One of the largest producers of MSG in the world welcomes visitors to its Kawasaki factory with an albino panda named Aji-Kun.

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

The first location of the eventual video game giant.

A dilapidated amusement park with a million-dollar view.

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

Shrine dedicated to boars that is believed to cure foot and leg injuries.

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

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

This museum showcases the art of ancient sword-making.

This 400-year-old sweet shop serves a delicacy some have described as "edible incense."

This traditional Japanese-style house doubles as one of James Turrell's colorful works of art.

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

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

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

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

These unique toilets feature transparent glass covered in PDLC film.

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

This Japanese Manneken Pis gets new outfits for every occasion.

A 17th-century Shinto shrine that is home to statues of Mickey Mouse and Pikachu.

After being lost for decades, this striking mural depicting the atomic bomb covers the wall of a busy Tokyo metro station.

Make your own fake treats at this factory and workshop in the epicenter of Japan's food replica industry.

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.

Rows of stone statues are dressed up to mourn children that are lost before birth.