jola1995's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Asahikawa, Japan

Kamuy Kotan

A natural wonder with mythological ties to the local Ainu tradition.
Odate, Japan

‘Homesick Hachiko’

Another statue of Japan's most famous dog stands in his hometown.
Kochi, Japan

Tsuribune Shrine

At the "fishing boat shrine," an offering is said to help ward off fevers.
Ikoma, Japan

Kuragari Pass

This quaint mountain pass with centuries-old cobblestones is known as Japan's steepest slope.
Nanjo, Japan

Valley of Gangala

Once a huge limestone cave that collapsed thousands of years ago, this scenic ravine is also an important archaeological site.
Tokyo, Japan

Ubagaike Pond

According to local legend, an ancient serial killer nicknamed the “Hag” once haunted this pond.
Itoigawa, Japan

The Jade Coast

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

Hansobo Shrine

A mountaintop shrine-temple guarded by a horde of half-demon priests.
Oga, Japan

The Big Namahage Statues

Two ogres stand guard at the Oga Visitor Center.
Machida, Japan

Poké Lid #100

Cute manhole covers commemorate the hometown of the real-life Ash Ketchum who created Pokémon.
Yachiyo, Japan

Lake Imba Monster

The strange “kaiju” of Lake Imba that allegedly killed over a dozen men with a single strike of lightning.
Oga, Japan

Godzilla Rock

A natural resemblance of the monster of film lore.
Sagamihara, Japan

Used Tire Mart Sagamihara Store

More than 100 antique vending machines housed in a used tire shop sell everything from candy to sake and ramen.
Tokyo, Japan

Grave of Hattori Hanzō

Here lies Hattori Hanzō, a samurai who is remembered as a legendary ninja in today’s popular culture.
Sakura, Japan

Kabosu the Doge

They say the internet is forever but just in case, the shiba inu behind an iconic meme has been immortalized in bronze.
Oarai, Japan

Kamiiso no Torii

A lone torii arch stands on a coastal rock where a deity is said to have landed.
Tokyo, Japan

Todoroki Valley

The only natural gorge in metropolitan Tokyo, with lots of greenery and ancient burial chambers.
Nikko, Japan

Ashio Copper Mine

The site of Japan's first major environmental disaster.
Kamakura, Japan

Chikaramochiya

Open since 1690, this former teahouse makes “strength mochi” based on the centuries-old recipe.
Fukuoka, Japan

Japan’s First Tea Tree

In the oldest zen temple stands a descendant of the very tree that introduced tea to Japanese culture.
Nikko, Japan

'Imaginary Elephants'

These sculptures were created by a 17th-century artist who had never seen an elephant.
Aki, Japan

Ioki Cave

Over 40 species of fern cover the canyon walls of this lush green bowl, cut off from the bustle of the world by a cave entrance.
Sakawa, Japan

Uemachi Station

Though it won't take you far, the wood train housed at this station is the last of its kind in Japan.
Sado, Japan

Aikawa Prison

A wooden prison doesn't sound like a good idea, yet this abandoned 1950s detention center still stands today.