A historical western settlement that is known as one of the three most disappointing sights of Japan.

A faithful reconstruction of what was once the only window into Japan.

A monument commemorating the execution of 26 canonized Christians from the 16th century.

This is no ordinary coffee chain outlet—it's an architectural masterpiece.

This amusement park brings a little slice of England to the heart of Kyushu.

Steaming blood-red hot spring from hell.

According to Japanese mythology, the first rice paddy in history was created here many aeons ago.

Secret tunnels leading to underground facilities lurk near the remains of a World War II-era Japanese Navy airbase.

A well-known Japanese musician’s all-night concert on this island is immortalized by an unusual work of art.

Japan Railways' southernmost train station offers a view of a volcano and a mailbox said to grant happiness.

This train station meeting spot is an actual, millennia-old tree from the island of Yakushima.

The iconic castle that withstood a magnitude 6.2 earthquake has become a symbol of resilience.

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

The largest volcanic caldera in Japan holds an entire city in its maw.

It is rumored that if you spot this little golden frog hiding in plain sight, good luck will come your way.

The birthplace of the Japanese idiom "wet clothes" meaning “false accusation."

In the oldest zen temple stands a descendant of the very tree that introduced tea to Japanese culture.

This futuristic-looking museum was built for the centennial of Japan's most innovative toilet.

A mountaintop Buddhist temple with panoramic views of Hiroshima.

This enormous "shamoji" means more to the people of Miyajima than just a way getting rice onto a plate.

This Japanese national treasure was originally built in 593.

In 806, Kobo Daishi began meditating on Mount Misen. The Buddhist monk lit this holy fire, which has been kept burning for 1,200 years.

An eerie reminder to the horrors of World War II.

Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.