This ordinary set of steps is a must-see destination for fans of a certain romantic anime.

A sobering scientific reminder of the human damage caused by the advent of the nuclear age.

An anthropological theme park that depicts the cultures of around 20 different countries.

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

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

This mountain's identity is stuck somewhere between a nightmare and a scenic tourist attraction.

This high-design church is made up of two dizzying spirals meant to evoke the weaving together of marriage.

A cool dive bar, off the beaten track.

Make your own fake treats at this factory and workshop in the epicenter of Japan's food replica industry.

Inside the columbarium, thousands of colorful, high-tech Buddhas guard the ashes of the dead.

This Kyoto Starbucks takes coffee drinkers back in time.

People from around the world visit the shrine of Japan’s legendarily loyal dog.

One of the world's largest tanks mimics the experience of watching rare whale sharks, giant rays, and deep sea creatures from the ocean floor.

An infamous house made famous by director Takashi Shimizu.

A museum dedicated to the history of Tokyo's often-overlooked working-class district.

The ruin of a Japanese love hotel almost completely overgrown with brambles.

Founded over a thousand years ago, this shrine is said to be built on the site of a warlord's harem prison.

Burial mound for the ears and noses of thousands of mutilated Korean soldiers.

The ruins of Japan’s premier water brothel.

A giant robo-cockroach building devours Tokyo.

As the aging humans of this Japanese village die off one local artisan is replacing them with eerie homonculi.

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

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

A railway station takeout shop sells boxed meals in containers shaped like trains and snowmen that hold the country’s abundant regional delicacies.