Places lainecalhoun Wants to Go

This 300-year-old teahouse is the birthplace of a Japanese springtime staple

Hokkaido's largest music box museum, featuring music boxes that are unique in Japan and the world.

The former mansion complex of a merchant prince, related to a famed filmmaker.

An exhibit tracing Japan's cinematic history in an often-overlooked national museum.

The headquarters of one of Japan’s leading astronomy research institutions features several historic observatory facilities and a 2,000-year-old burial mound.

The long-lost tomb of an ancient Japanese emperor, complete with a miniature terracotta army.

The site of a prehistoric settlement spanning millennia, complete with a reconstructed timber circle.

Weave yourself into over a thousand years of history at this textiles museum through demonstrations and a hands-on hataori experience on a traditional loom.

This time capsule lets you enjoy decades-old Japanese arcade games.

A taste of the 15th century in the bustling heart of the modern Shinjuku City.

The oldest surviving stele in Japan is a personal dedication from a monk to his late mother.

Two ogres stand guard at the Oga Visitor Center.

Learn about the indigenous people of Japan's northernmost islands.

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

Once a huge limestone cave that collapsed thousands of years ago, this scenic ravine is also an important archaeological site.

Nine healing baths available only to those who stay in this quaint town, said to have inspired 'Spirited Away.'

An eerie cluster of medieval cave-like tombs carved out of a cliff, hidden in a historic mountain pass.

The northernmost of the 12 surviving feudal castles of Japan is known as a cherry blossom viewing spot.

A trio of keyhole-shaped burial mounds restored to their ancient glory.

A tiny kissaten coffeeshop with expertly crafted coffee in an antique setting.

This ancient burial cave along a roadside is also home to several Buddhist sculptures.

The centuries-old cobblestones of a feudal highway remain in the woods of Hakone.

The former home of queer novelist Yoshiya Nobuko memorializes her contributions to modern-day manga.

High in the trees or suspended between cables, these surreal structures are the works of a unique Japanese architect.