This subterranean spot might be the epitome of Japan's baroque, retro coffee houses.

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

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

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

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

A real-life replica of a home from Hayao Miyazaki's beloved movie "My Neighbor Totoro."

A Japanese cat island also populated by the descendants of a band of banished samurai.

The only thing sweeter than the potatoes is the canine proprietor of this roadside stall.

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

Starship-temple contains 400 tons of drinking water and offers free Japanese lessons.

One of the first hotel rooms in a pod.

The bartenders at this crime-fighting theme cafe are actual private detectives by day.

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

Steaming blood-red hot spring from hell.

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.”

One of Japan's most famous sights, the bridge was originally built in 1673.

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

Reportedly 1,400 years old, this may be the first of the Fiji Mermaids.

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

A restaurant modeled after feudal Japan, where the waitstaff are trained as ninjas.

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.