This enormous "shamoji" means more to the people of Miyajima than just a way getting rice onto a plate.

Rubbing salt on this small stone dog is said to make wishes come true.

This giant seated Bhudda of Healing dates to the 1780s.

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

"Bug Bug" Land, a natural park for beetle watching, still hasn't fully recovered from Fukushima's nuclear disaster.

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

Giant art made in Japanese rice fields.

Giant sand sculptures of famous people and places are on display near the Tottori sand dunes.

This ordinary set of steps is a must-see destination for fans of a certain romantic anime.

The self-mummified monks of Japan.

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

Transport yourself to the 1980s era of video games at this themed restaurant and bar.

Shrine to Japanese water-goblins, complete with their preserved body parts.

This historical theme park celebrates all things noodle.

A beautiful, dense forest in the shadow of Mount Fuji, with a tragic reputation.

Modern Japanese museum is buried by snow annually.

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

A King Kong-like gorilla hangs from the top of this commercial building in Tokyo.

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

A bronze statue dating back as far as 1252, still has remnants of gold on its right cheek from ancient gilding.

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

A restaurant modeled after feudal Japan, where the waitstaff are trained as ninjas.

The quintessential Japanese rock garden has existed for more than 500 years.

Experience park where visitors are told to expect the unexpected.