A grand Buddhist temple with Indian influences.

Once a black market electronics marketplace, now an otaku shopper's paradise.

Tragic reminders of the 1945 firebombing campaign over Tokyo still haunt this bridge.

According to local legend, an ancient serial killer nicknamed the “Hag” once haunted this pond.

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

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

Tokyo’s “Kitchen Town” hosts a number of shops selling intricate food replicas.

Shrine to Japanese water-goblins, complete with their preserved body parts.

Although damaged beyond recognition, this stone god is still said to bring good luck to those who tap on him with a pebble.

A miniature shrine in the busy corner of Tokyo's historic Broadway, honoring a sextet of unusual entertainment gods.

This enormous monument is one of the most iconic structures in Tokyo, rudely nicknamed "The Golden Turd."

Stuck in a bygone era, the oldest subterranean shopping street in Japan hides beneath the popular Asakusa district of Tokyo.

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

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

This small park holds what remains of a former prison and execution ground.

A commemoration of the first Dutchman to reach Japan, whose name still echoes in the heart of Tokyo.

Mythical beasts symbolizing the city of Tokyo guard a historic bridge.

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

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

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

An eerie reminder to the horrors of World War II.

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

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

Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.