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

This retro underwater observation tower would make the perfect lair for a sea-loving villain.

A tiny collection of traditional Japanese woodblock prints, open only when the owner feels like it.

Historical Japanese-Dutch relations are honored with haunted rides and flower fields in this replica town.

The tallest bronze seated statue of the Buddha in Japan.

This sawtooth mountain range still bears the strangely lovely marks of its history as a medieval quarry.

A rare festival blending religion, blacksmiths, vagina dentata, sex workers, and the straight-up facts of life.

Unusual hexagonal rocks formed by cooling lava named for their resemblance to traditional Japanese tatami mats.

Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

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

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.”

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

The world's largest drain sits below the city of Kasukabe, Japan.

The 43-mile route crosses through six islands with gorgeous views of the Seto Inland Sea.

With over 12,000 different species of plants, this botanical garden is Japan's oldest and most diverse.

One of the first hotel rooms in a pod.

The bartenders at this crime-fighting theme cafe are actual private detectives by day.

This pond is so stunning it looks like you've stepped into one of Monet's masterpieces.

Museum showcases Japanese sexuality and some amazing ocean views.

A Buddhist temple to honor insects that died for science.

Drinkslinger is an unlikely vocation for a Buddhist monk, but at this Tokyo bar the enlightenment is served in a martini glass.

Japanese company creates clone dolls that reside in the "uncanny valley."

Twelve hundred stone carvings guard this off-the-beaten-path Buddhist temple.

Once a black market electronics marketplace, now an otaku shopper's paradise.