18 Recreational Activities You Can Do In Japan

Japan is known for being an exciting country filled to the rafters with informal and fun activities to try out. On top of that, a lot of these things are affordable.

There are activities designed for every kind of tourist and local! So if you’re traveling to Japan soon, here’s a list of some of Japan’s most awesome recreational activities!

1) Snorkeling and Diving

Snorkeling and diving are prevalent activities in Japan. There are many places to snorkel, dive and swim with seals. The water is clean and clear, so you can see colorful fish swimming around you and coral reefs full of sea life.

There are many great beaches in Japan, and it’s easy to find one near where you live. The water is clean, and the sand is soft. If you like swimming or surfing, there are some excellent waves at some beaches along the coast of Japan.

2) Golfing in Japan

If you’re looking for a fun, low-impact activity you can play for a lifetime, golf may be the perfect fit. People of all ages and abilities enjoy golf.

Some professional golfers compete worldwide; many recreational golfers want to enjoy 18 holes with friends.

This sport has something for everyone. Whether you want to improve your skills through practice and competition or spend time with others enjoying nature, playing golf provides an opportunity for personal growth and social interaction!

3) Hiking in Japan

Japan is a mountainous country, with its highest peak being Mount Fuji. It’s also famous for hiking, as there are plenty of trails for beginners and experts.

While hiking in Japan can be challenging, it’s not impossible; you need to know where to go and what to expect!

The best time to hike in Japan is during spring or autumn (depending on your preference) since the weather tends to be more pleasant then.

Many people say that these seasons have the most beautiful scenery as well! You will get some good exercise while admiring beautiful landscapes, and your photos will look fantastic!

Recreation activities like this are great because they allow us all to reconnect with nature while keeping things interesting by trying new things out occasionally.”

4) Onsen Bathing

Japan is famous for its onsen, or hot springs. These are relaxing and healing experiences found in many areas of Japan.

Some onsen is naturally formed, but others have been created artificially by building indoor tubs where people can bathe.

Onsen can be inexpensive, with prices varying depending on amenities and location. There are often free or low-cost options near tourist locations.

There are also mixed-gender onsen and segregated-gender ones (for men or women only).

If you visit Japan during wintertime like I did last year, consider going to an outdoor bathhouse where everyone is covered with towels, so it doesn’t matter whether or not anyone sees their body parts!

5) Fishing

Fishing is a popular pastime in Japan; people can fish on lakes and rivers across the country.

Although some types of fish are considered safe for human consumption, and others are not, you should be careful not to catch any protected or banned species in Japan.

We recommend reading up on which fish live in each body of water before heading out.

6) Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding are two popular winter sports in Japan. Skiing is a traditional sport that Japanese people have enjoyed for centuries.

It’s also likely the most expensive recreational activity on this list, as renting skis and boots, purchasing lift tickets, and paying for a ski school can quickly add up to several thousand dollars.

However, there’s another way you can enjoy the slopes without spending an arm and a leg: snowboarding!

Although snowboarding is thrilling, its greatest danger lies in falling and injuring oneself if one loses control or crashes into another person.

You may want to purchase Travel insurance, which will reimburse you for any medical expenses incurred while traveling.

If you’re looking for a fun and exciting way to enjoy the outdoors during winter, skiing or snowboarding is worth trying.

7) Horseback Riding

Horseback riding is a great way to see the countryside of Japan. Many places offer guided tours, such as on trails or a ranch where you can ride your horse. People of all ages can enjoy horseback riding!

The best way to experience horseback riding is through a guided tour because it allows you to learn about Japan’s history and culture and enjoy the ride.

8) Paragliding

Paragliding is one of many recreational activities in Japan. It has been popular for over twenty years and continues to grow. For brave enough, it may be the most exhilarating experience ever!

Paragliding is a sport that requires training, equipment, licenses, and safety precautions. You can read more about paragliding here:

9) Surfing and Paddleboarding

Many people enjoy taking the plunge at the many beaches around Japan, including the famous Kamakura beach in Kanagawa Prefecture. If you don’t have the equipment, renting surfboards or kayaks from most beaches is possible.

It’s also possible to try surfing and paddleboarding in Tokyo! There are several surf spots along the coast of Tokyo Bay.

You’ll find that there are places where you can rent boards at these locations if you cannot bring yours with you on your trip.

10) Cycling

Whether you want to cycle along the sea or in the mountains, you can find a great cycling route in Japan. There are also many places where you can enjoy cycling through green fields and hillsides.

Cycling is one of the most popular activities in Japan because it’s easy to do and doesn’t require any special equipment or training. You can rent bikes from a nearby shop or tour company, so there isn’t much of an excuse not to try this fun activity!

There are different types of routes that you could take depending on what kind of experience you want:

Cycling along rivers: Japan has many beautiful rivers and lakes you can cycle along. My favorites include the Sagano Romantic Train, which travels through the Arashiyama area of Kyoto; the Kamo River, which runs from Lake Biwa to Lake Yogo; and Shikoku’s Seto Inland Sea.

Cycling through cities: Tokyo and Kyoto are two of Japan’s most popular cities for cyclists. In Tokyo, a network of cycling routes called “Tokyo By Bike” takes you through many different areas of the city and its suburbs. I also recommend using Google Maps, an option for cycling directions.

11) Tennis/Squash/Badminton

Tennis may be your best bet if you’re looking for a way to exercise while enjoying the great outdoors.

You’ll need to sign up for lessons if you don’t know how to play, but once you’ve got your feet wet, it’s free to use these places are generally very open, so feel free to bring along friends or family members too!

If you don’t want to sign up for lessons, try bringing along a friend or family member who knows how to play. Plenty of places welcome visitors, and most hotels also have tennis courts.

12) Running and Jogging

Running is a great way to stay in shape and exercise, but finding a safe running place can be challenging. Luckily, Japan has many parks and trails perfect for running or jogging.

The Tokyo Marathon is one of the most popular marathons in the world, with over 30,000 runners participating each year.

There are also smaller races around Japan that anyone can join if they want something new!

13) Triathlon Racing

Triathlon racing is a sport that combines swimming, cycling, and running. It’s a challenging and exciting sport that requires a lot of training, but it’s also a great way to get fit, have fun, and make new friends!

Try triathlon racing with us if you’re looking for something different to do in Japan to help you meet people!

You’ll not only be rewarded with health benefits such as getting fitter physically, but your mind will also be rejuvenated with fresh air while surrounded by nature.

With other participants from all over the world at our triathlon events held in various locations around Japan, you’ll be motivated to improve yourself by giving 100% effort during practice sessions, all while having fun doing so!

14) Rock Climbing (Indoor and Outdoor)

Rock climbing is a great way to get out and enjoy the weather and is a rewarding activity for those looking for something new.

There are many options for rock climbing in Japan, from indoor climbing centers where beginners can learn techniques and team up with others to outdoor rock climbing that requires more skill and practice.

Indoor Climbing Centers:

• Shinjuku Rock Gym (Tokyo)
• Sapporo Climbing Gym (Hokkaido)

Outdoor Climbing:

• Mount Fuji (Yamanashi Prefecture)
• Mount Komagatake (Nagano Prefecture)

15) Kayaking and Canoeing

Kayaking and canoeing are great ways to see the natural beauty of Japan. You can get close to nature, exercise, meet new people, and relax simultaneously!

Kayaking is a great way to experience new things with friends or family.

There are many places in Japan to go kayaking. Some popular spots include Lake Biwa, Lake Shinji, and Lake Hamana.

16) Maiko show Performance

Maiko is apprentice geisha who wear kimono and perform a dance. They are not for everyone but can be found in Kyoto, Tokyo, and other cities.

There are some rules you should follow when visiting a maiko show.

• First, men cannot touch the performers on their arms or back (this includes a hand on the shoulder).
• Secondly, you need to pay attention because they will tell you something important at the end of the performance. In Japanese, it’s polite to bow when they do so.

It might cost extra money if you want an English translation during your visit!

17) Assist in a sumo match

Sumo matches are held each day of the year, and you can buy tickets for any of them.

Tickets cost between $20 and $150, depending on your seat location, so you can find something within nearly any budget.

To participate in a sumo match, you must arrive at least 15 minutes before the event begins and wait by the entrance gate until they let everyone in.

You should wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes covering your knees fully (considered respectful).

If you want to watch one of these events but don’t know where or when they’re taking place yet, there are several ways to find out:

• Check online for information about upcoming sumo tournaments in Tokyo or Osaka; these two cities have most of Japan’s best-known stadiums for this sport. You may also want to look into more minor games on nearby islands if you want something more personal than what’s available in big cities like these two locations provide!

18) Rent a Kimono and Assist a Matsuri

If you’ve ever wanted to experience Japanese culture like a local, this is the perfect opportunity!

You can volunteer at festivals happening all over Japan at any time of year, and it’s an excellent way to learn about your surroundings.

You might have to help set up or tear down fencing around the venue, take tickets from people who want to enter the event, and sell food or souvenirs in exchange for money.

It’s up to you how much work (or not) you want to do!

But either way, getting dressed in kimono will be fun and make everyone around love your look even more than they already do.

Conclusion

So, if you plan on visiting Japan, don’t hesitate to try one of these activities!

You’ll be surprised at how much fun you can have and how much your body will appreciate being active in such a beautiful country.