298 Cool and Unusual Things to Do in Japan - Atlas Obscura

Unusual Attractions in 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.

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.

Fujinomiya-shi, Japan

Aokigahara Forest

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

Kabukicho Robot Restaurant

Cabaret where the show girls are all androids, and the patrons couldn't be more pleased.

Vampire Café

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

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Unique Food & Drink in Japan

Raindrop Cake

The beautiful dessert evaporates in 20 minutes.

Honey Toast Box

Many spoons are needed to demolish one of these ice cream-stuffed bread loaves.

Coffee Gelatin

Leftover coffee plus Jello equals this vintage dessert.

Maple Leaf Tempura

Why not fry a year-old leaf?

See all 57 things to eat in Japan See all 57 things to eat in Japan

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Post	Replies	Views	Activity
Crepe Vending Machine	4 September 26, 2019	2283	September 26, 2019
Traditional fishing village wood buidling	0 June 28, 2019	780	June 28, 2019
Ashizuri Underwater Observation Tower	3 July 16, 2019	2044	July 16, 2019
Chicken Sashimi	5 December 28, 2019	712	December 28, 2019
Seikan Tunnel	3 October 26, 2019	1151	October 26, 2019

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Stories About Japan

Samurai were fierceness in the front, but all business in the back.

To Work Out Like a Samurai, Swing a Stick, Take a Hike—or Push Some Pencils

Japan’s feudal fighters were plenty tough. But they didn’t ditch their day jobs.

by Isaac Schultz

Elegant <em>so</em> was probably not eaten with crackers in ancient Japan.

The Coronavirus Is Bringing Back a 1,000-Year-Old 'Cheese' in Japan

Once, it was considered fit for the emperor.

While Kaori Hamura Long was homebound with flu-like symptoms, she drew Amabie wearing a mask.

A Healing Spirit From 19th-Century Japan Is Back to Face COVID-19

Artists are bringing back Amabie, a 'yōkai' associated with protection from disease.

Christmas "Party Barrels" across Japan this year will feature a special shrimp gratin.

How a White Lie Gave Japan KFC for Christmas

One cunning business maneuver created a tradition and saved a franchise.

December 13, 2019

This contemporary yet classic strawberry shortcake from convenience store chain Lawson costs 2,980 to 4,600 yen (US$27-$46), depending on the size.

Every December, Japan Is Awash in Elegant Christmas Cakes

Romance, magazines, and technology made delicate confections a must-have.

December 11, 2019

Miho Imada poses at her brewery in Hiroshima.

The Return of Japan’s Female Sake Brewers

Pushed out of brewing more than a century ago, they're making a comeback.

by Reina Gattuso

December 10, 2019

Kakigori, pictured here on the streets of New York City.

How American Gunboat Diplomacy Helped Democratize Japanese Shaved Ice

One show of force had a cooling effect on Japanese summers.

September 5, 2019

A wolf walking through snow at Asahiyama Zoo in Asahikawa, Hokkaido.

How Do You Convince 125 Million People to Embrace Wolves?

It would be good for Japan's forests and farms (less so the deer).

by Allan Richarz

August 26, 2019

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