Japan is often seen as the land of temples, sushi, and polite bowing—but there’s a wacky side to it that many tourists don’t expect. Beyond the traditional beauty and high-tech wonders, there’s a world full of bizarre, hilarious, and totally unforgettable experiences. From poop-themed museums to noodle-worshiping shrines, this country has no shortage of strange attractions.
If you’re tired of basic travel guides, you’re in for a surprise. This article uncovers some of the funniest, quirkiest, and most entertaining destinations across the country. Whether you’re planning a trip or just want to laugh at the weird side of travel, you’ll love exploring these funny places in Japan.
So buckle up, because this is not your average sightseeing tour—it’s a journey through the wonderfully weird corners of Japanese culture.
Top 12 Funny Places in Japan You Won’t Believe Exist
1. Unko Museum – Tokyo & Yokohama
Yes, it’s a whole museum dedicated to poop—and it’s strangely adorable. The Unko Museum (unko means poop in Japanese) is filled with bright pastel colors, poop-shaped games, smiling cartoon doodoo characters, and even a poop volcano that “erupts” confetti. Seriously.
Visitors can pose on colorful toilets, play poop video games, and write messages on a giant wall of… well, you guessed it—more poop. It’s lighthearted, hilarious, and oddly educational.
This bizarre yet wholesome museum isn’t just for kids. Adults come here for laughs, social media photos, and a break from Japan’s more serious sights. The fact that it doesn’t even smell bad? That’s the real miracle.
It’s a perfect example of how Japan takes something weird and turns it into pure joy.
2. Cup Noodles Museum – Yokohama & Osaka
At first glance, it sounds boring. A museum about instant noodles? But in Japan, even ramen gets the wild treatment.
The Cup Noodles Museum lets you explore the wacky history of instant noodles—from how it started in a wooden shed to becoming a worldwide obsession. What makes it funny? You get to design your own cup, choose weird toppings (like cheese curry and shrimp), and then eat it like a proud chef.
There’s even a noodle park where kids can crawl through noodle tunnels. Adults love it too, mostly because… when else can you proudly decorate a foam cup for 300 yen?
Only in Japan would a simple snack get its own museum. And it’s surprisingly fun.
3. Zao Fox Village – Miyagi Prefecture
Imagine walking into a forest and being surrounded by over 100 foxes just casually strolling around. Welcome to Zao Fox Village, where foxes are the main residents and humans are the curious guests.
It’s cute, chaotic, and kind of magical. The foxes aren’t in cages—they just wander around like they own the place. Some nap in corners, others sneak up behind you hoping for snacks.
You’re not allowed to touch them (they bite), but you can take pictures and laugh at their mischief. It feels like stepping into a furry, fox-filled anime.
Funny? Absolutely. Peaceful? Sometimes. Weird? Always.
4. Robot Restaurant – Shinjuku, Tokyo
This isn’t a restaurant where robots serve your food. It’s more like a robot-themed nightclub run by someone who had way too much caffeine.
The Robot Restaurant show is a full-blown sensory overload: flashing lights, giant robots, bikini samurai girls, dragons, lasers, and pounding techno music. People come for the chaos—and leave wondering what just happened.
There’s food, but nobody talks about it. They talk about dancing pandas fighting robots and neon tanks parading across the stage.
If you want to laugh, get confused, and have the best kind of travel story—this is the place.
5. Nasu Highland Park – Tochigi
You think you’ve seen theme parks? Wait till you go to Nasu Highland Park. This place has haunted houses where the staff scream louder than the guests. Rides that randomly stop. Mascots that look like rejected cartoon ideas.
It’s a strange mix of spooky and silly. And it’s oddly fun. There’s even a “yelling contest” ride where people just scream as loud as they can into a microphone while riding a roller coaster.
No wonder locals call it “the loudest theme park in Japan.”
6. Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum – Yokohama
A museum, a food court, and a time machine all in one—this place recreates a 1958 Tokyo street where ramen was king.
Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum looks like a movie set. Dim lights, retro signs, old music, and ramen stalls everywhere. Tourists slurp down mini bowls from across Japan, trying flavors from different regions.
It’s funny because it’s dramatic… for noodles. You can even get ramen with milk or coffee-flavored broth. Why not, right?
One minute you’re giggling at old noodle ads, the next you’re crying from spicy broth.
Only Japan can do ramen like this.
7. Kappa Village – Tono, Iwate
Tono is a quiet town. But hidden within it is something truly strange—Kappa Village.
Kappa are mythical creatures from Japanese folklore. They’re small, green, have a bowl-shaped head, and love cucumbers. Yup, cucumbers.
In Tono, people take them seriously. There’s a kappa shrine. Kappa statues. Even a pond where people claim to have seen real ones. Tourists come here to leave cucumbers as offerings and hope to spot one.
It’s a mix of funny and spooky. Like visiting Bigfoot’s hometown—if Bigfoot was a turtle-demon who liked salad.
8. Kawasaki Warehouse (Closed but Legendary)
This place was like walking into a cyberpunk movie. Sadly, it closed in 2019, but its legacy lives on.
Kawasaki Warehouse was an arcade styled after Hong Kong’s gritty Kowloon Walled City. It had rusty walls, flickering lights, fake rats, and even a fake public bathroom with no ceiling.
Gamers and photographers loved it. It felt illegal—but it wasn’t. The arcade machines were real, the vibe was surreal.
It’s still one of the funniest and most bizarre places Japan ever had.
9. Mr. Kanso – The Canned Food Bar
Bars usually serve cocktails or snacks. Not at Mr. Kanso.
Here, every item on the menu—yes, even the beer—comes in a can. You walk in, browse the shelves like a supermarket, and pick whatever canned item looks least suspicious.
From canned fried chicken to canned salad and canned desserts, it’s like gourmet apocalypse food. The fun is in the randomness.
It’s funny, clever, and weirdly addictive.
10. Jigokudani Monkey Park – Nagano
Ever seen monkeys chill in hot springs like old men at a spa? Now you will.
Jigokudani Monkey Park is home to snow monkeys who love bathing in natural hot springs during winter. They just sit there, steam rising, eyes half-closed, ignoring everyone like they’ve had a long week.
It’s the kind of scene you don’t expect to see in real life.
Tourists love taking photos of the monkeys relaxing like little retired grandpas. It’s oddly funny and kind of adorable.
11. Tokyo Trick Art Museum – Odaiba
Want to get eaten by a shark or ride a flying carpet without leaving Tokyo? The Trick Art Museum makes it happen.
This place is packed with optical illusion art that plays with perspective. One minute you’re escaping from a dinosaur, the next you’re stuck inside a bottle. It’s all about how you pose with the art.
It’s silly, interactive, and perfect for people who love goofy photos.
Funny? Very. Embarrassing? Maybe a little. But totally worth it.
12. Yokai Street – Kyoto
In a quiet Kyoto neighborhood, there’s a street that celebrates Japan’s spooky monsters: Yokai.
Shop owners decorate their stores with homemade monster figures, most of them funny or weird-looking. You’ll see a teacup monster, a lantern ghost, and even one with a giant nose.
The vibe is playful, not scary. It’s a unique way to learn about Japanese folklore while giggling at what the monsters look like.
It’s like Halloween all year—but cute and not creepy.
Why Japan Has So Many Funny and Strange Attractions
Japan has a long history of celebrating the unusual. From folklore to anime, from fashion to food—there’s always room for creativity. That’s why funny places in Japan aren’t accidents—they’re expressions of culture.
The mix of serious tradition and wild imagination makes room for both temples and poop museums. It’s a country where being different isn’t just accepted—it’s celebrated.
That’s why Japan continues to surprise travelers from all over the world.
Travel Tips for Visiting Funny Places in Japan
- Always check opening hours. Some quirky places close on random days.
- Buy tickets early. Popular spots like the Robot Restaurant can sell out.
- Use an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) to travel smoothly.
- Respect the rules—even in silly places, Japanese etiquette matters.
- Don’t be shy! Locals enjoy when tourists join the fun.
- Bring cash. Not all places accept cards.
- And lastly—take pictures. Lots of them.
Also Read: Best Souvenirs to Buy in Japan: Top Gifts to Bring Home
Final Thoughts on Exploring Funny Places in Japan
If you’re the kind of traveler who loves to laugh, be surprised, and collect strange stories, then funny places in Japan are perfect for you. These attractions offer more than amusement—they show how playful, imaginative, and downright unexpected Japanese culture can be.
So skip one more shrine and add some weirdness to your travel plans. You won’t regret it.
Hi, I’m George Orwell – a curious mind and passionate writer at Celiac Magazine. I cover a little bit of everything, from everyday tips and how-tos to deeper dives into topics that spark conversation. I enjoy turning research into readable, relatable content that informs and inspires. Whatever the subject, I aim to keep it clear, engaging, and genuinely useful.This article is published under the editorial guidance of Philip John, Founder of Celiac Magazine.