This village is home to the largest existing settlement of the Ainu, the Indigenous people of Japan.

Nestled in an unassuming residential area, this "forbidden forest" is rumored to spirit away those who dare to enter.

This faux-seedy Japanese arcade is made up to look like a maze of alleys straight out of a cyberpunk dystopia.

This historical theme park celebrates all things noodle.

This "zoo" is a cross between a junkyard and a sculpture garden, featuring animals you won't see anywhere else.

Have fun at the world's first Buddhist waterslide park.

An anthropological theme park that depicts the cultures of around 20 different countries.

The most famous location in China was home to whole dynasties worth of imperial rulers.

Once a black market electronics marketplace, now an otaku shopper's paradise.

This massive neon wheel is the only one of its kind to be built over a bridge.

Air Force Academy Chapel made of 100 identical tetrahedrons works to inspire those of all religions.

This pair of small sea rocks has been "wed" using rope and ancient Shinto tradition.

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

Abandoned Japanese ghost town gives a glimpse into what our own metropolises may leave behind.

A small Japanese village claims to be the final resting place of the son of God (and God's other son's ear).

The self-mummified monks of Japan.

The third-tallest statue in the world depicts the "Buddha of Infinite Light," complete with observation deck in his chest.

Every autumn, this hillside is ablaze with red summer cypress.

Giant art made in Japanese rice fields.

This mountain's identity is stuck somewhere between a nightmare and a scenic tourist attraction.

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

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese Shrine.

The sound of swaying stalks in this stunning grove has been named a governmentally recognized sound.

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