This giant statue pays homage to this temple's furry residents who keep the landscape pristine.

You can still find treasures on the pebbly beaches of one of the world's oldest jade-producing areas.

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

Bioluminescent firefly squid light up this Japanese fishing port.

A culturally significant rural temple in the beautiful mountains of Itoshima.

An exquisite tunnel of cascading flowers.

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

Japanese national treasure originally built in 593 CE.

A shrine dedicated to the sacred white snakes of Iwakuni, whose albinism has been passed down for generations.

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

The hometown of a beloved manga artist created a treasure hunt for his popular ghostly characters.

Japanese island famous for poison gas and fluffy bunnies.

A rare example of an ancient Japanese hill castle believed to be the fortress of a legendary demon.

A Japanese corporation has turned this small island town into living modern art gallery.

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

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

Plagued with warts? Leave a frog at this small shrine in the city of Tosa, and you may be cured.

Hanging over one of Japan's "hidden valleys," these vine bridges must be remade every three years.

A statue of a mischievous raccoon towers over this city park.

A calico cat named Tama was the wildly popular Super Station Master at this train stop in southeast Japan.

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

A World War II battle site made famous by one man's heroic actions.

The seat of the lost Ryukyu Kingdom has survived numerous fires and wars over the centuries.

One of the world's largest tanks mimics the experience of watching rare whale sharks, giant rays, and deep sea creatures from the ocean floor.