32 Things to Do and See on Your First Trip to Japan

More and more travelers are landing in Japan and while everyone has their personal sightseeing priorities, including as many of the following 32 experiences will go a long way towards having a well-rounded first trip to the Land of the Rising Sun.

You'd be hard-pressed to find a summit more synonymous with its homeland than Mount Fuji. This mountain has been the stuff of legend and artistic inspiration for ages and admiring it with your own eyes should be a priority on your first trip to Japan. Hike to the top to watch a sunrise, hole up in the nearby resort town of Hakone, or just hope to get lucky and spot its snow-capped peak from the window a bullet train.

In theory, you could have a wonderful visit to Japan without ever stepping foot in Tokyo. But not on your first trip. Feeling the buzz of the country's cosmopolitan capital is compulsory and the city will provide a continual stream of "pinch-me" moments.

All Japanese cities are made-up of interesting neighborhoods, but Tokyo takes the cake. Asakusa-home to the famous Sensoji Temple and rickshaw-filled streets-is often held up as the most "traditional", Ginza is well known for its glamour, Akihabara is a paradise for gamers and Roppongi is an art-lovers retreat. This is to say nothing of the nightlife of Shinjuku or street fashion of Harajuku. Find your favorite and then take a deep dive for a day.

If you are planning on visiting more than one location in Japan then it is almost a guarantee that a Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass) will save you money. The passes come in seven, fourteen, and twenty-one-day varieties and allow passengers to essentially ride as much as they would like during the period of validity. Besides the financial savings, the ability to just stroll into the station and grab the next train (reservations may be necessary during peak times) is priceless.

Even if you aren't big into coffee back home, a visit to a traditional Japanese coffee shop called a kissaten will be an utter delight.These shops offer both a step back in time (many have retained the same interior design full of dark woods and trinkets for decades) and the opportunity to catch your breath over a mug of meticulously-brewed and perfectly-poured coffee. You will find these humble establishments all over Japan; just keep an eye out for the unassuming signs advertising coffee on the sidewalk.

Kyoto is widely considered to be the most historic city in Japan and no inaugural visit is complete without a stop here. Follow in the footsteps of the geisha in the Gion district, take in the view of the city at the Kiyomizudera Temple and get mesmerized by the glittering Golden Pavilion (Kinkakuji Temple) all before passing under the thousands of atmospheric torii gates at the Fushimi Inari Shrine.

You don't have to be a fanatical foodie to know that Japan is the land of sushi. From boutique establishments that will blow your mind-and your budget- to cheap and cheerful conveyor belt spots better than you ever imagined they could be for the price: it's all here. Start practicing your chopstick skills before you board the plane because you're gonna need 'em.

While sushi is certainly the superstar poster child for the national cuisine, many food experts regard Japan as the finest destination in the world for food, period. When it comes to land-based delicacies, you will certainly want to sample some of the mouthwatering, marbled Wagyu Beef, but you may be surprised to learn that pork is actually the most popular meat in Japan. Most famously, you'll find it stuffed into gyoza dumplings and swimming in a bowl of meaty tonkotsu ramen.

And the fruit and vegetables are something to behold as well, with nearly every region of Japan taking pride in their local crop. Highlights include yuzu, the purple sweet potato and white strawberry.

Sports are a big deal in Japan and the most popular one is easily baseball. If you are visiting during the season (spring-autumn), watch a game to see how our pastime is played on the other side of the Pacific. Other great ways to experience this slice of Japanese culture would be to attend a sumo tournament or see a soccer game.

The allure of a meticulously landscaped "Japanese Garden" is known the world over and you just can't come here without strolling through at least one of these pretty-and-peaceful places. Some of the top ones in the country are Kenrokuen in Kanazawa, the Korakuen Garden in Okayama and the serene rock gardens of the Ryoan-ji Temple in Kyoto.

You will find a stamp and corresponding ink pad hiding near the entrance-or behind the ticket counter-of many tourist attractions in Japan. Collecting "eki stamps" started as a craze for train aficionados (fans would collect a stamp at each station they visited) but has now spread to the general population. Bring a blank notebook with you or buy one at a stationery store in Japan in order to collect as many of the free, scavenger hunt-style souvenirs as you can.

Karaoke is Japan's gift to the world of nightlife and you must spend at least one night belting out the hits. Luckily, no matter where you are in the country, you are never far from a Karaoke establishment. They aren't "bars" per se, more like buildings full of private boxes where customers can sing while simultaneously feasting on drinks and snacks. You typically pay per half-hour and are required to buy a drink, but keep your eyes peeled for all-you-can-sing (and drink) deals.

You've probably watched them frolicking on TV or online, so it would be rude not to swing by and see these mischevious macaques for yourself. The Jigokudani Monkey Park is located in Nagano Prefecture, not far from the spa towns of Shibu and Yudanaka. While you could visit them on a day trip from further afield, it's best to stay the night in one of the resort towns for a more relaxed experience.

Castles? In Japan? Absolutely. These former strongholds may vary wildly in appearance from their fairytale counterparts in Europe-think dramatic peaks and roofs covered with intricate tiles-but they can more than hold their own in the beauty department. Matsumoto Castle, Nagoya Castle, Himeji Castle and Osaka Castle are four prime examples.

Beauty products. Booze. Electronics. Groceries. Gifts. You can find almost anything under the sun at Don Quixote, a beloved Japanese megastore that has to be seen to be believed. Don't be surprised if you get pleasantly disoriented discovering all the unique products for sale-including an array of "only in Japan" Kit-Kat flavors. They are crazy for Kit-Kats in Japan with just a few of the always-rotating roster of fun flavors including wasabi, strawberry and sake.

Odds are strong that you will have heard of sake before, but have you sampled, much less savored this revered rice-based spirit? Sake is ubiquitous in Japan, with each variety differing from the next in flavor profile (everything from fruity to dry notes) based on where and how it was produced. Dive right in at one of the scores of sake bars, which will often have tasting menus available.

Start with sake but then slide your way to Umeshu (a heavenly liqueur made from plums) Calpis Sours (a milky-yet-refreshing Japanese soft drink spiked with booze) and a host of canned Highballs. And then there is the beer: big names include Sapporo, Kirin, and Asahi, which have a knack of tasting especially delicious on draft at izakayas.

The izakaya is the Japanese equivalent to the corner bar and these unpretentious watering holes are the place to go to truly get an insight into Japanese nightlife. They will also usually offer a simple menu of finger foods and yummy yakitori. Polish up your basic Japanese and stroll through the door, you won't regret it.

If alcohol isn't your thing or you just decide to take a day off the sake, then turn your attention to Japan's favorite beverage: tea. Various types of green tea are ubiquitous here with powdered matcha being put into everything from cakes to ice cream.

Shrines of all sizes and shapes can be found in Japan and almost every one of them offers serenity and the chance for quiet contemplation. Shinto is the most popular religion in Japan, and all over the country, you'll find tiny Shinto shrines tucked away in neighborhoods or famous shrines like the "floating" shrine of Itsukushima.

Buddhist shrines and temples are also very common, with two of the most notable being the aforementioned Kinkakuji Temple and Kiyomizudera Temple in Kyoto.

The "knights" of ancient Japan, samurai have captured the world's imagination. Many cities (most notably Kakunodate & Kanazawa) have historical districts full former samurai residences. Equally as fascinating are the geisha and many former geisha districts can be visited in Japan. In Kyoto, geisha still serve as hosts of dinner parties for discerning customers.

Ryokans are traditional Japanese inns where guests are lavished with excellent service and fed like kings. Staying in one should be a top priority as they offer a chance to relax and experience true Japanese hospitality. A sensational multi-course meal called a kaiseki will typically be served.

This dramatic brand of traditional Japanese theater should be high on your list. The costumes and flair of the performers are enough to make the hair stand up on the back of your neck and you'll leave the venue with a new appreciation for this truly unique style of performance.

Osaka is the other metropolis that will ensure your maiden trip is marvelous. It has all the excitement of Tokyo but on a slightly smaller scale. From the buzz of the Dotonbori district to the old school charm of Shinsekai, this town will keep you on your toes.

It is also regarded as the place to go if you just want to eat, eat and eat some more. Local dishes include takoyaki (battered balls of squid) and Okonomiyaki-a griddled pancake that must be tasted to be believed.

Before it ever gets to your plate, much of Japan's catch passes through a fish market. The most famous one is the Tsukiji Market in Tokyo but you can get a similar experience-with fewer crowds-at Omicho Market in Kanazawa and the Nishiki Market in Kyoto.

Art occupies a special place in Japanese culture and appreciating native works is a unique experience. While in Tokyo, head to Naoshima Island, which offers galleries, unique installations and stunning views of the sea.

These aren't your mom and dad's photobooths. Stopping by a Japanese arcade is an experience you won't soon forget and in addition to the video games, most are stocked with unique photo booths called purikura. Expect all sorts of bells and whistles that will alter your appearance and produce a truly special souvenir.

You will see them everywhere in Japan. Convenience stores and vending machines. Don't walk past them. Pop in to see the Japanese take on convenience and to pick up a snack. 7-11 offers up an assortment of snacks like rice balls while rival Lawson is well known for its divine egg sandwich. The vending machines are of another world, standing on almost every street corner in the country and offering up all forms of coffee (hot or cold), tea, soft drinks and beer.

The big cities will get your blood rushing, but the small towns of Japan will capture your heart. See the unique, "praying houses" of Shirakawa-go, tour the postcard-perfect postal towns of the Kiso Valley or find a mountain hideaway near Nagano. A stay in a small town will allow you to get closer to nature and slow down, offering a "vacation from your vacation".

So many things to eat, so little time. That's the conundrum travelers face in Japan, but luckily the food tour has arrived to save the day. Arigato Japan offers an array of tours and each excursion is led by a guide who gives you the background of all the delicacies you are sampling with a side dish of Japanese history.

Basically, it's like a buffet that bounces around to a bunch of different venues. Destinations on a recent tour in Tokyo's Shibuya district included a historic, hole-in-the-wall ramen joint, a vintage candy shop and a raucous bar and restaurant that served up plate after plate of mouthwatering meals including drool-worthy chicken "lollipops".