fect. In Japan, there are several “cat islands” where felines outnumber humans, and you don’t have to wait until you're 40 and single to live your best cat-lady life.
Originally brought in to control rodent problems, the cats took over, and in the cutest way possible. Today, they roam freely, nap in the sun, and charm every visitor who steps ashore. If you're a cat lover or just cat-curious, a visit to this island is a must!
Cup Noodle Museum
You're going all the way to the land where cup noodles were invented, and you're not planning to visit the Cup Noodle Museum? Well, that's a shame, especially if you practically live off them!
Located in Yokohama, this wildly fun museum dives into the rich (and slightly ridiculous) history of cup noodles, showcases thousands of variations, and features interactive exhibits, including a cup noodle park and a peek into the manufacturing process. The best part? You get to design your own cup and choose the ingredients for your very own custom creation.
Penis Festival
Every first Sunday in April, head to Kawasaki’s Kanayama Shrine for the legendary Kanamara Matsuri, affectionately known as the “Festival of the Steel Phallus.” It’s a colorful, laughter-packed celebration where giant phallic mikoshi (portable shrines), including a black iron, a wooden one, and the iconic hot-pink “Elizabeth,” are paraded through the streets!
This quirky festival began with sex workers praying for protection from STDs and has since become a fertility rite and fundraising event for HIV research. You'll find penis-shaped candies, candles, keychains, and yes, even special snacks!
Unique Vending Machine
Known as jihanki in Japan, vending machines here are on a whole other level. Forget just snacks and drinks, these machines dish out everything from hot meals and ice cream to toys, fresh eggs, and even fish. Yes, fish.
Whether you’re craving a burger at midnight or want to grab a surprise souvenir, there’s probably a vending machine nearby to satisfy your needs. With over 3.9 million of them scattered across the country, stumbling upon one of these futuristic convenience hubs is basically guaranteed.
How to make your trip better?
Use Google - Japan is packed with new and fascinating experiences at every turn. To make the most of your trip and enjoy all the unique things to do in Japan, you’ll definitely want a little help from Google, whether discovering hidden gems or navigating with Google Maps. Consider it your second-best travel buddy, just like your JetPac eSIM, which helps you explore more and waste less time getting lost.
Book in advance - if you think you’ve just stumbled upon Japan as the next big travel destination. Well, hate to break it to you, but you’re a little late to the party. Japan has been a top travel hotspot for years, and the secret’s definitely out. Popular activities often get fully booked weeks or even months in advance. Don’t be that poor soul who flies all the way there only to miss out on the experiences you were dying to try. So, book early, plan smart, and make the most of your trip!
Immortalize your adventures - Record your trip! Vlog it, Instagram it, share it with your friends, and post it on YouTube. Japan is wild, wonderful, and full of unexpected moments! Your friends and family will definitely want real-time updates on your adventures (and let’s be honest, making them a little jealous is part of the fun). So snap those pics, roll the camera, and capture every unforgettable moment!
A little extra from us (Must read!)
We did say Google would be your second-best friend, but that’s only because Jetpac is your first. After all, you can’t do any of the above without data! And guess what? We offer the BIGGEST travel eSIM data packs around. We’re talking Godzilla-sized.
Jetpac doesn’t just bring the data. It brings the best prices, too. We’ve even been crowned Travel Product of the Year. So go ahead, level up your trip and make it truly unforgettable with Jetpac in your pocket.
