Places PobbleFrog Wants to Go

Unusual hexagonal rocks formed by cooling lava named for their resemblance to traditional Japanese tatami mats.

Established over a thousand years ago, this family-run teahouse continues to serve skewers of sweet rice cake to this day.

One of Kyoto's oldest food establishments has supplied soba noodles to temple priests and the Imperial Palace.

A disconnected rotary phone for "calling" lost loved ones offered a unique way of dealing with grief in disaster-stricken Japan.

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

Japan's largest area of "pink moss" turns the hillside bright pink every spring.

A Japanese corporation has turned this small island town into living modern art gallery.

Shells collected from over a hundred different countries line the walls, floors and ceilings of this fantasy museum.

A Buddhist temple to honor insects that died for science.

One of Japan's most famous sights, the bridge was originally built in 1673.

A train ride to the middle of nowhere gives its passengers some of the most iconic views of Japan's seasons.

Steaming blood-red hot spring from hell.

Reportedly 1,400 years old, this may be the first of the Fiji Mermaids.

This isolated Japanese mountain village untouched by time showcases unique and stunning traditional architecture.

This pond is so stunning it looks like you've stepped into one of Monet's masterpieces.

A massive cave complex boasts some of the clearest water (and most charming bats) in the world.

With over 12,000 different species of plants, this botanical garden is Japan's oldest and most diverse.

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

Tokyo’s only Ainu restaurant serves Indigenous food from northern Japan.

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese shrine.

This Japanese national treasure was originally built in 593.

This mesmerizingly colorful pond looks like a scene straight out of a fairytale.

Shrine to Japanese water-goblins, complete with their preserved body parts.