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

The Yonaguni Monument, a natural formation or the Japanese Atlantis?

Established over a thousand years ago, this family-run teahouse continues to serve skewers of sweet rice cake to this day.

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

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

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

A bibliophile's heaven that contains hundreds of bookstores, offering over a third of secondhand books for sale in Tokyo.

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

Largest graveyard in all of Japan surrounds a famous mausoleum.

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

This historical theme park celebrates all things noodle.

The Buddhist temples of Yamadera, built into a mountain side, feature a viewing deck with sweeping views.

Burial mound for the ears and noses of thousands of mutilated Korean soldiers.

The Hanshin Expressway goes right through its 5th, 6th, and 7th floors.

The tallest bronze seated statue of the Buddha in Japan.

This 400-year-old sweet shop serves a delicacy some have described as "edible incense."

People from around the world visit the shrine of Japan’s legendarily loyal dog.

A steaming, boiling hellscape sources Hokkaido's thermal baths.

A train ride to the middle of nowhere gives its passengers some of the most iconic views of Japan's seasons.

A railway station takeout shop sells boxed meals in containers shaped like trains and snowmen that hold the country’s abundant regional delicacies.

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

This Kyoto Starbucks takes coffee drinkers back in time.

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