Nestled amid the trees lies an abandoned funicular railway that dates back to the 1920s.

This volcanic island in the Pacific just keeps growing and growing.

This massive, Edo Period, coin-shaped sand painting is believed to be a source of great luck.

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

This Metabolist, retro-futuristic residential complex resembles a cyberpunk space colony established on Earth.

These tiny pine-covered islands have inspired art and poetry for centuries.

A wooden prison doesn't sound like a good idea, yet this abandoned 1950s detention center still stands today.

A temple made famous by Japanese Buddhist monks who sacrificed themselves at sea.

The former home of queer novelist Yoshiya Nobuko memorializes her contributions to modern-day manga.

The site of a famous samurai duel.

Although it has never been a secret ninja base, this shrine still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.

Is this cat asleep or just pretending?

A culturally significant rural temple in the beautiful mountains of Itoshima.

A shrine dedicated to a 10th-century samurai emperor, whose head is not buried on site (contrary to popular belief).

This gnome sculpture and his wonderous hat forces train passengers to do a double-take.

This massive, beautifully-lit underground quarry leaves visitors in awe.

A museum in Hokkaido is housed in a former high school. On its grounds a marker shares the awakening of a man who longs to be reunited with his soulmate in the fictional world of Kcymaerxthaere.

Believed to hold the remains of Japan's most infamous fox spirit, this stone is said to kill those who dare approach.

This strange mural located in the Ueno station is filled with traditional Japanese symbolism.

Inaccessible by foot, Japan's most secluded train station sits in the middle of nowhere.

Only the face remains of this giant Buddha statue, which is said to be a source of luck for students.

A park built around the legend of a clam-loving giant who created a monumental midden.

A unique Shinto shrine filled with bunnies and wordplay.

This phallic temple was erected in the forest to honor the tragic death of a samurai lord's son.