A real-life replica of a home from Hayao Miyazaki's beloved movie "My Neighbor Totoro."

Japanese national treasure originally built in 593 CE.

A flight of this "ghost staircase" has 40 steps on the way up, but only 39 steps on the way down.

An abandoned Art Deco hotel nestled on the side of a wooded mountain.

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

The largest of the Fuji Five Lakes is home to an impressive swan population—some real, some with paddles, and one with an observation deck.

Coast along one of Japan’s mountain railways for coveted views of magnificent hydrangeas.

Colloquially known as “piss alley,” this narrow street filled with tiny bars and barbecue stands looks like it was pulled straight out of “Blade Runner.”

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

With over 12,000 different species of plants, this botanical garden is Japan's oldest and most diverse.

Starship-temple contains 400 tons of drinking water and offers free Japanese lessons.

This pond is so stunning it looks like you've stepped into one of Monet's masterpieces.

Steaming blood-red hot spring from hell.

Once a black market electronics marketplace, now an otaku shopper's paradise.

The legendary birthplace of the Japanese maneki-neko is dotted with hundreds of lucky beckoning cats.

After a profound show of devotion for his master, a dog becomes the symbol of loyalty for an entire nation.

The magical, mossy forest that inspired Princess Mononoke.

Every autumn, this hillside is ablaze with red summer cypress.

If Hello Kitty were Mickey Mouse, this would be Disneyland.

An exquisite tunnel of cascading flowers.

A magical place that lets you play in and explore the world of Studio Ghibli.