Visitors to this museum will discover that kaleidoscopes are much more than toys.

This neighborhood thoroughfare is haunted by dozens of homemade monsters.

This 14th-century temple is also known as the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion" for its gorgeous gilded reliquary hall.

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

The hometown of a beloved manga artist created a treasure hunt for his popular ghostly characters.

This brothel-turned-restaurant features plenty of surprises and elaborate, extravagant architecture.

Blowtorches, tuna, and a jolly, chain-smoking proprietor mark this beloved street-food stand.

An unlikely hit, this museum is dedicated to the inventor of instant ramen and cup noodles.

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

Be a ninja - or just act like one.

Shells collected from over a hundred different countries line the walls, floors and ceilings of this fantasy museum.

The only Buddhist temple in Japan dedicated to breasts.

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

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

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

Bioluminescent firefly squid light up this Japanese fishing port.

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

This quirky little private museum is home to more than a thousand stones, carved by nature, that resemble human faces.

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

This temple is steeped in local folklore involving a teakettle and a raccoon dog.

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

A park built around the legend of a clam-loving giant who created a monumental midden.

This snack factory boasts several tributes to its popular line of rice crackers, including a quasi-shrine.

Located in a remote mountain valley in Yamagata Prefecture, these hot springs have attracted bathers for over 450 years.