Top 10 Things to Do in Japan

10) Visit Niseko

Ski or Snowboard in the sublime Niseko mountain range of Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost island. Hands down the best powder I’ve ever experienced.

9) Visit Koya-san

Stay the night at one of the many temples on top of Mt. Koya and enjoy hiking through ancient cedars and cemeteries, vegetarian feasts prepared by monks, and tiny little outdoor bathtubs that are roughly half the size of you. Hopefully, they’ve upgraded the bathtub experience by now.

8) Watch a Baseball Game

Enjoy a baseball game in Japan where rival bleacher bands belt out fight songs while their team is at bat, where you can enjoy takoyaki (octopus balls) and other delicious snacks, and where your drinks are served by beer girls.

7) Visit the Ghibli Museum

I’ve never been, but God damn have they put out some classics including Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Porco Rosso (which has one of the best lines ever as below).

“A pig who can’t fly is just a pig.”

6) Matsuri

Go to a festival (i.e. ‘matsuri’). There are so many awesome ones all over Japan. If you’re lucky, you’ll be invited to join and just may help shoulder a mikoshi shrine in the burning heat while onlookers douse you in water & sake. My personal favorite was the Penis Matsuri.

5) Visit a Host and/or Hostess Club

Kabuki-cho in Shinjuku, Tokyo is the Mecca for these infamous establishments where you pay to drink & party with the hosts/hostesses of your choice. Buy a ridiculously overpriced bottle of champagne to get the place rocking. I highly recommend visiting both types. And even higherly recommend reading American Gigolo in Japan by Rowen Boozewell (i.e. me).

4) Watch Sumo Wrestling

A couple of jumbos in loin cloths trying to slam each other to the ground. Nuff said.

3) Visit a Soap Land

It’s not prostitution, cause that would be illegal, but they will scrub you down and get your rocks off for money.

For those of you who are a little less adventurous, bring your date to a nice Love Hotel where you pay by the hour. A great option for discreet cheaters. Plus, there’s no end to the types of themed rooms that you can find. Just use your imagination and there’s probably a love hotel with that kind of room for you.

2) Take a Dip in an Onsen

Japan is the land of hot springs (i.e. onsen). There are so many different types in so many picturesque settings that feel so good on your aching body. There’s no better way to relax than soaking in an onsen with a beer or two in your hand(s). Some famous ones include Hakone (near Tokyo), Noboribetsu (near Sapporo, Hokkaido), and Beppu (near Fukuoka, Kyushu). One of my favorites was the famous monkey onsen Jigokudani (in Nagano), but I don’t think they let us get in and a have a soak with the adorable little scamps.

1) Visit Kinkakuji, The Golden Pavilion, in Kyoto

Pound for pound, the most beautiful building I’ve ever seen.

Honorable Mention - Conbini - Chu-hi’s - Yamanote

Have a meal at a convenient store (i.e. conbini). The selection and quality will surprise you. Wash it down with copious amounts of strong chu-hi’s (kinda like potent wine coolers). Feel free to drink ‘em on the go and replenish at any time. Conbini’s are everywhere. Once your seriously hammered and in need of your hotel bed, hop on the Yamanote train line. No worries if you pass out and miss your stop cause it runs in a circle around Tokyo, hitting all the major stops. Wake up at 5:30am as mobs of salarymen begin their commute. You’ve likely completed five plus loops around Tokyo. Quite a pilgrimage. Enjoy that enlightenment!

Honorable Mention - Visit the Imperial Palace

Ancient Japan smack dab in the middle of the sprawling capital city, Tokyo

Honorable Mention - Eat Kaiten Sushi

Gotta love conveyor belt sushi. Especially if they also have mini bullet trains that deliver specially ordered dishes.

Cho Honorable Mention - Find a Pervy Vending Machine

I’ve long heard of vending machines selling used high school girls’ panties, but have never seen one nor know anyone who has. They’re like the Shangri-La of vending machines. Definitely let me know if you find anything even close.

p.s.. ‘Cho’ means ‘super’/’uber’ in Japanese.

***For notifications of new Great White Host blog posts & pee-your-pants awesome promos, sign up to Box’s Bullet, my monthly e-newsletter, via the sign-up box in the sidebar. It’s probably located below on smartphones.***