10 Wonderfully Weird Things To Do in Japan

We have an avalanche of reasons why Japan is a must-visit for every traveler. We know of the givens: delicious cuisine, distinct culture, cherry blossoms, and the famous Shibuya crossing. Still, there are several places in this wonderland that are not known to many. Here are ten of them:

1. Take Ninja Classes

Find your inner Ninja by taking lessons from a real professional in Tokyo! The Jidai Academy introduces ninja traditions with roots that can be traced back more than 420 years.

via japan-guide.com

2. Visit the Studio Ghibli Museum

Find yourself in awe at the Ghibli Museum, which uses the studio’s characters and designs as motif. Their exhibitions take visitors into the creative thoughts that inspired masterpieces like “Spirited Away”, “My Neighbor Totoro”, and “Castle in the Sky”.

via jpninfo.com

3. Watch Sumo Wrestling Practice

Experience Japan’s national sport up close. You can join a tour to a sumo stable to learn about its history and see these impressive athletes at their rigorous training.

via bucketlistjourney.net

4. Take a trip to the Cat Island

In the island of Tashirojima, cats outnumber people and have become the island’s primary residents. Cat people can take delight in more than a hundred of these furry friends, curling up in abandoned houses and walking about in this quiet village.

via The Atlantic

5. Stay in a capsule hotel

It may not be your first choice for accommodation but if you can, give a capsule hotel a try. Each comfy pod is packed with a bed and lights, and sometimes also a TV and a window with a view. Cool!

via kotaku.com

6. Go to the Robot Restaurant

Anthony Bourdain’s show “Parts Unknown” raved about the legendary Robot Restaurant in 2013. Who wouldn’t be amazed at this futuristic show with its giant robots, spectacular lights, all-lady marching band and more?

via wired.com

7. Have a samurai experience at Nikko Edomura

Travel back in time in Nikko Edomura, a cultural theme park that gives visitors a taste of the samurai era. Its streets, structures, and offered food replicate that of Japan 400 years ago. Visitors can even dress up as samurai, townsfolk, or a geisha.

via The Japan Times

8. Visit the Instant Ramen Museum

A food shortage following World War II led to the creation of instant noodles, making ramen easily available to the Japanese anytime and anywhere. In the Ramen Museum, visitors not only learn about cup noodles’ colorful history and production process, they can also choose among flavors and toppings to design their own cup!

via japantravel.com

9. Try a Zen Calligraphy Class

Try your hand at an ancient art with Zen Calligraphy Lessons. Classes hosted by Ayuko teaches the foundations of Shodo or Japanese calligraphy. Once you get the hang of it, you can try painting your name in kanji. Shodo is not only an art, but also an introduction to Zen philosophy.

via Gohitsu Shodo Studio

10. Learn the art of bonsai with a master

Bonsai master and cultural ambassador to bonsai Masashi Hirao shares his expertise in a 2-day arts immersion that teaches students the basics of this art form and Japanese treasure.

via esjapon.com

Last chance to win a trip to Japan in the PayMaya Travel Blowout promo!

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NEED A BOOST? As a special treat on the promo’s final month, you can now earn five entries with every single-receipt purchase using PayMaya worth at least P1,000. Happy shopping and travel, #NowNation! #travelgoals