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Maximize Your Japan Experience: Essential Reservations to Make Now

Maximize Your Japan Experience: Essential Reservations to Make Now

Date published: 13 January 2023

With Japan getting a lot of attention ever since its reopening to tourism in 2022, securing reservations has become crucial. By planning and booking attractions in advance, you can relish every moment of your anticipated journey to Japan. This ensures a relaxed pace and gives you extra time to indulge.

Numerous patrons of LIVE JAPAN have already secured their spots at renowned attractions like Universal Studios Japan in Osaka. They've also booked spots at city observatories and signed up for authentic Japanese experiences, such as kimono rentals and tours of Mt. Fuji.

In this guide, we present handpicked experiences for your upcoming Japan visit. Ensure you book your spots promptly to avoid missing out!

Main image: KLOOK

Table of Contents
  1. Popular experiences in Japan - Recommended by our editors
  2. Popular Activities in Osaka
  3. Popular Tokyo Activities
  4. Popular Tours in Kyoto
  5. Popular Tours of Mt. Fuji
  6. Popular Activities in Okinawa

Popular experiences in Japan - Recommended by our editors

Here we recommend activities by region, along with ratings and representative reviews on Klook, a destination experience booking site. Please take a look for yourself!

Popular Activities in Osaka

Universal Studios Japan Studio Pass

Image: KLOOK
Image: KLOOK

Universal Studios Japan is a theme park located in Osaka, Japan. It is a popular spot visited by many foreign visitors to Japan. Adults and children alike are enthralled by the world’s most impressive and exciting entertainment, including Hollywood blockbuster movie-themed rides, shows, and seasonal events.
Don’t miss the world’s first Super Nintendo World, which opened March 18, 2021, where you can experience the life-size world of Nintendo’s video games!
If you want to skip the long lines and shorten your wait time, get an Express Pass in addition to your regular pass.

Sample Guest Reviews
・Review: 4.8/5
“Super easy to book through Klook, great long day spent at USJ park. Highly recommend getting an express park pass as well if you can. Download the USJ app and book a time slot to enter Mario World. Bring your passport along to also claim a tax refund on your purchased goods at the Studios gift store near the exit.”
“Quick check-in through the pass. No need to queue at the park or grab the pass at the official website. Attraction is awesome! Will come again when the Kong park is launched.”
“Wonderful experiences at the park. Definitely worth a visit if you have a trip to Osaka.”

Solaniwa Onsen Ticket in Osaka

Image: KLOOK
Image: KLOOK

Solaniwa Onsen, one of the largest hot spring theme parks in western Japan, is based on the concept of the Azuchi-Momoyama period. Here you’ll find nine types of baths, including an open-air bath with natural hot spring water!
In the expansive 3,300 square meter Japanese garden on the rooftop, visitors can soak in the footbath while wearing a stylish yukata and enjoy different flowers and trees in each season. Enjoy the uniquely Japanese healing experience while in Osaka.

Sample Guest Reviews
・Review: 4.6/5
“Plan to stay for at least half a day to a full day there! The hot stone suana was a wonderful experience. Would recommend to give yourself at least an hour - 1 and a half hours just for the hot stone suana and other rooms they have there. I went to the website and purchase a private room Onsen and it was so worth the money. I would suggest booking this room to be after all the suana and facilities and be your last for the day as you can relax and clean up in the private room and end your day on a great note.”
“Thank you very much Klook. Voucher is very easy to redeem at Kansai Airport. You can just show the printed copy or just show the QR code on your cellphone; it's near the arrival gate. Our family of 8 enjoyed our Onsen experience at Solaniwa Onsen. Very easy to locate at Osaka Tower Bay, just near the subway station. The place is very relaxing. The place is very beautiful and good for picture taking! Will surely book again in the future. Highly recommended. Ticket is cheaper than the onsite ticket; please make sure to be aware of your ticket time (am, pm etc. ). Thank you Klook!!!”
“We went at night and spent around 3 hours here. Had a lovely time and especially enjoyed the foot baths outside! Everything is so pretty and would definitely back here again.”

HARUKAS 300 Observatory Ticket in Osaka

Image: KLOOK
Image: KLOOK

At 300 meters in height, Abeno Harukas is among the tallest skyscrapers in Japan. Harukas 300, its observation deck, offers breathtaking panoramic views from behind a glass wall.

Sample Guest Reviews
・Review: 4.8/5
“Breathtaking! Recommended for those who want to have a view of the city. Better at night so you can see the beautiful lights. Voucher needs to be exchanged for actual tickets before you can enter. Thanks Klook!”
“This voucher really helped us to get inside faster than lining up there to buy a ticket. It was such a fun experience going to the Harukas 300 observatory as that was the tallest building in all of Osaka city skyline. Going there was worth the visit.”

Convenient transportation tickets to enjoy sightseeing in Osaka

Popular Tokyo Activities

Tokyo Disney Resort Park tickets: 1-Day passport

Image: KLOOK
Image: KLOOK

At Tokyo Disney Resort, you can enjoy two Disney theme parks, Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo Disney Sea - the first Disney theme parks outside the United States.
If you purchase the park tickets you want to visit in advance, you can enter smoothly by simply showing the QR code on your electronic ticket.
At Fantasyland, which opened on September 28, 2020, you can experience the charm of the world of the Disney movie, Beauty and the Beast. If you have not been there yet, this is an excellent opportunity to visit.

Sample Guest Reviews
・Review: 4.8/5
“Tokyo Disney Sea never disappoints, as usual. This ticket allows you to skip the ticketing booth and go straight to the entrance, which is very convenient. Works seamlessly with the Tokyo Disney Resort App, just scan the same QR provided using the App. Would highly recommend purchasing tickets from Klook! Tokyo Disney Sea and Tokyo Disneyland is a must-visit when in Tokyo!”
“Terrific process and so easy using Klook! I was trying to book directly while at home in the U.S. and wasn’t having any luck. Klook to the rescue! Seamless to use and everything as promised. Highly recommended!”
“Our second time going to Disneyland Park after the 2 years Covid period. Beauty & The Beast ride was spectacular plus other rides like Winnie the Pooh and others. The Disney parade was great to watch with all the different characters on board. Do come during weekdays and book the Standby tickets if you do not want to queue for too long for some of the rides, especially Beauty & The Beast.”

SHIBUYA SKY Observation Deck Ticket in Tokyo

Image: KLOOK
Image: KLOOK

You have to visit Shibuya at least once when you come to Tokyo! It has recently attracted attention as the setting for the hit Netflix series, Alice in Borderland.
The SHIBUYA SKY observation deck is located in Shibuya Scramble Square, a complex directly connected to Shibuya Station. It’s a popular photo spot offering a panoramic view of the Scramble Crossing and the landscape stretching from Shibuya.
Over the Christmas and New Year's holidays, this area really excited LIVE JAPAN fans. Purchase tickets at a discount and enjoy the romantic view.

Sample Guest Reviews
・Review: 4.8/5
“Definitely book from Klook if you don’t wanna queue for tickets. It was packed with people, but admission was hassle free. Friendly staff to guide you on your way up. Beautiful views, highly recommended.”
“Great place with a sky view of Shibuya, Tokyo and greater Tokyo with a chance to sight Mount Fuji on a clear day. The sunset is beautiful although the place is crowded with tourists but there is no time limit when you are on the sky deck. Just need to be patient if you want photos from certain vantage points as those have a line of tourists and most of them would not budge from their positions. But overall it’s a good experience and love the gift shop for all the souvenirs that you can pick up.”
“Worth the experience! Best to schedule this at sunset to take pictures of this spectacular view. We went during winter and my hands were freezing cold despite wearing gloves! Just be sure to layer up. Be aware that you are not allowed to bring selfie sticks, tripods and anything that can detach from your body like hats, bags etc. You can only bring your cellphone! Don’t forget to pass by the lower deck where you can also enjoy the same view and stand along those interactive frames showing time lapse, motion sensor etc. plus take a snap of Tokyo sky tree and have a Birds Eye view of Shibuya Crossing!”

Kimono and Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi in Tokyo Asakusa

Image: KLOOK
Image: KLOOK

Kimono is one of the aspects of traditional Japanese culture that you should experience at least once during your visit. Many tourist spots have stores where you can experience it.
This time, we would like to introduce a popular store in Asakusa called Kimono Miyabi, where you can choose from more than 200 types of kimono rentals and experience services such as hair-set and make-up.
The shop's multilingual staff are also very reliable. Walking the streets of Asakusa and Ueno in a kimono will make your trip to Japan even more unforgettable!

Sample Guest Reviews
・Review: 4.7/5
“Beautiful kimono. I recommend bringing dry hair spray with all of the walking you'll be doing. I'm 5 ft 7.5 in (171.5 cm) so I was worried about the kimono not fitting. With the added lace it covered the bottom enough to where I was happy. I wear about a US size 9 shoe (8.5 but 9 for comfort) and I was concerned about that as well but I managed with the shoes they gave me. I weigh about 145 lbs/61.1 kg. I bought the more expensive package with the optional hair styling. They did a great job!”
“Our family had a great time dressing up. They dressed us up really quick. They have a wide selection of colors.”
“It’s highly recommended. The location of the store is near from the station. After wearing kimono one can visit Sensoji as well as Sumida Park and both are very near from the store. The staff can communicate in English. Service is very good.”

Convenient transportation tickets to enjoy Tokyo sightseeing

Popular Tours in Kyoto

Miyama Town & Amanohashidate Day Tour with Japanese Lunch Set

Image: KLOOK
Image: KLOOK

This is one of the most popular Kyoto tours, focusing on the northern part of Kyoto. It has been seeing a rapidly growing number of bookings. You can experience dreamy, traditional Japan with its thatched-roof houses and lanterns covered with silver-white snow, a typical Japanese winter scene.
In addition, you can visit the breathtakingly beautiful Hiyoshi Dam and enjoy a sukiyaki or sashimi lunch in this luxurious plan. The tour guide speaks only Japanese, but an interpretation service via iPad is available, so please inquire with the staff.

Kimono and Yukata Rental at Kimono Miyabi Kyoto

Image: KLOOK
Image: KLOOK

One of the greatest cultural experiences might be enjoying a stroll around Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, in an authentic kimono. At Kimono Miyabi Kyoto, experienced kimono stylists will dress you in a kimono. You can also choose a kimono that suits your family, couple, or friends.
You can also rent accessories such as umbrellas, masks, and hand fans free of charge for a special outing that you can only experience in Japan.

Sample Guest Reviews
・Review: 4.7/5
“Lots of kimonos to choose from. Many customers arrived after us but we were not rushed through the entire process. They were patient and politely guided us through the different steps. Rental place is located in a beautiful neighborhood and super close to a shrine. Great for photos!”
“The staffs were so kind and they chose the perfect design for us. We were able to take so many fantastic photos wearing yukatas. Highly recommended.”

Nanzenji Junsei (南禅寺 順正) - Traditional Kyoto Tofu Dishes

Image: KLOOK
Image: KLOOK

Kyoto is a famous city for foodies, as you can find a huge variety of cuisines – from traditional to modern. Kaiseki, a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, is one of our highest recommendations for dining experiences. Nanzenji Junsei, a famous Japanese restaurant serving kaiseki cuisine, is where you can experience some of the finest Kyoto cuisine. Given its popularity, reservations are highly recommended.

Sample Guest Reviews
・Review: 4.7/5
“Tasty Food, good service and beautiful environment. All the dishes are very exquisite. The waitress is very nice and always smiles. I like her attitude!”
“Walkable about 7-8 min from Keage station. Near Nanzenji temple and philosopher’s path. Beautiful setting and gardens. Food was absolutely divine. Kyoto kaiseki with tofu skin hot pot was filling and delicious.”

Convenient transportation tickets to enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto

Popular Tours of Mt. Fuji

Mt Fuji Day Tour from Tokyo

Image: KLOOK
Image: KLOOK

This outstanding one-day tour takes you to popular spots around Mt. Fuji, where you can gaze up at the majestic mountain’s summit and enjoy panoramic views of the area as well.
Afterward, enjoy plenty of gorgeous scenery at Lake Kawaguchi and the historic village of Oshino Hakkai, where Mt. Fuji's snowmelt collects, and then go shopping at Gotemba Premium Outlets, where you will find a series of famous brand stores. It’s the perfect way to round out your trip to Japan!

Sample Guest Reviews
・Review: 4.3/5
“Jay, our English speaking Japanese guide was really attentive and fun. He made our trip really enjoyable. The bus was comfortable and lunch was yummy. It was a beautiful day, we got to see Mount Fuji in full glory. Highly recommended for all!”
“A must have and definitely recommended if you only have a day to tour around the Mt. Fuji area. The bus ride is comfortable and the tour guide is accommodating. The itinerary is manageable and satisfying for a one-day tour.”
“Excellent tour. Tourist guide was very informative. Food served was also good. It’s better to book the one with lunch to avoid long queue. Lake Kawaguchi and Mt Fuji were perfect.”

Mt. Fuji & Hakone One Day Trip from Tokyo

Image: KLOOK
Image: KLOOK

This exciting adventure brings you to the fifth station of Mt. Fuji, where you can see Japan’s famous mountain up close! Afterward, you’ll arrive at Gotemba Premium Outlets, where you can enjoy quality shopping and lunch before heading to the famous hot springs resort of Hakone. Here you will ride a ropeway cable car through the Owakudani Volcanic Valley, where you can enjoy the steamy hot springs below. And to cap things off, you’ll board a pirate ship and cruise around Lake Ashinoko, enjoying views of Mt. Fuji along the way.

Sample Guest Reviews
・Review: 4.3/5
“The schedule was just right with kids. We have a mix of everything - Snow sledging - Ship ride - Rope way Gotemba premium outlets with branded shops offers good discounts. My kid had a lot of fun playing with snow, as it was his first experience. Tour guide was extremely helpful in explaining things.”
“Apart from the long bus ride back and forth (about 2.5 hrs) from Tokyo, this day trip is worth it, allowing us to have the chance to enjoy the views of Mt Fuji and surrounding lake in the pirate ship and the 15-persons cable car (ropeway). A nice round up at the outlet too. Thanks for the kind and cheerful tour guide (Aiyako) in bringing us around!”
“We really enjoy the tour package. We are lucky that we saw Mt. Fuji on that day. Our tour guide is very nice and accommodating and our bus driver. The bus is very comfortable too. I recommend this tour package to everyone who wants to see and experience Hakone and see Mt. Fuji.”

Popular Activities in Okinawa

Glass Bottom Boat Tour

Image: KLOOK
Image: KLOOK

Okinawa is famous for its breathtaking ocean. A perfect way of enjoying spectacular underwater views in any season is by glass boat! Here you can enjoy seeing hundreds of species of fish and other marine life. While you can enjoy diving in Okinawa even in January, this is a perfect option for those who do not wish to get wet in the colder season.

Sample Guest Reviews
・Review: 4.2/5
“Tour is easy to book and attend. A good alternative to see the underwater if diving is not your thing. The water clarity is at level 3, pretty decent.”
“Saw many fishes and corals.... took many photos on the viewing deck and saw the staff feeding the fishes to the sea and was superb experience great for all who do not want to get wet.”
“MUST GO. The best idea for non-wet and un-swim people. The fishes under water in real ocean is much better than small tank in Aquarium. The 360 degree eye of view is superb experience.”

Parasailing Experience from Naha or North of Okinawa

Image: KLOOK
Image: KLOOK

Enjoy spectacular views of Okinawa’s beautiful sea and coastline from above – with a parasailing experience! From up to 50 meters above, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. Children as young as five are welcomed, making this a great activity for families.

Sample Guest Reviews
・Review: 4.7/5
“It was sooooo great! Unforgettable experience with friends & friendly staff! They lend us their GoPro to capture a lot of memories & they’ll gonna send it after the trip. It was so smooth & worth it.”
“Great experience and good instructors! Definitely a new experience, but those who are prone to seasickness please bring the medicine for seasickness. Overall a splendid activity!”
“The meetup point at Motobu port was easy to find and hassle free redemption. The friendly staff speaks basic English but not a problem. The experience up in the sky with great views was fantastic.”

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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