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

One of the world's largest ancient burial mounds.

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

The largest of the Fuji Five Lakes is home to an impressive swan population—some real, some with paddles, and one with an observation deck.

Elaborate series of tunnels where traces of mass suicide are still visible.

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

A giant robo-cockroach building devours Tokyo.

Giant animal sculptures are created with the rice straw leftover from the fall harvest each year.

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

Thirty architectural gems from the 19th- and early 20th-century Tokyo were restored and relocated to this space.

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

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

Oddly touching memorial to a little-remembered nuclear tragedy.

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

The largest volcanic caldera in Japan holds an entire city in its maw.

Be a ninja - or just act like one.

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

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

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

The Hanshin Expressway goes right through its 5th, 6th, and 7th floors.

Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

The world’s first hotel to be run by robots.

Meet the world's longest tapeworm in a collection that really gets under your skin.

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