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Shiroi, Japan

Embracing Kangiten of Torimi Shrine

A rare public effigy of “the Embracing Kangiten,” the erotic Japanese equivalent of Hindu god Ganesha.
Fred Cherrygarden Added by Fred Cherrygarden
Yachiyo, Japan

Lake Imba Monster

The strange “kaiju” of Lake Imba that allegedly killed over a dozen men with a single strike of lightning.
Fred Cherrygarden Added by Fred Cherrygarden
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.
mustbeshubh Added by mustbeshubh
Joso, Japan

Honeybee Drinking Fountain

Every summer, this shrine sets up a tiny drinking fountain reserved for thirsty apians.
Fred Cherrygarden Added by Fred Cherrygarden
Ushiku, Japan

Ushiku Daibutsu: The Great Buddha of Ushiku

The third-tallest statue in the world depicts the "Buddha of Infinite Light," complete with observation deck in his chest.
Clinton Added by Clinton
Tatebayashi-shi, Japan

Morin-ji Temple

This temple is steeped in local folklore involving a teakettle and a raccoon dog.
KoinuSensei Added by KoinuSensei
Itakura, Japan

Thousand-Armed Insect Goddess of Mercy

A bizarre statue of a Buddhist goddess made from 20,000 insects.
Fred Cherrygarden Added by Fred Cherrygarden
Itakura, Japan

Namazu-San, the Lucky Catfish

Thanks to wordplay, the earthquake-causing catfish monster has become a god of confidence at this shrine.
Fred Cherrygarden Added by Fred Cherrygarden
Sano, Japan

Kateki: Erasmus from the De Liefde Shipwreck

This historic Erasmus statue was first mistaken for a legendary Chinese inventor, then as a child-eating hag.
Fred Cherrygarden Added by Fred Cherrygarden
Ashikaga, Japan

Ashikaga School

The oldest academic institution in Japan provides a glimpse of university life during the days of the samurai.
Fred Cherrygarden Added by Fred Cherrygarden
Takasaki, Japan

Yamanoue Stele and Tumulus

The oldest surviving stele in Japan is a personal dedication from a monk to his late mother.
Fred Cherrygarden Added by Fred Cherrygarden
Takasaki, Japan

Shorinzan Darumaji Temple

Each year this Japanese temple overflows with scowling, bearded good luck talismans.
nyloh Added by nyloh
Annaka, Japan

Oginoya’s Kettle Rice Pottery

This iconic “station bento” comes in an earthenware pot you can take home and repurpose.
Fred Cherrygarden Added by Fred Cherrygarden
Karuizawa, Japan

Karuizawa Picture Book Forest Museum

Children's literature inside, forest all around.
ppalkan Added by ppalkan
Matsumoto, Japan

Nawate Dori

This small Japanese street is lined with figures, sculptures and a shrine dedicated to frogs.
Added by Obscuravibes
Matsumoto, Japan

Yohashira-jinja Shrine

This traditional Japanese shrine is dedicated to four Shinto deities.
Added by Obscuravibes
Matsumoto, Japan

Matsumoto Castle

This historic castle is one of the oldest and most impressive in all of Japan.
Added by Obscuravibes
Azumino, Japan

Daio Wasabi Farm

The largest of its kind in Japan, this century-old wasabi farm is also known for its appearance in an Akira Kurosawa film.
Fred Cherrygarden Added by Fred Cherrygarden
Namerikawa, Japan

The Firefly Squid of Toyama Bay

Bioluminescent firefly squid light up this Japanese fishing port.
Dylan Added by Dylan
Uozu-shi, Japan

Buried Forest Museum

Roots and stumps that lay inundated for two millennia are on display in Japan's city of three mysteries.
Added by jupimako
Itoigawa, Japan

The Jade Coast

You can still find treasures on the pebbly beaches of one of the world's oldest jade-producing areas.
Fred Cherrygarden Added by Fred Cherrygarden
Nagano, Japan

Nagano's Darkroom

This ancient temple is set up to take you on a pilgrimage of self.
journeylism Added by journeylism
Yamanouchi, Japan

Yudanaka Onsen Pudding Honpo

This 24-hour vending machine serves up homemade treats inspired by the local Japanese snow monkeys.
Added by Obscuravibes
Yamanouchi, Japan

Jigokudani Monkey Park

Hot springs monkey spa in the middle of Hell's Valley.
atimian Added by atimian