Few of the many visitors to this resort town know of its hidden Maya ruins.

This historic castle is one of the oldest and most impressive in all of Japan.

These picturesque Hawaiian falls are home to a rare species of fish that uses a special sucker to climb up cliffs.

More than 2,000 species of tropical plants call this nature preserve and sanctuary home.

This mom-and-pop Japanese sweets shop has been serving cloud-light mochi for almost a century.

The tallest city hall in the world offers an excellent bento box.

One in a pair of subterranean caves created by an ancient eruption of Mount Fuji.

A 70-foot-deep ice cave formed by lava from Mt. Fuji on the edge of Japan's "Suicide Forest." 

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

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

This giant seated Bhudda of Healing dates to the 1780s.

Access to this hidden site of a 14th-century mass suicide is prohibited, unless it is to pray for the dead.

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

Nestled in an unassuming residential area, this "forbidden forest" is rumored to spirit away those who dare to enter.

One of the few surviving World War II-era air-raid shelters in Tokyo.

This infamous execution site inspired the beginning of Japan's modernization in the late 18th-century.

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

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

Tragic reminders of the 1945 firebombing campaign over Tokyo still haunt this bridge.

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

Rubbing salt on this small stone dog is said to make wishes come true.

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

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

A sad reminder of the World War II bombing stands largely unnoticed on a street corner.