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

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

A shrine contains nearly 200 statues of the Buddhist deity Jizo, dressed in bibs by parents who have lost a child.

Largest graveyard in all of Japan surrounds a famous mausoleum.

Oddly touching memorial to a little-remembered nuclear tragedy.

A disconnected rotary phone for "calling" lost loved ones offered a unique way of dealing with grief in disaster-stricken Japan.

Colloquially known as “piss alley,” this narrow street filled with tiny bars and barbecue stands looks like it was pulled straight out of “Blade Runner.”

Closed for decades, this strange symbol of Japan's Expo '70 has finally opened its psychedelic insides to the public.

Cherry blossom season comes early in this Japanese town where pink flowers line the streets and riverbanks.

The tallest bronze seated statue of the Buddha in Japan.

A remarkable lava formation encloses a line of Buddhist statues that can't be accurately counted, according to local mythology.

This active volcano's siren song to suicide jumpers forced authorities to build a fence.

This sawtooth mountain range still bears the strangely lovely marks of its history as a medieval quarry.

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

Shells collected from over a hundred different countries line the walls, floors and ceilings of this fantasy museum.

A Catholicism-themed restaurant where sacrilege is on the menu.

This ancient temple is set up to take you on a pilgrimage of self.

This pair of small sea rocks has been "wed" using rope and ancient Shinto tradition.

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

Serving you alcohol with a side of insanity. Also, costumes!

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

Abandoned Japanese ghost town gives a glimpse into what our own metropolises may leave behind.

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

A Japanese corporation has turned this small island town into living modern art gallery.