Japan is no stranger to things weird and wonderful. From Mario Kart riding through the streets of Tokyo, to robot restaurants, to rainbow-colored foods, you’re sure to come across some strange things when traveling Japan. If you’re seeking out weird experiences yourself, consider staying in some these weirdest hotels in Japan. From quirky art hotels to dinosaur robot receptionists to Godzilla rooms, these weird hotels will make sure each night on your trip to Japan is one you’ll never forget.
My list of 35 unique and weird hotels in Japan covers all types of accommodation from budget to ultra-luxury (I’m talking a literal castle here). Although I tried to find the strangest accommodation across all of Japan, it turns out Tokyo really takes the cake in terms of weirdest hotels in Japan. Be sure to check out my list of weird & unique things to do in Tokyo, to pair with your weird Tokyo hotels too.f
35 Weirdest Hotels in Japan
Here’s my complete list of weirdest hotels in Japan!
Let me know in the comments if you stumble upon other weird and wonderful hotels in Japan that aren’t on my list.
The accommodation options below aren’t listed in any particular order, but I’ve included the nearest large city in the title. Some hotels have multiple locations in cities across Japan, so you can stay in weird hotels on any leg of your journey!
Check the out the accommodation on Booking.com or their official websites to confirm the latest rates and lock in your favorite rooms and hotels in Japan.
1. Henn na Hotel Chain (multiple locations)
Henn na Hotels are located in many large cities across Japan, and are undoubtedly some of the weirdest hotels in Japan. In fact, the name “Henn-na Hotel” literally translates to “Weird Hotel” in Japanese. If you’re lost and ask a local, “where is Henn-na Hotel?” you might get some weird looks.
This hotel is known around the world for having robot staff greet guests at the front desk upon arrival. Human-like robots and even large dinosaur robots work at the check-in kiosks, and it doesn’t stop there. Other robots like ones that carry your luggage, and mini robots to take your breakfast order, are available in some of the Henna na hotels. The rooms themselves are robot-free… for now.
During lockdowns, this funny headline made the news, bringing this weird hotel in Tokyo back to the top of everyone’s Tokyo bucket list. Since the hotel’s initial success with the dinosaur and robot staff, Henn na hotels have expanded into holograms at reception, like samurai, ninja, of course dinosaurs, and even anime models.
Henn na hotels can be found in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and even as far away as Seoul, South Korea. Tokyo is the hub for this weird hotel chain though, with eight locations in various neighborhoods. (Click each of the cities listed above to check availability).
2. nine hours Otemachi-Imperial Palace (Tokyo)
No list of weirdest hotels in Japan is complete with a mention of capsule hotels, which Japan is famous for. nine hours is a well-known capsule hotel chain with locations in Tokyo, Nagoya, Fukuoka, and Sendai. Although all locations channel a sense of living in a spaceship pod, nine hours Otemachi-Imperial Palace in Tokyo has to take the cake for the weirdest capsule hotel of them all.
With matching pajamas available for every guest and floor after floor of identical capsules, nine hours Otemachi evokes some serious colony-on-another-planet vibes. Floors and facilities are broken up by male and female, which is common with capsule hotels in Japan.
nine hours Otemachi is located west of the Kanda JR station on the Yamanote line. It is just south of the off-the-beaten-path Jimbocho neighborhood of Tokyo, and near the north entrance of the Imperial Palace.
3. BnA Art Hotel (Tokyo and Kyoto)
BnA is an art hotel collective with locations in Tokyo (BnA Akihabara) and Kyoto (BnA Alter Museum). Each room is like staying inside of work of art – I highly recommend browsing more amazing photos of rooms using the links above. Guests can book specific rooms they are interested in staying in, or if you like surprises, have your room selected for you upon check-in.
The social and art hotel project BnA (Bed and Art) aims to support contemporary Japanese artists who are trying to make a living with their art. Each hotel room is designed by independent artists and showcases talents like mural paintings, interior design, architecture, and sculpture.
4. Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel for teamLab art (Fukuoka)
Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel is an exclusive hotel located in the mountains of Kyushu between Fukuoka and Nagasaki cities. It has on a massive hilly complex that includes a Japanese garden, teahouse, and open-air hot springs bath. It’s also home to a permanent teamLab exhibit right in its lobby area, which is free for guests of the hotel to visit. If you’ve checked out teamLab Planets or Borderless in Tokyo you’ll know anything teamLab is hands-down incredible, and this exhibit is no different.
The rooms at the Mifuneyama Rakuen Hotel are beautiful to begin with, with spacious, Japanese-style tatami interiors. Each room has amazing traditional aesthetics and opens up to become one with the nature and gardens around it. The teamLab exhibits such as the Forest of Resonating Lamps, the Light Sculpture of Flames, and more are the cherry on top at this incredible hotel in Japan.
Make a reservation to experience this weird and wonderful hotel and teamLab exhibit on their official website.
5. Disney Resort and 6. Highland Resort Character Rooms (Tokyo)
Many of the weirdest hotels in Japan have character or themed rooms that can be enjoyed by guests. The character rooms found at Japan’s Disneyland and Disney Sea hotel resorts, and the character rooms at the Highland Resort Hotel next to Fuji Q Theme Park at the base of Mt. Fuji are no different. The beauty of Japanese resorts is that they take things to the next level.
Check out the Tokyo Disney character rooms on their official website. Hotel options with character rooms include the Tokyo Disneyland Hotel (Alice in Wonderland room, Tinker Bell room, Cinderella room), the Disney Ambassador Hotel (Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse rooms), and Toy Story rooms at the Tokyo Disney Resort Toy Story Hotel… just to name a few!
Highland Resort Hotel & Spa is the main hotel accompanying Fuji Q Highland theme park at the base of Mt. Fuji.
This resort also has interesting character rooms, such as Thomas the Tank Engine and Naruto, and lesser known characters like Lisa and Gaspard. Am I the only one that things sleeping with a wide-eyed train in your hotel room is a little weird?
7. Legoland Japan Resort (Nagoya)
While we’re on the topic of weird resort hotels in Japan, Legoland Nagoya’s quirky Lego hotel is also worth a mention. The Legoland Japan Resort is an explosion of [blocky] colors that can be seen from a mile away.
The color doesn’t stop at the interior and continues across all surfaces and into the themed rooms as well. Themes include Lego pirate rooms, Lego Pharaoh rooms, Lego kingdom-themed rooms and more.
Check out the photos and reserve exactly which room you want on Booking.com.
8. Hotel Tavinos (Tokyo, Kyoto)
Hotel Tavinos is another art and hotel concept in Japan that incorporates manga (Japanese graphic novels) art and images onto basically every visible surface. Each room has its own unique manga images, and the common areas, hallways, even the floors are decorated too!
Each hotel location has a different theme, such as Tavinos Asakusa in Tokyo having a festival and street food theme, and Tavinos Kyoto having a Japanese culture theme. For couples and friends coming to Japan that want to experience cheaper capsule hotel-like accommodation but not be divided up by gender, Hotel Tavinos is a great (and weird) stay option in Japan.
For fans of manga aesthetics, keep this weird place to stay in Japan on your radar!
9. Hello Kitty room at the Keio Plaza Hotel (Tokyo)
Fans of Sanrio and Japan’s iconic Hello Kitty character might love this concept, but to everyone else it’s definitely strange. Visitors to the Keio Plaza Hotel can immerse themselves in the world of Hello Kitty at this weird hotel in Tokyo.
The Hello Kitty room’s floors, walls, cupboards, and bedsheets are covered in Hello Kitty designs. She even jumps out of the wall in a 3D art piece! This room at the Keio Plaza Hotel is a great place to stay near Sanrio Puroland theme park, which also celebrates Hello Kitty and her other Sanrio world friends.
Other room options with Sanrio character themes include the My Melody room and the Little Twin Stars room. All are popular places to stay for Instagrammers from Japan and abroad.
Check room availability and the latest rates here.
10. Hirafu Train Station Guesthouse (Niseko, in Hokkaido)
Nestled along a scenic windy JR train line in the middle of the countryside in Hokkaido sits the quiet Hirafu Train Station. Hirafu Train Station is the only station in Japan that has been partially converted into accommodation. Its isolated location as well as its uniqueness makes it one of the weirdest places to stay in Japan. The station has three rooms inside the main building, as well as a quaint log cabin on the property that can also be rented by visitors.
With any accommodation in Japan, the omotenashi or the hospitality here is top-notch. Upon request and for a fee, the kind owners will prepare Japanese or Western breakfasts for their guests. Guests can also share an outdoor BBQ dinner in the summer or hot pot dinner in the winter, enjoyed family-style.
Make reservations and enquiries through the official website here.
Heading to Hokkaido? Make sure to check out my list of Hokkaido ryokan with private onsen too!
11. Hoshino Resorts Tomamu Ice Hotel (Tomamu, in Hokkaido)
Sticking with the cold Hokkaido theme, this ice hotel room run by Hoshino Resorts Tomamu also deserves a mention as one of the weirdest hotels in Japan. Or maybe it’s only weird people who love the freezing cold who would stay overnight here?
Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, near the Tomamu ski area, creates an ice village each winter. The village includes buildings like an ice convenience store, ice hotel, and even an ice chapel that holds marriage ceremonies! Visitors can partake in fun activities here after a day of skiing such as like making your own ice cream parfait and going ice skating.
The ice hotel is a weird hotel concept where guests stay in a large igloo made of ice blocks. In fact, the interior bed, lounges, tables, and seating areas are also made of ice blocks too! The bed is covered in many layers of insulated fabric, so hopefully the evenings aren’t as cold as they look. An outdoor arctic bath is also available for guests who want to brave the -25 degree Hokkaido winter nights.
12. Petals Tokyo Houseboats (Tokyo)
Let’s throw in some floating houseboats to this list of weirdest hotels in Japan! Petals Tokyo is made up of four unique houseboats that are parked on the Tennozu Canal in southern Tokyo. What used to be an industrial and warehouse district near Shinagawa station on the Yamanote line is now an up-and-coming hipster neighborhood. This weird hotel in Tokyo even puts you just across the river from the Odaiba neighborhood.
Although the exterior of the four houseboats look artsy and rustic, the interior is fully updated luxury. Be sure to check out which specific houseboat you’re interested in, because the facilities differ for each one. Some offer an outdoor terrace on top of the boat, others glass-walled showers and island beds.
Book your favorite houseboat online here.
13. Sana Mane domes and 14. Tsutsujiso yurts (Naoshima)
Sana Mane and Tsutsujiso are two of the weirdest hotels in Japan that I’ve combined into one section due to their close proximity to one another. Both are located on Naoshima island, one of Japan’s art islands in the Seto Inland Sea.
Naoshima is famous for its bright yellow Yayoi Kusama pumpkin statue, and for being one of the main art islands hosting the Setouchi Triennale art exhibition. Because of the island’s artistic flair, there are many strange and unique accommodation options here, with Sana Mane and Tsutsujiso being two of them.
Sana Mane provides visitors with a dome glamping experience. Each dome has its own private shower and toilet, plus a terrace with a BBQ set. Breakfast is included in the nightly price and BBQ meals can be added for a fee.
Check the latest prices for Sana Mane here.
Tsutsujiso Seaside Park similarly provides Mongolian yurt or gert accommodation for visitors to Naoshima. Located right next to the sea, these yurts are rustic but beautifully decorated on the inside.
Although they don’t have private bathrooms and guests have to use a shared bathhouse, facilities included here that are not available at Sana Mane include mini-fridges and a kettle.
Check the latest rates here.
If you love these weird and unique accommodation options on Naoshima, check out my full list of artsy hotels in Naoshima here!
15. Treeful Treehouse and 16. Tree-house Hotel (Okinawa)
Treehouses definitely need to be on this list of weirdest hotels in Japan. Luckily I found two amazing treehouse hotels on the island of Okinawa! Both are unique accommodation options with beautiful interior design and modern amenities… all while being nestled in a tree!
Treeful Treehouse is a sustainable resort with two treehouses, one is the spacious and luxurious AeroHouse and the other is the smaller but higher Spiral Treehouse. The AeroHouse is fully decked out with its own kitchen, bathtub, lounges, even double bathroom sinks and a working space. The Spiral Treehouse is a more rustic, closer to nature accommodation with compost toilet, double bed, and outdoor terrace.
Make a reservation online through their official website.
Treehouse Hotel Morinosubako is a newly built treehouse that has incredible views over the water. This trendy accommodation has space for four with two double beds. It’s amazing facilities include a wrap-around terrace, kitchen and dining area, hammock, work area, BBQ, and waterfall shower. Although tree houses are weird accommodation options in general, there will be nothing but envy from others if you stay in this picture-perfect one on Okinawa.
Reserve this weird and unique hotel in Japan here.
17-19. Love Hotels (multiple locations)
Let’s talk love hotels, a number of which could easily top the list of weirdest hotels in Japan. Since I don’t want this whole post to be taken over by weird love hotels in Japan, let’s agree that they’re definitely weird and unique. I’ll list a few EXTRA weird hotels below, and we’ll move on.
Love hotels in Japan started off as places for couples to have a little privacy, to engage in adult activities. Rooms could, and can still today, be booked anywhere from 20 minutes to a full night. Because the real purpose of these hotels is to get a bit of adult time in, many love hotels can be decorated with tacky hearts, dim lighting, and large beds. But with amenities like hot tubs, karaoke machines, and room service food and drinks, love hotels have become a fun place to hang out with friends and hold events too.
Here are three examples of some of the weirdest love hotels from around Japan.
Hotel Us in Niigata is a love hotel with very… ehem… unique room options. Check them all out here and be sure to scroll to the bottom to find rooms themed like a classroom, hospital ward, construction site, and Japanese prison. The fantasy love hotel rooms can be reserved on Booking.com, but it’s unclear whether you can select your room personally upon arrival.
Hotel Public Jam Osaka’s Deluxe Room (shown above) is worth checking out for the half-car and lamp-post located right in the bedroom. You and your honey can watch a movie in the front seat of the half-car using the movie projector in this room. Other decorative king-size rooms are also available.
Lastly, Christmas Chapel Hotels are located in a number of cities in Japan including Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka. The rooms here are Christmas-themed and decorated in bold festive colors. The exterior of the buildings are also festive, often with Santa Clause statues misleading kids into thinking it’s a family hotel… it’s not. Within the Christmas theme you can choose from a sweet Christmas, romantic Christmas, carnival Christmas, modern Christmas, and more. Definitely one of the weirdest hotels in Japan if you ask me.
20. Godzilla View Room, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku (Tokyo)
The giant king of monsters Godzilla is an iconic figure in Japanese pop culture. Although he hails from the sea, he can be spotted atop the Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku, Tokyo too.
To commemorate the beast, Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku has created a Godzilla room which is definitely one of the weirdest places to stay in Japan. It’s not a surprise that this room books out well in advance. Consider a Godzilla-view room where you can see the giant’s head through the room window. Guests at Shinjuku’s Hotel Gracery can also access the rooftop to get up even closer to Godzilla.
You can book a room at Hotel Gracery in Shinjuku on Booking.com, but the Godzilla rooms must be booked through their official website.
If you love Godzilla, be sure to check out the Tokyo Godzilla store in Shinjuku as well.
21. Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu, Flight Simulator Room (Tokyo)
Haneda Excel Hotel Tokyu is an airport hotel located right in Haneda airport. Some of their rooms overlook the airplanes and runways at Handeda’s terminals and others, one in particular, has a Boeing 747 flight simulator inside of it! The ANA (all Nippon airways) flight simulator is available for guests for an extra fee, who want to try their hand at being an airline pilot. The fee covers 90 minutes of flight simulation training from a certified instructor. If you don’t want to pay the fees, you can just admire all the fancy lights and switches from behind the glass case.
Other “premier flyers” rooms available here have first and business-class seating, straight from an airplane, located in the rooms. If you can’t fly these upper classes, you can at least pretend while you’re staying this weird hotel in Japan!
Regular rooms at this hotel can be reserved on Booking.com, while the special flight simulator or “superior cockpit room” must be reserved on their official website.
22. First Cabin (multiple locations)
First Cabin is another of the themed, weird hotels in Japan that can be experienced by travelers. This airline-themed capsule hotel accommodation can often be found near airports in Japan such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagasaki, and Fukuoka. Their rooms are more spacious than most capsule hotels (room to stand for instance), and popular with Japanese business travelers.
Choose from business class or first class rooms, which are more like personal cabins. If only actual airline travel looked this good! Some First Cabin hotels do offer economy class rooms, which are more like traditional capsules.
23. Blue Train Taragi (south of Kumamoto)
I’m transitioning from planes to trains now, to continue the list of weirdest hotels in Japan. The Blue Train Taragi near Kumamoto is a retired JR sleeper train that has been converted into a hotel. It’s the perfect place to stay for train fanatics, but for those of us who have slept on uncomfortable overnight trains while backpacking… it’s a weird hotel choice.
Guests can book cabins for four people or book single berths to spend a night in this unique and rustic accommodation. One of the middle train cars serves as a common area where guests can enjoy food and drinks. Although toilets are attached, guests need to use a nearby public bathhouse for showering and bathing (coupon included in room cost).
Make a booking directly through their official website.
24. Park Hotel Tokyo Art Floor (Tokyo)
One more hotel in Tokyo to consider if you want to stay in a unique accommodation in the city. Park Hotel Tokyo is a four-star hotel that provides a similar service as some of the other art hotels mentioned above. The hotel supports up-and-coming artists from around Japan in the rooms on “the Artist’s floor“. Each artist drew inspiration from their stay at Park Hotel Tokyo (which has views of Tokyo Tower by the way) in order to create mural masterpieces.
Guests can choose from Artist Single, Queen, or King rooms when making a reservation. The final room will be decided upon at check-in, but will feature various paintings and objects made by the local artists. Each art piece/room comes with a backstory and an Artist’s Story so visitors can learn more about the art’s relevance to Japanese culture, and the artist’s creative process.
Several hundred pieces of art are on display around the hotel as well, some of which can be purchased.
25. Book and Bed Hostel (Tokyo, Osaka)
Book and Bed is a unique capsule hotel or hostel concept that deserves a spot on the list of weirdest hotels in Japan. Each bed at Book and Bed is built into a massive bookshelf, and surrounded by walls of books. This weird hotel in Japan is a must-visit for Instagrammers and book-lovers, who will enjoy the welcoming interior of both Tokyo and Osaka locations.
The aesthetics at Book and Bed Shinjuku in Tokyo consist of warm yellow glows and cozy cushions, which are perfect for winding down after a day exploring other weird sights around Tokyo. The Book and Bed Shinsaibashi in Osaka looks completely different, with its dazzling white walls and chic, modern furniture.
26. Manga Art Hotel (Tokyo)
Manga Art Hotel provides guests with an overnight manga experience, to delve into these irresistible graphic novels that are loved worldwide.
The concept of Manga Art Hotel is similar to Book and Bed hostels, but focused solely on Japanese manga. The bunks here are tucked into shelves that are covered with over 5000 manga books. Both English and Japanese manga novels are available, and a little blurb about many popular manga options can be found on the shelves too.
The location of the Manga Art hotel near Kanda Station puts it about a 20-minute walk away from Akihabara, the manga, anime, electronics, and nerd capital of Tokyo. If this is what you want to experience in Japan, be sure to remember this weird hotel in Japan for your next trip!
Book a bunk and one-way ticket to manga paradise online here.
27. Hirado Castle Stay (Hirado, near Nagasaki)
Out of many unique and weird places to stay in Japan, a historic castle on an island has to be one of them. Hirado Castle is a hilltop castle located in Hirado town in Nagasaki prefecture, on Japan’s southernmost island of Kyushu. The castle was built in 1599 and reconstructed various times throughout its history after being destroyed by fire and falling to general disrepair.
Today it has a history and relic museum on-site, two shrines, and some walking trails. Visitors can climb up to the castle’s top keep to an observation deck.
Only one group per night is able to book the castle, so you’ll have the whole property to yourself after-hours, including exclusive access to the top keep. As the official website for Hirado Castle Stay says, “Become our special castle lord”. The castle stay has a sleek and modern interior, including a glass-walled bathroom that overlooks the ocean, and styling living and bedrooms for guests to enjoy. Special dining experiences that use locally sourced ingredients can also be scheduled as part of this castle stay.
28. Ozu Castle Stay (Ozu, near Matsuyama)
If you want to stay in a castle in Japan but Nagasaki is a bit far, consider staying at Ozu Castle on Japan’s Shikoku island. The first buildings at the castle site were constructed in 1331, with various castle structures built by various rulers between 1585-1617. Although a pricey accommodation option in Japan, it’s surely one you’ll never forget.
The accommodation space inside the castle retains its traditional aesthetic, which includes wooden beams that were used in construction over 300 years ago, and traditional sliding wooden doors. A private lounge and bathhouse on the property is also available only to guests (did someone say private onsen?).
Guests at the castle stay can opt to take part in a number of local experiences as well, such as a cultural heritage tour of Ozu, taking a riverboat down the Hiji River, and taking part in a recreation of the castle being taken over by samurai. Guests arriving at the property can take photos with the samurai’s flags, to commemorate staying at this wonderful and weird accommodation in Japan.
Reservations can be made on the official website here.
29. YMCA Kisen Wai Wai Village (south of Kansai Airport)
Step back in time and experience life in Japan in the old days at this YMCA facility in Osaka prefecture. Kisen Wai Wai Village is run by the Osaka YMCA, and serves as a nature and outdoor experience park for locals. It seeks to teach people of all ages about living closer to nature. The village hosts school trips, club activities, and training camps, so it has a number of educational facilities, a large dining hall, and a number of accommodation options.
Part of the experience of living closer to nature is living the way Japanese people did before electricity. Visitors can rent thatched-roof cottages that contain wood-burning stoves and an irori house-warming hearth (bedding and cooking utensils are provided). Try your hand at cooking rice over a wood-fired furnace, make a hot pot on the irori, then take a dip in a bath heated by wood fire as well.
Make a reservation online here (Japanese website only).
30. Akiyama Gakuryo (south of Nikko)
Step even further back in time – I’m talking Flintstones here – at this weird accommodation in Japan. There are not many hotels in Japan or even the world that let you experience life like the cavemen did, but here is your chance!
Akiyama Gakuryo is located in Tochigi Prefecture south of Nikko. Similar to the YMCA village above, Akiyama Gakuryo seeks to educate visitors about ancient life in Japan. They provide school and team training camps, and host events and nature experiences as well. In addition to their dormitory log cabins, guests can try their hand at ancient life in their thatch and bamboo “pit house” or a rock-built cave dwelling.
For both options bedding, outdoor BBQ equipment, and a Tarzan rope are included. Guests also get an outdoor toilet and free entry to the dormitory public bath. Firewood, a fire starter set, and ancient rice for cooking are sold separately at the administration office.
The awesomely weird bit is for 100 yen ($1) you can rent a literal sack to wear, in order to complete the cave-dweller’s look. Reserve your own Flinstones rock cave online through their official website (Japanese language only).
Once you’ve spent a night here living in spartan conditions, consider treating yourself to a luxury private onsen in Nikko the next day!
31. Chouja Yashiki Fishing Hotel (near Fukushima)
This weird hotel in Japan is centered around an activity some might enjoy while on holiday: fishing! Despite being an island country where locals can eat seafood every day, not many people have tried fishing themselves. Chouja Yashiki is a hotel in northern Japan where guests can learn to, and try their hand at, fishing for themselves at their many ponds and rivers.
Some cabins have a terrace that opens up to the hotel’s own fishing lake, so you can cast a line and relax outdoors while waiting for a catch. For cold and rainy days, you can even visit their indoor pond to fish. Rooms are modern and have both Western and Japanese amenities.
On-site is a restaurant, game room, and a public bathhouse. You can also rent a portable BBQ for cooking the fish you’ve caught. If you can read Japanese, Chouja Yashiki have made a cute manga comic about how to spend your time at their fishing hotel.
32. Hota [converted] Elementary School (Chiba)
Hota Elementary School in Chiba prefecture east of Tokyo is a converted school that is now used as a community center, hotel, cafe, local market, and public bathhouse. Ever stayed in a converted Japanese classroom before? If not, consider adding this unique and weird hotel in Japan to your list of places to visit.
The renovation of the old elementary school building sought to keep as much of the original ‘classroom’ feel as possible. Each room in the lodging portion of the former school is an old classroom, with futon beds available for use. Guests will use shared bathroom facilities and can order dinner bento boxes to be enjoyed on-site.
Book a room on their official website (Japanese only), and check out some of their other offerings like the pizzeria, cafe, and the market stalls set up in the gymnasium selling local products!
33. Toretore Park and 34. Aso Farm land domes (Kii-Tanabe and Kumamoto)
Two more of the weirdest hotels in Japan where guests stay in something dome-shaped. Toretore Park is a theme park located near Kii-Tanabe, a coastal town south of Osaka (as well as the start of the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage hike). Similar domed living but with a focus on farm animals and healthy living, Aso Farm Land “natural park and healthful forest” is another theme park close to Kumamoto, south of Fukuoka.
The Toretore village consists of dozens of identical dome houses that can hold between 2-6 occupants. The weirdest stays here are dome-houses painted like panda bears on the outside. Perfect for kids, slightly strange for everyone else. Each dome has its own private bathroom, and also has a fridge, kettle, TV, wifi, and air conditioning. See photos of the interior here.
The theme park offers activities such as a large park for kids, gift shopping, fishing, driving around on a golf cart, soaking in some hot springs, and a night sky observatory.
Aso Farmland theme park is located in Kyushu’s Aso-Kuju National Park, and is surrounded by nature and mountains. The dome accommodation is similar to Toretore village domes described above. The themed domes for children however, are not pandas but painted like watermelons, dinosaur eggs, soccer balls, or like Kumamon, the mascot bear of Kumamoto.
Activities here center around interacting with the many farm animals, such as guinea pigs, alpacas, capybaras, iguanas, and even beavers and flamingos. There’s a large park and obstacle course area for kids, as well as hot springs and gift shops. The “healthful” component of Aso Farm Land comes from the spa, mud bath, sauna, and hot springs available for adults.
35. Pokemon Room at the Mimaru Hotel in (Tokyo)
If you’re after an incredible Pokemon-filled experience in Tokyo, be sure to stay in the Pokemon room at Tokyo’s Mimaru Hotel in Ueno. Covered in Pokeball art and complete with a giant stuffed Snorlax plushie, Tokyo’s Pokemon-themed hotel room will delight fans of all ages.
The Mimaru hotel chain is known for being family-friendly, with rentable baby cribs and toys, as well as cooking electronics like takoyaki-makers and hot pots. The Ueno Mimaru hotel is featured on my list of amazing Tokyo hotels near the Yamanote line!
Pokemon fans, be sure to check out my list of Pokemon things to do in Tokyo too 🙂
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Are You Prepared For Your Trip To Japan?
Be sure to check out my Japan home page for Japan travel information, insider tips, reading list, and must-haves for traveling to Japan!
- Book Your Flights – To find the cheapest flights, flexibility is key. I use both Google Flights for their low fare calendar, and Skiplagged, which uses airfare loopholes to get the lowest prices. For a trip to Japan, check flights to both Tokyo airports (Haneda, Narita) and to Osaka (Kansai).
- Getting Around Japan: Prepare your JR Pass and Suica transit card before you depart.
- Book Your Accommodation – Check out Booking.com for the largest selection of accommodation in Japan. Consider having a bit of fun at one of these Weirdest Hotels in Japan too 🙂
- Book Local Excursions – Don’t miss out on world-class experiences, like Teamlab Planets or Tokyo Disneyland, by booking tickets online now. Check GetYourGuide and Klook for fun experiences all around Japan.
- Stay Connected: Order a pocket WiFi for airport pickup if you’re traveling with family or with a large group. Solo traveling to Japan? Order a SIM card just for you.
- Buy Travel Insurance – It’s better to protect yourself from mishaps when traveling. Get a quote from World Nomads to see how much it’ll cost to get you covered!
- Pack Your Essentials – Check out my posts about Long Term Travel Gear, and Carry-On Luggage Packing Essentials.
- Read more on my Travel Resources page!
