A 17th-century Shinto shrine that is home to statues of Mickey Mouse and Pikachu.

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

Giant art made in Japanese rice fields.

Existing for more than four centuries, the last of Hakone’s historic teahouses serves a sweet, mold-based rice drink.

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

The traditional houses along the coast of this charming Japanese fishing village allow people to sleep above the sea.

Rows of stone statues are dressed up to mourn children that are lost before birth.

This bar is filled with Star Wars merchandise from around the world, all of it unlicensed knockoffs.

A mysterious set of tunnels carved in the hills of rural northern Kyushu.

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

The Buddhist temples of Yamadera, built into a mountain side, feature a viewing deck with sweeping views.

You can still find treasures on the pebbly beaches of one of the world's oldest jade-producing areas.

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

Established over a thousand years ago, this family-run teahouse continues to serve skewers of sweet rice cake to this day.

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

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

The divine septet of Japanese fortune gods are rendered in 1,000 year old wood at this peaceful site.

Giant sand sculptures of famous people and places are on display near the Tottori sand dunes.

Be a ninja - or just act like one.

The cutest shrine in Kyoto is dedicated to bunnies.

White beach sands made of the remains of tiny, star shaped creatures.

These Japanese gardens are blankets of light for dark winter nights.

One of the world's largest tanks mimics the experience of watching rare whale sharks, giant rays, and deep sea creatures from the ocean floor.

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