Japan is a fascinating and beautiful country. If you are visiting or living there for any length of time, you should take advantage of everything the country has to offer. There are many sights and experiences in Japan that simply shouldn't be missed. Here are a few ideas for "must-do" and "must-see" activities and destinations in Japan.

Enjoy the Local Cuisine
If you enjoy sushi, you're in the right place. In Japan, sushi restaurants are literally everywhere. Many different kinds of restaurants in Japan serve sushi, ranging from fancy high-end restaurants to simple establishments that treat it almost like a fast food. Many people, when they first visit Japan, are surprised as to how many kinds of sushi are actually available, since in other countries, we are often accustomed to just a very simple and limited variety. The various noodle dishes that are popular in Japan are another culinary experience that shouldn't be missed. Ranging from the familiar ramen-style noodles to the Japanese udon noodle, which is much thicker, you'll find that noodles are prepared in many delicious ways. They might be combined in broths, or with sprouts, bamboo shoots or meat. There are also fried noodle dishes in Japan, such as yakisoba, which you should try. This popular dish is generally served with a vegetable and meat combination, along with a sauce.

If you have the opportunity to go to a Yakiniku restaurant, don't miss the chance. These restaurants let you do some of the cooking yourself. You simply choose your meats and then you can cook them yourself at the table by means of a grill that is built right into the table. You can then dip the cooked meats in sauces and enjoy. Of course these restaurants also offer other foods, but it's the meats that are the real highlight of the meal. If you are in the mood for some fast but delicious food, try stopping at a stand that serves Yakitori. This grilled chicken on a stick is a popular food in Japan and is often grabbed as a quick lunch or after work as people commute and walk along the streets.

Enjoy the Local Sites and Attractions
It might sound obvious, but you should also make sure you see and enjoy the many natural and man-made attractions of Japan. Mount Fuji should simply not be missed by anybody who visits Japan. You'll want to at least take some photos of Mount Fuji, since it is one of the most frequently photographed sights in the country. You'll also want to visit a few of Japan's beautiful temples. Many of these are quite historic and you shouldn't miss out on the chance to see them. You should also take the time to attend a sumo tournament. Sumo is the national sport in Japan and is a very popular form of entertainment. You might not completely understand the experience, but you should definitely go at least once. Also, try out various forms of travel while in the country. Driving around Japan by car is an entirely different experience than zipping around on the bullet train. Take the time to see the country from its various angles.

Metal-Wall-Art.com senior staff writer, Alyssa Davis, specializes in designing with black metal wall sculptures and coffee cup metal wall art.