Unique and Quirky Destinations to Explore in Japan
**Japan's Unique Tourist Attractions: A Journey through the Strange and the Enchanting**
Japan, a land of contrasts, offers a diverse array of unique and unusual tourist attractions that cater to different interests and preferences. Here are some of the most notable ones that stand out for their strangeness yet magnificent beauty.
## 1. **Seven Hells of Beppu (Beppu Jigoku)**
Located in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, the Seven Hells of Beppu are a series of hot springs and geothermal areas known for their vibrant colors and unique characteristics. These sites, more like natural wonders, offer a glimpse into Japan's geothermal activity. Visitors can take pictures of the hot springs, and some even have the opportunity to taste foods cooked in the hot springs, such as onsen tamago and pudding. Oniyama Jigoku, one of the sites, contains live crocodiles, adding to the intrigue.
## 2. **Hashima Island (Gunkanjima)**
Hashima Island, or Gunkanjima ("Battleship Island"), is an abandoned island in the Kyushu region. It gained fame for its appearance in the James Bond film "Skyfall" and its unique history as a former coal mining town. Visitors can explore the eerie, abandoned concrete structures that remain intact, providing opportunities for picture-taking. The island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
## 3. **Cat Islands (Tashirojima and Aoshima)**
- **Tashirojima**: Known for its large population of cats, this island in Ishinomaki City often has more felines than humans. It's a serene and peaceful destination for cat lovers, with many tourists bringing cat food to feed the cats. - **Aoshima**: Located in Ehime Prefecture, Aoshima is another island overrun by cats. It offers a unique experience where visitors can interact with the numerous felines. Most residents of Tashirojima and Aoshima have left, leaving their homes for the increasing cat population.
## 4. **Meguro Parasitological Museum**
This museum in Tokyo is the only one in the world dedicated entirely to parasites. With a collection of around 300 specimens, including the world's longest tapeworm, it provides a fascinating and somewhat unsettling look into the world of parasitology.
## 5. **Other Unique Attractions**
- **Nara Park**: Famous for its freely roaming deer, Nara Park is a cultural and natural highlight, offering interactions with these revered animals. - **Jigokudani National Park**: Known for its "Snow Monkeys," this park is a unique spot for observing Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs during winter. - **Osaka's Hidden Gems**: Besides Osaka Castle, other hidden gems include the Gate Tower Building and the Umeda Sky Building's Floating Garden Observatory.
These attractions showcase Japan's diverse landscapes and cultural expressions, from natural wonders to unique museums and historical sites. Tourists are welcome to take a tour of Hashima Island, and while there are no restaurants or accommodations on Tashirojima and Aoshima, they offer a great touring experience due to their weird yet magnificent beauty.
- Embarking on a journey to the enigmatic Cat Islands (Tashirojima and Aoshima), offers an adventure unlike any other, immersing oneself in a tranquil landscape filled with an abundance of felines.
- The Meguro Parasitological Museum's lifestyle exhibit sheds light on the captivating world of parasites, promising an adventure through the strange and the extraordinary, making it a unique must-visit for travelers.
