Imitations of Chinese coins were minted here for foreign trade before Japan got its own currency.

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

Bioluminescent firefly squid light up this Japanese fishing port.

Roots and stumps that lay inundated for two millennia are on display in Japan's city of three mysteries.

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

Hike to a hidden medieval troglodyte necropolis.

A rock with images of infernal judges sculpted on it, offering a panoramic view of Kamakura.

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

Visit a speakeasy-like indie cinema specializing in 16mm and 35mm films.

The oldest operating company in the entire world, founded in 578 AD

The tomb of an infamous chimeric monster whose corpse once washed ashore in Osaka.

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

This temple is home to a group of Buddha statues made from thousands of bones and ashes of the deceased.

Try maple leaf tempura at the trailside shop that brought it back from oblivion.

A mystical shrine dedicated to a forest that once covered the area and the legendary fox spirit who lived there.

Electricians pray for luck at this place where, according to legend, the god of thunder was once trapped.

Once a heap of dirt with a shrubbery on it, this unassuming mound in a parking lot turned out to be an ancient tumulus.

Home to the world's oldest wooden building.

One of the world's largest ancient burial mounds.

A hidden museum focusing on the sexual aspects of anthropology.

Just outside Tokyo, a 45-story-high observatory with a stunning view of Tokyo Skytree and Mount Fuji.

In an unassuming corner of the city hall sits the restored study of a local author.

Where a great scandal unfolded with a famous female revivalist at its center.

An expansive book store, art gallery, and curio shop with wares ranging from tarot cards to novelty socks.