Places aoliviadrury Wants to Go

A long-worshipped mountain, considered a "power spot" and suspected to be an ancient pyramid by some.

This giant two-tier celebration cake serves as a befitting advert for the confectionery college it sits on top of.

Hundreds of statues of Buddha’s disciples meditating, napping, sneezing, and picking their noses.

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

A hidden gallery exhibits intricate, decades-old Buddhist reliefs.

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

These sculptures were created by a 17th-century artist who had never seen an elephant.

Home to a legend of the supernatural raccoon dog, a rare wooden structure of Edo, and witnesses of the Tokyo bombings.

A train station decorated by a giant replica of the ancient Shakōki-dogū figurine found in the area.

This bathhouse includes an option to soak in radioactive water.

Losing lottery tickets are deposited at this shrine in hopes of better luck.

This giant statue pays homage to this temple's furry residents who keep the landscape pristine.

Perhaps the world's cheapest vending machines.

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

Although damaged beyond recognition, this stone god is still said to bring good luck to those who tap on him with a pebble.

This kitsch-forward diner is dedicated to an almost-forgotten “one-cent” prototype of okonomiyaki.

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

A touching statue dedicated to Japan's first therapy dog.

According to one legend, this bridge was crafted after monkeys formed a body-bridge across the gorge.

One in a pair of subterranean caves created by an ancient eruption of Mount Fuji.

This temple is steeped in local folklore involving a teakettle and a raccoon dog.

This incredible mountainside temple is home to intriguing statues of demon-like creatures.

What's believed to be the country's first shrine is, in Shintō mythology, the annual meeting place of the gods.

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