This seven story Japanese love hotel now stands in ruins.

This 14th-century temple is also known as the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion" for its gorgeous gilded reliquary hall.

This ancient shrine has been rebuilt every 20 years since the eighth century.

A train ride to the middle of nowhere gives its passengers some of the most iconic views of Japan's seasons.

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

The world's shortest escalator doesn't seem to have any reason to exist other than to hold a world record.

A sobering scientific reminder of the human damage caused by the advent of the nuclear age.

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

A mysterious set of tunnels carved in the hills of rural northern Kyushu.

This bridge is so steep it looks like a rollercoaster.

Founded over a thousand years ago, this shrine is said to be built on the site of a warlord's harem prison.

This ruined Japanese stripclub sits half burnt to the ground.

Be a ninja - or just act like one.

The largest volcanic caldera in Japan holds an entire city in its maw.

People from around the world visit the shrine of Japan’s legendarily loyal dog.

This active volcano's siren song to suicide jumpers forced authorities to build a fence.

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

Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

A remarkable lava formation encloses a line of Buddhist statues that can't be accurately counted, according to local mythology.

This retro underwater observation tower would make the perfect lair for a sea-loving villain.

The world's largest drain sits below the city of Kasukabe, Japan.

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

The 43-mile route crosses through six islands with gorgeous views of the Seto Inland Sea.

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