One of the first hotel rooms in a pod.

An astounding annual light display honors the victims of one of Japan's most devastating earthquakes.

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

As the aging humans of this Japanese village die off one local artisan is replacing them with eerie homonculi.

The self-mummified monks of Japan.

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

Once the most densely populated place in the world, this island is now a ghost town.

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.

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

The freshest fish here are the ones you catch yourself.

This faux-seedy Japanese arcade is made up to look like a maze of alleys straight out of a cyberpunk dystopia.

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

Japan's largest collection of Western-style mansions in the port city of Kobe includes a recreation of Sherlock Holmes' 221B Baker Street quarters.

This exacting restaurant will charge a fine for every grain of rice you've left behind.

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.”

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

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

An unlikely hit, this museum is dedicated to the inventor of instant ramen and cup noodles.

Hot springs monkey spa in the middle of Hell's Valley.

The oldest hotel in the world has been operated by the same family for over 1,300 years, even catering to samurai.

1,001 carved statues of the Buddhist God of Mercy, each with a unique face.

This historical theme park celebrates all things noodle.

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