Places acrig Wants to Go

A culturally significant rural temple in the beautiful mountains of Itoshima.

The floats housed in this hall are more than 100 years old, and are brought out for an annual celebration.

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

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

Steaming blood-red hot spring from hell.

An eccentric castle with snake protectors and spectacular views of Beppu.

This statue of the "shiny uncle of Beppu" was erected in 2007.

This amusement park brings a little slice of England to the heart of Kyushu.

The largest archaeological site from the Yayoi period.

These medieval stone-cut Buddhist statues may protect visitors from being fired.

A whimsical shrine with a porcelain Torii gate, split in half by an active train line.

The world’s first hotel to be run by robots.

Historical Japanese-Dutch relations are honored with haunted rides and flower fields in this replica town.

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

This town near Nagasaki is flecked with fruit-flavored bus stops.

The largest volcanic caldera in Japan holds an entire city in its maw.

A hub of information on tropical diseases and their treatments.

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

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

A faithful reconstruction of what was once the only window into Japan.

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

Row through this enchanted narrow chasm whose stones are said to resemble dragon scales.

Japan's hottest hot spring has a memorable name.

Buried nine feet under, these houses are preserved as a stark reminder of the disastrous 1991 Unzen eruption.