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

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.”

With over 12,000 different species of plants, this botanical garden is Japan's oldest and most diverse.

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

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

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

An ordinary pond with fish from out of this world.

The self-mummified monks of Japan.

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

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

The legendary birthplace of the Japanese maneki-neko is dotted with hundreds of lucky beckoning cats.

Japanese island famous for poison gas and fluffy bunnies.

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

1,001 carved statues of the Buddhist God of Mercy, each with a unique face.

This neighborhood thoroughfare is haunted by dozens of homemade monsters.

A 20-meter (65-foot) robot towers over Tokyo Bay.

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

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

This 700-year-old street food market features baby octopus and soy donuts.

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

If Hello Kitty were Mickey Mouse, this would be Disneyland.

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

Tokyo’s only Vaudeville-cuckoo clock–steampunk-Victorian curio cabinet time piece.

A taste of the macabre Tokyo's ritzy shopping district.