Japan travel: What celebrities do when they visit Japan, from thrifting to exploring bonsai art

Celebrities looking for calm between engagements often gravitate to temples and shrines. Sensō-ji in Asakusa remains a classic choice for its historic ambience and market-street approach. Visitors can enter through the massive Kaminarimon gate, stroll along the shopping street of Nakamise, and sample traditional snacks while browsing small souvenir shops, providing a gentle counterpoint to Tokyo’s bustle. Nezu Shrine, with its quiet architecture, seasonal azalea gardens, and torii-lined pathways, is ideal for those seeking a less crowded, more contemplative visit. 

Meiji Shrine, located in Shibuya, offers a different experience. Surrounded by a large, forested park, it feels removed from the city’s noise, and visitors can participate in traditional rituals such as cleansing at the temizuya water pavilion or writing wishes on ema plaques. Zōjō-ji, with its historic gate and views framed by the modern city skyline, provides another type of contrast: a mix of old wooden structures and contemporary surroundings. 

Visiting these shrines and temples gives travellers a sense of Japan’s spiritual heritage and quiet ritual, offering a calm and reflective pause amid a busy itinerary and the fast pace of Tokyo life.

Read more: From pilgrimage routes in Japan to Hindi temples in Vietnam: 7 lesser-known Unesco sites in Asia

For a different kind of retail thrill, many celebrities turn to Shimokitazawa. This district is known for its vintage and second-hand clothing shops, narrow backstreets, record stores and indie cafés, a world apart from Tokyo’s mega malls. The appeal lies in the hunt: racks packed with denim, leather jackets, retro streetwear or rare finds, second-hand books, vinyl records and small curiosities, all mingled with cafés that serve locally roasted coffee or light bites. Shops such as Amore Vintage are particularly popular, offering carefully curated collections of designer and mid-range pieces, which makes it easier for visitors to find something distinctive without expert knowledge.

For first-time visitors, it is helpful to plan a route through the main streets but allow time to wander the side alleys, where smaller stores often hide gems. Checking multiple shops is worthwhile because stock changes frequently, and one visit may reveal something completely different from the last. Many vintage stores in Shimokitazawa also include fitting rooms, so shoppers can try on pieces before buying, which is practical for travellers carrying luggage.

Beyond clothing, the area has record stores, bookshops, and small craft stores where one can pick up unique souvenirs or gifts. Pausing at the local cafés in between browsing provides a chance to rest and observe neighbourhood life. For those accustomed to high-end retail, Shimokitazawa offers a relaxed atmosphere and a reprieve from polished boutique environments. Many visitors appreciate the unscripted feel of the neighbourhood, where discovery is part of the experience, allowing them to engage directly with local trends and styles and take truly one-of-a-kind pieces home. This combination of exploration and casual immersion into Tokyo life makes Shimokitazawa a memorable stop for anyone doing Japan travel.

Celebrities like Pharrell Williams weave creative visits into their Japan travel by seeking out individuals like Teppei Kojima, a renowned bonsai artisan. Visiting Kojima’s studio offers a more personal insight into Japanese craftsmanship and tradition, far removed from typical tourist routes. Such visits are often quiet and intimate, allowing guests to observe the careful shaping and maintenance of bonsai trees, watch work in progress, and sometimes participate in hands-on demonstrations or discussions over tea.

Bonsai cultivation is a centuries-old Japanese practice that combines horticultural skill with aesthetic principles. Each tree is carefully pruned, wired, and nurtured over many years to achieve a balance of proportion, harmony and natural beauty. Kojima’s approach highlights both the patience and precision required to maintain living art, as well as the contemporary interpretations of this traditional craft. Visitors can learn about seasonal care, soil and watering techniques, and the subtle ways in which bonsai reflects Japanese ideas of nature and impermanence.

For travellers, a visit to a bonsai studio like Kojima’s adds a unique dimension to Japan travel. It offers a tangible connection to local culture, allowing them to witness the dedication behind a living art form and understand how centuries-old traditions continue to influence modern Japanese aesthetics. Combining this experience with visits to temples, shrines and urban neighbourhoods creates a fuller, more textured understanding of Japan beyond the usual sightseeing routes

When the mood strikes for a shopping binge that spans snacks, cosmetics, quirky souvenirs and last-minute gifts, Don Quijote, often abbreviated Donki, is hard to beat. The stores carry a little of everything, including groceries, electronics, cosmetics, novelty items and fashion. For celebrities, a late-night visit to a Donki near their hotel can feel like jumping headfirst into a retail rabbit hole. The experience can be chaotic, overwhelming and unexpectedly fun, with aisles packed tightly, stacked shelves and bold signage creating an immersive shopping environment.

Many branches are open 24 hours, making it convenient for those with unpredictable schedules or for travellers who want to fit a visit between other activities. Practical tips for navigating Donki include starting at the top floors where cosmetics, health products and fashion are usually located, before working your way down to groceries and household items. It is helpful to bring a backpack or small tote for purchases, as the aisles can be narrow and crowded. Some stores have clear floor maps or directories near the entrance, and browsing in smaller sections at a time can prevent feeling overwhelmed.

For first-time visitors, it is worth noting that signage is often in Japanese, but major product categories are easy to identify by colour coding or large labels. Snacks with quirky flavours, Japanese candies, instant noodles, souvenirs and novelty items make excellent gifts, while electronics and beauty products often have competitive prices. Shoppers can take short breaks at small seating areas if available or step outside briefly to reset before diving back in. Donki offers a chance to pick up everyday Japanese goods, sample unusual snacks, and enjoy the spontaneity of discovery, creating a fun and practical stop for anyone planning Japan travel.

For a slice of tradition dressed in practicality, many visitors like NBA star Karl Towns and girlfriend Jordyn Woods choose to try a kimono during Japan travel. Around popular temples such as Sensō-ji, rental shops make it easy to experience traditional attire, offering full dressing services with English support, including the kimono, obi sash, sandals and accessories. Other well-known areas for kimono rentals include Asakusa, Kyoto’s Gion district and the streets around Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, where visitors can combine wearing a kimono with sightseeing in historic or scenic areas.

Booking in advance is recommended during peak tourist seasons to ensure availability and a preferred style. Rental shops often provide guidance on matching patterns and colours appropriately and will assist with putting on the kimono correctly, so first-time wearers do not need to worry about the layers or tying the obi. Some locations also offer optional photography services, allowing visitors to capture professional-quality photos in traditional attire without having to manage cameras or tripods themselves. Renting a kimono provides a quietly satisfying way to engage with Japan’s traditions while exploring its streets.

For travellers mapping out their own Japan travel plans, these celebrity stops function as an easy blueprint. Shibuya Crossing works as a quick first-night orientation. Shrines and temples offer reliable pockets of calm between city districts. Shimokitazawa is a straightforward choice for vintage shopping without needing insider knowledge. A visit to someone like Teppei Kojima adds a cultural element for those interested in design. Don Quijote is useful for last-minute essentials and snacks. Kimono rentals near major temples are simple to arrange. Each activity slots neatly into most itineraries and keeps Japan travel varied and manageable.

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