Japan Bucket List: What Should You Include?

What’s on your Japan bucket list? Are you eager to sample street food in Osaka? Climb to the top of Mount Fuji? Host a glass in one of the Golden Gai bars of Tokyo? 

Maybe you don’t know where to start. That’s completely understandable. Japan doesn’t lack in must-do activities! And everyone’s Japan bucket list is going to be a little bit different…

For some travel inspiration, check out our Japan bucket list. Or, better yet, work with a local in Japan to build your own personalized bucket list. 

How do you build a Bucket List?

Are you a foodie solo traveler? A honeymooner into museums? Your travel style is unique, which is why the first step in building a bucket list is matching with a local. We matched with Kelsey, a foodie who has traveled extensively in Japan. 

We told Kelsey that when we travel we love to eat, explore culture, discover hidden gems, and find some time for relaxation.  

After answering a few simple questions, Kelsey customized our bucket list. 

Because we *love* food…

Food is important. Like...it’s 99% of the reason we love to travel. So, Kelsey made sure that our Japan bucket list focused on food! She gave tons of great suggestions, including: 

Exploring the Kuromon Ichiba Market (Osaka)

Osaka is known as Japan’s kitchen. And Kelsey told us the Kuromon Ichiba market is known as Osaka’s kitchen. She said: “If you like markets and taking in all the sights, smells, and sounds of the local life, this is the place to go!”

Eating okonomiyaki at the restaurant Fue (Osaka)

Eating well—and often—in Osaka is a priority. Japan’s kitchen offers a wealth of restaurants! So where to go? Kelsey suggested eating at Fue, which is a family-owned hole-in-the-wall. There, she suggested ordering the okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake), which is one of the dishes Osaka is best-known for making.

How to make Gyuudon (beef broth bowl) at home

Our Japan trip is a dream for the moment. So Kelsey made sure to include ways to enjoy Japan at home! 

She writes that Gyuudon is “one of the most under-rated soul food dishes in Japan” and not too hard to make. Kelsey provided an easy recipe so that we could enjoy a taste of Japan from our home kitchen.

Because we adore museums…

You won’t lack for choice when it comes to museums in Tokyo. Because we love museums and art—and can’t resist a spectacular view—Kelsey suggested the Mori Art Museum. 

Why? Not only does the museum have a fantastic collection of contemporary art, but you can also access a pretty stunning, 360-view of Tokyo itself…

We settled in with some of our favorite Japanese snacks and enjoyed an expertly made virtual tour of the museum! 

Because we’re looking to get off the beaten path…

Because our dream Japan trip includes plenty of hidden gems, Kelsey suggested a visit to Zushi Beach. 

About ninety minutes from Tokyo by train, this sandy spot has it all—paddle-boarding, romantic beach walks, and plenty of historic sites to check out in nearby Kamakura.

While in the area, our Kelsey suggested visiting Blue Moon Zushi for some great live tunes. 

And—in the meantime—enjoy some past performers. 

Because we’re all about treating ourselves…

Relax your shoulders. Unclench your jaw. Imagine yourself sinking into the steamy bliss of a Japanese hot spring…

Kelsey recommended visiting onsens (hot springs) in the town of Arima, near Kobe. Here, she suggests hiking to the nearby Mt. Ochiba, then relaxing in one of Arima’s man onsens. 

And if you need a dose of relaxation *now*, she recommends running a bubble bath and indulging in this virtual reality onsen experience. 

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What’s on your Japan bucket list? Time to find out! Work with Kelsey to build your bucket list if you feel like she’s a good fit. Or, discover which one of our Heroes in Japan matches your travel style.