An eerie maze of industrial factories looks like something out of a dystopian sci-fi.

Sulphuric gases inhabit a beautiful Japanese island.

A sobering scientific reminder of the human damage caused by the advent of the nuclear age.

This giant bronze Buddha, the third largest in Japan, is the last in an ill-fated series of statues.

The iconic castle that withstood a magnitude 6.2 earthquake has become a symbol of resilience.

A sculpture that resurrected the only tree standing following the devastating 2011 tsunami.

A 59-ft. robot statue looks over the citizens of earthquake-ravaged Kobe.

A network of sandy streets lined with verdant fukugi trees weaves throughout this tiny seaside town.

This mountain's identity is stuck somewhere between a nightmare and a scenic tourist attraction.

The third-tallest statue in the world depicts the "Buddha of Infinite Light," complete with observation deck in his chest.

A cool dive bar, off the beaten track.

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

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.

This high-design church is made up of two dizzying spirals meant to evoke the weaving together of marriage.

Inside the columbarium, thousands of colorful, high-tech Buddhas guard the ashes of the dead.

The largest of the Fuji Five Lakes is home to an impressive swan population—some real, some with paddles, and one with an observation deck.

An infamous house made famous by director Takashi Shimizu.

A museum dedicated to the history of Tokyo's often-overlooked working-class district.

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

This town near Nagasaki is flecked with fruit-flavored bus stops.

A massive wintry wall of snow up to 66 feet tall flanks a highway through Japan's mountains.

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

A King Kong-like gorilla hangs from the top of this commercial building in Tokyo.

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