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

A Buddhist temple on an artificial island that houses a monument to the fugu fish.

A train station decorated by a giant replica of an ancient Shakōki-dogū figurine.

Nope, not the one in France. The only officially-recognized reproduction of Monet’s garden in Giverny is located in a remote corner of Japan.

These wondrously illuminated caverns extend under the mountains of the Fukushima Prefecture.

Along the side of the road on a small Japanese island is an extensive garden of uniquely designed Shisa statues.

A monk-run winery inside a Buddhist temple celebrates Japan's crown grape varietal.

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

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

As the aging humans of this Japanese village die off one local artisan is replacing them with eerie homonculi.

Each year this Japanese temple overflows with scowling, bearded good luck talismans.

White beach sands made of the remains of tiny, star shaped creatures.

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

The self-mummified monks of Japan.

This 700-year-old street food market features baby octopus and soy donuts.

A Japanese concept restaurant that feels like a party thrown by the monsters in your closet.

The largest archaeological site from the Yayoi period.

Weighing nearly 7 tons, this massive sculpture was carved out of 500-year-old wood and decorated with thousands of jewels.

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

This temple is steeped in local folklore involving a teakettle and a raccoon dog.

This ancient shrine has been rebuilt every 20 years since the eighth century.

A strange tribute to all the fallen souls of war.

Devoted Buddhists can earn enlightenment in the next life by crawling through this symbolic nostril.

Japan's largest area of "pink moss" turns the hillside bright pink every spring.