Katie & Charis: The Road to Japan

A magical place that lets you play in and explore the world of Studio Ghibli.

An exquisite tunnel of cascading flowers.

The sound of swaying stalks in this stunning grove has been named a governmentally recognized sound.

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

The oldest hotel in the world has been operated by the same family for over 1,300 years, even catering to samurai.

Bioluminescent firefly squid light up this Japanese fishing port.

This massive wooden building contains a giant Buddha, healing pillars, and tame deer wandering the grounds.

Experience park where visitors are told to expect the unexpected.

Tokyo’s only Vaudeville-cuckoo clock–steampunk-Victorian curio cabinet time piece.

The magical, mossy forest that inspired Princess Mononoke.

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

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

This historical theme park celebrates all things noodle.

Japanese national treasure originally built in 593 CE.

This 700-year-old street food market features baby octopus and soy donuts.

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

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

A 20-meter (65-foot) robot towers over Tokyo Bay.

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese Shrine.

This Buddhist temple is home to the graves of the Japanese national legends, the 47 Ronin.

An ordinary pond with fish from out of this world.

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

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

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

Go through the looking glass in Tokyo's Wonderland-themed shop.

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

Be a ninja - or just act like one.

A calico cat named Tama was the wildly popular Super Station Master at this train stop in southeast Japan.

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

A real-life replica of a home from Hayao Miyazaki's beloved movie "My Neighbor Totoro."

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

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

The largest of the Fuji Five Lakes is home to an impressive swan population—some real, some with paddles, and one with an observation deck.

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

Make your own fake treats at this factory and workshop in the epicenter of Japan's food replica industry.

A Japanese train station built around a 700-year-old camphor tree.

Cherry blossom season comes early in this Japanese town where pink flowers line the streets and riverbanks.

A deserted island in southwest Japan that once sheltered persecuted Christians.

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

This isolated Japanese mountain village untouched by time showcases unique and stunning traditional architecture.

An abandoned Art Deco hotel nestled on the side of a wooded mountain.

Haunted house kitsch meets Japanese folklore at this theme bar where patrons can “die” and have their own mock funeral.

Coast along one of Japan’s mountain railways for coveted views of magnificent hydrangeas.

If you forgot something to read during your trip to Tokyo, this hostel has you covered.