There are different lists of what people should do when visiting certain countries. What they do there normally depends on what the country has to offer. Same when you plan to travel to Japan. There are the basic things that you have to do once here, so you wouldn’t regret missing out on them when you go back home. So what are the must-do things in Japan?

Maybe you have already tried sushi in your country. Or maybe sushi is even your favorite food. But seriously, you cannot miss out on eating sushi in the country of its origin. Sushi in Japan will surely be different from sushi in your country, and sushi restaurants in Japan are different as well!

Japan is famous with its temples and shrines. Temples in Japan are different from the temples in other countries such as China, Korea or temples in Southeast Asia.

As you may have heard convenience stores in Japan are awesome. So you can stop by and see what they sell there. You WILL love it!

Onigiri is a Japanese rice ball wrapped in dried seaweed. People like to buy it as a breakfast or as a quick snack when they are hungry. In Japan, you can find onigiri everywhere. You can also buy it in a convenience store. Don’t leave Japan before trying onigiri.

You have to try taking trains in Japan so you will know how punctual and different they are compared to the other countries. Plus, you will always have a chance to blend in with the local people on the subway. So make sure to give it a try.

Onsen is something very Japanese culturally. By soaking in an onsen you will have incredible experience local people enjoy. Maybe you will feel awkward because you have never been naked in the public bath. But you will certainly have something good to remember!

Same as sushi, Japanese green tea is one thing that you absolutely have to try here. Japanese green tea can be very different from that in your country. So give Japanese green tea in a local restaurant a try!

It is nice to try to speak with the locals in their language. Just learn some basic Japanese phrases to practice them when you face the local people. You can just greet them ‘ohayou gozaimasu’ or thank them ‘arigatou gozaimasu’ when you received some service from them.

Buy some traditional souvenirs such as Japanese ceramic, chopsticks or geta (Japanese sandals), so you can have something really Japanese to bring back with you.

It is a great experience to wear a kimono when walk around the city. Some places rent kimonos out for some hours. Moreover, if you visit some tourist locations like temples, some of them provide kimonos for rent so you can wear them inside that place. Try on a kimono and don’t forget to take a picture!