A serene mountaintop temple complex featuring one big, bronze Buddha.

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

The seat of the lost Ryukyu Kingdom has survived numerous fires and wars over the centuries.

The largest of its kind in Japan, this century-old wasabi farm is also known for its appearance in an Akira Kurosawa film.

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

Although it has never been a secret ninja base, this shrine still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.

Narrow passes cut out of mountains surround the medieval capital of Japan.

An eerie reminder to the horrors of World War II.

Mythical beasts symbolizing the city of Tokyo guard a historic bridge.

Elaborate series of tunnels where traces of mass suicide are still visible.

One of the world's largest tanks mimics the experience of watching rare whale sharks, giant rays, and deep sea creatures from the ocean floor.

This little replica of Lady Liberty provides a bit of NYC in a Japanese city.

Cherry blossom season comes early in this Japanese town where pink flowers line the streets and riverbanks.

Open-air museum with an elaborate sculpture garden, stretching for over 70,000 square-meters.

Bioluminescent firefly squid light up this Japanese fishing port.

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.”

Villas that once served as playgrounds for the rich now fall away in decay.

Relocated graffiti- and street-art exhibition space in a former national railway warehouse.

This church also serves as a lighthouse complete with a beacon.

This ten-ton fruit sculpture celebrates the Finland homeland.

Existing for more than four centuries, the last of Hakone’s historic teahouses serves a sweet, mold-based rice drink.

A microbiologist-chef is slinging noodles with hyperlocal Nordic ingredients.

Copenhagen's "other" little mermaid marks the historic location of past sea maid sightings.

Climb to the top of its spiral spire for spectacular views of Copenhagen.