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

Every autumn, this hillside is ablaze with red summer cypress.

The famed natural wonder that gave its name to a fishcake as well as one of the most popular anime series of all time.

The location of the site of one of the defining battles of feudal Japan is being fought over by two neighboring cities.

An anthropological theme park that depicts the cultures of around 20 different countries.

A kitsch shrine dedicated to the ogre-slaying folktale hero born from a peach.

The largest privately owned statue of Buddha in Japan, built by a total amateur, with an unconventional look.

A real-life replica of a home from Hayao Miyazaki's beloved movie "My Neighbor Totoro."

This massive, beautifully-lit underground quarry leaves visitors in awe.

This iconic “station bento” comes in an earthenware pot you can take home and repurpose.

A trio of keyhole-shaped burial mounds restored to their ancient glory.

Each year this Japanese temple overflows with scowling, bearded good luck talismans.

This 24-hour vending machine serves up homemade treats inspired by the local Japanese snow monkeys.

Nine healing baths available only to those who stay in this quaint town, said to have inspired 'Spirited Away.'

Hot springs monkey spa in the middle of Hell's Valley.

For but one summer in 1975, this rural suburb became a busy tourist spot when a local girl claimed to have seen ghostly faces on an old stele.

Every summer, this shrine sets up a tiny drinking fountain reserved for thirsty apians.

The eerie, tragic setting of one of Japan’s most popular ghost stories.

The third-tallest statue in the world depicts the "Buddha of Infinite Light," complete with observation deck in his chest.

The 43-mile route crosses through six islands with gorgeous views of the Seto Inland Sea.

This little town supplies Japan with most of its calligraphy brushes, still made by hand from animal fur.

The oldest surviving stele in Japan is a personal dedication from a monk to his late mother.

One of the bloodiest and most important battles in Japanese history is recreated with kitschy concrete statues.

A relatively young Buddhist temple on hilltop, dedicated to a statue relocated from Mount Atago.