Visitors to this temple are greeted by a massive collection of wooden dolls said to bring good fortune.

Surreal giant face-pillars welcome visitors from across the globe to this hotel.

An old-fashioned school with interesting grounds and deep history, including the original Mito Castle gate.

The site where the poet Matsuo Bashō read one of the first haiku that comprise his famous travelogue.

Ward off bad luck and fill your bottle with "the most watery water" at this little roadside shrine in Yonezawa.

These medieval stone-cut Buddhist statues may protect visitors from being fired.

This giant fashion model is one of the most beloved symbols of Nagoya.

The seat of the lost Ryukyu Kingdom has survived numerous fires and wars over the centuries.

Although damaged beyond recognition, this stone god is still said to bring good luck to those who tap on him with a pebble.

An isolated "phantom bridge" doomed to crumble into ruin.

Though it won't take you far, the wood train housed at this station is the last of its kind in Japan.

Running through lush forests and across the Tadami River, this train line offers breathtaking views of rural Japan.

Have a soak at this retro bathhouse, where you will find Japan's first electric bath, tiling from Spain, and wood carvings representing the Japanese invasion of Manchuria.

The largest privately owned statue of Buddha in Japan, built by a total amateur, with an unconventional look.

The site of Japan's first major environmental disaster.

These sculptures were created by a 17th-century artist who had never seen an elephant.

A kitsch shrine dedicated to the ogre-slaying folktale hero born from a peach.

This small park holds what remains of a former prison and execution ground.

The birthplace of Japanese coinage.

A shrine dedicated to the sacred white snakes of Iwakuni, whose albinism has been passed down for generations.

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

Dedicated to the armor and weapons used by the legendary Japanese warriors.

This volcanic island in the Pacific just keeps growing and growing.

This western-themed amusement park is host to a large number of decaying animatronic cowboys.