Places vveracarvalhocosta Wants to Go

A mountaintop shrine-temple guarded by a horde of half-demon priests.

Over 80 years old, this hand-dug tunnel is a Chinese-style portal to another world.

Once upon a time in Kamakura, a five-headed dragon fell in love with an Indian water goddess.

This site commemorates the life of a Japanese scientist who dedicated his life to the discovery of diseases.

This unusual "magical shrine" honors a legendary raccoon-dog god that stowed away to Japan from some far-off land.

An ancient mountain-cut pass runs largely forgotten in the suburbs of Kamakura.

Established in 1950, this humble burger joint is the oldest surviving one in Japan.

A group of medieval rock-cut Buddhist statues created to save people from the volcanic hell that surrounds them.

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

This mythical weapon stuck on the mountaintop is also the site of the first honeymoon in Japan's history.

A long-worshipped mountain, considered a "power spot" and suspected to be an ancient pyramid by some.

Buried nine feet under, these houses are preserved as a stark reminder of the disastrous 1991 Unzen eruption.

Dedicated to the victims of a phantom slasher, this memorial is claimed by some to be the source of a deadly curse.

Up on the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower sits an American mascot that became Osaka’s own lucky god.

A small shrine run entirely by vending machines.

Open 24 hours, this self-serve sandwich spot specializes in egg salad sandwiches in a land that takes them very seriously.

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

A rare north-facing Ksitigarbha statue enshrined in a passageway off Osaka’s busiest area.

One of Japan’s oldest and largest cherry trees is said to have been planted by an ancient, heroic prince.

A sacred place for ascetic training, set in a honeycomb-walled cliffside cave deep in the woods.

Buddha figures are carved into volcanic rocks on the seashore of Yamagara Prefecture.

Kokera sushi may be the rarest sushi you have never heard of. 

Visitors are encouraged to fish for water goblins at this haunted pool.

A town's namesake rock has served as a spiritual matchmaker for hundreds of years.