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102 Things to do in Japan (Part 5)

posted by John Spacey, Japan Talk, April 29, 2012

41. Experience a Rush Hour Train

When you get home everyone's going to ask if you experienced a crowded Tokyo train. You might as well give it a try. The morning rush is 7 to 9 am. Get on the Shibuya bound Yamanote line train at 8:03 am at Shinjuku station and try to breath.

42. Enjoy a Bunraku Performance

Bunraku is Japanese puppet theatre. It has been performed in Japan since the 17th century. It takes decades to become a master Bunraku puppeteer (ningyozukai). The best place to see a show is the National Bunraku Theater in Osaka.

43. Shop for Otaku Stuff

Fans of Japanese pop culture and otaku will enjoy shopping in the Akihabara district of Tokyo.

44. Stay at a Japanese B&B (Pension)

Japanese pensions (B&B) offer unique accommodations (often at a fair price). It's a great way to get to know the locals.

45. Go to the Beach

Japan has many excellent beaches. They're crowded in summer. Some beaches are popular with families — others (especially well known surfing beaches) are packed with teenagers and 20-somethings.

46. Attend a Geisha Performance

The Geisha of Japan put on various performances throughout the year. For example, the Geisha and Maiko of the Pontocho Geisha District in Kyoto put on a nightly 3 week dance show every May (and have done so for 175 consecutive years). Check the Japan event schedule for dates.

47. Go to a Theme Park

Japan loves theme parks. Japanese roller coasters consistently rank with the worlds tallest, fastest and steepest. For example, the steepest coaster in the world is currently Takabisha at Fuji-Q Highland in Yamanashi prefecture (near Tokyo). Roller coasters are far more expensive to build in Japan because they need to be safe in the event of an earthquake.

48. Enjoy Japan's Snow

Several areas of Japan get more than 10 meters (32 feet) of snow annually. Japan is known for Japanese igloos (kamakura), snow festivals and the snow houses of Shirakawa-go.

49. Check out Japanese Comedy

Comedy doesn't translate well. For example, "American joke" is Japanese slang for a joke that's not funny.

It's unlikely you'll get every Japanese joke. Nevertheless, a Japanese comedy show is a recommended experience. Japan has rich comedy traditions (especially slapstick). Many (if not most) well known Japanese comedians are from Osaka. Check out a comedy show in Osaka at the Nanba Grand Kagetsu (NGK) comedy theater.

50. Try Fugu

Fugu is a Japanese delicacy that's somewhat unlikely to take your life.

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	102 Things to do in Japan The essential list that will help you make your trip to Japan an unforgettable experience.
	102 Things to do in Japan (Part 2) Japanese villages, sushi restaurants, sake, arcades, kabuki, harajuku on Sunday, sumo, snowboarding, river BBQ, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
	102 Things to do in Japan (Part 3) Fine dining, pachinko, shiatsu, temple dining, photography, concerts, izakaya, shinkansen, purikura, fish markets
	102 Things to do in Japan (Part 4) Cook your own food, baseball, drive in the countryside, ramen, music festivals, city skyline, Christmas lights, Japanese gardens, old neighborhoods, convenience stores

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