Weird & Unusual Attractions in Kashiwa, Chiba, Japan
1. Kashiwa Rinko Park Giant Shoe
A giant replica of a shoe in Kashiwa Rinko Park, measuring 6 meters tall and 8 meters wide. It's used as a unique meeting spot.
- Unique Size: It's one of the largest shoes in the world, attracting both locals and tourists.
- Meeting Spot: The shoe serves as a popular place for taking photos and meeting friends.
- Artistic Value: It's an art installation that adds a quirky touch to the park's aesthetics.
2. Kashiwa Robot Strawberry Picking
Automated strawberry picking machines allow visitors to pick and eat strawberries without bending or getting their hands dirty.
- No Bending Required: Visitors can enjoy strawberry picking with minimal effort.
- Hygienic Picking: The machines ensure a clean and hygienic picking experience.
- Year-Round Availability: Strawberries are available for picking all year round, even during winter.
3. Kashiwa Kinen no Sato Museum of Broadcasting Equipment
A museum showcasing the history and development of broadcasting equipment from NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation).
- Broadcasting History: It offers a unique look into the evolution of Japanese broadcasting.
- Interactive Exhibits: Visitors can try their hand at operating old broadcasting equipment.
- Multimedia Presentations: The museum features multimedia presentations, making the history come alive.
4. Kashiwa Shrine's Mushroom-Shaped Torii
A unique mushroom-shaped torii gate at Kashiwa Shrine that is said to bring good luck and prosperity.
- Mushroom-Shape: It's the only torii in Japan with this unique shape.
- Good Fortune: Passing under the mushroom torii is said to bring good luck and prosperity.
- Historical Significance: The shrine has a rich history dating back over 1,300 years.
5. Kashiwa's Tetsudo-dori Street
A street lined with railway tracks and railroad memorabilia. The street is a popular spot for train enthusiasts.
- Train Memorabilia: It's filled with vintage train cars, models, and other related items.
- Railway Culture: The street offers a glimpse into Japan's railway culture and history.
- Unique Dining Options: Restaurants along the street offer unique train-themed meals.
6. Kashiwa Urban Farm
An urban farm located in the heart of Kashiwa where visitors can experience farming in a city setting.
- City Farming: It allows visitors to learn about and participate in farming within an urban environment.
- Seasonal Produce: Visitors can pick seasonal fruits and vegetables.
- Educational Workshops: Workshops are offered to teach visitors about organic farming techniques.
7. Kashiwa's Owl Cafe
A cafe where customers can interact with owls in a relaxed environment.
- Interactive Experience: Visitors can hold and interact with owls.
- Relaxing Atmosphere: The cafe offers a peaceful, calming environment for visitors.
- Owl Knowledge: Staff provide information about the owls and their behavior.
8. Kashiwa's Time Capsule House
A house that has been left untouched since the 1960s, offering a glimpse into life during that era.
- Time Travel Experience: Visitors can experience what life was like in the 1960s.
- Historical Preservation: The house serves as a reminder of past generations and their way of life.
- Educational Value: It offers insights into the socio-economic conditions of that era.
9. Kashiwa's Frog Pond
A pond filled with hundreds of frogs during the summer months.
- Natural Attraction: It offers a unique opportunity to observe and interact with many frogs.
- Peaceful Environment: The pond is set in a peaceful, serene environment.
- Educational Value: Visitors can learn about different species of frogs.
10. Kashiwa's Upside-Down House
A house built to look like it's upside down, offering a unique photo opportunity.
- Unusual Architecture: It's a quirky and fun attraction for taking photos.
- Optical Illusion: The house creates an interesting optical illusion.
- Unique Experience: Visitors can enter the house and experience living upside down.
11. Kashiwa's Hidden Forest
A forest located near Kashiwa station that is not easily visible from the streets.
- Natural Beauty: The forest offers a peaceful, scenic escape.
- Hidden Gem: It's a lesser-known attraction, making it feel more exclusive.
- Relaxation and Reflection: The forest provides a serene environment for relaxation and reflection.
12. Kashiwa's Haunted House
A haunted house attraction open during Halloween season.
- Halloween Fun: It offers a fun, spooky experience for Halloween.
- Scary Entertainment: The haunted house provides thrills and scares.
- Group Activity: It's a great activity for groups of friends or families.
13. Kashiwa's Tunnel of Lights
A tunnel illuminated with thousands of LED lights, creating a magical, starry night effect.
- Light Spectacle: The tunnel offers a dazzling light display.
- Romantic Atmosphere: It creates a romantic, dreamy atmosphere for couples.
- Peaceful Environment: The tunnel offers a peaceful, relaxing environment.
14. Kashiwa's Butterfly House
A conservatory filled with hundreds of butterflies, offering a unique, up-close experience.
- Butterfly Interaction: Visitors can observe and interact with many species of butterflies.
- Educational Value: Visitors can learn about the lifecycle of butterflies.
- Beautiful Environment: The conservatory offers a beautiful, serene environment.
15. Kashiwa's Giant Slide
A giant slide located in a park, offering thrills for both kids and adults.
- Adventure and Fun: It provides an exciting, fun experience.
- Physical Activity: The slide encourages physical activity and play.
- Group Activity: It's a great group activity for families or friends.