A bronze statue dating back as far as 1252, still has remnants of gold on its right cheek from ancient gilding.

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

The self-mummified monks of Japan.

An ordinary pond with fish from out of this world.

A massive cave complex boasts some of the clearest water (and most charming bats) in the world.

Shrine to Japanese water-goblins, complete with their preserved body parts.

This mesmerizingly colorful pond looks like a scene straight out of a fairytale.

Go through the looking glass in Tokyo's Wonderland-themed shop.

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

This Buddhist temple is home to the graves of the Japanese national legends, the 47 Ronin.

This spa theme park lets its guests take a dip in pools of coffee, wine, or ramen broth.

Experience park where visitors are told to expect the unexpected.

This massive wooden building contains a giant Buddha, healing pillars, and tame deer wandering the grounds.

The magical, mossy forest that inspired Princess Mononoke.

An exquisite tunnel of cascading flowers.

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

1,001 carved statues of the Buddhist God of Mercy, each with a unique face.

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

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

This neighborhood thoroughfare is haunted by dozens of homemade monsters.

This 14th-century temple is also known as the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion" for its gorgeous gilded reliquary hall.

Established over a thousand years ago, this family-run teahouse continues to serve skewers of sweet rice cake to this day.

These old stone ruins in the Oregon wilderness were once bathrooms and are steeped in legends of murder.

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