A historical western settlement that is known as one of the three most disappointing sights of Japan.

A monument commemorating the execution of 26 canonized Christians from the 16th century.

According to folklore, this grave lies near the site of the “standing death” of one of Japan’s fiercest warriors.

A displaced shrine that was put back after a string of bad luck.

A nouveau-riche hilltop “palace” that once provided lodging to more than a hundred fishermen.

A faithful reconstruction of what was once the only window into Japan.

Japan’s oldest clock tower has been called one of the country’s most disappointing attractions.

An eccentric castle with snake protectors and spectacular views of Beppu.

This ornate example of 19th-century Chinese architecture is one of only a handful of Confucius shrines in Japan.

At the "fishing boat shrine," an offering is said to help ward off fevers.

Feast your eyes on the centuries-old statues of the judges of hell.

A giant statue of the Buddhist goddess of mercy watches over the town of Ōfuna.

A mountaintop Buddhist temple with panoramic views of Hiroshima.

Japan's first train station is also the site of Godzilla's first destructive visit to the nation.

This subway station is named after a local legend about supernatural dancing cats.

The northernmost of the 12 surviving feudal castles of Japan is known as a cherry blossom viewing spot.

This dazzling three-story shop showcases the art and history of music boxes, a popular novelty in Japan.

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

A stretch of the Iwai River that features beautiful rocky cliffs, rapids, and flying dango.

The centuries-old cobblestones of a feudal highway remain in the woods of Hakone.

This massive, Edo Period, coin-shaped sand painting is believed to be a source of great luck.

An open-air museum exhibiting a total of 52 century-old buildings, recreating Hokkaido’s “pioneer village.”

A giant rooftop ride with unbeatable views of Matsuyama city, the nearby mountain ranges, and the Inland Sea.

These tiny pine-covered islands have inspired art and poetry for centuries.