An overlooked marble is the only surviving in-place 18th century example of the measurement that changed how we define distance.

"Bug Bug" Land, a natural park for beetle watching, still hasn't fully recovered from Fukushima's nuclear disaster.

One of the largest producers of MSG in the world welcomes visitors to its Kawasaki factory with an albino panda named Aji-Kun.

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

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

The ruin of a Japanese love hotel almost completely overgrown with brambles.

A massive wintry wall of snow up to 66 feet tall flanks a highway through Japan's mountains.

A tiny collection of traditional Japanese woodblock prints, open only when the owner feels like it.

Cherry blossom season comes early in this Japanese town where pink flowers line the streets and riverbanks.

Giant sand sculptures of famous people and places are on display near the Tottori sand dunes.

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

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

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

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

Enormous underground chamber built to detect 'ghost particles' of the universe.

Museum showcases Japanese sexuality and some amazing ocean views.

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." 

Hanging over one of Japan's "hidden valleys," these vine bridges must be remade every three years.

This spa theme park lets its guests take a dip in pools of coffee, wine, or ramen broth.

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

Bioluminescent firefly squid light up this Japanese fishing port.

Experience park where visitors are told to expect the unexpected.

This massive wooden building contains a giant Buddha, healing pillars, and tame deer wandering the grounds.