A monk-run winery inside a Buddhist temple celebrates Japan's crown grape varietal.

This incredible mountainside temple is home to intriguing statues of demon-like creatures.

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

One of the tallest statues in the world, and the tallest statue of a goddess in Japan.

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

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

A sculpture that resurrected the only tree standing following the devastating 2011 tsunami.

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

This mountain's identity is stuck somewhere between a nightmare and a scenic tourist attraction.

A network of sandy streets lined with verdant fukugi trees weaves throughout this tiny seaside town.

Inside the columbarium, thousands of colorful, high-tech Buddhas guard the ashes of the dead.

Founded over a thousand years ago, this shrine is said to be built on the site of a warlord's harem prison.

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

The largest volcanic caldera in Japan holds an entire city in its maw.

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

This subterranean spot might be the epitome of Japan's baroque, retro coffee houses.

The tallest bronze seated statue of the Buddha in Japan.

This active volcano's siren song to suicide jumpers forced authorities to build a fence.

Japan's largest area of "pink moss" turns the hillside bright pink every spring.

Cherry blossom season comes early in this Japanese town where pink flowers line the streets and riverbanks.

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

This ancient temple is set up to take you on a pilgrimage of self.

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

This pair of small sea rocks has been "wed" using rope and ancient Shinto tradition.