Places RakelOm Wants to Go

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

The divine septet of Japanese fortune gods are rendered in 1,000-year-old wood at this peaceful site.

A steaming, boiling hellscape sources Hokkaido's thermal baths.

This giant bronze Buddha, the third largest in Japan, is the last in an ill-fated series of statues.

As the aging humans of this Japanese village die off one local artisan is replacing them with eerie homonculi.

Each year this Japanese temple overflows with scowling, bearded good luck talismans.

White beach sands made of the remains of tiny, star shaped creatures.

A Japanese shrine to dolls.

Be a ninja - or just act like one.

A rare festival blending religion, blacksmiths, vagina dentata, sex workers, and the straight-up facts of life.

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

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

This ancient temple is set up to take you on a pilgrimage of self.

Steaming blood-red hot spring from hell.

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

After a profound show of devotion for his master, a dog becomes the symbol of loyalty for an entire nation.

A plaque marks the site directly below the mid-air detonation of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima.

The world's largest drain sits below the city of Kasukabe, Japan.

The self-mummified monks of Japan.

The quintessential Japanese rock garden has existed for more than 500 years.

The magical, mossy forest that inspired 'Princess Mononoke.'

This neighborhood thoroughfare is haunted by dozens of homemade monsters.

This historical theme park celebrates all things noodle.

Hanging over one of Japan’s “hidden valleys,” these vine bridges must be remade every three years.