This subterranean spot might be the epitome of Japan's baroque, retro coffee houses.

This retro underwater observation tower would make the perfect lair for a sea-loving villain.

A remarkable lava formation encloses a line of Buddhist statues that can't be accurately counted, according to local mythology.

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

A steaming, boiling hellscape sources Hokkaido's thermal baths.

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

Unusual hexagonal rocks formed by cooling lava named for their resemblance to traditional Japanese tatami mats.

The world's largest drain sits below the city of Kasukabe, Japan.

A Japanese cat island also populated by the descendants of a band of banished samurai.

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

The world’s first hotel to be run by robots.

One of the first hotel rooms in a pod.

Transport yourself to the 1980s era of video games at this themed restaurant and bar.

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

Steaming blood-red hot spring from hell.

Colloquially known as “piss alley,” this narrow street filled with tiny bars and barbecue stands looks like it was pulled straight out of “Blade Runner.”

This isolated Japanese mountain village untouched by time showcases unique and stunning traditional architecture.

Reportedly 1,400 years old, this may be the first of the Fiji Mermaids.

This mesmerizingly colorful pond looks like a scene straight out of a fairytale.

An ordinary pond with fish from out of this world.

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

The freshest fish here are the ones you catch yourself.

Shrine to Japanese water-goblins, complete with their preserved body parts.

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese shrine.