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

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

An astounding annual light display honors the victims of one of Japan's most devastating earthquakes.

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

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.

Unusual hexagonal rocks formed by cooling lava named for their resemblance to traditional Japanese tatami mats.

A steaming, boiling hellscape sources Hokkaido's thermal baths.

Serving you alcohol with a side of insanity. Also, costumes!

This pair of small sea rocks has been "wed" using rope and ancient Shinto tradition.

This ancient temple is set up to take you on a pilgrimage of self.

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

Transport yourself to the 1980s era of video games at this themed restaurant and bar.

Shells collected from over a hundred different countries line the walls, floors and ceilings of this fantasy museum.

Enormous underground chamber built to detect 'ghost particles' of the universe.

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.”

We heard you like volcanoes so we put a volcano in your volcano so you can die for sure...

With over 12,000 different species of plants, this botanical garden is Japan's oldest and most diverse.

Starship-temple contains 400 tons of drinking water and offers free Japanese lessons.

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.

This isolated Japanese mountain village untouched by time showcases unique and stunning traditional architecture.

Museum showcases Japanese sexuality and some amazing ocean views.

Japanese company creates clone dolls that reside in the "uncanny valley."