sophiebarnes's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Hachimantai, Japan

Matsuo Mine

Abandoned Japanese ghost town gives a glimpse into what our own metropolises may leave behind.
Kazuno, Japan

Ōyu Stone Circles

Constructed thousands of years ago, these stone circles offer incredible insight into the lives of the people who built them.
Shingo, Japan

Tomb of Jesus Christ

A small Japanese village claims to be the final resting place of the son of God (and God's other son's ear).
Aomori, Japan

Showa Daibutsu

The tallest bronze seated statue of the Buddha in Japan.
Aomori, Japan

Sannai Maruyama Ruins

These Japanese ruins have been brought back to life with elaborately recreated buildings.
Mutsu, Japan

Mount Osore

This mountain's identity is stuck somewhere between a nightmare and a scenic tourist attraction.
Japan

Seikan Tunnel

The world's longest tunnel with an undersea section.
Toyoura, Japan

Koboro Station

Inaccessible by foot, Japan's most secluded train station sits in the middle of nowhere.
Noboribetsu, Japan

Tenkaen (China Park of Heaven)

After a short 5 year run, this former major theme park sits in ruin.
Noboribetsu-shi, Japan

Jigokudani (Hell Valley)

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

Moerenuma Park

This futuristic public park includes large sculptures and an artificial geyser.
Ashibetsu, Japan

Canadian World

A semi-abandoned replica of Prince Edward Island's Avonlea—in Japan.
Hokkaidō, Japan

Blue Pond

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

Lake Akan Ainu Kotan

This village is home to the largest existing settlement of the Ainu, the Indigenous people of Japan.
Ōzora-chō, Japan

Shibazakura Park

Japan's largest area of "pink moss" turns the hillside bright pink every spring.
Yakushima, Japan

Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine

The magical, mossy forest that inspired Princess Mononoke.
Kumejima-chō, Japan

Tatami-ishi (Tatami Rocks)

Unusual hexagonal rocks formed by cooling lava named for their resemblance to traditional Japanese tatami mats.
Izena-son, Japan

Izena Island

Ruins and statues dot the landscape of this tiny island rich with royal history.
Motobu, Japan

Bise Village

A network of sandy streets lined with verdant fukugi trees weaves throughout this tiny seaside town.
Motobu, Japan

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

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.
Nago-shi, Japan

Clinton Home

An exact replica of Bill Clinton's childhood home stands within a resort in Japan.
Okinawa, Japan

Gajumaru Treehouse Diner

Okinawan dining in a twenty foot tall, man-made tree house overlooking Naha Harbor.
Itami, Japan

Kewpie Itami Mayonnaise Factory

The Japanese mayo factory famous for its cute mascot.
Tokyo, Japan

Yurei Izakaya

Haunted house kitsch meets Japanese folklore at this theme bar where patrons can “die” and have their own mock funeral.