The giant figure on the back of this turtle-shaped temple actually hides a memorial pendulum.

Existing for more than four centuries, the last of Hakone’s historic teahouses serves a sweet, mold-based rice drink.

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

This traditional Japanese-style house doubles as one of James Turrell's colorful works of art.

The largest collection of model trains in the world is actually run using full-size locomotive technology.

Ever needed a chocolate-filled crepe in the wee hours of the morning?

Giant art made in Japanese rice fields.

A 59-ft. robot statue looks over the citizens of earthquake-ravaged Kobe.

An abandoned Art Deco hotel nestled on the side of a wooded mountain.

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

The traditional houses along the coast of this charming Japanese fishing village allow people to sleep above the sea.

The iconic castle that withstood a magnitude 6.2 earthquake has become a symbol of resilience.

A mysterious set of tunnels carved in the hills of rural northern Kyushu.

You can still find treasures on the pebbly beaches of one of the world's oldest jade-producing areas.

This bridge is so steep it looks like a rollercoaster.

A network of sandy streets lined with verdant fukugi trees weaves throughout this tiny seaside town.

A calico cat named Tama was the wildly popular Super Station Master at this train stop in southeast Japan.

This town near Nagasaki is flecked with fruit-flavored bus stops.

Children's literature inside, forest all around.

Largest graveyard in all of Japan surrounds a famous mausoleum.

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.

The divine septet of Japanese fortune gods are rendered in 1,000 year old wood at this peaceful site.

One of Kyoto's oldest food establishments has supplied soba noodles to temple priests and the Imperial Palace.