Check out some strange and quirky things to do in Japan

Japanese Lanterns hang in a dark Izakaya

If you're looking for something different to do during your stay in Japan, why not try something weird and unusual? From visiting haunted sites to taking part in unique festivals, there are plenty of bizarre and offbeat experiences to be had in this amazing country. In this blog post, we've compiled a list of 13 weird and unusual things to do in Japan that you won't find anywhere else. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, an adventurous spirit or just looking to step out of your comfort zone, these experiences will make your time in Japan truly unforgettable. Read on to find out more!

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Hang out with spirits at Aokigahara Forest

The eerie trees of the Aokigahara forest in Japan

Head to the Aokigahara Forest in Japan for a strange, spooky experience. Aokigahara is considered to be one of the most haunted places in Japan, making it an ideal destination for those looking for something out of the ordinary. This forest is a popular spot for Japanese ghost stories and many visitors report hearing strange noises and sightings of ghosts and spirits. Make sure to explore with caution and respect this sacred place, as it has a history of people taking their own lives here.

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Visit an Owl Cafe

An owl looks into the camera at a Japanese owl cafe

For those looking for a unique experience, Japan has plenty of unusual attractions. One of the quirkiest is an Owl Cafe. In these cafes, you can cuddle up with over 30 owl species, most of which are native to Japan. You can take photos with the owls or even feed them. If you’re an animal lover, an owl cafe is definitely one of the weirdest things to do in Japan!

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Get Your Picture Taken with the Statue of Liberty

Want to take a picture with an iconic symbol of freedom? Head over to the Odaiba District in Tokyo and you’ll find a smaller replica of the Statue of Liberty. It’s a popular spot for photos and makes for a great background! The statue stands at approximately 3.3 meters tall, making it more than twice the size of a regular human being. Not only is it fun for tourists, but it also serves as an important reminder of the friendship between Japan and the United States. There are no entrance fees or other charges, so come snap a picture with this unique Japanese landmark!

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Check into a robot hotel in Osaka

Robot dinosaurs man the front desk at the Henn-Na hotel in Osaka

If you're looking for a truly unique experience, check into the Henn-na Hotel in Osaka. This one-of-a-kind robot hotel is run almost entirely by robots - from the reception desk to the room cleaning. Even the voice-activated check-in process is operated by a robot! The hotel also features a robotic dinosaur in the lobby and offers futuristic rooms with automated beds and TVs. Whether you're after a strange or fun experience, staying at a robot hotel is definitely something to remember!

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Drink Snake Wine

One of the more unusual experiences in Japan is sampling snake wine, which is a type of rice wine made with a venomous snake. The venom is said to enhance the flavor of the wine and provide medicinal properties. Snake wine is a popular traditional drink in some areas of Japan and can be found in specialty stores. It's definitely an experience that you won't forget! Be sure to drink in moderation, though, as drinking too much can cause serious health problems.

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Try out Fugu

A bowl of potentially deadly Fugu pufferfish in Japan

For an extreme culinary experience, consider trying Fugu, the infamous poisonous pufferfish of Japan. Prepared and served by experienced chefs, Fugu is a delicacy that can be enjoyed in many upscale Japanese restaurants. Despite the risk of eating a potentially deadly fish, Fugu is surprisingly delicious and definitely worth the risk. The chefs are specially trained in preparing the fish and will know exactly how to make it safe to eat. If you’re feeling adventurous, this is a unique experience you’ll never forget!

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Play Pachinko

A row of Pachinko machines in a Japanese Pachinko parlour

Pachinko is a type of gambling that's popular in Japan, and one of the most unusual things to do while you're there. It's played on a large vertical machine that looks like a pinball machine, but instead of using a flipper, players shoot small steel balls into slots.

The aim is to win as many balls as possible to exchange for prizes. Although the prizes don't usually have much monetary value, playing Pachinko is still an exciting experience that you won't find anywhere else. It's definitely worth checking out while you're in Japan!

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Visit a Love Hotel

Love hotels in Japan are a unique experience that offer couples a chance to escape the ordinary and enjoy some privacy. They are specifically designed to provide couples with romantic accommodations, including special themes and furnishings.

Some of the features found in love hotels include jacuzzis, karaoke rooms, waterbeds, heart-shaped beds, and mirrors on the ceilings. They are the perfect place for an intimate night away, but you don't need to be in a relationship to stay in one. A love hotel is definitely an unusual experience that can make your visit to Japan even more memorable.

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Participate in a Tea Ceremony

A tea ceremony is a traditional Japanese ritual which is steeped in history and culture. It can be considered both a spiritual and aesthetic experience, involving the preparation and presentation of matcha tea in a carefully choreographed sequence.

Guests must observe a strict etiquette which includes bowing, entering and exiting the tea house in an orderly manner and wearing traditional clothing. The ceremony itself is tranquil, meditative and calming, making it the perfect way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s major cities.

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Go to a Cat Cafe

Two women sit with cats at a Japanese cat cafe

Cat Cafes are becoming a trend in Japan. With fluffy cats of all shapes and sizes, these cafes are the perfect place to relax and chill out. Cat cafes are great for those who can't have pets at home.

You can buy snacks or drinks while petting cats, or just play with them. It's an unusual activity, but definitely worth it! At some cafes, you may even be able to take the cats home after a visit. So, if you want to get your cat fix while in Japan, make sure to check out a Cat Cafe!

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Visit Rabbit Island

Rabbit Island, also known as Okunoshima, is a small island off the coast of Hiroshima. The reason it's so unusual is that it's overrun by wild rabbits! The island was once used as a secret base for poison gas manufacturing during World War II, but since then it has become a tourist destination.

Visitors flock to the island hoping to spot a rabbit, though this isn't too hard as there are hundreds of them hopping around. The best time to visit Rabbit Island is during the day when the bunnies are out sunbathing. Be sure to bring plenty of food and don't forget your camera!

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Feed the deer in Nara

A woman feeds a tame deer crackers in the city of Nara, Japan

Nara is home to hundreds of friendly deer roaming around the city, and if you're lucky, you might even be able to feed them! Bring some deer crackers and watch as the deer flock around you. It's a unique experience, and one that will leave you with plenty of amazing memories and pictures.

Don't be afraid to get up close and personal with the deer, they are very friendly. Keep in mind that there are plenty of other animals around, so it's important to keep your food safe and not attract them with it.

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Go to a Robot Restaurant in Tokyo

Robots perform at the Robot Restaurant in Tokyo — Image credit: **Cory Doctorow** / Flickr

Located in the Shinjuku district of Tokyo, the Robot Restaurant is an out-of-this-world experience. This popular spot is known for its outlandish, high-tech atmosphere, where you’ll find giant robots, lasers, and plenty of dancing girls.

The robot show is a wild spectacle to witness, as the performers light up the stage with crazy costumes and vibrant music. It’s a unique and memorable night that's definitely worth checking out if you're visiting Tokyo!

Read next: The best things to do in Japan