A little-known cafe in an old copper bridge tower with 360-degree views of the harbor.

This sublime architectural marvel is a rare example of an expressionist church.

An unusual structure of stone and glass honoring one of Japan’s most eminent Christian leaders who founded the non-church movement.

The former site of Fukuoka’s legendary ramen joint works hard to guide customers to the “original” original.

In 806, Kobo Daishi began meditating on Mount Misen. The Buddhist monk lit this holy fire, which has been kept burning for 1,200 years.

A gorgeous, nostalgic café housed in a lofty old warehouse, lit only by petroleum lamps.

Visitors to this temple are greeted by a massive collection of wooden dolls said to bring good fortune.

A kitsch shrine dedicated to the ogre-slaying folktale hero born from a peach.

The largest of its kind in Japan, this century-old wasabi farm is also known for its appearance in an Akira Kurosawa film.

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

This historic castle is one of the oldest and most impressive in all of Japan.

Every spring, this walkway outside the Japan Mint turns into a cherry blossom tunnel.

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

Visitors to this museum will discover that kaleidoscopes are much more than toys.

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

Although it has never been a secret ninja base, this shrine still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.

This little town supplies Japan with most of its calligraphy brushes, still made by hand from animal fur.

According to one legend, this bridge was crafted after monkeys formed a body-bridge across the gorge.

Home to the world's oldest wooden building.

Fans line up at the crack of dawn for a slurpy bowl of deliciousness at this noodle counter inside a factory.

Nope, not the one in France. The only officially-recognized reproduction of Monet’s garden in Giverny is located in a remote corner of Japan.

Japan's hottest hot spring has a memorable name.

Turn around and stick your head between your legs for the best view of this tree-covered sandbar.

"Singing sands" and the world's largest hourglass reside near Japan's Kotogahama beach.