Roadtrips

🇯🇵 Roadside Attractions You Have to See to Believe: Japan Edition

+ How to Explore Japan by Campervan for as Little as ¥100/Day with Imoova! Japan is famous for its temples, neon cities, and cherry blossoms — but travel the countryside and you’ll discover another side of the country: one filled with giant fruit statues, robotic creatures, and other delightfully bizarre roadside attractions. And here’s the kicker — you don’t need a massive budget to explore them all. With Imoova, you can relocate campervans across Japan for as little as ¥100/day, often with some fuel costs included. It’s the ultimate way to explore Japan off the rails — and into the wonderfully weird. Here are 10 of the most unforgettable roadside oddities you can hit on your next Japanese campervan adventure:

🍓 1. Fruit Bus Stops – Konagai, Nagasaki Prefecture

Scattered along Route 207 in the town of Konagai, these oversized fruit-shaped bus stops are pure roadside joy. Shaped like strawberries, watermelons, oranges, and cantaloupes, these concrete shelters were originally built for the 1990 Travel Expo in Osaka and later moved here. They’ve since become a beloved roadside attraction and a photographer's dream.

📍 Route tip: A must-see on any Kyushu campervan relocation, especially between Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto.

🐙 2. Giant Octopus Sign at Kukuru – Dotonbori, Osaka

In the heart of Dotonbori, Osaka's vibrant entertainment district, you'll find the iconic giant octopus sign perched above the entrance of Kukuru, a renowned takoyaki shop. This massive, eye-catching sculpture not only draws attention but also celebrates Osaka's deep-rooted love for takoyaki, the city's signature octopus-filled snack.

📍 Route tip: Dotonbori is a must-visit when exploring Osaka. If you're relocating a campervan between cities like Kyoto and Hiroshima, consider planning a stop in Osaka to experience its unique street food culture and vibrant atmosphere.

👹 3. Oni Statues of Oita – Kunisaki Peninsula

These towering red and blue demons (oni) stand guard over towns and tunnels in Oita Prefecture. Based on local legends, they’re here to ward off evil — and maybe confuse tourists.

🔥 Relocation idea: Great stop on a camper trip from Kumamoto to Hiroshima or Shikoku.

🦑 4. The Giant Squid Statue – Noto, Ishikawa Prefecture

Built with ¥25 million in COVID-19 relief funds, this 22-foot-long squid statue went viral for its surreal grandeur. Whether you find it inspiring or baffling, it’s pure Japan.

🦑 Route suggestion: Swing through Noto on a drive from Nagano or Niigata to Kanazawa or Toyama.

🎍 5. Tanuki Town – Shigaraki, Shiga Prefecture

You’ve seen them outside shops: pot-bellied ceramic raccoon-dogs (tanuki). But in Shigaraki, the entire town is devoted to them. Dozens — sometimes hundreds — line the roads and hillsides in playful poses.

🍶 Nearby charm: Combine it with a scenic trip around Lake Biwa or toward Kyoto.

🐱 6. Cat Station Master Tama – Wakayama Prefecture

While Tama the cat has sadly passed, her legacy lives on in Kishi Station’s feline-themed shrine, complete with a cat-shaped train and a tiny museum. It’s sweet, odd, and very Japanese.

🚉 RV idea: Explore this en route from Nara or Osaka to Wakayama’s coastal hot springs.

🐬 7. Dolphin-Shaped Road Barriers – Nationwide

Across Japan, you’ll spot road construction barriers shaped like dolphins, frogs, rabbits, and even Hello Kitty. Why? No one knows for sure, but they’re definitely more fun than orange cones.

📸 Photo stop: Keep your camera ready — they pop up randomly across the country!

🌀 8. Naruto Whirlpools – Naruto, Tokushima Prefecture

Located in the Naruto Strait between Shikoku and Awaji Island, the Naruto Whirlpools are a natural phenomenon caused by tidal currents. These massive whirlpools can reach up to 20 meters in diameter and are best viewed from the Ōnaruto Bridge or sightseeing boats that offer close-up experiences.

🎋 10. Totoro Bus Stop – Saiki, Oita Prefecture

Tucked away in a quiet rural village, the Totoro Bus Stop looks like it stepped straight out of a Studio Ghibli film. Though not officially affiliated with the movie My Neighbor Totoro, the setting — a rustic shelter under lush trees with a friendly Totoro statue waiting by your side — mirrors the iconic scene so perfectly that fans from all over the world make the pilgrimage for photos.

🚐 How to Explore Japan by Campervan for ¥100/Day

Thanks to Imoova, you can get deep discounts on campervan rentals when you relocate vehicles for rental companies. These one-way journeys help the companies reposition their fleet — and help you travel for next to nothing.

What you get:

🚐 Campervan for ¥100/day
⛽ Fuel or toll reimbursements on select listings
🗓️ Option to add extra days at discounted rates

It’s the perfect setup for budget-conscious travelers, digital nomads, and offbeat explorers.

🗺️ Final Thoughts: Embrace the Weird Side of Japan

Japan is a country where the unexpected is around every corner — and that includes its roadsides. With Imoova’s ultra-cheap campervan deals, you can ditch the train pass and hit the backroads, where the real magic (and squid statues) await.

So grab your camera, embrace spontaneity, and discover Japan’s wonderfully weird side — one ¥100 day at a time.