After a profound show of devotion for his master, a dog becomes the symbol of loyalty for an entire nation.

Emerging from the sidewalk, this sculpture of a whale commemorates the importance of baleen in traditional Japanese puppetry.

A touching statue dedicated to Japan's first therapy dog.

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

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

Mythical beasts symbolizing the city of Tokyo guard a historic bridge.

A few hidden stones are said to bring fortune and love.

A series of smile-themed sculptures created by artists from all over the world fill this Tokyo shopping district.

Only recently added to the shrine, this googly-eyed snail demon of unknown origin is said to have eye-healing powers.

Once the park closes at sunset, the greatest haiku poet of all time moves to face the Sumida River.

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.”

A railway station takeout shop sells boxed meals in containers shaped like trains and snowmen that hold the country’s abundant regional delicacies.

One of three official copies of Marcel Duchamp's enigmatic masterpiece is on display in an obscure Tokyo museum.

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

The unique work of art celebrates the 30th anniversary of the 1988 World Expo.

The vast, legendary catacombs hold secrets much stranger than stacked bones.

The Australian terminal of the Pacific Cable that linked the continent to North America.

This rickety old shed hides a trove of secondhand literary treasures.

After much poking and prodding, this island is decidedly not a magnetic anomaly, but it sure is pretty.

Giant fruit signaling the entrance to a tropical paradise.

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

This adorable birdlike police box is designed based on a play on words.

It's bad manners to eat and drink on the subways of Tokyo, unless the train is this bar. 

A huge maze complex and whimsical miniature village in Tasmania.