Must have experiences in Japan: Kimono, Tea Ceremony, Ryokan, Onsen & MORE

Traveling to the land of the rising sun, you definitely cannot miss the traditional experiences in Japan. So, what are must things to do in japan and traditional japanese things to do in japan? Follow the article below to explore 12 must do experiences in Japan, must have experiences in Japan: Kimono, Tea Ceremony, Ryokan, Onsen and MORE!

When mentioning Japan, many people will immediately think of smart robots, bullet trains or many modern urban areas with bright lights. However, behind that glitz is a sophisticated traditional world that is still preserved through each generation. Sophisticated cuisine, solemn tea ceremony, graceful kimono or ancient temples – all create a very different Japan, slow but profound.

If you are curious about “an ancient land of the Rising Sun”, the traditional experiences in Japan below are what you should not miss. Discover now!

Must have experiences in Japan: Pound Mochi Like a Local (Osaka, Tokyo)

The bustling atmosphere, the sound of pounding, the aroma of hot sticky rice… that’s the typical moment when you participate in pounding mochi in Japan. This activity is not only an important part of the New Year, but also considered a great way to connect with the collective spirit and ancient traditions.

Traditional Mochi Pounding Experience with Tasting

In Osaka and Tokyo, you will easily find experience classes for tourists, which often include an introduction to the history of mochi, instructions on pounding techniques, and enjoying the finished mochi with toppings such as kinako, red beans, sweet soy sauce or seaweed. Each pounding movement requires rhythmic coordination, and the cheerful atmosphere will make everyone excited to participate.

Sumo Experience with Hot Pot & Mochi-Pounding in Tokyo

The tour guides are always enthusiastic to support, suitable for both adults and children. The price for a full experience usually ranges from 2,000 to 4,000 yen, or about 360,000 to 720,000 VND. This is definitely an activity you should not miss if you want to understand more about the Japanese culture of community bonding.

Participate in a Tea Ceremony (Kyoto, Tokyo)

Make Your Own Matcha with a Tea Master: Casual Tea Ceremony

Amidst the modern pace of life in Japan, the tea ceremony brings a subtle and profound silence. This is not only a way to make and enjoy green tea, but also an art of living that reflects Zen philosophy and traditional hospitality. The quiet space, tatami mats, carefully selected tea sets, all contribute to creating a complete experience for both the host and guests.

In Kyoto and Tokyo, many cultural sites open their doors to welcome international visitors to learn about the tea ceremony through detailed English instruction sessions. To discover the traditional Kyoto, join the Tea Ceremony Experience at the 100-Year-Old Machiya House in Kyoto, an old house that retains the ancient atmosphere.

Tea Ceremony, Dance and Game with Japanese Maiko

If you want a more youthful and interesting version, the Tea Ceremony, Dance and Games Experience with Japanese Maiko will definitely delight you. When attending, choose simple clothes, avoid using strong perfume and show respect to the tea maker through gestures, greetings and sincere looks.

Must do experiences in Japan: Stroll the Old Town & Take Photos with Kimono (Kyoto, Tokyo)

Wearing a traditional kimono is a great way to feel the depth of Japanese culture. Kimono is a profound spiritual symbol, each fold, color and pattern has a separate message. You will be able to choose a light yukata suitable for summer, a long-sleeved furisode, a gentle kimono komon with small patterns, or a polite montsuki for men.

In Tokyo, kimonos are especially popular when taking photos at culturally significant locations such as Sensoji Temple in Asakusa, the ancient Yanaka area, Nihonbashi Bridge, or the modern-classical scene at Koishikawa Korakuen Garden. You can easily rent a kimono at Kimono Miyabi near Asakusa Station, which offers a full range of kimonos and accessories.

Kyoto Kimono & Yukata Rental Experience & Japanese Style Makeup & Photo Shoot (Ookini Kiyomizu Temple Main Store)

In Kyoto, the kimono wearing experience becomes even more poetic when you stroll around the streets of Gion, the old streets of Sannenzaka – Ninenzaka, the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kiyomizu-dera Temple, or along the banks of the Kamogawa River in the evening. A great suggestion is the service at Ookini Kiyomizudera, which offers kimonos, Japanese-style makeup, and professional photography services.

Tokyo Asakusa Kimono&Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Asakusa Station

When wearing a kimono, be sure to wrap the hem from left to right, keep a straight posture, walk lightly, and don’t forget to combine it with tabi socks and geta clogs. Kimono rentals typically range from 4,000 to 8,000 yen (about 720,000 to 1,450,000 VND), making them suitable for both a quick day trip or a professional art photo shoot.

Stay at a Ryokan and bathe in a traditional onsen (Hakone, Kusatsu, Beppu)

If you’re looking for a truly Japanese experience, try a night at a ryokan and soak in the natural hot springs of an onsen. A ryokan is a traditional inn with tatami mats, futon beds, and an exquisite kaiseki dinner. Upon entering, you’ll be dressed in a yukata, drink hot tea, and listen to the peaceful sounds of a Japanese garden.

Towns like Hakone and Kusatsu are famous for their top-quality natural hot springs. At Yumoto Onsen Tenseien in Hakone or Ryokan Yoshinoya Kusatsu, you can enjoy both outdoor onsen and peaceful natural scenery. And if you visit Beppu, don’t miss the six-day Kyushu tour, which combines culture, nature and relaxation.

[Chinese and English Guide] One-Day Tour of Six Scenic Spots in Kyushu Fukuoka and Beppu…

The average price for a night at a ryokan with dinner and breakfast is usually from 15,000 yen per person (about 2,700,000 VND), depending on the location and room type. When staying at a ryokan, please take off your shoes before entering the room, do not make noise in the common area and follow the onsen bathing rules to respect others!

Learn to Make Traditional Wagashi (Kyoto, Osaka)

Wagashi are traditional Japanese sweets, often handmade to express the beauty of the four seasons and profound spiritual values. The small, delicate cakes often appear in tea ceremonies, festivals and occasions to entertain guests. Making wagashi requires meticulousness and observation, because each cake is small and has many small details.

In Kyoto, join a class near Fushimi Inari, learn about the history of wagashi, and shape each petal from white bean paste yourself. If in Osaka, try a traditional wagashi making class. The artisan will guide you step by step to complete two cakes themed on the four seasons and the colors of the Heian period.

Traditional Japanese Sweets Making Workshop in Osaka

After finishing, you will enjoy the results with a cup of warm tea. The class is usually held in English, and the number of participants is limited to maintain an intimate atmosphere. The common cost is from 4,000 to 6,000 yen (equivalent to about 720,000 to 1,090,000 VND), suitable for both beginners and those who love traditional beauty.

Experience Japanese Calligraphy (Tokyo, Osaka)

You don’t need to know Japanese to feel the quiet beauty of calligraphy through each slow ink stroke on washi paper. In the world of Shodō, each stroke is not simply a letter but an expression of the inner self, of the present moment. In Tokyo or Osaka, you will participate in a calligraphy class guided by artisans, starting with how to mix ink, hold the pen, hold your breath and find a balance between mind and movement.

Tokyo: Calligraphy Workshop & Original T-Shirt Creation

The class usually begins with an introduction to the history of calligraphy from the Heian period to the present, followed by practice with basic kanji or kana. Classes are usually small, which helps increase interaction and concentration. Prices range from 3,000 to 5,000 yen, equivalent to about 540,000 to 900,000 VND, and are completely suitable for beginners.

Learn Japanese calligraphy and Zen while wearing a kimono

Some classes also incorporate tea ceremony, helping you relax your mind after completing your first work. This is a gentle meditative experience, revealing the depth of Japanese culture that you will hardly forget.

Experience Making Japanese Swords (Osaka)

Instead of just admiring sharp katanas in glass cabinets, in Osaka, you can completely forge a sword yourself under the guidance of a traditional blacksmith. Sakai City, less than an hour away from central Osaka, is famous for its knife and sword making techniques that meet practical standards.

Here, visitors can visit the blacksmith workshop, learn how to choose tamahagane steel, use hammers to shape and sharpen the blade. The feeling of each hammer strike on the red-hot steel is certainly an unforgettable experience, providing an insight into the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship. The cost of the experience usually ranges from 20,000 to 30,000 yen (equivalent to 3.6 to 5.4 million VND), including all materials and instructions.

Visit a Certified Swordsmith and Make Your Own Samurai Knife

After completing, you can also take the work home as a meaningful gift. If you are passionate about traditional Japanese culture, do not miss the tours that combine tea ceremony and swordsmanship such as the Standard Sword Forge Experience and Samurai Sword Making, which are highly appreciated by many international tourists.

Learn Ninja and Samurai Techniques in Japan (Nikko, Tokyo)

No longer just characters on the screen, ninjas and samurai in Japan can completely “come to life” through real-life experiences at Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura and Samurai Ninja Museum Tokyo. At Nikko, you can wear ancient costumes, practice throwing darts, explore ninja houses with rotating walls and secret passages. To fully immerse yourself in the role, you should rent kimono or battle costumes right in the park.

Edo Wonderland Nikko Edomura Ticket

In Tokyo, the Samurai Ninja Museum will give you the opportunity to experience swordsmanship and real-life fighting skills training. When participating, you should mute your phone and limit filming unless allowed, because some performances are seriously simulated according to tradition. In particular, listen and respond politely when instructed because that is the way to show respect in the samurai spirit.

Attend Japanese Traditional Festivals (Kyoto, Tokushima, Aomori)

Across Japan, hundreds of festivals are held each year to honor local gods, mark the harvest season, or reenact historical events. Each region has its own unique festival identity. In Kyoto, Gion Matsuri lasts the entire month of July, with giant floats and colorful parades through the old streets. Also in Kyoto, Jidai Matsuri in October takes spectators on a journey through over 1,000 years of history in dynastic costumes.

Samurai and Ninja Experience at the Samurai & Ninja Museum in Tokyo

Moving south, Awa Odori in Tokushima is an opportunity to join thousands of people in lively folk dances to the rhythm of drums each August. In the north, Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori is a stunning event with giant lanterns shaped like warriors and fire dragons being carried around the streets at night.

Zen-Style Temple Meditation (Kyoto, Tokyo)

In contrast to the bustling atmosphere of the festival, the Zen temple meditation experience offers a spiritual calm amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life. In Kyoto and Tokyo, many ancient Zen temples open up opportunities for visitors to practice zazen in a quiet space with Zen monks. Under soft lighting, you will be guided to keep your back straight, breathe deeply, relax your mind and connect with yourself in every moment.

Tokyo Zen Meditation at Private Temple with Monk

Some programs include tea ceremony or shakyo, bringing an experience that is both relaxing and spiritually meaningful. If you want a more complete experience, book the Zen Meditation Experience at Tokyo Temple with a monk or join the Garden and Mindfulness Meditation Tour at Kyoto Zen Temple, combined with a kimono rental service to both feel the classical beauty and easily take many photos with Japanese style.

Visit the Peaceful Ancient Villages (Shirakawago, Takayama)

Although known as one of the most developed countries in Asia with advanced technology, Japan still retains its nostalgic old corners through ancient villages that are almost completely preserved. Scattered among mountains, valleys or beside peaceful streams, these ancient villages not only have profound cultural values ​​but also become ideal destinations for you to seek tranquility and experience true “healing”.

Among them, Shirakawago and Takayama are two outstanding destinations, attracting visitors with their traditional beauty and peaceful, picturesque space. Shirakawago stands out with its gassho-zukuri thatched roofs shaped like praying hands, both unique and sturdy against the harsh climate. In winter, the whole village is covered in white snow, lit up at night with warm yellow lights, creating a fairytale-like scene.

One-Day Bus Tour from Nagoya to Gujo Hachiman, Takayama & Shirakawa-go

Takayama is a once-prosperous merchant town, with traditional wooden houses, sake breweries and quaint souvenir shops lining the narrow streets. You can take a leisurely stroll, visit a small teahouse, or tour the old houses that are open to visitors. Takayama’s charm lies in its quiet, rustic feel, reminiscent of a simpler Japan.

Watch Sumo Wrestling or Join a Morning Training Session (Tokyo, Osaka)

Sumo is Japan’s iconic and national sport. Matches last only seconds but involve years of training and deep traditional rituals. In Tokyo or Osaka, you can watch major tournaments in grand arenas like the Kokugikan, or try the more unique experience of watching wrestlers practice in the morning at a sumo stable.

In a quiet space, wrestlers practice their techniques, endurance and attitude, under the strict supervision of coaches. Visitors are required to dress politely, keep absolutely silent and not leave their seats without permission. The training session can last 2 to 3 hours and is usually not open to the public, so it is best to book in advance through experienced tour guides.

Tokyo Sumo Wrestling Tournament Tour

You can book Tokyo Grand Sumo Tournament Tickets to experience the passionate atmosphere at the arena, or if you are in Osaka, SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA in Osaka will be an attractive choice. In addition, do not forget to enjoy chanko nabe, the wrestlers’ signature hot pot, at restaurants run by former wrestlers, to fully feel this cultural journey.

Among the myriad of modern options, traditional experiences always hold their own charm, bringing you to the depth of Japanese culture and soul. A quiet moment with a cup of tea, a leisurely walk through an ancient village, or overflowing emotions during cultural festivals will definitely bring you many unforgettable memories. If you are planning an upcoming trip, don’t forget to spend time experiencing many of these old but attractive things.

Pack your bags and go on a “healing” trip with traditional experiences in Japan right now!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to and from Tokyo you can refer to

• Mt Fuji & Hakone Day Tour: Lake Ashi & Ropeway Day Trip from Tokyo
• Nikko Cultural Day Tour from Tokyo
• Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48, or 72 Hours)
• Shuttle Bus Transfers (One Way/Round Trip) from Shinjuku/Ikebukuro to Tokyo Disneyland or Tokyo DisneySea
• Tokyo Disney Resort Park Ticket
• Klook Pass Greater Tokyo
• SHIBUYA SKY Ticket
• Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter Ticket
• Skyliner Narita Airport Express Ticket
• TeamLab Planets Ticket
• TOKYO SKYTREE® Ticket
• Limousine Bus Narita or Haneda Airport to Tokyo
• Skyliner Narita Airport Express With Tokyo Subway Ticket
• JR Tokyo Wide Pass
• Sky Hop-on and Hop-off Bus Pass
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (JP Airports Pick Up) for Japan
• JR Pass for Whole Japan (7, 14, or 21 Days)

Are you looking for more Tokyo travel guide and top things to do in Tokyo: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Tokyo itinerary 3 days — What to do in Tokyo in 3 days?