This enormous "shamoji" means more to the people of Miyajima than just a way getting rice onto a plate.

A steaming, boiling hellscape sources Hokkaido's thermal baths.

These Japanese ruins have been brought back to life with elaborately recreated buildings.

Devoted Buddhists can earn enlightenment in the next life by crawling through this symbolic nostril.

The largest volcanic caldera in Japan holds an entire city in its maw.

The Hanshin Expressway goes right through its 5th, 6th, and 7th floors.

Closed for decades, this strange symbol of Japan's Expo '70 has finally opened its psychedelic insides to the public.

This giant bronze Buddha, the third largest in Japan, is the last in an ill-fated series of statues.

A Japanese corporation has turned this small island town into living modern art gallery.

Largest graveyard in all of Japan surrounds a famous mausoleum.

The tallest bronze seated statue of the Buddha in Japan.

An unlikely hit, this museum is dedicated to the inventor of instant ramen and cup noodles.

A Buddhist temple to honor insects that died for science.

Be a ninja - or just act like one.

This Buddhist temple is home to the graves of the Japanese national legends, the 47 Ronin.

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese shrine.

After a profound show of devotion for his master, a dog becomes the symbol of loyalty for an entire nation.

A 20-meter (65-foot) robot towers over Tokyo Bay.

This Japanese national treasure was originally built in 593.

Legend holds eating just one of these black eggs can add seven years to one's life.

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

The quintessential Japanese rock garden has existed for more than 500 years.

1,001 carved statues of the Buddhist God of Mercy, each with a unique face.

The 10,000 Torii shrine.