Places emmycate Wants to Go

Open since 1690, this former teahouse makes “strength mochi” based on the centuries-old recipe.

This iconic “station bento” comes in an earthenware pot you can take home and repurpose.

The former site of Fukuoka’s legendary ramen joint works hard to guide customers to the “original” original.

This retro café is a remnant of Japan’s post-war Argentine tango craze.

A gorgeous, nostalgic café housed in a lofty old warehouse, lit only by petroleum lamps.

Unchanged for decades, World War II-era bullet holes and nostalgic ghost signs still haunt this desolate train station.

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

This cozy café is housed in a repurposed pharmacy originally built in 1927.

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

Sample specialties from Xinjiang at this Shinjuku neighborhood gem.

This 400-year-old sweet shop serves a delicacy some have described as "edible incense."

Run a wash cycle while sipping a latte at this community-oriented café.

Looking for the train station? Try the building shaped like a train.

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

This kitsch-forward diner is dedicated to an almost-forgotten “one-cent” prototype of okonomiyaki.

This 24-hour vending machine serves up homemade treats inspired by the local Japanese snow monkeys.

In a rural Japanese town that has committed to sustainable practices, even the hotel is made from recycled materials.

These unique toilets feature transparent glass covered in PDLC film.

Though it won't take you far, the wood train housed at this station is the last of its kind in Japan.

Established over a thousand years ago, this family-run teahouse continues to serve skewers of sweet rice cake to this day.

Losing lottery tickets are deposited at this shrine in hopes of better luck.

Would you spend the night in Japan's deepest train station?

If you forgot something to read during your trip to Tokyo, this hostel has you covered.

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