Shizuoka Travel Guide

Unconventional - Where Offbeat Attractions Beckon and Adventure Awaits

Attractions in japan

Unveil Shizuoka's Eccentric Museums: Join a Thrilling Adventure through the Weird and Wonderful! Journey through Atami, Izu, and Ito Cities for a Meguri of Captivating Exhibits. Whether You're Fascinated by the Unconventional or Prefer to Steer Clear of the Curious and Creepy, Let the Journey Be Explored on Your Behalf.

Bizarre Beauties - Japan's Quirky Museum Scene

Step into a world where the unusual is celebrated, and the unexpected awaits around every corner. Japan's reputation for eccentricity precedes itself, and nowhere is this more evident than in its eclectic museum scene. From curious collections of the bizarre to the delightfully weird, embark on a journey through Shizuoka's offbeat museums in Atami, Izu, and Ito Cities. Each exhibit promises to challenge perceptions and ignite the imagination, offering visitors a glimpse into the wonderfully strange and endlessly fascinating.

Atami Castle

Opened in 1959, Atami Castle stands as a whimsical fusion of history and entertainment, resembling a castle-shaped multilevel amusement park. Infused with nostalgic Showa-era charm, each floor of the facility unveils its own unique theme, offering visitors a delightful introduction to Shizuoka's realm of eccentric museums.

Castle Museum in Japan

Beginning on the ground floor, guests are greeted with a samurai museum, complete with a somewhat anticlimactic "katana experience" involving reaching into a plastic box to hold a sword. Following the journey upwards, the second floor showcases intricate reconstructions of Japanese castles crafted from matchsticks, while the third floor presents a daring collection of erotic shunga art (perhaps best reserved for adult visitors).

Moving higher, the fourth and fifth floors engage visitors with Edo-themed quizzes, costume experiences, and historic photo sets. However, it's the sixth floor that truly dazzles, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Atami and Sagami Bay, making the admission fee worthwhile. This vantage point becomes particularly popular during summer fireworks festivals and spring cherry blossom viewings.

For those with extra time and a playful spirit, venturing to the basement floor reveals a free arcade center, where retro games, ping pong tables, and even a ball pit await exploration.

Izu Gokurakuen

Delve into the mysteries of the afterlife at Izu Gokurakuen, where visitors are treated to a captivating live show depicting Buddhist views of the underworld. Run by a local family, this eerie experience is enhanced by the son's dedication to creating an immersive atmosphere. Stepping inside, guests are enveloped in a haunted-house vibe, heightened by the father's hauntingly realistic displays of gory scenes. While exhibit information is primarily in Japanese, with some English plaques, phone translations suffice for understanding. Additionally, visitors can explore a mini sex museum (no photos allowed) for a deeper dive into the macabre. For those seeking further insight, watching the documentary "Searching for Hell" beforehand is recommended.

Ayashii Shonen Shojo Hakubutsukan

Welcome to the enigmatic realm of the "Suspicious Boys and Girls Museum" - an eccentric treasure trove guaranteed to leave your mind spinning. Whether you emerge mildly unsettled or forever changed depends on your mental resilience. Amidst the dizzying array of bizarre paraphernalia, from eerie dolls to vintage arcade games and horror movie relics, prepare for an immersive journey into the surreal.

Ayashii Shonen Shojo Hakubutsukan

With each corner stacked high with bric-a-brac, the museum offers an endless maze of curiosities waiting to be discovered. From mannequins donning period attire to a peculiar collection of sex manuals, Ultraman drink cans, and even a dinosaur housing a seductive dancing creature within its belly, the highlights are as eclectic as they are unsettling.

Step into the haunted house if you dare, but be forewarned - some exhibits may leave you yearning to cleanse your memory. Whether it's a bizarre acid trip or pure nightmare fuel, brace yourself for an unforgettable odyssey through this peculiar glasshouse of wonders.

Maboroshi Hakurankai

Save this gem for the finale, as it catapults visitors into an entirely new dimension of eccentricity. From the oversized props scattered across the parking lot to the surreal exhibits within, every inch of space is a playground for the bizarre. Step inside to discover a journey through Showa-era newspapers and eerily lifelike mannequins, only to find yourself spiraling deeper into the realm of the weird with each passing room.

Prepare for a rollercoaster ride through sexuality and surrealism, where even beloved characters like Doraemon and Hello Kitty take on disturbing new forms. As you reach the final room, you may question whether you've stumbled upon cutting-edge art or a glimpse into the depths of a twisted imagination. One thing's for sure - this experience is strictly adults-only.

The Cat Museum

Cat museum in japan

For visitors expecting a parade of adorable kitties, prepare for a paw-sitively unexpected twist. Inside the museum, instead of cuddly companions, you'll encounter a curious collection of feline taxidermy, sure to catch many off guard. While live kittens await on the second floor, offering a chance for a stroke of companionship, it's worth noting they may lack socialization, adding a quirky layer to the experience.

Atami Hihokan

Nestled on a cliffside, Atami's renowned adult museum boasts unexpected panoramic vistas of the cityscape. However, it's not just the views that draw visitors in; inside, a treasure trove of kitschy trinkets and provocative exhibits beckons those willing to delve into the playful and sensual side of Atami's culture.

Conclusion

From the whimsical Atami Castle to the haunting depths of Izu Gokurakuen and the mind-bending exhibits of Ayashii Shonen Shojo Hakubutsukan and Maboroshi Hakurankai, there's something to intrigue and captivate every visitor. For those seeking a different kind of feline encounter, The Cat Museum provides a surprising twist, while Atami Hihokan offers a unique exploration of the city's playful and sensual side. So, whether you're drawn to the strange, the surreal, or the downright bizarre, Shizuoka's offbeat museums promise an unforgettable adventure into the weird and wonderful world of Japanese culture.

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