JAPAN: 10 Unforgettable Experiences No One Tells You About!
Good day, mates. Welcome back to Should I Go? I’m your host, Jake, your resident Aussie guide with a big love for adventure. Today, we’re diving head first into Japan, a destination on nearly everyone’s bucket list. Why is Japan such a dream trip? Because it’s like nowhere else on Earth. A wild blend of futuristic cities, ancient temples, quirky culture, and natural wonders. Strap in and hit that subscribe button. Go on, I’ll wait. Because we’re counting down 10 unbelievable experiences you can only have in Japan. From geeking out in high-tech Tokyo to finding zen in a bamboo forest, I’ve got you covered. Let’s get this show on the road. Welcome to Tokyo, where stepping out of the airport feels like fast forwarding into the future. This metropolis is an electric playground that absolutely assaults your senses in the best way. Start in Shibuya Crossing, often called the busiest intersection on the planet. When the pedestrian light turns green, hundreds of people surge across from all directions in organized chaos. It’s like human confetti. Stand on the sideline once just to watch and say, “Criky, that’s bonkers.” Then dive in and join the scramble yourself. By the time you reach the other side, you’ll feel the Tokyo buzz coursing through your veins. Head over to Akihabara or Electric Town for a dose of Japan’s tech and pop culture madness. Think towering stores filled with the latest gadgets, multi-story arcades blaring retro game music, and anime shops around every corner. You can play classic Mario Kart arcade games, or wander past collectors pouring over rare manga comics, feeling peckish. How about dinner served by robots or ninjas? Tokyo has theme restaurants for just about anything. You could sip coffee in a cat cafe surrounded by purring kitties, or have a cappuccino served by a maid in a frilly costume at a maid cafe. Only in Japan, folks. And don’t forget to check out Team Lab’s digital art exhibits if you can. These interactive light shows will have you wandering through glowing neon forests and floating on a sea of reflections. It’s trippy. It’s beautiful. And it’s totally Tokyo. From Tokyo’s neon future, we slide into Kyoto’s ancient soul. Kyoto was Japan’s capital for over a thousand years, and it feels like a living museum of traditional culture. Strolling through Kyoto is the closest thing to time travel. You’ll find peaceful zen gardens, ornate temples, and geisha gliding silently down lantern lit lanes. It’s pure magic. Start your journey at Fushimi Inari Tisha, famous for its thousands of vermillion tory gates snaking up Mount Inari. Walk through this tunnel of orange arches. As you climb higher, crowds thin out and suddenly it’s just you, the whisper of the bamboo forest and maybe a curious fox or two, Inari’s messenger animals watching from the bushes. It’s otherworldly. You’ll catch yourself thinking, “Am I in a fairy tale?” That’s Kyoto for you. Each shrine gate is donated by individuals or businesses, and they create a path that feels like a sacred portal to the past. Go early in the morning light or near dusk for the most serene atmosphere and killer photos without the crowds. Kyoto is packed with UNESCO World Heritage sites, so take your pick. The King Kaku Gi or golden pavilion literally glows covered in gold leaf and reflected in a glassy pond. Bring sunglasses because on a sunny day it’s blindingly beautiful. Over at Kiomizera Temple, you can stand on a massive wooden terrace built without a single nail. How’ they do that? And gaze out at cherry blossoms or autumn leaves blanketing the valley below. If you wander into the Gon district in the early evening, you might spot a geisha or mo apprentice geisha shuffling between tea houses in full traditional attire. White makeup, silk kimono, the works. It’s like stepping into a scene from Memoirs of a geisha. Remember to be respectful if you see one. They’re living cultural treasures, not tourist attractions. [Music] Hope you’re hungry because Japan is a food lover’s paradise. Seriously, I’d go back just for the food. You’ve got worldclass cuisine ranging from high-end artistry to mouthwatering street eats that cost just a few yen. Sushi, ramen, tempura, takoyaki, okonomiyaki. Even the words are delicious. It’s a feast for all five senses. Let’s start with the obvious. Sushi. In Japan, sushi isn’t just a meal. It’s an art form. If you can splurge, sit at a sushi counter in Tokyo or Osaka and watch a master etami or sushi chef at work. With deaf hands, he’ll press vinegared rice and fresh from the sea fish into bite-sized perfection. You’ll taste sushi so fresh you’ll swear it melted like butter. But even cheap sushi in Japan, from a conveyor belt joint or a standing sushi bar in a train station, will ruin your hometown sushi for you. It’s that good. Don’t miss trying fatty tuna or uni sea urchin if you’re adventurous. And if raw fish isn’t your thing, no worries. The variety is enormous, including vegetarian sushi options and cooked eel or shrimp that will blow your taste buds away. And then there’s ramen. Ah, ramen. Japan’s soul food in a bowl. Each region has its own style. Rich porky tonkatsu ramen in Kyushu. Soy saucy shooyu ramen in Tokyo. Miso ramen up north in Hokkaido. Picture this. You’re in a tiny ramen with steamy windows crouched over a bowl of fragrant broth. You slurp those noodles loudly. It’s polite to slurp. Shows you’re enjoying it. And your eyes roll back because it’s heaven. Pro tip. Many ramen shops have vending machines at the entrance. You pop in your yen, select your ramen by pressing a button, often with pictures, and hand the ticket to the cook. It’s a quirky, efficient system that’s very only in Japan. [Music] Travel can be hectic, so how about slowing down and soaking in pure bliss? Japan’s answer to relaxation is the onsen natural hotring baths, and trust me, a long soak in geothermally heated mineral water will cure what ails you. Couple that with a stay in a rioken, which is a traditional Japanese inn, and you’ve got one of the most unbelievable stress melting experiences in Japan. First- timers, a heads up. Onsen bathing is typically naked and gender separated. Don’t be shy. The Japanese have bathed communally for centuries. And once you strip down and slide into that steaming hot water, you’ll understand why. It’s like every muscle in your body just size in relief. Onsen water is often rich with minerals like sulfur or iron, believed to have health benefits for the skin and body. Whether you visit a rustic outdoor onsen in the mountains or a modern bath house in the city, the ritual is usually the same. You rinse off and scrub thoroughly before entering the shared bath. Onsen is for soaking, not washing. Then you ease in and let the warmth seep into your bones. In winter, sitting in an outdoor onsen while snow falls around you. Absolute magic. You might even find an onsen with a view of Mount Fuji or one next to a river where you can hear the water rushing by as you soak. Now pair that with a night at a rioen. These traditional inns are all about old school Japanese hospitality known as omotinashi. Your room will likely have tatami matte flooring, smells like fresh straw sliding shoi paper doors, and a low table for tea. You’ll swap your shoes for slippers at the entrance and change into a yucata, which is a cotton robe provided by the Ryoken. And honestly, it’s as comfy as pajamas. Many Rioans have their own private onsen baths, so you can soak anytime, often with a gorgeous garden or mountain view. And then comes dinner. Oh boy. Ryukan dinners are usually kiseki, multicourse feasts that showcase seasonal and local specialties. Course after course of artfully arranged dishes might arrive. Sashimi on a bed of ice, miso glazed fish, local Wagyu beef hot pot, delicate tempura, pickled vegetables, and a subtle dessert to finish. It’s almost too beautiful to eat, but you won’t hold back because it’s honestly dectable. A kindly lady in kimono might serve you, explaining each dish with a smile. [Music] You’ve seen it on postcards, in paintings, and even in emoji form. Mount Fuji, or Fujian, is Japan’s iconic sacred mountain. And seeing it in person is a jaw-dropping moment you won’t forget. This nearly perfectly symmetrical volcano rises to 3,776 m, often capped with snow. And on a clear day, it commands the horizon like a living symbol of Japan. Catching your first glimpse of Fuji is a bit like spotting a celebrity in the wild. Is that it? And yes, it lives up to the hype. For the best views of Fujian, many travelers head to the Fuji Five Lakes area or Hakone, which is a hot spring resort region. Picture yourself on the shore of Lake Kawaguchi. At dawn, the water is still and there’s Fuji perfectly reflected cherry blossoms framing the scene in spring or bright red mamiji leaves in autumn. It’s picture perfect. Doesn’t even begin to describe it. In Hakonei, you might take a quirky pirate themed boat across Ashinino or Lake Ashi, or ride the ropeway up Mount Hakone. On clear days, Fuji will pop into view, making everyone gasp and scramble for their cameras. Pro tip: Fuji is often shy hiding behind clouds, especially in summer. Your best chance of a sighting is early morning on a clear, dry day. Winter is great for this. When you do see it, you understand why the Japanese have considered it sacred for millennia. It’s not just a mountain. It’s an inspiration. So inspirational, in fact, that there’s a famous traditional song, Fujisan, basically singing its praises. [Music] Not all unforgettable experiences in Japan are joyful. Some are deeply moving. A visit to Hiroshima is one such experience that will stay with you forever. Everyone knows the history. In 1945, Hiroshima was the first city struck by an atomic bomb. Today, the city stands as a powerful testament to peace, recovery, and hope. Walking through Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, you can’t help but feel a profound quiet. The Abomb Dome, the skeletal remains of a building near ground zero, looms as a stark reminder of what happened here. Nearby, the Peace Memorial Museum doesn’t pull its punches. Exhibits detail the events and human impact of that day. It’s heavy, yes, but so important. Outside, school children on field trips leave strings of thousandfold paper cranes as prayers for peace. An homage to Sadako Sasaki’s story, which will bring a tear to your eye if you read it. As you ring the peace bell or stand before the eternal flame of peace set to burn until nuclear weapons are abolished worldwide, you feel a collective hope that such tragedy never happens again. It’s an emotional experience, but ultimately Hiroshima today is a vibrant, friendly city. Try the local okonomiyaki afterwards. Hiroshima style adds noodles and you’ll see how life and culture have blossomed a new in this city. Not far from Hiroshima, you can lighten the mood with a visit to Miaima Island, famous for the floating Tori gate of Sukushima shrine. At high tide, the giant red gate looks like it’s hovering in the sea. One of the most photogenic spots in Japan. You’ve probably seen it on postcards. Friendly deer roam the island, and they might try to steal your map or munch on your clothes. Cheeky devils. You can hike or take a cable car up Mount for panoramic views of the Stoland Sea. Visiting Miaima after Hiroshima is like a soothing balm. Nature and beauty to remind you of the good in the world. [Music] Japan isn’t just high-tech cities and ancient culture. It’s also home to some adorable and unique wildlife experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Let’s talk about two fan favorites. The snow monkeys of Nagono and the bowing deer of N. Get your all ready. Now, travel down to Nara near Kyoto, and you’ll meet a different four-legged friend, the seeker deer. Nara was Japan’s first capital over a millennium ago. And today, it’s famous for Nar Park, where hundreds of deer roam freely among temple grounds, parks, and even the city streets. In Shinto belief, these deer are considered messengers of the gods, and they sure act like they own the place. You can buy special deer crackers, shika senbe, from vendors in the park to feed them. But here’s the best part. The deer in N have learned a trick. They bow to you to ask for food. No kidding. A deer will stand in front of you and dip its head up and down as polite as a well-mannered gentleman hoping for a cracker. It’s the most charming thing. Of course, once you whip out those crackers, politeness might go out the window, and you could suddenly have three or four deer nudging you for treats. Some might even tug at your jacket or nip at the cracker packet if you make them wait too long. A gentle reminder, huh? If there’s one thing you should time your trip to Japan for, it’s to catch one of their famous festivals or seasonal events. The Japanese celebrate the seasons like an art form, and they love a good Matsuri festival. From the ethereal beauty of cherry blossom season in spring to fiery fireworks festivals in summer, joining in these celebrations is an absolute blast and one of the most memorable experiences you can have in Japan. Or check out Gon Matsuri in Kyoto in July, one of Japan’s oldest festivals, where enormous, elaborately decorated wooden floats are pulled through downtown Kyoto accompanied by chanting and traditional music. These floats are like moving art pieces two stories tall. During Gian Matsuri’s evenings, the streets turn into a pedestrian paradise of food stalls and games. And you can try things like tayyaki, fish-shaped cakes, okonomiyaki, and takoyaki while catching performances of dance and music. In the northeast, there’s Nebuta Matsuri in Aomori featuring giant illuminated lantern floats in the shape of warriors and mythical creatures parading through the streets. Talk about visual spectacle. Even winter has its charm with events like the Saporro Snow Festival in February, where they build entire cities of snow and ice sculptures. From towering anime characters to perfectly carved replicas of famous buildings and light them up at night. Grab a hot cocoa or some hot sake and wander through a literal winter wonderland. Time to get weird and wonderful. Part of Japan’s massive appeal is all the quirky, mind-boggling stuff that you just don’t see anywhere else. It’s the country where innovation and eccentricity are on full display. And as a traveler, it’s an absolute hoot to experience. Let’s dive into a few only in Japan moments that will have you shaking your head and grinning from ear to ear. Ever slept in a capsule hotel? It’s like crashing in a sci-fi movie. Instead of a room, you get a cozy capsule just big enough for a bed and a bit of wiggle space. Slide in and you have all your controls at your fingertips. Lights, maybe a little TV and alarm. It’s strangely comfortable. Kind of like being a caterpillar in a high-tech cocoon. Originally designed for salary men who missed the last train home, capsule hotels are now super popular with travelers on a budget or anyone who’s curious. Don’t worry, there are lockers for your luggage and shared bathrooms that are usually spotless. This is Japan after all. It’s cheap, efficient, and oddly fun. You might think it’s claustrophobic, but once you’re tucked in, it feels private and safe. And in the morning, you pop out refreshed, like emerging from your personal space pod. Checked sleeping in a capsule off the bucket list. Nice. [Music] After all these epic experiences, you might be wondering what truly makes Japan so special. Here’s the real kicker. It’s the way Japan blends ancient and modern tradition and innovation so effortlessly. It’s something you feel everywhere. And honestly, it’s the reason Japan captures so many hearts. One moment, you’re in a serene 8th century shrine, listening to the bell chime in the breeze. The next, you’re charging your phone at an ultramodern cafe while a robot server brings your coffee, and it all just fits. That harmony of old and new is Japan’s true magic, and experiencing it is unforgettable. Imagine waking up in a Rioen where the morning light filters through paper shogi screens. You put on your yucata, have green tea, and bow to your host as you leave. Fast forward an hour and you’re in downtown Tokyo, zipping 40 floors up a gleaming skyscraper to an observation deck, looking down at a cityscape dotted with tiny shrines and gardens among the highrises. In Japan, cuttingedge technology lives side by side with centuries old etiquette and culture. You’ll see school kids in neat uniforms bowing to the bus driver as they are light. And that bus might have a GPS announcement system and plush heated seats. You might witness a traditional wedding at Maji Shrine with the bride in a pure white kimono. And later that day, stumble into the crazy Harajuku fashion street where youth in neon costumes and wild outfits are pushing the boundaries of style. Neither scene feels out of place. That’s just Japan being Japan. [Music] So, number one on our list isn’t a single place or activity. It’s the overall experience of Japan itself. A place where you can feel the pulse of the future and the echoes of the past at the same time. where you can find inner peace in a moss garden, then lose yourself in a high-tech shopping district an hour later. It’s this unique balance that makes every moment in Japan fascinating. Every travel destination has its highlights, but Japan as a whole is the highlight. It’s the kind of trip that changes how you see the world a little bit and definitely how you see toilets. You’ll miss those fancy beds when you leave. [Music] And there you have it, you legends. 10 unbelievable experiences in Japan that showcase why this country is on so many mustgo lists. Whether you’re in it for the food, the culture, the craziness, or the tranquility, Japan has something, actually, many things for you. So, should you go? Absolutely, yes. Japan isn’t just a trip. It’s an adventure for the soul. From the neon streets of Tokyo to the quiet temples of Kyoto, from snow monkey spas to the roar of summer fireworks, it’s a place that grabs hold of you and doesn’t let go. If you enjoyed this journey, do me a favor. Like the video and subscribe to Should I Go so you never miss out on our next crazy travel adventure. Have you been to Japan or are you dreaming of going? Let me know in the comments which experience you’d love to try first or any wild story you have from Japan. I’d really love to hear it. [Music] Until the next episode, keep exploring, stay curious, and remember, the world is a big, beautiful place full of surprises. Thanks for watching, mates. Catch you later. Sayanara.
Ever felt like you’ve only seen the touristy side of Japan? 🌸 Think again! We’re counting down 10 breathtaking hidden places in Japan that even travel guides rarely mention. From secret shrines to wild nature escapes, this engaging, curiosity-driven adventure reveals Japan’s most beautiful spots they don’t tell tourists about. 🇯🇵 Join us as we venture off the beaten path! 👀
In this 20-minute narrated countdown, Should I Go? takes you on a journey to Japan’s secret side. You’ll discover serene sites and quirky experiences that showcase a Japan beyond Tokyo and Kyoto. Each stop offers a unique adventure and cultural insight, painting a picture of Japan far beyond the usual tourist trail.
What’s in store:
Secret shrines hidden deep in misty forests, far from any crowds.
Wild nature spots with breathtaking views and tranquil vibes.
Quirky local experiences you won’t find in any guidebook.
Charming rural villages where time seems to stand still.
Whether you’re planning your Japan travel itinerary or just daydreaming about your next trip, this video will spark your wanderlust. We highlight unique things to do in Japan that most travelers miss, so you can experience the country like a savvy explorer. Get ready for an off-the-beaten-path Japan adventure that will leave you saying, “I never knew this existed!”
Enjoyed this journey? Please Like the video to show your support, comment below with the hidden gem you want to visit most (or share one we missed!), and subscribe to Should I Go? for more travel adventures every week. Your support keeps us exploring new destinations. Thank you and happy travels! 🎥✨
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