This gracefully curving formation looks like a massive wave that was suddenly turned to stone.

The Buddhist temples of Yamadera, built into a mountain side, feature a viewing deck with sweeping views.

After a profound show of devotion for his master, a dog becomes the symbol of loyalty for an entire nation.

Once a black market electronics marketplace, now an otaku shopper's paradise.

A Japanese concept restaurant that feels like a party thrown by the monsters in your closet.

The legendary birthplace of the Japanese maneki-neko is dotted with hundreds of lucky beckoning cats.

Steaming blood-red hot spring from hell.

This Japanese national treasure was originally built in 593.

Japanese island famous for poison gas and fluffy bunnies.

Hanging over one of Japan’s “hidden valleys,” these vine bridges must be remade every three years.

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

As the aging humans of this Japanese village die off one local artisan is replacing them with eerie homonculi.

A Japanese corporation has turned this small island town into living modern art gallery.

Shrine dedicated to boars that is believed to cure foot and leg injuries.

Japan's largest and oldest annual procession of floats, begun in 869.

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

This 700-year-old street food market features baby octopus and soy donuts.

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

The sound of swaying stalks in this stunning grove has been named a governmentally recognized sound.

This massive wooden building contains a giant Buddha, healing pillars, and tame deer wandering the grounds.

Largest graveyard in all of Japan surrounds a famous mausoleum.

An unlikely hit, this museum is dedicated to the inventor of instant ramen and cup noodles.

Japan's largest collection of Western-style mansions in the port city of Kobe includes a recreation of Sherlock Holmes' 221B Baker Street quarters.

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.