Experience The Wonderfully Weird Side of Japan With These 8 Unusual Attractions

While the Land of the Rising Sun dazzles travelers with its mix of modern cities, beautiful nature, and traditional culture, you can find a wonderfully strange and weird side to many Japan attractions if you dig deeper. 🎴 From eccentric museums to fascinating architecture and pop culture tributes, add these 8 quirky stops to your Japan itinerary. 

If you’re fascinated with strange things, visiting the poop-themed Unko Museum in Tokyo is a must! 💩 Upon entering this Japan attraction, the staff will even ask you to pretend to poop while yelling out “Unko!” for the full experience. Colorful dung-shaped displays are everywhere for you to either be amazed at or interact with. It’s certainly an interesting way to learn about this subject. 🤪

Unko Museum Address:  DiverCity Tokyo Plaza 2F, 1-1-10 Aomi, Koto-ku, Tokyo

Nestled in the mountains of Hakone, the Hakone Venetian Glass Museum brings a slice of Italian artistry to Japan. 💎 Stroll beside the winding canals and explore contemporary glass sculptures dotted among the trees, including delicate glass raindrops cascading from the branches. This unique museum is a magical place for photography and inspiration for your Japan itinerary. 👨🏻‍🎨

Address: 940-48 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo District, Kanagawa 250-0631

Contact: +81 460-86-3111

At the epic Godzilla attraction on Awaji Island, come face-to-face with the world’s largest life-sized Godzilla statue towering over 120 meters high! 👾 Step into this one-of-a-kind Japan attraction, an immersive recreation of the thrilling “Shin Godzilla” film scenes with special effects, then ride the adrenaline-pumping zip lines and save humanity in the shooting game where you attempt to defeat the legendary monster! 🔫

Address: 924-1 Iwaya, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture

Designed by the renowned anime studio Studio Ghibli, this whimsical clock in Nagoya’s Sakae district brings their classic animations to life and is a must-see Japan attraction for any Studio Ghibli fan. 🦝 Every hour, animated figures like Howl, Sophie, robots, and susuwatari from Ghibli films march around the clock in a charming display. With details incorporating the Ghibli universe, it's a joy for fans to watch. 🕰

Address: 1 Chome-1-83 Shimorenjaku, Mitaka, Tokyo 181-0013

The Izu Teddy Bear Museum in Japan displays over 6000 teddy bears from across the globe – even rare antique bears you won’t find elsewhere! 🐻 While you’re at this Japan attraction, meet the museum’s iconic “Teddy Girl” mascot, admire the full-sized Cat Bus from My Neighbor Totoro, and unwind in the serene garden for scrumptious cakes and tea. 🍵

Address: 1064-2 Yawatano, Itō, Shizuoka 413-0232

Contact: +81 557-54-5001

Dedicated to the iconic beckoning cat figurines seen in so many shops, this intriguing Japan attraction displays Maneki-Neko statues in every size, material, and design imaginable. 🐱 Learn about their origins, meanings, and role as “lucky cats” 💰 and write down your wishes on inorifuda paper to hang at the museum’s bamboo forest. For the creative cats, try your hand at painting an unglazed maneki-neko to take home!

Address: 2 Yakushimachi, Seto, Aichi 489-0821

Contact: +81 561-21-0345

For an unforgettably cute experience, head to the Micro Pig Cafe in Tokyo’s Harajuku district. 🐽 You'll be able to pet, hold, feed, and take photos with adorable tiny pigs while sipping a drink or treat from the cafe menu. Watching these mini pigs play and walk around in colorful outfits will melt your heart! 😍 This Japan attraction is a perfect break between exploring the lively Takeshita Street area.

Address: Jingumae 1-15-4, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Train station: JR Harajuku station, Tokyo

Contact: +81 3-6384-5899

Small Worlds Tokyo’s indoor exhibit features over 100 intricately crafted miniature dioramas recreating everyday Tokyo scenes, Japanese historical moments, and pop culture characters. 🗼 See fantastically detailed mini versions of Shibuya Crossing, the Asakusa festivals, Samurai battles, anime worlds, and beyond. It’s a creative addition to any Japan itinerary, especially for those looking to experience modern Tokyo culture and Japanese history in miniature form. 🎎

Address: Ariake Butsuryu Center, 1-3-33, Ariake, Koto-ku,135-0063, Tokyo