The former site of Fukuoka’s legendary ramen joint works hard to guide customers to the “original” original.

In the oldest zen temple stands a descendant of the very tree that introduced tea to Japanese culture.

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.

This Japanese national treasure was originally built in 593.

This glass wall is gradually filling up with paper cranes, in honor of Hiroshima’s past and dedication to its future.

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

Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

An eerie reminder to the horrors of World War II.

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

A displaced shrine that was put back after a string of bad luck.

Surreal giant face-pillars welcome visitors from across the globe to this hotel.

Up on the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower sits an American mascot that became Osaka’s own lucky god.

This temple is home to a group of Buddha statues made from thousands of bones and ashes of the deceased.

One of the world's largest ancient burial mounds.

Visitors to this temple are greeted by a massive collection of wooden dolls said to bring good fortune.

An unlikely hit, this museum is dedicated to the inventor of instant ramen and cup noodles.

According to local legend, anyone who falls on these temple steps will turn into a cat.

Devoted Buddhists can earn enlightenment in the next life by crawling through this symbolic nostril.

A moss-covered statue of a Japanese Buddhist deity stands at a quiet temple in downtown Osaka.

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

A tiny street lined with eleven distinct Tanuki statues, each representing a different wish.

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

This kitsch-forward diner is dedicated to an almost-forgotten “one-cent” prototype of okonomiyaki.

Burial mound for the ears and noses of thousands of mutilated Korean soldiers.