The Atlas Obscura Guide To Japan

490 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Japan

Updated March 27, 2023

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Unusual Attractions in Japan

Tokyo, Japan

Ghibli Museum

A magical place that lets you play in and explore the world of Studio Ghibli.

Kyoto, Japan

Sagano Bamboo Forest

The sound of swaying stalks in this stunning grove has been named a governmentally recognized sound.

Kitakyushu, Japan

Wisteria Tunnel

An exquisite tunnel of cascading flowers.

Ishinomaki, Japan

Cat Island

On Japan's Tashirojima Island, cats are king.

Yamanouchi, Japan

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Hot springs monkey spa in the middle of Hell's Valley.

Tokyo, Japan

Vampire Café

A taste of the macabre Tokyo's ritzy shopping district.

Tokyo, Japan

The Giant Ghibli Clock

Tokyo’s only Vaudeville-cuckoo clock–steampunk-Victorian curio cabinet time piece.

Fujinomiya-shi, Japan

Aokigahara Forest

A beautiful, dense forest in the shadow of Mount Fuji, with a tragic reputation.

See All 490 Things To Do in Japan

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in Japan

Tokyo, Japan

Vampire Café

A taste of the macabre Tokyo's ritzy shopping district.

Kyoto, Japan

Nishiki Market

This 700-year-old street food market features baby octopus and soy donuts.

Hakone, Japan

Yunessun Spa Resort

This spa theme park lets its guests take a dip in pools of coffee, wine, or ramen broth.

Yokohama, Japan

Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum

This historical theme park celebrates all things noodle.

See all 10 Places to Eat in Japan

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Explore Japan

History & Culture 72

Statues 46

Shrines 43

Temples 39

Architectural Oddities 30

Sacred Spaces 29

Art 29

Museums And Collections 28

Buddhism 28

Plants 26

Animals 25

Unique Restaurants & Bars 24

Places To Stay 11

Japan Leaderboard

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Recent Japan Activity

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January 30, 2023

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December 19, 2022

Puzzle Monday: Breaking the Grid

November 21, 2022

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November 14, 2022

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