When most people think of Japan, their thoughts immediately turn to iconic Japanese sights such as Mount Fuji, Kiyomizu-Dera, the Great Buddha of Kamakura and many others. But, like most countries, Japan has a hidden side – one that contains many interesting though unusual places to spend part of your vacation.
If you’re considering going to Asia, here are some Japan highlights that are genuinely unusual!
1.Yunesson Spa Resort
Bathing in green tea, red wine or even Ramen noodles? It just doesn’t get any more unusual than this. Exotic bathing options are the order of the day in this quirky spa in the lush mountains of Japan’s Hakone prefecture. If anything, it’s a great place to relax in Roman-style baths. Only, instead of water, you have the opportunity to relax in drink–themed attractions.
2. Robot Restaurant
Located in downtown Tokyo, the Robot Restaurant is about as weird and outlandish as eating establishments come. A robot waiter leads you to your seat and takes your order. Afterward, robot dancers, monsters and animals get up on the restaurant stage and dance alongside human performers. Japan has one of the most exciting – if not the strangest – pop culture scenes on the entire planet. And what better way to experience this cultural phenomenon than by eating lunch or dinner at the Robot Restaurant?
3. Gundam
If there is one thing the Japanese are known for, it’s having some of the zaniest animated series. The robotic character Gundam of the late 1970s TV series of the same name is immortalized by this 60-foot replica statue with a mobile head and a frame that emits multicolored lights from as many as 50 spots on the body. If you want to see this lifelike tribute to one of Japan’s most popular fictional characters, you’ll have to go to Tokyo’s Odaiba Shiokaze park.
4. Capsule hotels
Surprisingly, capsule hotels are a popular place for tourists to stay when they visit Japan. They aren’t fancy, just a bed, TV and a shared washroom. Sleeping in a room that is only as wide as a single-size mattress and tall enough that it only gives you enough room to sit upright isn’t everybody’s cup of tea. But on the plus side, these rooms are cheap and allow you to get a good night’s rest.
5. Love hotels
While we’re on the topic of unusual accommodations in Japan, here’s another that deserves an honorable mention. Love hotels. Yes, as the name implies, these romantic spots are geared toward couples. While many traveling couples simply want a nice, clean room in which to spend the night, keep in mind that there are themed rooms based on some rather bizarre and kinky subjects. Since most of these hotels don’t have front desks, you will generally have to pay via a machine that gives you the room key.
6. Hitachi Seaside Park
When you visit this public park in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki prefecture, you may shake your head wondering what kind of magical fantasy land you’ve stumbled into. The 190 – acre park is very colorful, being covered year-round by blooming flowers. There’s also a small amusement park with a Ferris Wheel.
