Japan's Top Experiences: Sumo Wrestling, Temples, Cuisine, and Onsen – Lonely Planet Guide
Japan blends rich cultural heritage, stunning natural beauty, and quirky modern attractions across its compact islands—travel from Tokyo's vibrant metropolis to remote hot springs in hours. Lonely Planet, with decades of expertise, highlights the best activities and their prime locations for an unforgettable trip.
Best for sumo: Arashio Stable
The air in Arashio sumo stable is thick with humidity, emanating from the rhythmic slaps and slides across the sweat-soaked dirt ring. Rikishi (wrestlers) of all ranks—from lean teenagers to imposing seniors—glisten with perspiration. Up close, their solid builds withstand intense drills, charging and pushing massive frames across the ring.
Six Grand Sumo Tournaments occur yearly across Japan. Visit the official Japan Sumo Association website for schedules and venues (Japanese only; contact the Japan National Tourism Organization for assistance).
Best for people-watching: Harajuku, Tokyo
Anime heroes with sky-high hair, lace-laden goth Lolitas, and full-body animal costumes define Harajuku, Tokyo's epicenter of cosplay. Sundays on Jingubashi Bridge outside Harajuku Station draw cosplayers escaping rigid societal norms. Often young women finding community, it's a creative rebellion—who wouldn't want to be a fabulous warrior-princess for a day?
Pick up Metropolis Magazine, Tokyo's free English weekly, at city spots for event updates.
Best for temples: Northern Higashiyama, Kyoto
Dubbed the 'city of a thousand temples,' Kyoto boasts over 1,600 Buddhist temples and 400 Shinto shrines. Stroll the Path of Philosophy—especially during cherry blossom season—for nearby gems. Icons like gold-leafed Kinkaku-ji shine, but hidden neighborhood temples and wall-nook shrines offer serene discoveries.
Visit Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion) early to beat crowds—one of Japan's most visited sites.
Best for a night out: Shibuya, Tokyo
At Shibuya Crossing on Friday nights, waves of pedestrians flood the iconic five-way intersection. Nearby, salarymen enter convivial izakayas like Gonpachi, greeted with 'Irrasshaimase!' They order via tabletop buzzers: edamame, yakitori skewers, sashimi, braised pork, and seaweed salad, as beer loosens lively banter.
Explore Tokyo's top restaurants and bars.
Best for cuisine: Downtown Kyoto
Kaiseki-ryōri elevates Japanese cuisine with seasonal ingredients, balancing taste, texture, and beauty. Starting with colorful steamed dumplings, it unfolds in delicate courses, ending with green tea and sakura mochi. In cultural heart Kyoto, savor at specialist spots—then say 'gochisōsama deshita' ('thank you for the feast').
Kikunoi is a premier kaiseki restaurant. Learn more about Kyoto.
Best for onsen: Yunomine, Kii Peninsula
Japan's forest trails culminate perfectly in steaming onsen. The Kii Peninsula's ancient hot springs, tied to Shinto rituals, welcome pilgrims. UNESCO-listed Tsuboyu Onsen offers bathing in a historic site.
Tsuboyu sessions cost around £6 for 30 minutes. Discover the Kii Peninsula.
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