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Tomioka, Japan

Tomioka Silk Mill

The World Heritage-designated site of Japan’s industrial revolution, once mistaken as a den of vampires.
Tōno City, Japan

Kappabuchi Pool

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

The Lions of Namiyoke Inari Shrine

This shrine, built to protect against destructive waves, is home to two monumental lion heads.
Itakura, Japan

Namazu-San, the Lucky Catfish

Thanks to wordplay, the earthquake-causing catfish monster has become a god of confidence at this shrine.
Tokyo, Japan

Witch Hat Intake Tower

An adorable intake tower with a “witch hat” stands in the Edo River.
Miyoshi, Japan

Miyoshi Mononoke Museum

A collection of nearly 5,000 yokai-themed toys, sculptures, and more, dating from the 1700s to the present day.
Tonosho, Japan

Yokai Art Museum

This unique museum explores the world of Japanese demons and spirits.
Yachiyo, Japan

Lake Imba Monster

The strange “kaiju” of Lake Imba that allegedly killed over a dozen men with a single strike of lightning.
Kawagoe, Japan

Five Hundred Arhats

Hundreds of statues of Buddha’s disciples meditating, napping, sneezing, and picking their noses.
Chino, Japan

Fujimori Tea Houses

High in the trees or suspended between cables, these surreal structures are the works of a unique Japanese architect.
Tokoname, Japan

Tokoname Pottery Footpath

A mile-long trail of pottery culture, full of clay pipes and lucky cats, including one that’s 12.5 feet tall.
Tokyo, Japan

Kimi-Chan

This sculpture bears a tragic backstory that may have inspired a hauntingly beautiful children's song.
Oga, Japan

Godzilla Rock

A natural resemblance of the monster of film lore.
Tokyo, Japan

Zen’yō-ji Temple

An eclectic temple with Chinese architecture, Korean lion-dogs, an Indian god and a legendary 700-year-old tree.
Fukuoka, Japan

Golden Frog of Hakata Station

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

Muroto Schoolhouse Aquarium

Sharks, stingrays, and turtles swim in the pools at this former elementary school.
Tokyo, Japan

Futaba Cake Building

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

Nanzoin Temple

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

Hanegi Park

The 650 red and white Japanese plum trees of this Tokyo neighborhood blossom each spring.
Sakura, Japan

Kabosu the Doge

They say the internet is forever but just in case, the shiba inu behind an iconic meme has been immortalized in bronze.
Oarai, Japan

Kamiiso no Torii

A lone torii arch stands on a coastal rock where a deity is said to have landed.
Tokyo, Japan

Gold Bug Guardian Statue

Guarding the city of Chiyoda is a bizarre insectile creature with a name no one can pronounce.
Minoh, Japan

Katsuo-ji Temple

Visitors to this temple are greeted by a massive collection of wooden dolls said to bring good fortune.
Tokorozawa, Japan

Kadokawa Musashino Museum

This airy five-floor library and museum houses thousands of books and rotating exhibits on Japanese monsters and anime.