A shrine dedicated to the sacred white snakes of Iwakuni, whose albinism has been passed down for generations.

A whimsical museum dedicated to the mischievous kappa, a mythical cucumber-loving water sprite.

The tallest bronze seated statue of the Buddha in Japan.

This extremely naked God of Drunkards welcomes visitors to Kochi Station.

What's believed to be the country's first shrine is, in Shintō mythology, the annual meeting place of the gods.

A massive cave complex boasts some of the clearest water (and most charming bats) in the world.

Nope, not the one in France. The only officially-recognized reproduction of Monet’s garden in Giverny is located in a remote corner of Japan.

Hidden by the roadside in the Iya Valley, this gem brings together folk monsters and the region's unique geography.

A rare example of an ancient Japanese hill castle believed to be the fortress of a legendary demon.

A statue of a mischievous raccoon towers over this city park.

A stretch of the Iwai River that features beautiful rocky cliffs, rapids, and flying dango.

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

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

Buddha figures are carved into volcanic rocks on the seashore of Yamagara Prefecture.

Largest graveyard in all of Japan surrounds a famous mausoleum.

One of the tallest statues in the world, and the tallest statue of a goddess in Japan.

This brothel-turned-restaurant features plenty of surprises and elaborate, extravagant architecture.

The Buddhist temples of Yamadera, built into a mountain side, feature a viewing deck with sweeping views.

Surreal giant face-pillars welcome visitors from across the globe to this hotel.

One of the first hotel rooms in a pod.

A moss-covered statue of a Japanese Buddhist deity stands at a quiet temple in downtown Osaka.

The self-mummified monks of Japan.

Blowtorches, tuna, and a jolly, chain-smoking proprietor mark this beloved street-food stand.

This frescoed ancient burial mound is a colorful window into China’s influence in early Japan.