Weighing nearly 7 tons, this massive sculpture was carved out of 500-year-old wood and decorated with thousands of jewels.

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

This incredible mountainside temple is home to intriguing statues of demon-like creatures.

Constructed thousands of years ago, these stone circles offer incredible insight into the lives of the people who built them.

A hub of information on tropical diseases and their treatments.

Nestled in an unassuming residential area, this "forbidden forest" is rumored to spirit away those who dare to enter.

Japan's largest and oldest annual procession of floats, begun in 869.

450 dead and frozen fish, proudly on display in Japan.

A sobering scientific reminder of the human damage caused by the advent of the nuclear age.

People from around the world visit the shrine of Japan’s legendarily loyal dog.

Children's literature inside, forest all around.

Each year this Japanese temple overflows with scowling, bearded good luck talismans.

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

Be a ninja - or just act like one.

Crawl through the hole in the middle of this stone to break off a bad relationship or initiate a good one.

A remarkable lava formation encloses a line of Buddhist statues that can't be accurately counted, according to local mythology.

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

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

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

This pair of small sea rocks has been "wed" using rope and ancient Shinto tradition.

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

Japanese national treasure originally built in 593 CE.

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

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