This Japanese national treasure was originally built in 593.

The largest seated Buddha statue in Japan is the centerpiece of an abandoned complex in a quiet, seaside town.

A beautiful, dense forest in the shadow of Mount Fuji, with a tragic reputation.

This bridge is so steep it looks like a rollercoaster.

This reconstructed castle was once the base of the “Devil King” who almost united the feudal warring states.

A remote and slightly overgrown park filled with replicas of world landmarks.

A mile-long trail of pottery culture, full of clay pipes and lucky cats, including one that’s 12.5 feet tall.

A moss-covered statue of a Japanese Buddhist deity stands at a quiet temple in downtown Osaka.

Perhaps the world's cheapest vending machines.

Visitors to this temple are greeted by a massive collection of wooden dolls said to bring good fortune.

Twelve hundred stone carvings guard this off-the-beaten-path Buddhist temple.

The quintessential Japanese rock garden has existed for more than 500 years.

The cutest shrine in Kyoto is dedicated to bunnies.

A shrine contains nearly 200 statues of the Buddhist deity Jizo, dressed in bibs by parents who have lost a child.

The first location of the eventual video game giant.

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

This giant seated Bhudda of Healing dates to the 1780s.

A real-life replica of a home from Hayao Miyazaki's beloved movie "My Neighbor Totoro."

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

This ancient temple is set up to take you on a pilgrimage of self.

This historic castle is one of the oldest and most impressive in all of Japan.

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

The oldest hotel in the world has been operated by the same family for over 1,300 years, even catering to samurai.

Cherry blossom season comes early in this Japanese town where pink flowers line the streets and riverbanks.