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

White beach sands made of the remains of tiny, star shaped creatures.

A shrine contains nearly 200 statues of the Buddhist deity Jizo, dressed in bibs by parents who have lost a child.

A disconnected rotary phone for "calling" lost loved ones offered a unique way of dealing with grief in disaster-stricken Japan.

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

A Japanese cat island also populated by the descendants of a band of banished samurai.

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

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.”

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

The world’s first hotel to be run by robots.

Enormous underground chamber built to detect 'ghost particles' of the universe.

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

Museum showcases Japanese sexuality and some amazing ocean views.

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."

An ordinary pond with fish from out of this world.

A Catholicism-themed restaurant where sacrilege is on the menu.

The freshest fish here are the ones you catch yourself.

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

Every color in the rainbow awaits.

This neighborhood thoroughfare is haunted by dozens of homemade monsters.

This spa theme park lets its guests take a dip in pools of coffee, wine, or ramen broth.

This 700-year-old street food market features baby octopus and soy donuts.

This massive wooden building contains a giant Buddha, healing pillars, and tame deer wandering the grounds.