Japan surprised me in the best ways. It wasn’t just the neon-bathed streets, flavors, or the flawless hospitality—it was how deeply everything is rooted in intention, tradition, and care. From the stillness of a tea ceremony to the electric energy of a sumo stadium, every experience was memorable and lived up to my hopes and expectations for this trip.

As a travel advisor of 10+ years (plus having visited over 20 countries), I can say without a doubt that if you’re someone who values meaningful travel—travel that opens your eyes and gives you a lot to think about—then experiencing Japanese culture should absolutely be on your radar.

This article scratches the surface of what’s possible on a trip to Japan. Whether you’re dreaming of ancient traditions, hands-on creativity, or food that tells a story with every bite, Japan offers the kind of richness that deserves to be planned for with care. Below, you'll find ideas to inspire your own Japan travel itinerary—curated, intentional, and unforgettable.

Hi, I’m Whitney! I am the principal travel advisor and founder of Undiscovered Sunsets, connecting curious, open-minded travelers to experiences around the world. We plan travel a little differently here—we let your passion & purpose shape the trip. Say “goodbye” to generic guide books and checklists and plan your next trip with professionals who can open up the world in unexpected ways.

Japanese Culture: A tapestry found nowhere else

Japan is one of the most unique cultures I have ever experienced in my travels, offering such authentic experiences. What I mean by that is there are countless experiences you can only find in Japan.

Take sumo wrestling, for example. Standing in that arena, feeling the floor shake as these athletes collide with ceremonial precision—it's something that exists only here. Or the mysterious Geisha culture, with its centuries of tradition and artistry that I was fortunate enough to glimpse during my visit.

Even staying at a ryokan became part of the cultural immersion. Tatami mat floors, sliding paper doors, and the ritual of removing shoes, wasn't just accommodation—it was stepping into a living tradition. The kaiseki meal we enjoyed there (and all of the food, for that matter!) showcased Japanese culinary artistry.

What fascinates me most is how singular these experiences are. If you want to witness a sumo match or meet a Geisha, you simply must come to Japan. This country still stands out as a unique, singular culture and destination for which there is simply no substitute anywhere else in the world.

These are the kinds of experiences that make a Japan travel itinerary truly unforgettable.

Experiencing Japanese Culture with a Geisha

Speaking of unique…of all my travels around the world, my private evening with a geiko in Kyoto stands as one of the most unique experiences I've ever had, allowing me to “peek” into an ancient cultural tradition that still inspires Japanese women even today.

While most people outside Japan know them as "geisha," in Kyoto specifically, they are known as "geiko" (pronounced gay-ko). These Kyoto geiko are considered especially prestigious within Japan. We also met a "maiko" (my-ko), which is a geiko-in-training.

What fascinated me was learning about the journey to becoming a geiko. The maiko we met was just 16 years old and had left her family during high school to pursue this path. When I asked how she made such a significant decision, she explained that she had visited Kyoto on a school trip, met a maiko, and became interested in the culture. (Her family is very supportive of her choice!) It takes approximately five years to learn all the skills necessary to become a full geiko.

Before this experience, I wasn't entirely sure what to expect. What I discovered is that geiko culture is very much about entertainment, but with extraordinary refinement. They play traditional Japanese musical instruments (including one that resembled a small, unique type of banjo), sing, dance, and even play “drinking” games. I'm proud to say I actually beat both the geiko and maiko, which they said was quite unusual!

What I found particularly interesting is that while geiko are very much a part of Japanese cultural heritage, this type of experience remains somewhat exclusive even for Japanese locals. For the average Japanese person, spending an evening with a geiko is still quite special and not an everyday occurrence.

It was just two hours of my life, and I certainly can't claim to understand everything about this centuries-old tradition, but it offered a fascinating glimpse into a world that exists nowhere else. Without question, it was one of the most unique cultural experiences in Kyoto and one of the most meaningful ways of experiencing Japanese culture.

two photos from Japan, a bamboo field and geisha

Sumo Wrestling in Japan: An authentic cultural experience you won’t forget

There’s something electric about being inside a sumo stadium in Japan. You can feel the energy of the locals and how excited they are. They know the wrestlers’ names, wave flags for their favorites, and cheer with full-hearted passion. What struck me most was how local the experience felt—less than 5% of the crowd were tourists! This isn’t a performance curated for visitors; it’s an authentic Japanese experience deeply rooted in tradition.

There are six official sumo tournaments in Japan each year, each lasting 15 days and held in different cities across the country. If attending a live sumo match is on your list, we’ll help you plan around the dates and locations. It’s not something you can just stumble upon. You need to align your trip with the tournament schedule to make it happen as part of your Japan travel itinerary.

Each sumo wrestler, known as a rikishi, competes in one match per day. Over the course of the 15-day tournament, their ranking depends solely on their win-loss record from previous bouts; no hype, no endorsements, just performance. And while the matches themselves often last only 30 seconds to a minute, the ceremony and preparation leading up to them is a performance in its own right.

The goal of the match is simple: force your opponent to step outside the ring or touch the ground with any part of their body other than their feet. When that happens, the bout is over, and a winner is declared.

What makes this such a memorable cultural experience is how deeply personal it felt for the Japanese audience. Every local guide we spoke to was thrilled we were attending. Some even told us they had never seen a match live themselves—they’d grown up watching sumo on television but hadn’t yet made it to a tournament in person. That’s how special it is.

If you’re interested in traditional Japanese sports or are looking for a unique cultural activity in Japan, a sumo wrestling match is absolutely worth adding to your itinerary. It’s not about understanding all the rules so much as it's about witnessing a living tradition, being part of the local crowd, and experiencing Japanese culture in a way you truly can’t find anywhere else in the world.

Planning tip: if you want to attend a grand sumo tournament in Japan, let’s make it a priority in your Japan travel itinerary. These events happen only at specific times and places throughout the year, and tickets can sell out quickly—especially toward the end of the 15-day stretch.

Traditional Art in Japan: Where broken things become beautiful

One of the most meaningful moments of my trip was sitting down to practice kintsugi—the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with gold. It’s not just a craft; it’s a philosophy. At its heart, kintsugi teaches that broken things can be mended in a way that honors their history, making them even more beautiful than before.

While the hands-on experience itself was meditative and memorable, it was the story behind the technique that stayed with me. There’s something incredibly moving (that resonates far beyond pottery!) when you embrace imperfections instead of hiding them.

This kind of artisanal workshop in Japan is an eye-opening way to engage with the artisanal part of Japan’s culture. Plus, you take home a unique souvenir: something you’ve made yourself, shaped by your own hands, and grounded in centuries-old wisdom.

If you’re interested in local craftsmanship and traditional art in Japan, I’d also recommend the region of Kanazawa. It’s a fantastic alternative to Japan’s major cities, especially for travelers looking to slow down and connect more deeply with the creative soul of the country. Kanazawa is known for gold leaf artistry, wood carving, and intricate ceramics, all of which can be explored through hands-on workshops or artisan visits.

These traditions aren’t frozen in time—they’re vibrant pieces of traditional art in Japan still practiced and passed down. For travelers who want a more hands on way of experiencing Japanese culture, learning a traditional Japanese craft offers a beautiful way to connect with the country’s artistic side.

two photos of food in Japan, mochi and noodles

Food in Japan: Every meal tells a story

If there’s one thing I can promise about traveling to Japan, it’s this: every single meal will be exceptional. From elegant, multi-course kaiseki dining rooted in seasonality to a humble bowl of noodles at a local counter, experiencing Japanese culture through food is something truly special.

At the high end, Japan is home to one of the highest concentrations of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. But even casual spots impress, whether it’s a perfectly crisp tonkatsu, mochi from a family-run sweets shop, or a bento box from a convenience store (that somehow still tastes gourmet!)

And then there’s the ramen…nothing like the version you’ve tried back home. Each bowl is layered with complexity, especially in the broth—arguably the soul of the dish. The base, called dashi, is typically made with dried fish, seaweed, and mushrooms, and provides umami depth across Japanese cuisine. Every region offers its own take, and every shop has its signature twist. That’s why you see people’s Japan trip photos featuring a lot of ramen, not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s different every time.

Whether you’re a fine dining enthusiast or a curious traveler chasing flavor, traditional Japanese food is a journey in itself. Include it in your Japan travel itinerary, and you’ll quickly see that experiencing Japanese culture starts on the plate.

Your Japan Adventure Awaits

What I’ve shared are just glimpses of what makes Japan extraordinary. Every trip here can be completely different depending on the seasons, your interests, and how deeply you want to immerse yourself. Whether you're chasing flavors, art, or tradition, there's no wrong way of experiencing Japanese culture. That’s why we curate itineraries based on your interests and passions. I never plan the same trip twice.

If you're ready to explore traditional art in Japan, dine in seasonally inspired restaurants, and/or witness cultural traditions that feel sacred and alive, let’s make it part of your Japan travel itinerary. This is a destination that rewards curiosity, honors craftsmanship, and invites you to slow down and be present—ready to experience it for yourself?

Undiscovered Sunsets was a long time in the making, even if I myself didn’t realize it. During my time at the University of Northern Iowa, I studied abroad in New Zealand. Upon graduating, I bought a one-way ticket to France, lived with a French family and studied with classmates from Turkey, China, Russia, Germany, Italy, and everywhere in between. In 2010 I began teaching English as a foreign language. This job quickly took me to China, where English teachers were in high demand and within three years, I began working in a 5-star hotel, speaking Mandarin throughout most of my day. In total, I lived abroad for 7 years.

I consider Undiscovered Sunsets to be the perfect mélange of my personal experience traveling the world and my professional experience working in the hospitality industry.

I look forward to designing your next adventure!

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