The former site of Fukuoka’s legendary ramen joint works hard to guide customers to the “original” original.

These unconventional "tub boats" let locals row around the island's turbulent coast.

This mysterious medieval grotto holds a grid of sacred wells of unknown purpose.

Approximately 300 million years ago, a massive coral reef existed in what is now the largest limestone cave in Japan.

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

You can still find treasures on the pebbly beaches of one of the world's oldest jade-producing areas.

This bridge is so steep it looks like a rollercoaster.

A massive wintry wall of snow up to 66 feet tall flanks a highway through Japan's mountains.

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

This retro underwater observation tower would make the perfect lair for a sea-loving villain.

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

This pond is so stunning it looks like you've stepped into one of Monet's masterpieces.

This mesmerizingly colorful pond looks like a scene straight out of a fairytale.

The magical, mossy forest that inspired Princess Mononoke.

Once the most densely populated place in the world, this island is now a ghost town.

On Japan's Tashirojima Island, cats are king.

An exquisite tunnel of cascading flowers.

Hot springs monkey spa in the middle of Hell's Valley.

These medieval stone-cut Buddhist statues may protect visitors from being fired.

Steaming blood-red hot spring from hell.

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

Buried nine feet under, these houses are preserved as a stark reminder of the disastrous 1991 Unzen eruption.

A culturally significant rural temple in the beautiful mountains of Itoshima.

It is rumored that if you spot this little golden frog hiding in plain sight, good luck will come your way.