One of the largest producers of MSG in the world welcomes visitors to its Kawasaki factory with an albino panda named Aji-Kun.

This Metabolist, retro-futuristic residential complex resembles a cyberpunk space colony established on Earth.

The world's shortest escalator doesn't seem to have any reason to exist other than to hold a world record.

After an Englishmen was killed by a samurai here in 1862, a two-day war changed the course of Japanese history.

Unchanged for decades, World War II-era bullet holes and nostalgic ghost signs still haunt this desolate train station.

Passengers are not allowed to set foot outside this station, but you can still enjoy spectacular views of the sea from the platform.

Various accidents and illnesses fell upon the developers who tried to remove these historic trees.

The train engine is tucked under an apartment building on a quiet Tokyo street.

A tiny kissaten coffeeshop with expertly crafted coffee in an antique setting.

This iconic sluice gate is a favorite haunt for joggers, fishing enthusiasts, and even ghost hunters.

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

A Buddhist temple to honor insects that died for science.

The origin of this bizarre, ghostly idol is a local mystery, even to the temple it calls home.

Though not uncommon in western Japan, this Buddha cut out of an ancient sarcophagus is the only example in central Tokyo.

One of the best-preserved remains of "Tokyo's lost rivers."

A smiling guardian couple stands beside a department store, carrying folk belief into modern Shibuya

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

This quirky collection of furniture also happens to be a public art installation.

This unassuming tunnel’s name recalls a storied "cat pond" that has now been lost.

Once the main gateway to Tokyo, sneaking through this checkpoint was a capital offense in feudal times.

The first Venetian glass exhibit in Japan and one of the largest in the world.

Dedicated to the history and culture of Japanese fishcake, this museum invites you to take part in its kamaboko-making workshop.

Coast along one of Japan’s mountain railways for coveted views of magnificent hydrangeas.

A unique Shinto shrine filled with bunnies and wordplay.