If you are planning on visiting Japan, don't settle for ordinary. Instead, take time during your trip to do something extraordinary. Many people hit the neon-lit streets of Tokyo or the cultural sites in Kyoto, but there's so much more to do in the country than you see on Instagram.
Go to Mount Yoshino and witness the cherry blossom
If you're somebody who loves nature and cherry blossoms, then you're in for a treat. The area around Mt. Yoshino has some of the most spectacular blooms in the whole world. The area is home to some 30,000 cherry trees that run along the mountain slope, offering breathtaking patterns of pink and white.
As you hike up the mountain and pass wooden shrines, you'll see panoramic views and blooming valleys. There are plenty of footpaths and guided tours in the area, so don't worry, it's very unlikely that you'll get lost. Just make sure that you travel during the spring at the right time of the year.
Visit the Sapporo Snow Festival
Also make sure you check out the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido, if you go at the right time of the year. This legendary event is one of the biggest on the island's calendar and has been running for over 77 years. The Snow Festival takes place in February and features hundreds of small, medium-sized, and grand ice sculptures and snow sculptures depicting themes both old and new.
Bathe in a winter onsen in Hokkaido
You could also take a trip to a winter onsen in Hokkaido, the same province as the Sapporo Snow Festival. This is a bit like taking a steam bath in Scandinavia or going for a geothermal bath in Iceland. It's a fantastic experience that gives you a snow view at the same time you're in the bathtub.
Going from the biting winter air into a warm bathtub is an experience you've never had before, so it's well worth trying to see if you like it. Plus, the water leaves your skin feeling extremely soft afterwards.
Indulge in a masterful Kaiseki dinner
If you haven't tried Kaiseki in a place like Kyoto, then you are missing out. As you might imagine, this ceremony developed from traditional afternoon tea. Now it has become a meticulously choreographed multi-course dinner that goes through several standard stages. The goal is to serve a meal with flawless preparation, all waited on hand and foot by kimono-clad attendants. Try to find a place that makes dishes that reflect the current season and local ingredients. These tend to provide the best experiences.
Sleep among the monks in Koyasan
One final idea is that you might want to sleep among the monks at Koya-san in the Wakayama Prefecture, near Mount Koya. This area is the home of Shingon Buddhism, and it offers a rare opportunity for outsiders to experience the traditional temple lodgings and religious rites of the monks. There are dining experiences, Buddhist vegan cuisine, and plenty of meditation to enjoy before dawn breaks.