A disconnected rotary phone for "calling" lost loved ones offered a unique way of dealing with grief in disaster-stricken Japan.

Cherry blossom season comes early in this Japanese town where pink flowers line the streets and riverbanks.

Coast along one of Japan’s mountain railways for coveted views of magnificent hydrangeas.

A Japanese cat island also populated by the descendants of a band of banished samurai.

A Catholicism-themed restaurant where sacrilege is on the menu.

Legend holds eating just one of these black eggs can add seven years to one's life.

The bartenders at this crime-fighting theme cafe are actual private detectives by day.

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

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

Go through the looking glass in Tokyo's Wonderland-themed shop.

This mesmerizingly colorful pond looks like a scene straight out of a fairytale.

Japanese island famous for poison gas and fluffy bunnies.

The legendary birthplace of the Japanese maneki-neko is dotted with hundreds of lucky beckoning cats.

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

This historical theme park celebrates all things noodle.

Hanging over one of Japan's "hidden valleys," these vine bridges must be remade every three years.

Bioluminescent firefly squid light up this Japanese fishing port.

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

Experience park where visitors are told to expect the unexpected.

A magical place that lets you play in and explore the world of Studio Ghibli.

An exquisite tunnel of cascading flowers.

A taste of the macabre Tokyo's ritzy shopping district.

Hot springs monkey spa in the middle of Hell's Valley.

On Japan's Tashirojima Island, cats are king.