The northernmost major city of Sri Lanka is famous for its beautiful Hindu temples, such as the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil and Naguleswaram Temple (Keerimalai). It also stands out with its unique sculptural scenario and great food.
However, very few people talk about the beautiful beaches of Jaffna, such as Kankesanthurai and Casuarina. During my trip to Jaffna, I loved the white sands, calm shallow waters, and Palmyra trees. Also, the Jaffna beaches are a paradigm shift from beach towns like Mirissa.
You will not get the vibrant nightlife or the maddening crowd. The vibe is pristine and slow. And with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) focusing on Jaffna now for the diversification of the country’s tourism profile, these beaches are going to play a vital role.
In this Jaffna beach guide, I will talk about the most prominent beaches, the amenities, expert tips, and more.
What Are The Best Beaches Near Jaffna Sri Lanka?
The beaches in Jaffna show a contrasting vibe in comparison to the beaches near Colombo, such as Bentota or Unawatuna. The Colombo beaches are touristy and offer watersport activities such as parasailing, diving, and surfing.
On the other hand, the shallow water of Jaffna is ideal for swimming. Also, the golden sands of the Colombo beaches are replaced by the soft white sands.
Overall, the beaches in Jaffna focus more on tranquility and show the slow-paced vibe of the city. You know Jaffna Siesta is a real thing!
As you reach the Casuarina Beach, a wide stretch of casuarina trees, creating a canopy over your head, welcomes you. The beach gets its name from these trees.
The stretches of the soft white sand of the beach are also surrounded by palm trees. Furthermore, the west-facing is known for beautiful sunset views.
What Are The Things To Do In Casuarina Beach?
Casuarina Beach is a place to relax. The shallow water here is ideal for swimming. You can go to the middle of the ocean, where you will find fishermen in action.
The fishermen ride in a raft-like boat. You can join them and have a conversation about their daily lives and how they survive the sea. For me, it was pretty much the “Riders to the Sea Moment.”
Also, Kamban, a middle-aged fisherman of Jaffna, shared something about the impact of the Civil War here. He reminded me of a Reuters report published many years back.
It talked about how the Puthumathalan beach, around 113 km from Jaffna, was filled with broken medicine bottles, pieces of clothes, and rusty cooking pots as the aftermath of the civil war.
Nevertheless, Kamban said, “You know, we did not have any food. We could not go out for fishing, and we never knew who would be the next to take a bullet.
We are now recovering and getting tourists. Still, we need more support, and the fear will remain among people of my generation and the next one.”
Today, Casuarina Beach has some beach clubs and resorts offering water sports activities such as snorkeling and jet skiing.
Still, I feel, it’s a place to relax and ponder over how the locals are showing resilience to maintain the glory of a city devastated by the Sri Lankan Civil War.
Also, the Casuarina Beach is the place to try the authentic food of Jaffna. I loved the crabs and vadai here.
How To Reach Casuarina Beach From Jaffna?
The most convenient way to reach the Casuarina Beach is to take a private taxi to Jaffna. The cost will be around 1200 LKR.
2. Kankesanthurai (KKS) Beach
Entry Fee: Free
Distance from Jaffna: 19 Km
How to Reach: Take Tuk-Tuks from Jaffna
The Kankesanthurai is a navy-maintained beach with sparkling blue water. It is also just 10 minutes away from the Keerimalai Freshwater Springs, one of the iconic landmarks in the spiritual and cultural landscape of Jaffna.
Also, the nearby Thalsevana Resort is a place to relax and try authentic Jaffna cuisine while indulging in the beauty of the pristine beach.
You can swim in Kankesanthurai. However, you need to be careful about the current. However, this beach is more popular for the snorkeling activities and is famous for the Keerimalai to Kankesanthurai Walk.
Kankesanthurai (KKS) Beach Snorkeling
Kankesanthurai, with its shallow water and some marine life and corals visible, is a decent snorkeling site. I saw some sea turtles while swimming at Kankesanthurai beach.
The water here is warm, and the calm conditions make it beginner-friendly. May to September is the best time for snorkeling in Kankesanthurai.
However, there is no established snorkeling facility here. So, you need to bring your own gear, including fins and masks.
So, if you want a proper snorkeling experience, you can explore alternative locations in Sri Lanka, such as the Nilaveli Beach of Pigeon Island, which also has the Pigeon National Park.
The Coral Island of Trincomalee and the southern coastal spots such as Hikkaduwa & Mirissa are some of the best locations to try snorkeling in Jaffna.
Keerimalai To Kankesanthurai Walk
The distance between Keerimalai and Kankesanthurai is just around 2 km. So, when you start from Keerimalai and walk north toward Kankesanthurai, you will reach your destination in 25-30 minutes.
There is no marked beach trail for the walk. However, as you proceed, you will experience amazing coastal views and fishing activities, especially near the pier and shorefront.
However, if you want to beat the heat, you can take a tuk-tuk to reach the beach from Keerimalai.
Manalkadu Sand Dunes: The Hidden Gems Near Jaffna
Manalkadu sand dunes are the ideal location for an off-the-grid camping experience in Jaffna. Also, at times, I want absolute silence around me. Being an introvert, too many interactions and activities often drain me.
Stargazing in those moments works like a therapy for me. If you are also like me and want the world around you to “Shut Up,” you must try stargazing at Manalkadu.
The long chain of sanddunes here stretches to meet the sea, and this is a geologically striking feature. The desert-like setup and the sand dunes offer some “interesting perspectives” for photography, especially while watching the sunset.
And the best way to experience stargazing at Manalkadu? Try off-grid camping here.
Camping At Manalkadu And Stargazing
I set up my tent on the Manalkadu beach, and the wild, open area with almost no light pollution offered the best stargazing experience. Of course, it was not as vivid as stargazing in Great Barrier Island.
Still, the spontaneity and simplicity won me over.
However, Manalkadu is not a formal camping or stargazing site. So, you will need to bring your tent, telescope, red light, water, and other essentials.
Also, we spotted some fishing huts on the beach. We sought their permission, and they happily agreed. In fact, they shared their meal with us, allowing me to spend more time stargazing and enjoying the silence.
Things To Pack For Camping At Manalkadu
Manal Kadu means sand jungle in the Tamil Language. True to its name, it is a pristine place where desert, jungle, and the sea co-exist.
Also, it is called the “Swimming Pool of the North.” Nevertheless, since it has a primitive setup, you need to carry some essentials.
Tent
Sand Anchors or Stakes
Plenty of Food and Water Nearby
Portable Stove
Cooking Gear
Headlamp or Lanterns
First-Aid Kit
Power Banks
Trash Bags
The Quiet Alternatives: Jaffna Beaches
Do you want to enjoy a sunset stroll by the water with no one around? Visit the quieter alternatives such as the Charty Beach and Akkarai Beach.
1. Charty Beach
The Charty Beach is on Velanai Island, and it is a 15 km drive from Jaffna City. You will reach the beach from the city within 30 minutes after a journey through the Jaffna–Pannai–Kayts Road.
The warm water here is ideal for swimming, and you can even try near-shore paddling.
Changing Facility
• Nearby Huts • Rest Shades
Food And Snacks
• Local Eateries
Accomodation
• AC and Non-AC Rooms at Charty Beach Resort
Lifeguard
• Not Available
Ideal Season
• May to September
Best Time to Visit in a Day
• Early Morning • Late Afternoon
2. Akkarai Beach
Take a drive for around 30-40 minutes to reach the Akkarai Beach in Thondamanaru. Lying along the Palk Strait, it stretches toward the Indian coastline.
It is very close to the Lord Murugan Temple and the Thondamanaru Bridge.
Parking Fee
Free
Resting Areas
Benches and Shaded Spots
Washroom
Freshwater Wash Areas
Swimming Condition
Near-Shore Swimming with the Sandy Bottom Deepening Gradually
Lifeguards
Not Available. So, Don’t Swim when the Current is Strong.
Best Months
May to September
Best Time to Visit in a Day
• Early Morning • Late Afternoon
Beach Amenities And Safety Guide
Once again, the Jaffna beaches are not the luxury tropical getaways you are looking for. So, you must have a clear idea about what to expect at these pristine beaches.
Also, learn about the safety infrastructure before getting into the water.
1. Basic Beach Amenities
Casuarina Beach has paid changing rooms. However, other beaches have no makeshift provisions for changing and resting.
So, you must carry beach umbrellas and folding chairs if you don’t want to sit on the sand.
There is no official presence of a lifeguard or support on these beaches. Network coverage is decent. However, you can face connectivity issues if the weather deteriorates.
The beaches in Jaffna are accessible from Jaffna City by tuk-tuk and other vehicles. However, in Casuarina Beach, you will have to pay a small fee for entrance and parking your vehicle.
2. Safety And Norms
Do not go very far into the ocean water, as there can be strong currents, and there is no formal lifeguard support.
Also, be careful while walking barefoot on the sand,d as there can be seashells and seaweeds.
In addition, dress modestly, shorts and T-shirts are fine! Also, do not leave trash behind.
Exploring The Jaffna Coastline: Know The Expert Tips
Want to explore the coastal beauty of Jaffna to the fullest? Follow these expert tips.
1. Go On Weekdays
You will find local buses packed around the Casuarina Beach, and the noise of loud music can be an annoying factor.
Choose a Monday or Tuesday for your ocean visit to spend some moments of quietude.
2. Bring Reef Shoes
The Charty and KKS beaches have sharp dead coral very close to the water’s edge. So, your feet may get a cut if you don’t wear reef shoes.
3. Have Navy Food
When you are visiting the Kankesanthurai (KKS) beach, you don’t need to eat at a beach shack. You can walk into the Thalsevana Holiday Resort run by the military.
Enjoy a hygienic and tasty lunch and cold beer there while enjoying the ocean view.
4. Riding On Manalkadu? You Will Need A 4X4
You can drive a scooter to Manalkadu. However, you have to park it on the hard road. You cannot take it to ride onto the sand dunes, and the wheels will get stuck.
5. Morning Is The Best Time For The Beach Visit
You cannot visit a beach in Jaffna at noon. The Northern Sun is scorching. So, plan a visit between 7 AM and 8 AM or after 4 PM.
6. You Can Wade In Akkrai But Cannot Swim
The water at the Akkarai Beach is usually knee-deep. So, you can wade through the water of this beautiful beach.
However, swimming does not look like an ideal activity here.
7. Changing Rooms Are Basic
The Casuarina Beach has changing rooms. However, these rooms are just concrete stalls with a bucket of water.
You will have to bring your towel and toilet paper.
8. Respect The Fishermen
Most beaches in Jaffna are like a workspace for the fishermen. So, there will be fishing boats and nets on the shore.
You cannot step on or lie on them. Do not tamper with them.
9. Drink Thambili To Stay Hydrated
Jaffna beaches do not have places serving fancy cocktails. The best refreshment is to drink the King Coconut or Thambili water.
It replenishes the micronutrients, and it is a must-have when the Sun is scorching.
What Are The Authority Voices On Jaffna Beaches And Coastline?
“Casuarina Beach is named after the shady trees that line it, offering a rare respite from the scorching Northern sun. It’s the closest Jaffna gets to a holiday vibe.” – The Lonely Planet.
“Don’t expect the polished tourism of the South. Jaffna’s beaches are raw, working coastlines where fishermen outnumber tourists—and that is their charm.” – Rough Guides.
Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Jaffna beaches.
1. Can Foreigners Swim In Jaffna Beaches?
Yes, foreigners can swim in Jaffna beaches. Casuarina and KKS beaches get many foreign visitors.
The KKS beach offers free entry. However, for the Casuarina Beach, the entry fee is 50 LKR for locals and 500 LKR for foreigners.
Also, the amenities at the Jaffna beaches are basic. So, a foreigner looking for a luxury beach experience or the resort vibe can feel disappointed.
2. Is It Safe To Wear A Bikini At Jaffna Beaches?
There is no formal restriction regarding wearing bikinis at Jaffna beaches. However, the social setup of Jaffna is conservative.
So, there can be stares, and you may feel out of place. So, wear shorts and T-shirts while swimming.
3. Are There Sharks In Jaffna?
You will rarely see sharks in the waters of Jaffna. However, you will find sea turtles and coral reefs in the waters here. The water here is very shallow.
4. Which Is The Cleanest Beach In Jaffna?
Kankesanthurai (KKS) is a navy-maintained beach, and it is the cleanest in Jaffna. It also has the Thalsevana Holiday Resort, run by the military. You can have food and drink here.
5. Can I Surf In Jaffna?
No, you cannot surf in Jaffna. The water here is shallow and calm like a lagoon. If you want to surf in Jaffna, you can go to Arugam Bay on the East Coast.
6. Are There Hotels On The Beaches Of Jaffna?
Yes, though not frequently, there are some hotels on the beaches of Jaffna. For example, KKS has the Thalsevana Holiday Resort and the Charty Beach has the Tilko Charty Beach Resort.
Furthermore, there are smaller guesthouses near the Casuarina beach.
7. What Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Jaffna Beaches?
May to September is the ideal time for exploring the northeastern beaches of Jaffna. Jaffna has dry weather conditions in these months, and the calm water is ideal for swimming and snorkeling.
Jaffna experiences heavy rainfall from October to December. So, avoid these months.
Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!
Galle has been my ideal dreamy, sepia-toned travel destination located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka.
Moreover, the city’s stunningly beautiful old fortified peninsula reaches defiantly out into the Indian Ocean and boasts many crumbling colonial-style buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and swaying palm trees.
However, the true magic of Galle comes from taking it slowly.
Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about the things to do in Galle Fort. However, I will begin with why a visit to the Galle Fort is worth it and how to get there.
Why Visit Galle Fort? A UNESCO World Heritage Site And The Fortress That Defied Time
“Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British.
It is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.”
• UNESCO World Heritage Convention.
The trading post was once impenetrable, and the rampart walls kept the invaders at bay.
However, centuries later, during the 2004 Tsunami, the same stone walls that stood against cannons also protected the people from the ocean.
Thus, the Galle Fort remained intact even though the surrounding coastline was devastated. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being a unique example of a fortified city.
How To Reach The Galle Fort?
You can easily reach the Galle Fort from Colombo or down the coast.
From Colombo
You can take a train from Colombo Fort, and after a three-hour journey and amazing ocean views, you will reach Galle.
However, currently, this route is being reconstructed. So, you can take a Highway AC bus from the Makumbura Station.
Furthermore, it is a 2-hour journey through the Expressway.
From Mirissa Or Weligama
If you’re already beach-hopping the south coast, you can just hop on any local bus headed toward Matara or Galle.
It’s cheap, frequent, and gives you a real taste of local life, and that’s amazing as a follower of TheLowDownUnder Travel philosophy.
Also, from my days in Jaffna to the things to do in Kandy, I have always ditched comfort and the obvious for a more authentic experience.
What Are The Things To Do In Galle Fort, Sri Lanka?
When talking about the things to do in Galle Fort, you have to think beyond the tourist checklist.
Furthermore, Galle is a place of contrasts!
You have the rugged, salt-sprayed stone of the ramparts on one hand, and on the other hand, you have the most polished boutique shops.
So, Galle is beyond your usual Instagram photo op.
And one of the best things to do in Galle is to understand how the fortress and the neighborhood have survived empires and natural disasters.
Moreover, in Galle, you become a part of the history as you watch the sunset from an ancient bastion or sip cold beer at a wine bar on a cobblestone street.
Also, you will see an extension of all these in my detailed account of two days in Galle Fort.
Day 1: Getting Lost In The Living Museum
Walks, exploring the architecture, culture, and the much hyped sunset experience! These were the things to do in Galle Fort on day one.
Morning: The Rampart Walk
Walking is the best way to begin your exploration of Galle Fort. It is small and, therefore, a great destination for pedestrians.
In the morning, I climbed to the top of the stone ramparts and walked the entire way around the edge of the Fort, obtaining a 360-degree view of Galle.
I saw the sparkling, turquoise ocean to one side and the red tiled roofs of the original buildings of the town on the other.
On your walking tour, look for the famous Galle Clock Tower and the historic Galle Lighthouse, which is probably the most photographed place in all of Sri Lanka.
The whitewashed lighthouse is stunning against the clear blue sky, but I found that the late afternoon light gives it that soft, golden color that makes the palm tree shadows cast perfectly across the grass.
Afternoon: Culture And Architecture
After you’ve finished exploring the upper level of the walls, it’s time to explore the narrow alleyways of the city.
Throughout the streets, you are going to notice something extremely wonderful.
You will see the cultural and ethnic diversity and the same inclusive culture of Sri Lanka, prominent through the iconic Ambuluwawa Tower in Colombo.
In just a matter of blocks, I was able to visit the Dutch Reform Church, All Saints Anglican Church, Meeran Mosque, and Sri Sudharmalaya Buddhist Temple.
All these places serve as a testament to the many different people who have influenced the development of Sri Lanka over many hundreds of years.
If the heat of the sun becomes unbearable, I recommend that you check out either the Historical Mansion Museum or the Maritime Museum.
Both of these museums are in beautifully restored colonial structures and provide visitors with great artifacts dating back to Sri Lanka’s colonial period.
Evening: The Sunset Ritual
When the sun is going down, I suggest that you make your way to the western walls of the fort.
At Flag Rock Bastion, you will find the locals performing their “cliff jumping” tourism attraction.
You will have the opportunity to see how far they will go into the crashing waves.
If you would rather have a quieter spot to watch the sunset, I would recommend that you go to Triton Bastion.
I spent an hour there on the grassy ramparts watching as the sky slowly burned with bright oranges. What a way to see Mother Nature's fireworks show.
Day 2: Boutiques, Buffets, And Beaches
Day 2 was more relaxed as I shopped, gorged on grand feasts, and explored the beaches.
Morning: The Shopping Mecca
Galle is now Sri Lanka's shopping capital. Pedlar Street is the epicenter of the boutique shops, from where you can collect elegant souvenirs.
A few of my personal favorites are in the table below.
Places to Visit for ShoppingThings to BuyStick No BillsVintage-Style PostersThe Tea Room by Evergreen GroupBuy Tea in BulkOld Dutch HospitalThis former colonial hospital is now a chic shopping and dining precinct. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and browse.
Lunch: A Local Feast
After the spicy food in Jaffna, the food in Gelle was comforting. So, trying the Coconut Sambal is one of the best things to do in Galle.
You will get the curries with chicken and vegan-friendly options here. Also, to beat the midday Sun, have some homemade ginger beer or treat yourself to a scoop at Isle of Gelato.
Moreover, don’t forget to try the cashew caramel at Isle of Gelato.
Afternoon: Beyond The Walls
As the Sun starts getting softer, you can explore the surrounding coast. Also, if you want to extend your coastal hunt, head to Dewata Beach.
Here, you will find many beginners and professionals surfing the waves.
Furthermore, if you want to just relax, take a tuk-tuk ride to the Jungle Beach in Unawatuna. It is a small sandy cove with lush greenery.
Once you cross the massive bay of Weligama, you will find many hidden beaches and coves on the south-western coast.
There is a stretch that goes through small inlets and has beautiful golden sands. These inlets with coconut palms are called Midigama collectively.
While Midigama will win your heart with its quaint beauty at first glance, it is more popular as a surfing spot for intermediates.
It is no less than a treasure hunt with unexplored reefs and secret waves.
Moreover, the surf spots of the Midigama Beach, such as Lazy Left or Ahangama, are diverse and unique in the experience they offer.
However, a local professional surfer confided that the Coconuts are the best surfing spot if you already have some skills.
Hi, are you planning a trip to Midigama Beach anytime soon? Read this blog to know about the location, surfing sports, and more about this beautiful beach.
Where Is Midigama Beach?
The cluster of beaches, known as the Midigama Beach, is between Weligama and Ahangama, a popular beach town and surfing spot.
Furthermore, the beach spans an area of 6 kilometers, including the clusters of inlets.
The best and most budget-friendly way to reach Midigama. It is a train ride of around 3 hours and 15 minutes, and the ticket cost me around Rs. 240.
I took the train from Colombo Fort at 6:15 PM and reached Midigama at 9:25 PM, and the ticket price was Rs 550 for the second class.
Where To Surf On Midigama Beach?
I have already shared that the surfing spots in Midigama are diverse. So, the size, the type of breaks, and the surfing style will be different from one surfing location to another.
So, here are the surfing spots everyone loves.
1. Ahangama
Ahangama, on the northwest of Midigama, has been a popular surfing hub for the last few years.
It has many surf camps and bars, and its reef breaks are excellent for beginners and mid-level surfers.
Kabalana Beach is the best place to start your surfing expedition here.
2. Ram’s Right
Ram’s Right is the toughest surf break in the region, and you really need to make a quick surfing start.
Furthermore, the barrel sections make it fascinating. Also, you really need to look out for sea urchins here.
3. The Combination Of Lazy Right And Lazy Left
These two offer secure reef brakes, and Lazy Left is slightly harder to surf than Lazy Right.
So, Lazy Right is more suitable for beginners. Here, a surfer can enjoy cruisy rides where the surf breaks over a deep reef.
4. Plantations
It is very close to Weligama, and it is an ideal surfing spot for intermediates.
The entry point is an opening in the rock by the Plantation Surf Inn.
Furthermore, the reef here is deep, and surfing usually continues in the right direction and a few lefts.
5. Coconuts
Coconuts is the place where you will enjoy the classic Sri Lankan reef surfing experience.
Here, you can surf right and left, and the breaks are on both ends of the beach.
However, the east end of the beach is choppier.
6. Weligama
Once you are done surfing at Coconuts, you can take a short tuk-tuk ride to Weligama.
Furthermore, with a sandy bottom, it is an ideal surfing destination for beginners.
What Are The Places To Visit Near Midigama Beach?
If you are done surfing, you can explore the historic Galle Fort and the hedonistic Mirissa Beach.
1. Mirissa Beach
Mirissa Beach turns into the most Hedonistic place in Sri Lanka in the evening.
The bars here offer amazing happy hour offers. So, you will find the cheapest chilled beer in Sri Lanka here.
2. Galle Fort
Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just 25 km away from Midigama Beach.
It is one of the best examples of a European fortified city in South and South-East Asia.
Enjoy climbing up the rampart and having a walk from one corner to another, admire the architecture, and enjoy the 360-degree view of Galle.
Watching the sunset from the top of the fort is also a magical experience.
What Is The Best Time For Surfing In Midigama Beach?
Like all other beaches on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, November to April is the best time to visit Midigama Beach.
Regular storms and high rainfall are the main forces hitting the beach in this season.
Furthermore, when you are planning to surf in Midigama beach, pick early morning or late evening as the time as the winds pick up speed later in the day.
Where To Eat In Midigama Beach?
The main beach of Midigama and the place near the Coconuts have many cool eating places.
Contrary to Ahangama, the Midigama Beach exudes a hipster energy.
If you are looking for a local experience where you will also get some cultural insights, you can visit Sandaru Restaurant.
It is a family-run restaurant, and here you can eat kottu, rice, curry, and other local delicacies.
Another excellent place for trying local delicacies here is the Shirani Home Made Rice & Curry near the Coconut Beach.
Here, you will find the best rice-vegetable combos.
Where To Stay For Surfing At Midigama Beach?
You can stay at the really cool hostels near the Lazy Left if you want to surf at Midigama Beach.
However, if you are traveling with family and you are looking for comfort, Naomi Beach Hotel, the best surfing hotel in Sri Lanka, will be your ideal choice.
It has a stunning infinity pool, and the on-site bar is perfect for chilling after a surfing session.
Moreover, it is close to the Coconuts, for me, the best surfing spot in Midigama Beach.
Also, Surfing Wombats is another place to stay in Midigama for surfing. I can stay here simply because of the pizza they serve.
Furthermore, it is a short walk from the Lazy Left and Lazy Right surfing spots.
Also, if you want to be a part of the surfing camps in Midigama Beach, you must take a tuk-tuk to Weligama, and you will find many reputable surfing camps there.
Japan is now approaching Golden Week, and everyone will have their own list of things to do in Japan.
From 29th April to 6th May, Japan will have the most colorful parades and horse races.
This Golden Week celebration is important to hail the rich culture of Japan. And it is this rich culture and a distinct sensory experience that make Japan a favorite among young people, especially Gen Z travelers.
Also, on the Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection list, Japan has been consecutively securing the 9th position as the safest country in the world for the last 2 years.
Nevertheless, as I was saying, the things to do in Japan that make the country a favorite place to visit are not the same as the run-of-the-mill lists you see on the internet.
So, here, I have tried to keep it honest, based on the places I have visited and tried to decode in respect to those places why Japan is the France of the 21st century.
What Are The Things To Do In Japan?
Japan slowly grows on you. It’s not nuclear power; it has one of the largest domestic energy products (around 40% according to the International Energy Agency).
On the contrary, as Joseph Nye, a political scientist at Harvard, has pointed out, it is the soft power that has helped Japan to emerge as an idea, mode of entertainment, or aesthetics.
Can you call a sushi just Japanese these days? Or, a bowl of ramen? All these are very much present in our daily lives.
So, while exploring authentic local cuisine remains one of the best things to do in Japan, here are more activities you cannot miss.
Also, you can check whether Japan is expensive to visit or not, and the entire cost breakdown.
1. Visiting The Japanese Shrines
The Japanese shrines practice the local Shinto religion of Japan. Furthermore, these shrines are places for worshipping Kami, the spirit of nature.
These shrines can be easily identified by the Torii gates. Furthermore, once you enter the Torii gates, you will find the worship hall and the inner sanctum.
Moreover, the most popular Japanese shrines are the Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto, Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, Toshogu Shrine in Nikko, and Itsukushima Shrine in Miyajima.
2. Exploring The Japanese Temples
Buddhism and the rise and fall of various sects across centuries have shaped the famous Japanese temples.
Furthermore, these temples are defined by architectural features such as pagodas, lecture halls, bellfries, and cemeteries.
While Todai-ji Temple in Nara remains the most popular temple to visit in Japan, the other temples to visit in Japan are the Senso-Ji Temple in Kyoto, Sanbutsu-Ji Temple in Misasa, Daisho-In Temple in Miyajima, etc.
3. Experiencing Shinjuku
Shinjuku was very different from the other parts of Japan I visited. It offered an eclectic fusion of retro vibes and high-tech experiences.
Especially, thanks to the Godzilla Road, exploring Shinjuku is one of the best things to do in Japan if you are traveling with kids.
Along with the roar of Godzilla at the Godzilla Road, the Shinjuku 3D Cat near the Shinjuku Station East Exit is another major attraction for kids here.
Read more about what to do in Shinjuku.
4. Enjoying The Ultimate Dark Academia Fan Moment At Jimbocho Book Town
Uttered with an equal respect as the “Kaifeng and China book towns,” the Jimbocho Book Town is the ultimate place to visit for Dark Academia fans in Japan.
This town started booming when many law schools were established here in the late 19th century and early 20th century.
Today, it has more than 400 book stores, selling vernacular and foreign-language books.
Furthermore, every year, this book town holds the Aozora Kohon Ichiba or the Kanda Used Book Festival from Late October to early November. It is an attraction for book lovers around the globe.
5. Enjoying The Cherry Blossom Season In Kyoto
If you want to experience romance in Japan, you have to be present during the cherry blossom season in Kyoto.
The Philosopher’s Walk is the most popular place to experience the cherry blossom scene here. If you are done soaking in the meditative vibe here, you can next head to the Shimbashi Street.
It is the most beautiful street in Asia.
The Kiyomizu-Dera Temple and Maruyama Park are other amazing places to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto.
6. Trying Osaka Food
Osaka Food now represents Japanese cuisine worldwide, and it has left Tokyo behind in this regard. Thus, it fully justifies its nickname of “Japan’s Kitchen.”
Furthermore, Dotonbori is the epicenter of the best Osaka food and street stalls.
Takoyaki, Daifuku Mochi, Okonomiyaki, and the staples, Sushi and Ramen, are some of the must-try items here.
7. Visiting Oshino Hakkai
Sensory seeking is one of the biggest reasons why young travelers seek Japan, and there has been a 1300% surge in the bookings of young and Gen Z travelers from 2019, according to a report by American Express.
Furthermore, the Instagrammable places in Japan, such as Oshino Hakkai, have played a major role in satisfying this sensory quest.
Now, as I have mentioned in my Oshino Hakkai guide, it is a place I got to know about from Instagram.
You can see the snow-capped peaks of Mount Fuji from Oshino Hakkai, and the eight sacred ponds here were the highlights of my Tokyo to Mount Fuji day trip.
Furthermore, the Wakuike Pond is one of these eight ponds, and its water was carried to space in the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1983 to conduct an experiment on snowmaking in space.
8. Planning A Two-Day Trip To Nara
Do you know why Japan attracts anxious young travelers? It kind of strikes a balance. How?
When places in Japan feel like the future, think of Tokyo or the speed of the bullet trains. Some parts of the country bring back the order of the past.
One such place is Nara, the first permanent capital of Japan and home to 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Todai-ji Temple is the most famous among them.
Before Kyoto became the country’s capital in 794 AD, it served as the seat of power.
Along with the Todai-Ji Temple, you must also visit Kasuga Taisha, Mt. Wakakusa, and the Heijo Palace in Nara.
Read my complete guide on things to do in Nara to understand why you cannot miss a 2-day trip here.
9. Visiting Hokkaido Beach And Sapporo
The Hokkaido Beach is in Western Japan, and it looks straight out from the works of Hakura Murakami.
It’s surreal to see the coexistence of the snow-capped peaks and dunes, and it’s only possible in Hokkaido.
Along with the Hokkaido Beach, Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, also stands out with its green parks and shrines like the Sapporo Suitengu Shrine.
So, when you are next in Japan, plan a Tokyo to Hokkaido trip.
10. Visiting Hakone
The things to do in Hakone are all about soaking in the quiet moments that are most powerful.
I am glad that I did not follow the usual loop, including the train, cable car, and ship circuit.
If the Open Air Art Museum with 100 sculptures is the highlight of my Hakone visit, the Choan-ji Shrine, with small stone statues of monks, is what will stay with me forever.
Also, another fun part here was washing my money at the Fukazawa Zeniaria Benzaiten Shrine.
I have not got a bigger return yet, but there is no harm in believing in a custom that locals have been following for so many years.
Moreover, if you are in Hakone, don’t forget to take a bath in the Onsen or hot springs.
Furthermore, you can relive history by taking a ride on the Hakone Tozan Railway here. So, it is no wonder that visiting Hakone is one of the best day trips from Tokyo you can plan.
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