10 Weird Tourist attractions in Japan

10 Weird Tourist attractions in Japan

Japan is an island country in East Asia. It is situated in the northwest Pacific Ocean and is bordered on the west by the Sea of Japan while extending from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north toward the East China Sea, Philippine Sea, and Taiwan in the south.

Japan is full of countless places that inspire and enchant visitors. From historic castles to amazing floral exhibits to the unusual landscapes that seem to be taken from a completely different country,

It is an extraordinary country especially as it is a mix of culture, traditions and unusual places to visit. Besides being able to lose yourself among singular architectures, temples and gardens, there are characteristic places, out of the ordinary.

The country is a fascinating blend of modernity mixed with tradition. 

The Land of the Rising Sun is the best place to take a look at some of the strangest tourist attractions and locations you will ever see.  Let’s look at 10 weird tourist attractions in Japan.

 

1.  Cat Island – Tashirojima

 

Located in Tashirojima Island, cat island as it has been named is an island full of cats! No Caturday fan should miss this.

The island of Tashirojima is home to more cats than people. Locals believe that cats are representative of good luck and fortune, so they take great care of their feline friends.

Although there are less than 100 people living on Tashirojima, the island is regularly frequented by curious travelers who come to see the kitties.

2.  The Blue Pond – Hokkaido

The Blue Pond in Hokkaido Prefecture, also called Aoiike, is known for its ethereal blue colour. Tree stumps that protrude from the surface of the water add to its otherworldly appearance.

This artificial pond was created as part of an erosion control system, designed to protect the area from the mudflows that can occur from the nearby mountain.

Maybe one of the most unusual places in Japan is the Tokachi volcano. The disturbing blue colour of the pond is caused by natural minerals dissolved in the water.

3. Futuristic Capsule Hotels – Asakusa

Taking “compact” to the next level, capsule hotels are the accommodation of the future! offering a cheap and cosy place to rest your head amongst the crowded cities of Japan.

These sci-fi-esque pods offer a surprisingly comfy, no-frills stay for those just looking to crash.

But don’t think you’ll be sacrificing luxury – Japanese capsule hotels are often furnished with shared baths, televisions, entertainment rooms, food service, books, and more! 

4.  Old Chusetsu Tunnel – Fukuoka

Taking the final spot on our list, the Old Chusetsu Tunnel in Fukuoka is said to be one of the most haunted tunnels in all of Japan.

Travellers who venture through the tunnel have reported loud, wailing voices coming from inside the tunnel.

Those that are brave enough to try and walk the length of the tunnel will find that it’s completely doable, just really creepy and spooky.

Japanese TV programs will often do paranormal segments and revisit the Chusetsu Tunnel to keep it fresh in everyone’s minds.

5.   Mt. Aso – Kyushu

 

If you’re lucky enough to visit on a day when poisonous gas levels aren’t too high, you might just be able to see the crater of the largest active volcano in Japan.

Located right in the middle of Kyushu, this impressive wonder is a sight many would enjoy seeing at least once in their lives. With a convenient car park only a minute’s walk away from the mountain, shuttles, and walking trails, tourists have an easier time than ever getting to the location.

Along with viewing the sizeable active volcano, tourists can also use the nearby campsites and ride a horse or two if the season is right.

There are even helicopter rides available – for a price – if you’re daring enough to view the volcano from above.

6. Aokigahara – Yamanashi Prefecture

Also referred to as the Sea of Trees in Japan (or the Suicide Forest throughout the rest of the world), Aokigahara is one of the world’s most popular places to die.

Made famous recently by a YouTuber who filmed a victim’s body while exploring inside, those that live near the forest are not happy with its increasing popularity.

The rise in suicides carried out in the forest has been said to taint the trees with paranormal energy that permeates throughout the entire forest.

One thing’s for certain, you need a strong stomach and a good sense of direction if you want to visit this dark tourist attraction. Make sure that someone knows where you’re going, and that you’re fully prepared in case you see something you don’t want to while inside the large forest.

7.  Yoro Park – Gifu

The primary attraction of Yoro, a town located in Gifu, Japan, on the eastern side of the Yoro Mountains, Yoro Park is a theme park described as an “experience park,” where visitors are told to expect the unexpected. Also known as the Site of Reversible Destiny, it was conceived by New York-based artists/architects Arakawa and Gins in 1995.

Visitors to the park, which sits in a town of only 33,000, are led through the many attractions by a series of guides who know how best to manipulate the surroundings.

Attractions include the Critical Resemblance House; the Site of Reversible Destiny; and the Elliptical Field, which resembled a large, bowl-shaped basin. The Critical Resemblance House has a map of Gifu Prefecture as its roof and is filled with sets of furniture arranged in pairs on the floor, the ceiling, and even under the floor.

The Elliptical Field is a series of nine pavilions joined by an intricate network of 148 paths.

8.  Lavish Love Hotels

If you ever spot a unique or mysterious hotel displaying prices per hour, you’ve encountered one of Japan’s infamous “love hotels.”

Privacy is a rare commodity in Japan, with invasive parents, nosy neighbours, and tiny apartments making bringing someone back to your place a strenuous feat.

Love hotels solve these issues, allowing a discreet escape for romantic escapades in the sanctity of absolute privacy. In addition to serving couples, love hotels can also be used as a place to sleep or even as your main accommodation in Japan. 

9. Fukushima Forbidden Zone – Tomioka

If you thought Hashima Island seemed like an interesting place to visit, you’ll likely also be interested in the small town of Tomioka in Fukushima. After a large earthquake and resulting tsunami caused the nuclear power plant to meltdown.

Almost all of the residents living in Tomioka fled the town; only a few returned. The majority of the town may never be reoccupied, and most of the buildings are on a waitlist to be demolished.

If you’re brave enough to risk the lingering radiation, you’ll be treated to a truly disturbing sight. Only the elderly dare return to the town, as they claim that they will likely die of old age before the radiation does any damage to their bodies.

10. Meguro Parasitological Museum

Do you start to feel itchy and gross when you think of bugs and insects? Do you have an innate fear that something is living inside your body, feeding off of you while it grows bigger and stronger?

Then head over to the Meguro Parasitological Museum and educate yourself on parasites and the like.

If you’re a visual learner, you’ll be pleased to know that they have 300 preserved specimens on display for any and all to look at.

If you prefer to learn by reading, the research library boasts at least 60,000 parasite specimens, 5,000 books, and 50,000 papers all about parasites.