Along the side of the road on a small Japanese island is an extensive garden of uniquely designed Shisa statues.

This enormous monument is one of the most iconic structures in Tokyo, rudely nicknamed "The Golden Turd."

According to one legend, this bridge was crafted after monkeys formed a body-bridge across the gorge.

An ingenious solution to a tricky engineering problem, this spiraling bridge takes drivers for a dizzying spin.

Japan's hottest hot spring has a memorable name.

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

This ancient shrine has been rebuilt every 20 years since the eighth century.

Japan's largest collection of Western-style mansions in the port city of Kobe includes a recreation of Sherlock Holmes' 221B Baker Street quarters.

Shrine dedicated to boars that is believed to cure foot and leg injuries.

A remote and slightly overgrown park filled with replicas of world landmarks.

One of the tallest statues in the world, and the tallest statue of a goddess in Japan.

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

The largest collection of model trains in the world is actually run using full-size locomotive technology.

An anthropological theme park that depicts the cultures of around 20 different countries.

An abandoned Art Deco hotel nestled on the side of a wooded mountain.

Nestled in an unassuming residential area, this "forbidden forest" is rumored to spirit away those who dare enter it.

Make your own fake treats at this factory and workshop in the epicenter of Japan's food replica industry.

The Buddhist temples of Yamadera, built into a mountain side, feature a viewing deck with sweeping views.

This tiny museum hidden above a restaurant houses thousands of modern and traditional kites.

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

Largest graveyard in all of Japan surrounds a famous mausoleum.

Blowtorches, tuna, and a jolly, chain-smoking proprietor mark this beloved street-food stand.

Giant sand sculptures of famous people and places are on display near the Tottori sand dunes.

The largest volcanic caldera in Japan holds an entire city in its maw.