5 Of The Strangest Places To See In Japan

Japan&rsquos beauty is not just limited to the blush pink of cherry blossoms or the photo-realistic anime movies. Japan&rsquos beauty also lies in the strange and the bizarre. From an island of life-sized dolls to an island where only men are allowed, Japan has a lot to offer for every kind of traveller. If you have seen all the symmetrical beauty of Tokyo and the big cities, you might want to plan your next trip to some of these weird islands with extremely interesting background stories about how their culture came to be. Here is a list of five of the strangest places in Japan.

Aoshima Cat Island

Aoshima, commonly known as "Cat Island," is a small island in the Ehime Prefecture of Japan. This unique island has gained fame for its overwhelming population of cats, outnumbering human residents by a significant margin. The island's remote location and limited human habitation have allowed the cat population to thrive freely. Visitors to Aoshima are greeted by the captivating sight of numerous feline companions roaming the streets, lazing in the sun, and seeking attention from passersby. The cats have become the island's main attraction, drawing tourists from all over the world who come to experience the charm of this cat paradise. The residents have embraced the feline presence and take care of the cats, with some even leaving food and shelter for their furry friends. A visit to Aoshima offers a unique opportunity to interact with these friendly cats, making it a memorable destination for cat lovers and enthusiasts. 

Okinoshima Island of Only Men

Okinoshima Island, also known as Okinoshima Town, is a small island located in the Sea of Japan. It is part of the Oki Islands, a group of islands in the Shimane Prefecture of Japan. Okinoshima Island gained international attention because of its unique religious practices and the fact that women are prohibited from setting foot on the island. The island is considered a sacred place and is dedicated to the worship of the Shinto deity, Okitsu-miya. It has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural value. The religious rituals and customs practised on the island have been passed down through generations, and the island's residents, who are all men, play a significant role in preserving these traditions. The restriction on female visitors to Okinoshima Island is due to the belief that women are considered impure in Shintoism. This prohibition is upheld to maintain the island's purity and protect its sacredness. The ban on women visiting the island has caused some controversy and debates regarding gender equality, but the local community and religious authorities have upheld the restriction. Access to Okinoshima Island is also highly regulated. Visitors are required to obtain permission in advance from the local authorities, and only a limited number of people are allowed to visit each year.  

Akihabara Electric Town

Akihabara, commonly known as "Akihabara Electric Town" or simply "Akiba," is a district located in Tokyo, Japan. It is famous for its vibrant and bustling atmosphere, mainly known as a hub for electronics, anime, manga, and otaku culture. Akihabara has a long history dating back to the 1930s, when it was initially known for its numerous electronics shops. Over the years, it has become a major centre for technology and pop culture, attracting locals and tourists alike. The district is filled with a wide range of electronic stores, from small speciality shops to large multi-story buildings offering everything from computers, cameras, gadgets, and video games to home appliances and components. It is also a haven for manga and anime enthusiasts, with a number of shops selling merchandise lining the streets.

Nagoro Island of Scarecrows 

Nagoro, also known as Nagoro Village or Nagoro Doll Village, is a small village in the Iya Valley in Tokushima Prefecture, Japan. It has gained attention for its unique and somewhat eerie population of scarecrows, which outnumber human residents. The village's scarecrows, known as "scarecrow dolls" or "kakashi" in Japanese, are the creations of a local artist named Ayano Tsukimi. The dolls are life-sized and are made to resemble the villagers who have either moved away or passed away. Ayano Tsukimi began making these dolls as a way to cope with her loneliness and the depopulation of her village. Over the years, Ayano Tsukimi has continued to craft more and more scarecrow dolls, placing them in various locations throughout the village. The dolls are often dressed in old clothes some even have personal belongings or accessories. As a result, Nagoro has become a surreal place where visitors can wander through the village and encounter these uncanny scarecrow figures seemingly frozen in everyday scenes.

Tomogashima Treasure Island

Tomogashima Treasure Island, also known as Tomogashima Island, is a small island off the coast of Wakayama Prefecture in Japan. The island was a defensive military site for centuries due to its strategic location overlooking the Seto Inland Sea. One of the highlights of a visit to Tomogashima Island is exploring the abandoned buildings and tunnels that remain from its military era. Guided tours allow visitors to learn about the island's history, its role in maritime defence, and the daily life of soldiers stationed there. Additionally, the island is home to a lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the Seto Inland Sea and the neighbouring islands.

Cover picture credit Shutterstock

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