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

These tiny pine-covered islands have inspired art and poetry for centuries.

This enormous monument is one of the most iconic structures in Tokyo, rudely nicknamed "The Golden Turd."

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

The last remaining predreadnought battleship in the world has been a museum for nearly a century.

Take a few seconds to look at this abandoned, art-filled station as you pass by on the subway to Ueno.

Inspired by the famous sculptures on Easter Island, this head serves as a popular meeting spot by Shibuya Station.

Once the main gateway to Tokyo, sneaking through this checkpoint was a capital offense in feudal times.

It is said that coins washed in the waters here will miraculously multiply.

Believed to hold the remains of Japan's most infamous fox spirit, this stone is said to kill those who dare approach.

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

A train station decorated by a giant replica of an ancient Shakōki-dogū figurine.

Is this cat asleep or just pretending?

The site of a famous samurai duel.

The oldest academic institution in Japan provides a glimpse of university life during the days of the samurai.

Stretching for 22 miles, the world's longest tree-lined avenue dates back to the early 17th-century.

These sculptures were created by a 17th-century artist who had never seen an elephant.

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

Only through deep darkness and tragedy did this elaborate royal palace become a sacred temple.

The tangled roots of a giant banyan tree have fully reclaimed the ruins of this abandoned warehouse.

Rivers of cattle blood gone, a strange Escheresque building remains, the last of its kind.

A cablecar-station-turned-revolving restaurant with 360-degree views of the Swiss skyline.

A steaming, boiling hellscape sources Hokkaido's thermal baths.

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.