This statue of the "shiny uncle of Beppu" was erected in 2007.

This glass wall is gradually filling up with paper cranes, in honor of Hiroshima’s past and dedication to its future.

The world's largest permanent architectural projection display entertains audiences nightly with 28-story light shows.

Here once stood an opulent state guest house that symbolized the Westernization of Japan.

This traditional Japanese shrine is dedicated to four Shinto deities.

Unbeknownst to many, an ancient burial mound hides in plain sight in Ueno Park.

The enigmatic symbol on this incineration plant's smokestack is, in fact, a one-of-a-kind clock.

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

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.

Here lies Hattori Hanzō, a samurai who is remembered as a legendary ninja in today’s popular culture.

This ordinary set of steps is a must-see destination for fans of a certain romantic anime.

This giant two-tier celebration cake serves as a befitting advert for the confectionery college it sits on top of.

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

This giant fashion model is one of the most beloved symbols of Nagoya.

Since Tokyo's Kiyosu Bridge was inspired by a historic bridge that crossed over the Rhine, this viewing spot is known as a "view of Cologne."

The groundbreaking Japanese shrine maiden who invented the art of kabuki.

This unassuming office building is home to what was once the world's largest pendulum clock.

A serene mountaintop temple complex featuring one big, bronze Buddha.

A precursor to Taro Okamoto’s iconic Tower of the Sun.

A painting marks the site of a historic skyscraper destroyed by the Great Kantō earthquake.

In Asakusa, Tokyo's very own Walk of Fame.

A miniature shrine in the busy corner of Tokyo's historic Broadway, honoring a sextet of unusual entertainment gods.

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

A series of smile-themed sculptures created by artists from all over the world fill this Tokyo shopping district.