5 Things You Didn't Know You Needed To Do In Japan

As long as you aren't afraid of animals...

5. Watch monkeys and deer fight on the island of Yakushima

Lynn Lewis Photography & Design / Via lynnchanglewis.com

Ok, so fighting might be a harsh term, but the island that inspired the famous Studio Ghibli film, Princess Mononoke, is as magical as the movie! Deer and monkeys crowd the small roads as they claim their territory.

4. Take a midnight soak at Hirauchu Onsen

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A traditional Japanese open air hot spring that is only accessible at low tide? Yes please! Low tide just happened to be at midnight on New Year's Eve 2017. What better way to ring in the new year than to spa under the full moon! (or at high noon, if you are into that whole harsh sunlight thing)

3. Run like a ninja through a snowy bamboo forest

Lynn Lewis Photography & Design / Via lynnchanglewis.com

Make sure to get up early to explore the bamboo forest before the crowds hit! We got lucky (some would say unlucky) and it started snowing as we got to the park. Bust out the Snapchat and Instastory because this place is picture heaven.

2. Lounge in comfy robes at a traditional Japanese inn (ryokan)

Lynn Lewis Photography & Design / Via lynnchanglewis.com

A forty minute walk through the snow to a remote Japanese inn might not sound relaxing, but it was the most luxurious accommodations of our whole trip! Enjoy the comfy and cozy tatami mat room, delicious home cooked meal from the inn owners, and the Japanese robes (yukatas) while you wait for a good time to go to number 1....

1. Get naked in the snow with monkeys

Lynn Lewis Photography & Design / Via lynnchanglewis.com

Ok, so you wouldn't think this would be the number one destination of our most recent trip to Japan, but we planned the whole trip around it. Where else in the world can you share a hot spring with wild monkeys? The feeling of water freezing and forming ice crystals in your hair as you sweat from the hot spring water...all while being surrounded by a small army of furry friends is priceless!

What are you waiting for? Renew that passport and start your next adventure!