Places rachelycox Wants to Go

This airy five-floor library and museum houses thousands of books and rotating exhibits on Japanese monsters and anime.

“Historical” markers commemorating the sites of fictional events depicted in a popular jidaigeki novel series.

This glass-themed tourist park in northern Japan feels like taking a step back in time.

A collection of nearly 5,000 yokai-themed toys, sculptures, and more, dating from the 1700s to the present day.

Hidden by the roadside in the Iya Valley, this gem brings together folk monsters and the region's unique geography.

Visitors to this museum will discover that kaleidoscopes are much more than toys.

A small museum in a ward on the east side of Tokyo showcases the works of one of Japan's greatest ukiyo-e artists.

A glimpse into life in 1830s Tokyo, back during the heyday of the Tokugawa shogunate.

This unique museum explores the world of Japanese demons and spirits.

A small, family-friendly museum dedicated to the “god of special effects” who brought Godzilla to life.

This museum tells the stories of Japanese soldiers who went on torpedo kamikaze missions.

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

Colloquially known as “piss alley,” this narrow street filled with tiny bars and barbecue stands looks like it was pulled straight out of “Blade Runner.”

Hot springs monkey spa in the middle of Hell's Valley.

A magical place that lets you play in and explore the world of Studio Ghibli.

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