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

This brothel-turned-restaurant features plenty of surprises and elaborate, extravagant architecture.

The giant figure on the back of this turtle-shaped temple actually hides a memorial pendulum.

One of the tallest statues in the world, and the tallest statue of a goddess in Japan.

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

Hidden by the roadside in the Iya Valley, this gem brings together folk monsters and the region's unique geography.

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

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

A quaint amusement park now sits, rusting and forgotten among the foliage.

When this clock strikes a certain time, puppets showcase a story of life in Edo Japan.

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

Founded over a thousand years ago, this shrine is said to be built on the site of a warlord's harem prison.

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.

This bar is filled with Star Wars merchandise from around the world, all of it unlicensed knockoffs.

The divine septet of Japanese fortune gods are rendered in 1,000 year old wood at this peaceful site.

Kawaii meets poisonous at this unique art gallery.

A moss-covered statue of a Japanese Buddhist deity stands at a quiet temple in downtown Osaka.

Stuck in a bygone era, the oldest subterranean shopping street in Japan hides beneath the popular Asakusa district of Tokyo.

Weighing nearly 7 tons, this massive sculpture was carved out of 500-year-old wood and decorated with thousands of jewels.

The tallest bronze seated statue of the Buddha in Japan.

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.

The cutest shrine in Kyoto is dedicated to bunnies.

A shrine contains nearly 200 statues of the Buddhist deity Jizo, dressed in bibs by parents who have lost a child.

A rare festival blending religion, blacksmiths, vagina dentata, sex workers, and the straight-up facts of life.