The iconic castle that withstood a magnitude 6.2 earthquake has become a symbol of resilience.

This iconic “station bento” comes in an earthenware pot you can take home and repurpose.

A long-worshipped mountain, considered a "power spot" and suspected to be an ancient pyramid by some.

Open since 1690, this former teahouse makes “strength mochi” based on the centuries-old recipe.

In 806, Kobo Daishi began meditating on Mount Misen. The Buddhist monk lit this holy fire, which has been kept burning for 1,200 years.

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

This mythical weapon stuck on the mountaintop is also the site of the first honeymoon in Japan's history.

Perhaps the world's cheapest vending machines.

A gorgeous, nostalgic café housed in a lofty old warehouse, lit only by petroleum lamps.

An open-air museum exhibiting a total of 52 century-old buildings, recreating Hokkaido’s “pioneer village.”

Rice balls symbolize fate and relationship at this adorable shrine, which was once dedicated to the Buddhist Devil.

A museum of space exploration in the UFO capital of Japan.

A natural wonder with mythological ties to the local Ainu tradition.

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.

A serene mountaintop temple complex featuring one big, bronze Buddha.

There's light and a dreamlike panorama at the end of this tunnel.

These turtle-shaped concrete stepping stones provide a unique river crossing in central Kyoto.

A stretch of the Iwai River that features beautiful rocky cliffs, rapids, and flying dango.

The site of Japan's first major environmental disaster.

This 24-hour vending machine serves up homemade treats inspired by the local Japanese snow monkeys.

For centuries, this gold mine was the powerhouse behind the Tokugawa Shogunate.

An LED art installation composed of 600 poles wrapped in kimono fabric.

Would you spend the night in Japan's deepest train station?

In a rural Japanese town that has committed to sustainable practices, even the hotel is made from recycled materials.