Places toochickens Wants to Go

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

This century-old electronics store-turned-cafe serves comforting, retro fare.

Home to herbal cosmetics, teas, and a unique set of dolls known as kitchen witches.

Open since 1690, this former teahouse makes “strength mochi” based on the centuries-old recipe.

A network of ancient tunnels and vaulted chambers with mystical Buddhist reliefs, built for ascetic training.

Walls of VHS tapes adorn this Golden Gai B horror movie themed bar.

Over 40 species of fern cover the canyon walls of this lush green bowl, cut off from the bustle of the world by a cave entrance.

This ancient burial cave along a roadside is also home to several Buddhist sculptures.

In a rural Japanese town that has committed to sustainable practices, even the hotel is made from recycled materials.

Japan's longest-running music festival takes place on an isolated butterfly-shaped island.

These tiny pine-covered islands have inspired art and poetry for centuries.

Chiseled out of a sandstone cliff, one farmer's unfinished art project lies in ruins.

This small Japanese street is lined with figures, sculptures and a shrine dedicated to frogs.

Stretching for 22 miles, the world's longest tree-lined avenue dates back to the early 17th-century.

This phallic temple was erected in the forest to honor the tragic death of a samurai lord's son.

A culturally significant rural temple in the beautiful mountains of Itoshima.

These unconventional "tub boats" let locals row around the island's turbulent coast.

Running through lush forests and across the Tadami River, this train line offers breathtaking views of rural Japan.

The largest archaeological site from the Yayoi period.

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

Founded in 1880, this humble brewery still practices a disappearing technique of sake-making.

A deserted island in southwest Japan that once sheltered persecuted Christians.

This massive, beautifully-lit underground quarry leaves visitors in awe.

Located in a remote mountain valley in Yamagata Prefecture, these hot springs have attracted bathers for over 450 years.