Many people don’t get to travel halfway around the globe. However, I’ve had the opportunity twice now. I love to share my stories with those around me. I’ve been fortunate to experience some of the greatest things in life while traveling. I have a list of must-do things while you’re in Japan. So, if you ever find yourself wandering to Japan you’ll know exactly what to do.

1. Tokyo

You can’t go to Japan and not go to Tokyo. That would probably be a crime. There are many streets to go down, big neon lights and billboards, tall buildings, and some things that you just don’t see in America (or at least not anywhere I’ve been). They have restaurants with lines wrapping around the building. They have music shops, game stores, you name it, they have it. They have this neat game called pachinko. I could not begin to tell you how to play it because unfortunately, everyone spoke Japanese. However, you should check out a pachinko parlor just once. It is this huge room that looks similar to a casino. It’s extremely loud and everyone is very focused on the game. It’s a neat experience to just walk around and see and if you can figure out how to play, I’m sure that playing is even more fun!

2. Conveyor Belt Sushi Restaurant

While in Tokyo you can find an awesome little conveyor belt sushi restaurant. There are some outside of Tokyo as well. This is exactly what it sounds like. A chef stands in the kitchen and makes sushi all night. The sushi is placed on a plate which is put on a conveyor belt that circles around the restaurant. When you see a plate that you like, you simply take it off the conveyor belt. Depending on the restaurant a server may come over and count the plates for you to give you your total or you will deposit your plates in a chute as you eat. The chute will then give you your total as you eat. If you’re a fan of sushi this is a dream come true.

3. Nagasaki

Make sure you visit Nagasaki while you are in Japan. There is so much history in this one city. Within Nagasaki, you can tour the beautiful city by foot. There are tons of shops leading up to the Oura Catholic Church high on a hillside. Make sure to check out the church while you are there. You are not allowed to take pictures inside so the only way to see the true beauty is to go and experience It for yourself. While there make sure to walk the loop from the Atomic bomb museum to ground zero and up to the peace park. This is an emotional day trip to experience but so worth it. The museum has items, quotes, and facts about the bombing that occurred there. Ground zero has a wonderful memorial and part of the original church that was destroyed. Lastly, the peace park is stunning with all of the memorials and scenery.

4. Kit Kats

There are so many Kit Kat flavors in Japan. The flavors are exclusive to the country with a very wide variety. I found some wild flavors such as Sake, eggplant, and wasabi. They are found in some random locations so you must search for them. I found many varieties in the airport, subway station as well as duty-free shops. These are cheap and neat souvenirs to bring home to share with friends and family.

Ramen in Japan is so different from the Ramen we are used to in the United States. It is not like the cheap Ramen Noodles that you buy for 30 cents at a supermarket. This ramen is freshly made noodles in your choice of broth with whichever toppings and meat you choose. Depending on the place, they may have a menu with preset choices or an order sheet. If you can make it to the Ramen factory near Itoshima, they seat you with an order sheet where you customize your ramen. They will bring out unlimited noodles for your broth as well. Then you can take a walk through the museum which tells the history of ramen and you can even see into the factory as the ramen is made fresh for you to eat. Fukuoka also has amazing ramen. Ippudo is the restaurant that I went to. This restaurant also has a location in the United States, in NYC. Even If you can’t make it to Japan, travel to the city to give it a shot!

6. Robot Restaurant

Now I didn’t get to go to this restaurant. However, I have a friend that did and heard all about the experience. This restaurant is very neat. The tickets are pricey but worth the price. You can eat dinner while enjoying the show or eat elsewhere. The show is a bunch of people dressed up, musical performances and a variety of acts. This is a must see show if you can get in!

7. Home-stay

When you travel to Japan, don’t spent money on a hotel, stay with the locals. This is the best way to make the most out of your experience. They will take you places that you may not know about. They’ll welcome you into their home like you are their family. They love to make food for you also. You’ll get home cooked traditional Japanese meals while you are there in addition to the great restaurants. They’ll teach you a lot about the culture and way of life in Japan. They may not speak any English but there are ways around the communication barrier. There are dictionaries as well as technology. You’d be surprised what google translate can do. It will not translate perfectly but can at least get them to understand part of what you’re saying. If you can’t do anything else, make sure you at least do this one. The people of Japan are so kind and welcoming. Their hospitality will surprise you every time.