Home to the world's oldest wooden building.

An astounding annual light display honors the victims of one of Japan's most devastating earthquakes.

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

Legend holds eating just one of these black eggs can add seven years to one's life.

A group of medieval rock-cut Buddhist statues created to save people from the volcanic hell that surrounds them.

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

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

A moss-covered statue of a Japanese Buddhist deity stands at a quiet temple in downtown Osaka.

It is believed that this Buddhist temple stands right on the gateway to the underworld.

Visitors to this museum will discover that kaleidoscopes are much more than toys.

Have a soak at this retro bathhouse, where you will find Japan's first electric bath, tiling from Spain, and wood carvings representing the Japanese invasion of Manchuria.

This 14th-century temple is also known as the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion" for its gorgeous gilded reliquary hall.

Burial mound for the ears and noses of thousands of mutilated Korean soldiers.

The cutest shrine in Kyoto is dedicated to bunnies.

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese Shrine.

This lesser-visited gallery in a corner of the Tokyo National Museum complex is an architectural beauty dedicated to the ancient treasures of Hōryū-ji.

The origin of this bizarre, ghostly idol is a local mystery, even to the temple it calls home.

This sprawling scenic burial ground is the final resting place of Japan's last shogun.

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

The tallest city hall in the world offers an excellent bento box.

The small candy-colored ride is the last rooftop Ferris wheel in Tokyo.

After being lost for decades, this striking mural depicting the atomic bomb covers the wall of a busy Tokyo metro station.

Legend says the goddess this shrine honors curses any couples that pass by.

Although damaged beyond recognition, this stone god is still said to bring good luck to those who tap on him with a pebble.