An enormous pair of straw sandals woven in the traditional way—to keep demons at bay.

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

Home to a collection of drums from around the world that allow visitors to play a tune.

Rumored to be a giant robot in disguise, this colossal chef has been the beloved symbol of Tokyo’s kitchenware district for decades.

This “grave” memorializes the 53 rakugo stories that were once banned by the national censorship.

This subterranean spot might be the epitome of Japan's baroque, retro coffee houses.

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

An eerie reminder to the horrors of World War II.

Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

A plaque marks the site directly below the mid-air detonation of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima.

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

Surreal giant face-pillars welcome visitors from across the globe to this hotel.

A moss-covered statue of a Japanese Buddhist deity stands at a quiet temple in downtown Osaka.

The site where the famous city gate once stood, now in the middle of a playground.

This statue of Buddha has a distinctive hairstyle meant to represent an unfathomably long period of meditation.

The first location of the eventual video game giant.

The cutest shrine in Kyoto is dedicated to bunnies.

A nondescript building is home to a one-room museum filled with an overwhelming array of art and objects.

These turtle-shaped concrete stepping stones provide a unique river crossing in central Kyoto.

A 1000-year-old shrine in Kyoto with a poorly planned sacred arch.

Enjoy a flaming concoction steeped in steampunk, magic, and alchemy at this experimental cocktail bar.

An ancient Greek physician is honored as a god at this hole-in-the-wall shrine.

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

Sip “liquid cuisine” made with meat, vegetables, and insects.