After a profound show of devotion for his master, a dog becomes the symbol of loyalty for an entire nation.

Tragic reminders of the 1945 firebombing campaign over Tokyo still haunt this bridge.

According to local legend, an ancient serial killer nicknamed the “Hag” once haunted this pond.

In Asakusa, Tokyo's very own Walk of Fame.

This enormous monument is one of the most iconic structures in Tokyo, rudely nicknamed "The Golden Turd."

A miniature shrine in the busy corner of Tokyo's historic Broadway, honoring a sextet of unusual entertainment gods.

Although damaged beyond recognition, this stone god is still said to bring good luck to those who tap on him with a pebble.

An enormous pair of straw sandals woven in the traditional way—to keep demons at bay.

This “grave” memorializes the 53 rakugo stories that were once banned by the national censorship.

Rumored to be a giant robot in disguise, this colossal chef has been the beloved symbol of Tokyo’s kitchenware district for decades.

Devoted Buddhists can earn enlightenment in the next life by crawling through this symbolic nostril.

This massive wooden building contains a giant Buddha, healing pillars, and tame deer wandering the grounds.

This 700-year-old street food market features baby octopus and soy donuts.

The groundbreaking Japanese shrine maiden who invented the art of kabuki.

Burial mound for the ears and noses of thousands of mutilated Korean soldiers.

Crawl through the hole in the middle of this stone to break off a bad relationship or initiate a good one.

A shrine contains nearly 200 statues of the Buddhist deity Jizo, dressed in bibs by parents who have lost a child.

The cutest shrine in Kyoto is dedicated to bunnies.

This statue of Buddha has a distinctive hairstyle meant to represent an unfathomably long period of meditation.

The cemetery houses the remains of Jun’ichirō Tanizaki, one of Japan's most famous novelists.

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

These turtle-shaped concrete stepping stones provide a unique river crossing in central Kyoto.

The “bridge of return” is haunted by a myriad of legends, from ghosts to demons to nuptial superstitions.

Shrine dedicated to boars that is believed to cure foot and leg injuries.