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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Japan

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

Updated February 1, 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.

Kitakyushu, Japan

Wisteria Tunnel

An exquisite tunnel of cascading flowers.

Kyoto, Japan

Sagano Bamboo Forest

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

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.

Fujinomiya-shi, Japan

Aokigahara Forest

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

Tokyo, Japan

The Giant Ghibli Clock

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

See All 485 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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Guided Tours of Japan

Atlas Obscura Trips

Artisans & Exiles: Exploring the Hidden Traditions of Japan’s Sado Island

Exploration through a history of exile, gold rush, and thriving cultural traditions.

Explore Japan

History & Culture 68

Architectural Oddities 30

Sacred Spaces 29

Museums And Collections 27

Unique Restaurants & Bars 24

Places To Stay 11

Japan Leaderboard

Places Added

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Places Visited

Recent Japan Activity

S

summermaddux

wants to go to Japanese Sword Museum
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gemmahiggs92

wants to go to Ghibli Museum
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rrrjenkins3

wants to go to Gajumaru Treehouse Diner
R

rrrjenkins3

wants to go to Nara Dreamland
R

rrrjenkins3

wants to go to Fantasy Dining Alice in a Labyrinth

Stories About Japan

Puzzle Monday: Going Home

January 30, 2023

Puzzle Monday: It's All Downhill

December 19, 2022

Puzzle Monday: Breaking the Grid

November 21, 2022

Puzzle Monday: Unofficial Japanese Food Holidays Crossword

November 14, 2022

Puzzle Monday: The Art of Illumination

October 24, 2022

Puzzle Monday: Building Bridges

September 26, 2022

Puzzle Monday: Charting a Path Between Day and Night

August 15, 2022

Puzzle Monday: A Pearl Necklace Both Elegant and a Little Evil

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