In Asakusa, Tokyo's very own Walk of Fame.

Only recently added to the shrine, this googly-eyed snail demon of unknown origin is said to have eye-healing powers.

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

A commemoration of the first Dutchman to reach Japan, whose name still echoes in the heart of Tokyo.

A series of smile-themed sculptures created by artists from all over the world fill this Tokyo shopping district.

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

The largest seated Buddha statue in Japan is the centerpiece of an abandoned complex in a quiet, seaside town.

Sample specialties from Xinjiang at this Shinjuku neighborhood gem.

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

A miniature shrine in the busy corner of Tokyo's historic Broadway, honoring a sextet of unusual entertainment gods.

Home to herbal cosmetics, teas, and a unique set of dolls known as kitchen witches.

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

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

Plagued with warts? Leave a frog at this small shrine in the city of Tosa, and you may be cured.

Steampunk, humanoid sculptures crawl on all fours in a Tokyo plaza.

Disused for decades, this freight railway bridge is finally being renovated into a scenic promenade.

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

Visitors to this museum will discover that kaleidoscopes are much more than toys.

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

Rubbing salt on this small stone dog is said to make wishes come true.

Located in a remote mountain valley in Yamagata Prefecture, these hot springs have attracted bathers for over 450 years.

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

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

This bizarre residential building is the masterpiece of Von Jour Caux, the “Gaudí of Japan.”