The magical, mossy forest that inspired Princess Mononoke.

A small Japanese village claims to be the final resting place of the son of God (and God's other son's ear).

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

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

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

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

Constructed thousands of years ago, these stone circles offer incredible insight into the lives of the people who built them.

Steaming blood-red hot spring from hell.

This phallic temple was erected in the forest to honor the tragic death of a samurai lord's son.

We heard you like volcanoes so we put a volcano in your volcano so you can die for sure...

Though technically an illegal structure, this eclectic DIY apartment complex is beloved by its residents.

Japanese island famous for poison gas and fluffy bunnies.

This bridge is so steep it looks like a rollercoaster.

The world's narrowest strait is often mistaken for a canal.

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

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

This whimsical garbage disposal facility receives around 12,000 accidental tourists each year.

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

On Japan's Tashirojima Island, cats are king.

Visitors to this temple are greeted by a massive collection of wooden dolls said to bring good fortune.

Closed for decades, this strange symbol of Japan's Expo '70 has finally opened its psychedelic insides to the public.

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

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

The traditional houses along the coast of this charming Japanese fishing village allow people to sleep above the sea.