This lesser-visited gallery in a corner of the Tokyo National Museum complex is an architectural beauty dedicated to the ancient treasures of Hōryū-ji.

This subterranean spot might be the epitome of Japan's baroque, retro coffee houses.

A Buddhist temple to honor insects that died for science.

This site commemorates the life of a Japanese scientist who dedicated his life to the discovery of diseases.

A museum dedicated to the history of Tokyo's often-overlooked working-class district.

Unbeknownst to many, an ancient burial mound hides in plain sight in Ueno Park.

Only the face remains of this giant Buddha statue, which is said to be a source of luck for students.

A Buddhist temple on an artificial island that houses a monument to the fugu fish.

One of the top 100 sights of feudal Tokyo continues to impress those who visit the lesser temples of Ueno.

This strange mural located in the Ueno station is filled with traditional Japanese symbolism.

A rare north-facing Ksitigarbha statue enshrined in a passageway off Osaka’s busiest area.

The Hanshin Expressway goes right through its 5th, 6th, and 7th floors.

Perhaps the world's cheapest vending machines.

Near the mouth of the Yodo River, this museum offers visitors six floors of hands-on learning about Osaka's raw sewage.

This bathhouse includes an option to soak in radioactive water.

This brothel-turned-restaurant features plenty of surprises and elaborate, extravagant architecture.

An office building covered from head to toe in over eighty variety of plants

A moss-covered statue of a Japanese Buddhist deity stands at a quiet temple in downtown Osaka.

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

Enjoy a flaming concoction steeped in steampunk, magic, and alchemy at this experimental cocktail bar.

According to local legend, anyone who falls on these temple steps will turn into a cat.

Devoted Buddhists can earn enlightenment in the next life by crawling through this symbolic nostril.

This massive wooden building contains a giant Buddha, healing pillars, and tame deer wandering the grounds.

Once a major cursed object, this frog-shaped rock has become a source of good luck