by Jenny Javitch, Founder of Global Game Plan

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.

Whether you’re planning a trip to Japan, you’re interested in learning more about the country that recently hosted the Olympics or you just want to do some virtual travelling, this post is the perfect place to start. From recipe suggestions, Japanese playlist and movie recommendations to beautiful videos of Japan and live tour options, we’ve rounded up tons of ideas so you can visit Japan at home any day of the year.

Enjoy your virtual Japan tour. Happy Travels!

Start by creating some virtual Japanese atmosphere

Choose your favorite Japanese Zoom background for your screen and then set the mood by listening to these awesome Japanese playlist options from your music streaming service:

Spotify – Tokyo at Home Playlist
Pandora – Japanese Music Tradition Ensemble
Apple Music – The most popular songs in Japan updated everyday

If you prefer a podcast here are some of the internet's favorite English-speaking, Japan-centric podcasts.

Follow these Instagram accounts to get a sense of Japanese lifestyle and culture.

Take a tour of Japan’s 47 prefectures with this new video by the Japan National Tourism Organization or see what’s happening on these livestreaming webcams:

Enjoy some Japanese food and drink

Start off with a Japanese cocktail, cook a homemade Japanese meal and end with an awesome Japanese dessert recipe.

If you’re looking for some professional guidance you can take an online Japanese cooking class through Air Kitchen, discover Izakaya & sake culture with a sommelier or learn the Secrets of Japanese Whisky with an awesome Japanese tour guide.

Not in the mood to cook? Of course delivery is always an option, either Japanese beer or whisky or a local Japanese restaurant that’s available on a food delivery service. Buy some specialty Japanese meals, snacks or desserts that can be shipped all across the United States or order a monthly Japanese subscription box.

Watch the debate about whether a homemade egg salad sandwich is better than the one you can buy in a Japanese 7-Eleven, check out the 47 new Frappuccinos from Starbucks Japan or just see how some simple iced green tea is prepared. Experience Japanese street food through a tour of the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo.

Watch Japanese tv and movies

If you’re in the mood to relax on the couch and do some streaming, check out this list of Japanese movie and tv shows on Netflix or these Japanese tv shows on a variety of platforms.

Japanese food fans will love watching Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern’s video clips from his visit to Tokyo and Anthony Bourdain’s Taste of Tokyo (free on You Tube) or Japan episodes on Amazon Prime (Season 1 episode 11; Season 7 episode 3; Season 8 episode 7; Season 10 episode 8).

Check out these exciting activity ideas

25+ virtual activities to experience Japan at home…whether you’re in the mood for a solo adventure, romantic virtual tour, family-friendly activities or walking through the cities of Japan, there is something for you on this list!

Explore Japan

Enjoy a walking tour of Tokyo, a night walk from Shibuya to Shinjuki or sunset walk in Kyoto.

Chill with some relaxing music and beautiful scenes from around the country, stroll through a Japanese garden in Nagoya or view the cherry blossoms in spring.

Take a scenic train ride in the countryside of Kyoto or drive like a local through the streets of Tokyo (on the right of the screen scroll down until you find Tokyo).

After experiencing these virtual city tours, you will want to start planning a trip to Japan in person!

Learn about Japanese arts, history and culture

Learn some Japanese words and their beautiful meanings or study more in-depth using one of these 10 free apps.

Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Japan

View this selection of teamLab’s digital art exhibits or practice a traditional art via Tadashi Mori’s creative origami tutorials on You Tube.

Experience the Japanese music scene through a live-streamed concert on Zaiko.

Curl up with a good book that’s set in Japan. Here are some Japanese manga recommendations to try.

Experience a day in the life of a Tokyo metro driver

Get some solid tips on how to enjoy your stay at a ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn)

Related: Check out Kids Web Japan - “a cool site about Japan for kids”

Take in some sports info on your virtual Japan tour

Take in the panoramic views of the Olympic stadium and learn about the deeper meaning behind its architecture. Hear from some Olympic journalists about their behind-the-scenes experiences of Japanese culture.

This is all you need to know about the history of sumo wrestling and how the tournament works.

Train with Samurai in Tokyo through this live experience.

Related: Learn from Olympians and Paralympians all over the world

Participate in live tours and events

If you want to have an engaging experience with Japanese lifestyle and culture with a live tour guide, then these virtual Japan tours are for you!

Look for other online experiences in Japan or to a variety of destinations on Airbnb Online Experiences and these virtual travel company websites.

Plan a future trip to Japan

Travel is tough right now, but it won’t be this way forever. Get excited about planning a trip to Japan -in person!

Watch this video to decide which tourist destinations you want to visit in person someday.
Purchase an Japan travel guide in print.
Search Pinterest for things to do, places to stay and where to eat in Japan.
Hire Global Game Plan to start planning your trip.

MORE VIRTUAL TRAVEL

Excited about all the possibilities of virtual travel? This virtual date night in Hawaii is already planned for you! As an alternative you can easily customize your virtual date night to the destination of your choice.

Looking for a way to explore your heritage? Choose the country or region for your Virtual Heritage Tour, fill out a survey with your travel interests and we will customize a tour (food, drinks arts, culture, history and virtual entertainment) just for you.

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When travel becomes possible again, Global Game Plan would love to help you plan your next vacation. It’s our job to make travel easier for you!

Experience Japan at Home with a Virtual Tour