Join us as we take a look at some of the strangest tourist attractions in the world. From a park full of penises to a temple for thousands of rats, we take a look at some unusual travel destinations that are sure to give you a holiday that is out of the ordinary!
Penis Park
Haesindang Park, South Korea is more commonly known as Penis Park. Why you ask? Well, because its full of penises! Legend has it that one day a local fisherman left his wife-to-be on a nearby rock in the ocean while he went out to fish. When he returned a violent storm had swept her away. Shortly after, the fish disappeared from the waters and the townsfolk were left starving. They believed that the spirit of the lost girl was scaring the fish away so they decided to appease her spirit by building a huge towering dick. It worked and soon new penises were added. Long ones, short ones. Ones with faces. Ones that look like cannons. Today the park is a popular tourist attraction with thousands of visits annually. So if it’s penises you’re after then this is the place to be. Take a leisurely stroll up the hillside and gaze in awe at the majestically tall wood. Feeling a little stiff? Stop and take a rest on…you guessed it, a big stone knob! There is something here for even the most discerning penis connoisseur, it’s hard to fault it, this place is penis lovers paradise!
Ramen Museum
When you hear the word museum you tend to think of things like fossils and dinosaur bones right? Well the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum in Yokohama, Japan is a museum dedicated to noodles. Instant noodles. Come and learn the history of your favorite brand of noodle and gaze in wonderment at the many assorted flavors and packaging styles. Hungry? Stop for a bite to eat at one of the many on site noodle restaurants and don’t forget to visit the Ramen gift shop to get some noodles for that special someone in your life. Remember, nothing says ‘I love you’ like a plastic cup of instant noodles!
Doll Island
If you like your vacations horribly creepy, then this next destination is for you. Amongst Mexico’s Xochimilco canals is the eerie Isla de Las Muñecas (Island of the Dolls). Many years ago a local man named Julián Santana Barrera began collecting old and broken dolls that would wash up among the canals. He salvaged the doll pieces and decided to hang them from the trees. According to Barrera it was to protect the island from evil spirits and to appease the spirit of a dead girl he once found on the island. The dolls were said to come alive at night and wander the island…killing animals. Barrera died in 2001 but the dolls are still there and the island is still accessible by boat.
Battle of The Orange
If you’re idea of a vacation involves the urge to throw fruit, why not attend the annual throwing of the Oranges festival in Ivrea, Northern Italy. Legend has it that the festival is held in honor of a young woman who cut a local Duke’s head off when he attempted to have his way with her on the eve of her wedding to another man. The incident lead to a rebellion with the local towns folk storming and destroying the Duke’s Castle. The oranges symbolize the weapons and stones the villagers threw at the guards in order to overthrow the Duke. Held over three days each February, this festival pits two teams against each other in an orange throw off to the death…of the festival. One team depicts the towns folk while the other team, riding on chariots depict the Duke’s guards.
Apparently, in the early days of the festival cats were thrown. Yes cats. Cute little furry cats. Later apples were used. Nowadays the projectile of choice is of course oranges, much to the relief of the local feline population.
Temple of The Rats
Karni Mata Temple in Rajasthan, India is home to more than 20 000 rats. One legend says that the rats were once soldiers that deserted a local battle and sought refuge at the temple. The Hindu Sage Karni Mata, for whom the temple is named after, allowed the soldiers to stay at the temple but punished them by turning them all into rats. To this day the rats are considered holy and to eat food that the rats have nibbled on is a high honor. The rats are so highly revered that if one is accidentally killed, it must be replaced with one made of solid gold. The temple opens its doors to the public early every morning and the temple receives rat loving visitors from all around the world.
Yunessun Spa
If you have ever fancied taking a spa in other substances besides water, then Yunessun Spa in Hakone, Japan is the place for you. Here you can take a soothing dip in your favorite beverage. From Green tea and coffee to sake and even red wine, they are all available for you to take a paddle in! No need to purchase refreshments at the cafe, just open your mouth and drink!
So next time you sit down to a nice bottle of red just remember, there is a chance that hundreds of Japanese were swimming in it days earlier! ‘This wine is delicious. I can taste fragrant berries and plum with a smoky finish. And there is something else I can’t quite put my finger on…oh wait, that’s it! Human pee!’
Well there you have it. The strangest tourist attractions in the world. So if you’re tired of sunning yourself on the beach or drinking cocktails by the pool, why not make one of these crazy destinations part of your next holiday?
