Buddha figures are carved into volcanic rocks on the seashore of Yamagara Prefecture.

An ancient Incan convent on Lake Titicaca's Island of the Moon.

A former millstone quarry in the Italian Alps is strewn with rocks bearing distinct round shapes.

The ruins of this temple were later chosen by Pope Celestine V to found an abbey and a hermitage.

A culturally significant rural temple in the beautiful mountains of Itoshima.

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

An ancient Roman snake god, carved expertly into stone.

Daikon radishes are offered to the Japanese Buddhist counterpart of the Hindu god Ganesha at this historic hilltop temple.

This incredible mountainside temple is home to intriguing statues of demon-like creatures.

This mysterious medieval grotto holds a grid of sacred wells of unknown purpose.

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.

The origin of this bizarre, ghostly idol is a local mystery, even to the temple it calls home.

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

This isolated Japanese mountain village untouched by time showcases unique and stunning traditional architecture.

A whimsical museum dedicated to the mischievous kappa, a mythical cucumber-loving water sprite.

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

Though technically an illegal structure, this eclectic DIY apartment complex is beloved by its residents.

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

This unusual "magical shrine" honors a legendary raccoon-dog god that stowed away to Japan from some far-off land.

This subterranean spot might be the epitome of Japan's baroque, retro coffee houses.

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

Legend holds eating just one of these black eggs can add seven years to one's life.

Huts like this were once a hub for the female divers who collected pearls and seafood off Japan's coasts.