A pair of rivaling shrines dedicated to Lady Oiwa, the most famous vengeful ghost in Japan.

You can receive a blessing for your electronics at this Shinto shrine near Akihabara.

No one knows why this family’s graves stayed on the national museum's premises after all other tombstones were relocated.

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

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.

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

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

A giant robo-cockroach building devours Tokyo.

A magical place that lets you play in and explore the world of Studio Ghibli.

Colloquially known as “piss alley,” this narrow street filled with tiny bars and barbecue stands looks like it was pulled straight out of “Blade Runner.”

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

In 806, Kobo Daishi began meditating on Mount Misen. The Buddhist monk lit this holy fire, which has been kept burning for 1,200 years.

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 small shrine dedicated to a god of lightning and electronics.

An LED art installation composed of 600 poles wrapped in kimono fabric.

This 14th-century temple is also known as the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion" for its gorgeous gilded reliquary hall.

This 700-year-old street food market features baby octopus and soy donuts.

A 1000-year-old shrine in Kyoto with a poorly planned sacred arch.

It is believed that this Buddhist temple stands right on the gateway to the underworld.

This Kyoto Starbucks takes coffee drinkers back in time.