A bronze statue dating back as far as 1252, still has remnants of gold on its right cheek from ancient gilding.

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.

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

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

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.

The oldest hotel in the world has been operated by the same family for over 1,300 years, even catering to samurai.

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.

Every autumn, this hillside is ablaze with red summer cypress.

The magical, mossy forest that inspired Princess Mononoke.

This spa theme park lets its guests take a dip in pools of coffee, wine, or ramen broth.

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

An exquisite tunnel of cascading flowers.

Near the mouth of the Yodo River, this museum offers visitors six floors of hands-on learning about Osaka's raw sewage.

Japan's first automaton went missing, only to be revived by the Osaka Science Museum.

A moss-covered statue of a Japanese Buddhist deity stands at a quiet temple in downtown Osaka.

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

One of the first hotel rooms in a pod.

A Japanese corporation has turned this small island town into living modern art gallery.

Closed for decades, this strange symbol of Japan's Expo '70 has finally opened its psychedelic insides to the public.

This town near Nagasaki is flecked with fruit-flavored bus stops.