melcafe's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Tokyo, Japan

Tateishi-sama

This tiny stone in a children's park is what remains of an ancient, once-worshipped object.
Yonezawa, Japan

Ubayu Onsen

Located in a remote mountain valley in Yamagata Prefecture, these hot springs have attracted bathers for over 450 years.
Tokyo, Japan

'Fugetsu En'nen'

This strange mural located in the Ueno station is filled with traditional Japanese symbolism.
Yokohama, Japan

Umi-Shibaura Station

Passengers are not allowed to set foot outside this station, but you can still enjoy spectacular views of the sea from the platform.
Utsunomiya, Japan

Oya History Museum - Subterranean Cave

This massive, beautifully-lit underground quarry leaves visitors in awe.
Kure, Japan

The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Submarine Museum

"Excuse me sir, your submarine is blocking my building."
Hakone, Japan

Hakone Checkpoint

Once the main gateway to Tokyo, sneaking through this checkpoint was a capital offense in feudal times.
Osaka, Japan

Sakura no Tōrinuke

Every spring, this walkway outside the Japan Mint turns into a cherry blossom tunnel.
Ojika-chō, Japan

Nozaki Island

A deserted island in southwest Japan that once sheltered persecuted Christians.
Tokyo, Japan

E18 War Train

The train engine is tucked under an apartment building on a quiet Tokyo street.
Sekigahara-chō, Japan

Sekigahara War Land

One of the bloodiest and most important battles in Japanese history is recreated with kitschy concrete statues.
Tokyo, Japan

'Growing Gardener'

This gnome sculpture and his wonderous hat forces train passengers to do a double-take.
Nagasaki, Japan

Head of the Virgin Mary

The statue's head is one of the few fragments of the original Urakami Cathedral to survive the atomic bomb.
Nasu, Japan

Sesshōseki (Killing Stone)

Believed to hold the remains of Japan's most infamous fox spirit, this stone is said to kill those who dare approach.
Tokyo, Japan

War-Damaged Utility Pole Monument

A sad reminder of the World War II bombing stands largely unnoticed on a street corner.
Kamakura, Japan

Sixteen Wells

This mysterious medieval grotto holds a grid of sacred wells of unknown purpose.
Tokyo, Japan

Old Iwabuchi Watergate

This iconic sluice gate is a favorite haunt for joggers, fishing enthusiasts, and even ghost hunters.
Soja, Japan

Ki Castle (Kinojo Castle Ruins)

A rare example of an ancient Japanese hill castle believed to be the fortress of a legendary demon.
Kanazawa, Japan

Myouryuji (Ninja Temple)

Although it has never been a secret ninja base, this shrine still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.
Saitama, Japan

Tsuki Shrine

A unique Shinto shrine filled with bunnies and wordplay.
Kushiro, Japan

Lake Akan Ainu Kotan

This village is home to the largest existing settlement of the Ainu, the Indigenous people of Japan.
Tokyo, Japan

Meiji University Museum’s Criminal Materials Department

Exploring crime and punishment in feudal and pre-modern Japan.
Kōchi-shi, Japan

Sawada Mansion

Though technically an illegal structure, this eclectic DIY apartment complex is beloved by its residents.
Tokyo, Japan

Omori Shell Mound

The site of Japan’s first archaeological excavation is also the birthplace of fingerprint forensics.