A tiny cafe that recreates the Japanese elementary school lunch experience.

These unconventional "tub boats" let locals row around the island's turbulent coast.

This Kyoto Starbucks takes coffee drinkers back in time.

"Bug Bug" Land, a natural park for beetle watching, still hasn't fully recovered from Fukushima's nuclear disaster.

People from around the world visit the shrine of Japan’s legendarily loyal dog.

Rows of stone statues are dressed up to mourn children that are lost before birth.

Inside the columbarium, thousands of colorful, high-tech Buddhas guard the ashes of the dead.

One of the world's largest tanks mimics the experience of watching rare whale sharks, giant rays, and deep sea creatures from the ocean floor.

This sprawling scenic burial ground is the final resting place of Japan's last shogun.

Colloquially known as “piss alley,” this narrow street filled with tiny bars and barbecue stands looks like it was pulled straight out of “Blade Runner.”

A real-life replica of a home from Hayao Miyazaki's beloved movie "My Neighbor Totoro."

A rare festival blending religion, blacksmiths, vagina dentata, sex workers, and the straight-up facts of life.

This pond is so stunning it looks like you've stepped into one of Monet's masterpieces.

Museum showcases Japanese sexuality and some amazing ocean views.

Meet the world's longest tapeworm in a collection that really gets under your skin.

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese Shrine.

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

Not quite the menace it once was, this monster still has some chops.

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

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

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

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

If Hello Kitty were Mickey Mouse, this would be Disneyland.

A Japanese concept restaurant that feels like a party thrown by the monsters in your closet.