Sumo
Watching sumo is an exciting and very traditional Japanese experience. Six major tournaments are held throughout the year in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka (www.sumo.or.jp/eng). 
 
Skiing
Come winter, do as many Japanese do and hit the slopes. Mountains here are covered in top-class ski resorts (www.skijapanguide.com), especially in the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido. Many resorts also have hot springs (onsen) to relax in après ski.

Whale and dolphin watching
Several former whaling ports have caught onto the tourist value of switching to whale-watching tours. Between January and March is a good time to go whale or dolphin watching (www.h2.dion.ne.jp/~owa/english/e_content.html).

Cherry blossom parties
From April through May, cherry trees start blossoming across the country, and lively parties are held underneath the pretty blossoms. The most famous are in Ueno Park in Tokyo and Maruyama Park in Kyoto.

Sapporo Snow Festival
Every February, Sapporo, Hokkaido's vibrant capital, hosts its extraordinary Snow Festival (www.snowfes.com). The ice party lasts for seven days, and is marked by huge, elaborate snow and ice sculptures. Several other towns in Hokkaido also have snow and ice festivals during the winter.

Traditional Performing Arts
In Tokyo or Osaka book a seat to see some bunraku, a unique form of puppet theatre, or the dramatic forms of noh and kabuki which feature participant dressed in colourful traditional costumes (www.ntj.jac.go.jp).

Geisha Dances
Few will have the funds or connections to enjoy a private audience with a geisha, but Kyoto's geisha dances (odori) held in April, May and October, are open to all. The most prestigious is the Miyako Odori (www.miyako-odori.jp) held in Gion.

Tokyo Shopping
Ginza is packed with smart department stores, while Omotesando, lined with trees and top-brand boutiques, is the city's most pleasant retail strip. Roppongi's Tokyo Midtown (www.tokyo-midtown.com) and Roppongi Hills (www.roppongihills.com) complexes are also worth checking out.

Tsukiji Fish Market
Get up early to witness the world's largest fish market at Tsukiji (www.tsukiji-market.or.jp). The action kicks off around 4am and winds down around midday. Afterwards, feast on the freshest of sushi and sashimi at the restaurants beside the market.

Earth Celebration
Sado Island, rural and largely unspoilt, is home to the famous taiko drumming group, Kodo (www.kodo.or.jp). Every August they return to their base to host the fantastic Earth Festival featuring percussion artists from around the world.

Japanese tea ceremony
Arrange to take part in a traditional tea ceremony through the tourist information centres in Kyoto and Tokyo. The elegant ritual takes place in a room designed and designated for tea, a chashitsu, and is steeped in symbolism.

Hot springs (onsen)
When the Japanese want to relax they head to a natural hot spring resort, or onsen. Famous ones include Dogo in Matsuyama, Shikoku, one of the oldest in Japan; and Ibusuki, on the southern tip of Kyushu, renowned for its hot-sand saunas.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.