A network of ancient tunnels and vaulted chambers with mystical Buddhist reliefs, built for ascetic training.

Over 40 species of fern cover the canyon walls of this lush green bowl, cut off from the bustle of the world by a cave entrance.

This massive, Edo Period, coin-shaped sand painting is believed to be a source of great luck.

It is said that coins washed in the waters here will miraculously multiply.

This historic castle is one of the oldest and most impressive in all of Japan.

A culturally significant rural temple in the beautiful mountains of Itoshima.

Once the main gateway to Tokyo, sneaking through this checkpoint was a capital offense in feudal times.

Although it has never been a secret ninja base, this shrine still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.

This village is home to the largest existing settlement of the Ainu, the Indigenous people of Japan.

Turn around and stick your head between your legs for the best view of this tree-covered sandbar.

An ingenious solution to a tricky engineering problem, this spiraling bridge takes drivers for a dizzying spin.

According to one legend, this bridge was crafted after monkeys formed a body-bridge across the gorge.

A statue of a mischievous raccoon towers over this city park.

A thick blanket of beautiful pampas grass cloaks this unique Japanese landscape.

What's believed to be the country's first shrine is, in Shintō mythology, the annual meeting place of the gods.

Narrow passes cut out of mountains surround the medieval capital of Japan.

This museum showcases the art of ancient sword-making.

A statue erected on an infamous cliff where young boys would hold dangerous "pee offs" to prove their mettle.

Approximately 300 million years ago, a massive coral reef existed in what is now the largest limestone cave in Japan.

This active volcano's siren song to suicide jumpers forced authorities to build a fence.

The largest volcanic caldera in Japan holds an entire city in its maw.

Blowtorches, tuna, and a jolly, chain-smoking proprietor mark this beloved street-food stand.

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

The cutest shrine in Kyoto is dedicated to bunnies.