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

Giant art made in Japanese rice fields.

Devoted Buddhists can earn enlightenment in the next life by crawling through this symbolic nostril.

Approximately 300 million years ago, a massive coral reef existed in what is now the largest limestone cave in Japan.

A small Japanese village claims to be the final resting place of the son of God (and God's other son's ear).

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.

This museum showcases the art of ancient sword-making.

An abandoned Art Deco hotel nestled on the side of a wooded mountain.

Nestled in an unassuming residential area, this "forbidden forest" is rumored to spirit away those who dare enter it.

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

Existing for more than four centuries, the last of Hakone’s historic teahouses serves a sweet, mold-based rice drink.

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

A network of sandy streets lined with verdant fukugi trees weaves throughout this tiny seaside town.

These unique toilets feature transparent glass covered in PDLC film.

A mysterious set of tunnels carved in the hills of rural northern Kyushu.

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

Largest graveyard in all of Japan surrounds a famous mausoleum.

You can still find treasures on the pebbly beaches of one of the world's oldest jade-producing areas.

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

This active volcano's siren song to suicide jumpers forced authorities to build a fence.

Be a ninja - or just act like one.