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

A small island with no monkeys but plenty of military ruins.

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

Weighing nearly 7 tons, this massive sculpture was carved out of 500-year-old wood and decorated with thousands of jewels.

A statue erected on an infamous cliff where young boys would hold dangerous "pee offs" to prove their mettle.

The largest collection of model trains in the world is actually run using full-size locomotive technology.

An anthropological theme park that depicts the cultures of around 20 different countries.

This mountain's identity is stuck somewhere between a nightmare and a scenic tourist attraction.

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

The ruins of Japan’s premier water brothel.

A giant robo-cockroach building devours Tokyo.

This bridge is so steep it looks like a rollercoaster.

This ordinary set of steps is a must-see destination for fans of a certain romantic anime.

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

Giant animal sculptures are created with the rice straw leftover from the fall harvest each year.

One of the world's largest tanks mimics the experience of watching rare whale sharks, giant rays, and deep sea creatures from the ocean floor.

Each year this Japanese temple overflows with scowling, bearded good luck talismans.

Closed for decades, this strange symbol of Japan's Expo '70 has finally opened its psychedelic insides to the public.

A King Kong-like gorilla hangs from the top of this commercial building in Tokyo.

This sawtooth mountain range still bears the strangely lovely marks of its history as a medieval quarry.

Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

A remarkable lava formation encloses a line of Buddhist statues that can't be accurately counted, according to local mythology.

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

A bizarre house filled with an astounding array of collections.