Weird & Unusual Attractions in Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
1. Itchiku Kubota Art Museum
Museum dedicated to the work of artist Itchiku Kubota, featuring his unique 'Tenshoku' style of textile art.
- Textile Art Masterpiece: Showcases one of the largest pieces of traditional Japanese textile art
- Unique Designs: Blends both ancient and modern elements in his designs
- Guided Tours: Provides guided tours for visitors to understand the artist's philosophy and techniques
2. Kawaguchi Samurai Museum
Museum dedicated to the history of samurais with a collection of armor and weapons.
- Historical Artifacts: Displays over 5000 pieces of samurai-related artifacts
- Interactive Exhibits: Allows visitors to try on samurai armor and swords under supervision
- Samurai Demonstrations: Daily demonstrations of traditional samurai skills such as sword-fighting
3. Kawaguchi Wine Village
Village known for its unique wineries and sake breweries.
- Variety of Wines: Offers a variety of wines, including grape, plum, and rice wine
- Sake Breweries: Features multiple sake breweries for tastings and tours
- Annual Wine Festival: Hosts an annual wine festival with live music, food stalls, and wine-tasting events
4. Kawaguchi Hell Valley
Geothermal park with hot springs, sulfur vents, and boiling mud pools.
- Natural Phenomena: Provides a glimpse into the Earth's geothermal activity
- Hot Springs: Allows visitors to bathe in natural hot springs with stunning views
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tours to explain the geothermal activity and safety measures
5. Mt. Kachi Kachi Yama Observatory
Observatory offering panoramic views of Mt. Fuji from a giant wooden rabbit.
- Giant Rabbit Statue: The observatory is built inside a 10-meter tall rabbit statue
- Panoramic Views: Provides breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji on clear days
- Souvenir Shop: Has a souvenir shop selling rabbit-themed goods
6. Kawaguchi Giant Spider Web
Giant metal spider web sculpture located near Lake Kawaguchi.
- Iconic Landmark: One of the most recognizable landmarks in Kawaguchi
- Photo Opportunities: Provides a unique photo opportunity for visitors
- Nearby Attractions: Located near several other attractions, making it a convenient stop
7. Kawaguchi Ninja House
Museum dedicated to the history and culture of ninjas with interactive exhibits.
- Ninja Training: Offers ninja training sessions for visitors
- Interactive Exhibits: Features interactive exhibits that allow visitors to try throwing shuriken and climbing walls
- Ninja Theater: Daily shows with ninja performances, demonstrations, and storytelling
8. Kawaguchi Fruit Park
Park featuring a variety of fruit trees and seasonal fruits.
- Seasonal Fruits: Offers different fruits depending on the season, such as strawberries, cherries, and grapes
- Pick-Your-Own Fruit: Allows visitors to pick their own fruit during certain seasons
- Restaurant and Cafe: Has a restaurant and cafe serving fruit-based dishes and desserts
9. Kawaguchi Shukubo Ryokan
Traditional Japanese inns offering overnight stays with onsen (hot springs).
- Authentic Experience: Provides an authentic Japanese ryokan experience
- Onsen Bathing: Allows guests to bathe in natural hot springs after a long day of sightseeing
- Traditional Meals: Serves traditional Japanese multi-course meals (kaiseki ryori)
10. Kawaguchi UFO Plaza
Plaza with a giant UFO-shaped building and a museum dedicated to extraterrestrial life.
- UFO Sightings: Claims to have recorded numerous UFO sightings in the area
- Museum Exhibits: Features exhibits on extraterrestrial life, UFOs, and conspiracy theories
- Observation Deck: Has an observation deck with panoramic views of Mt. Fuji
11. Kawaguchi Giant Pumpkin Festival
Annual festival celebrating giant pumpkins and other autumn harvest foods.
- Giant Pumpkins: Showcases the world's largest pumpkins
- Harvest Foods: Offers a variety of foods made from autumn harvest crops
- Entertainment: Provides live music, dance performances, and pumpkin-related activities
12. Kawaguchi Alpine Ropeway
Cable car ride offering stunning views of Mt. Fuji and the surrounding area.
- Stunning Views: Provides breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi
- Hiking Trails: Connects to several hiking trails in the area
- Food Stalls: Has food stalls selling local specialties at the station
13. Kawaguchi Ubume Shrine
Shinto shrine dedicated to the yokai (spirits) known as Ubume.
- Yokai Mythology: Dedicated to the folklore of Ubume, a yokai who transforms into a beautiful woman
- Festival: Hosts an annual festival celebrating Ubeme's mythology
- Prayer for Protection: Offers prayers for protection against misfortune and evil spirits
14. Kawaguchi Giant Wine Bottle
Giant wine bottle sculpture located near the Kawaguchiko Music Forest Museum.
- Iconic Landmark: One of the most recognizable landmarks in Kawaguchi
- Photo Opportunities: Provides a unique photo opportunity for visitors
- Nearby Attractions: Located near several other attractions, making it a convenient stop
15. Kawaguchi Yamanashi Ropeway
Cable car ride offering scenic views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi from the top of Mt. Tenjo.
- Stunning Views: Provides breathtaking panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and Lake Kawaguchi
- Hiking Trails: Connects to several hiking trails in the area
- Food Stalls: Has food stalls selling local specialties at the station