Rumored to be a giant robot in disguise, this colossal chef has been the beloved symbol of Tokyo’s kitchenware district for decades.

A small laundromat covered wall-to-ceiling with portrait drawings.

The decommissioned steam engine’s whistle can still be heard three times a day at one of Japan’s oldest train stations.

An LED art installation composed of 600 poles wrapped in kimono fabric.

Peer into this window for an interesting glimpse into the public utilities that make this city run.

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

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

Steampunk, humanoid sculptures crawl on all fours in a Tokyo plaza.

Stuck in a bygone era, the oldest subterranean shopping street in Japan hides beneath the popular Asakusa district of Tokyo.

Running through lush forests and across the Tadami River, this train line offers breathtaking views of rural Japan.

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

Is this cat asleep or just pretending?

It is said that coins washed in the waters here will miraculously multiply.

Passengers are not allowed to set foot outside this station, but you can still enjoy spectacular views of the sea from the platform.

Inspired by the famous sculptures on Easter Island, this head serves as a popular meeting spot by Shibuya Station.

This enormous monument is one of the most iconic structures in Tokyo, rudely nicknamed "The Golden Turd."

An enormous pair of straw sandals woven in the traditional way—to keep demons at bay.

An eerie reminder to the horrors of World War II.

Watch out for the two-story Godzilla made out of tires.

Legend says the goddess this shrine honors curses any couples that pass by.

These unique toilets feature transparent glass covered in PDLC film.

Existing for more than four centuries, the last of Hakone’s historic teahouses serves a sweet, mold-based rice drink.

A calico cat named Tama was the wildly popular Super Station Master at this train stop in southeast Japan.

This tiny museum hidden above a restaurant houses thousands of modern and traditional kites.