Drinkslinger is an unlikely vocation for a Buddhist monk, but at this Tokyo bar the enlightenment is served in a martini glass.

A Buddhist temple to honor insects that died for science.

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

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

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

A bronze statue dating back as far as 1252, still has remnants of gold on its right cheek from ancient gilding.

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.”

Steaming blood-red hot spring from hell.

Japanese company creates clone dolls that reside in the "uncanny valley."

A plaque marks the site directly below the mid-air detonation of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima.

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

One of Japan's most famous sights, the bridge was originally built in 1673.

Reportedly 1,400 years old, this may be the first of the Fiji Mermaids.

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

The self-mummified monks of Japan.

An ordinary pond with fish from out of this world.

A restaurant modeled after feudal Japan, where the waitstaff are trained as ninjas.

Twelve hundred stone carvings guard this off-the-beaten-path Buddhist temple.

A massive cave complex boasts some of the clearest water (and most charming bats) in the world.

The freshest fish here are the ones you catch yourself.

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese Shrine.

Shrine to Japanese water-goblins, complete with their preserved body parts.

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