Emerging from the sidewalk, this sculpture of a whale commemorates the importance of baleen in traditional Japanese puppetry.

This museum showcases the art of ancient sword-making.

The first location of the eventual video game giant.

When this clock strikes a certain time, puppets showcase a story of life in Edo Japan.

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

Dedicated to the armor and weapons used by the legendary Japanese warriors.

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

It's bad manners to eat and drink on the subways of Tokyo, unless the train is this bar. 

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

A King Kong-like gorilla hangs from the top of this commercial building in Tokyo.

The 43-mile route crosses through six islands with gorgeous views of the Seto Inland Sea.

This Kyoto Starbucks takes coffee drinkers back in time.

Tokyo’s only Ainu restaurant serves Indigenous food from northern Japan.

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

Transport yourself to the 1980s era of video games at this themed restaurant and bar.

After a profound show of devotion for his master, a dog becomes the symbol of loyalty for an entire nation.

The freshest fish here are the ones you catch yourself.

Once a black market electronics marketplace, now an otaku shopper's paradise.

A 70-foot-deep ice cave formed by lava from Mt. Fuji on the edge of Japan's "Suicide Forest." 

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.”

This historical theme park celebrates all things noodle.

This spa theme park lets its guests take a dip in pools of coffee, wine, or ramen broth.

Not quite the menace it once was, this monster still has some chops.

Hanging over one of Japan's "hidden valleys," these vine bridges must be remade every three years.