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

These wondrously illuminated caverns extend under the mountains of the Fukushima Prefecture.

A whimsical museum dedicated to the mischievous kappa, a mythical cucumber-loving water sprite.

High in the mountains of Kochi Prefecture, a magnificent library designed by a world-famous architect.

This little town supplies Japan with most of its calligraphy brushes, still made by hand from animal fur.

The tallest city hall in the world offers an excellent bento box.

Hidden by the roadside in the Iya Valley, this gem brings together folk monsters and the region's unique geography.

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

Sidle into a side alley for a taste of sumo wrestlers' traditional hot-pot soup, in a tiny restaurant founded by a former competitor.

Legend says the goddess this shrine honors curses any couples that pass by.

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

Constructed thousands of years ago, these stone circles offer incredible insight into the lives of the people who built them.

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

What's believed to be the country's first shrine is, in Shintō mythology, the annual meeting place of the gods.

A quaint amusement park now sits, rusting and forgotten among the foliage.

These Japanese ruins have been brought back to life with elaborately recreated buildings.

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

The cutest shrine in Kyoto is dedicated to bunnies.

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

"Singing sands" and the world's largest hourglass reside near Japan's Kotogahama beach.

The floats housed in this hall are more than 100 years old, and are brought out for an annual celebration.

This historic hydroelectric power plant in Japan has been preserved and is open to the public.

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

One of Kyoto's oldest food establishments has supplied soba noodles to temple priests and the Imperial Palace.