A small island with no monkeys but plenty of military ruins.

A massive cave complex boasts some of the clearest water (and most charming bats) in the world.

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

Each year this Japanese temple overflows with scowling, bearded good luck talismans.

The third-tallest statue in the world depicts the "Buddha of Infinite Light," complete with observation deck in his chest.

This giant bronze Buddha, the third largest in Japan, is the last in an ill-fated series of statues.

This sawtooth mountain range still bears the strangely lovely marks of its history as a medieval quarry.

Historical Japanese-Dutch relations are honored with haunted rides and flower fields in this replica town.

The world’s first hotel to be run by robots.

A 70-foot-deep ice cave formed by lava from Mt. Fuji on the edge of Japan's "Suicide Forest." 

The tallest bronze seated statue of the Buddha in Japan.

The Buddhist temples of Yamadera, built into a mountain side, feature a viewing deck with sweeping views.

The magical, mossy forest that inspired Princess Mononoke.

This Buddhist temple is home to the graves of the Japanese national legends, the 47 Ronin.

A bronze statue dating back as far as 1252, still has remnants of gold on its right cheek from ancient gilding.

Tokyo’s only Vaudeville-cuckoo clock–steampunk-Victorian curio cabinet time piece.

A 20-meter (65-foot) robot towers over Tokyo Bay.

One of Japan's most famous sights, the bridge was originally built in 1673.

Steaming blood-red hot spring from hell.

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

Japanese national treasure originally built in 593 CE.

The self-mummified monks of Japan.

1,001 carved statues of the Buddhist God of Mercy, each with a unique face.

The quintessential Japanese rock garden has existed for more than 500 years.