Curious onlookers have suspected this strange structure is a secret government base.

A sculpture that resurrected the only tree standing following the devastating 2011 tsunami.

One in a pair of subterranean caves created by an ancient eruption of Mount Fuji.

Legend holds eating just one of these black eggs can add seven years to one's life.

An enormous pair of straw sandals woven in the traditional way—to keep demons at bay.

It is said that coins washed in the waters here will miraculously multiply.

This mysterious medieval grotto holds a grid of sacred wells of unknown purpose.

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

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

The last remaining pre-dreadnought battleship in the world has been a museum for nearly a century.

The largest of the Fuji Five Lakes is home to an impressive swan population—some real, some with paddles, and one with an observation deck.

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

A 70-foot-deep ice cave formed by lava from Mt. Fuji on the edge of Japan's "Suicide Forest." 

Cabaret where the show girls are all androids, and the patrons couldn't be more pleased.

An infamous house made famous by director Takashi Shimizu.

This historical theme park celebrates all things noodle.

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

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

A Japanese concept restaurant that feels like a party thrown by the monsters in your closet.

Museum showcases Japanese sexuality and some amazing ocean views.

Watch out for the two-story Godzilla made out of tires.

A small island with no monkeys but plenty of military ruins.

A bronze statue dating back as far as 1252, still has remnants of gold on its right cheek from ancient gilding.

Not quite the menace it once was, this monster still has some chops.