This giant bronze Buddha, the third largest in Japan, is the last in an ill-fated series of statues.

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.

The third-tallest statue in the world depicts the "Buddha of Infinite Light," complete with observation deck in his chest.

This mountain's identity is stuck somewhere between a nightmare and a scenic tourist attraction.

Elaborate series of tunnels where traces of mass suicide are still visible.

A massive wintry wall of snow up to 66 feet tall flanks a highway through Japan's mountains.

A tiny collection of traditional Japanese woodblock prints, open only when the owner feels like it.

Giant animal sculptures are created with the rice straw leftover from the fall harvest each year.

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

Burial mound for the ears and noses of thousands of mutilated Korean soldiers.

The Buddhist temples of Yamadera, built into a mountain side, feature a viewing deck with sweeping views.

These Japanese gardens are blankets of light for dark winter nights.

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

Be a ninja - or just act like one.

Historical Japanese-Dutch relations are honored with haunted rides and flower fields in this replica town.

An astounding annual light display honors the victims of one of Japan's most devastating earthquakes.

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

A steaming, boiling hellscape sources Hokkaido's thermal baths.

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

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

The tallest bronze seated statue of the Buddha in Japan.

The Hanshin Expressway goes right through its 5th, 6th, and 7th floors.

Twelve hundred stone carvings guard this off-the-beaten-path Buddhist temple.

A rare festival blending religion, blacksmiths, vagina dentata, sex workers, and the straight-up facts of life.