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

Elaborate series of tunnels where traces of mass suicide are still visible.

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.

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

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

The ruins of Japan’s premier water brothel.

An unexpected curiosity cabinet hidden within a department store in the Japan Post tower.

This retro underwater observation tower would make the perfect lair for a sea-loving villain.

Giant sand sculptures of famous people and places are on display near the Tottori sand dunes.

Oddly touching memorial to a little-remembered nuclear tragedy.

A tiny collection of traditional Japanese woodblock prints, open only when the owner feels like it.

Be a ninja - or just act like one.

The largest volcanic caldera in Japan holds an entire city in its maw.

Coast along one of Japan’s mountain railways for coveted views of magnificent hydrangeas.

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

This little replica of Lady Liberty provides a bit of NYC in a Japanese city.

Historical Japanese-Dutch relations are honored with haunted rides and flower fields in this replica town.

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

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

Unusual hexagonal rocks formed by cooling lava named for their resemblance to traditional Japanese tatami mats.

Transport yourself to the 1980s era of video games at this themed restaurant and bar.

One of the first hotel rooms in a pod.

The bartenders at this crime-fighting theme cafe are actual private detectives by day.

We heard you like volcanoes so we put a volcano in your volcano so you can die for sure...