This traditional Japanese-style house doubles as one of James Turrell's colorful works of art.

After a short 5 year run, this former major theme park sits in ruin.

This frescoed ancient burial mound is a colorful window into China’s influence in early Japan.

This futuristic public park includes large sculptures and an artificial geyser.

Curious onlookers have suspected this strange structure is a secret government base.

What's believed to be the country's first shrine is, in Shintō mythology, the annual meeting place of the gods.

One of the tallest statues in the world, and the tallest statue of a goddess in Japan.

This mountain's identity is stuck somewhere between a nightmare and a scenic tourist attraction.

The third-tallest statue in the world depicts the "Buddha of Infinite Light," complete with observation deck in his chest.

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

Unusual hexagonal rocks formed by cooling lava named for their resemblance to traditional Japanese tatami mats.

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

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

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

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

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese Shrine.

The quintessential Japanese rock garden has existed for more than 500 years.

Japanese national treasure originally built in 593 CE.

A beautiful, dense forest in the shadow of Mount Fuji, with a tragic reputation.

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

This giant bronze Buddha, the third largest in Japan, is the last in an ill-fated series of statues.

The tallest bronze seated statue of the Buddha in Japan.

This ancient temple is set up to take you on a pilgrimage of self.

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