Makeup Jizo: The Buddhist Statue that Can Make Your Skin Pretty (Allegedly)
Apply baby powder to this statue and your skin problems might just go away.
The Jizo Statues of Zojoji Temple: Guardians of Deceased Children
The Jizo statues at Zojoji may look cute at first glance, but they’re there to represent children who left the world too soon.
Irugi Shrine: Push Out Bad Luck with Special Prayer Plaques
At a glance, Irugi Shrine is just like any other. Yet one thing sets it apart: it has votive plaques…
Panda Post Box at Ueno Park
Spot this unique post box on your way to Ueno Zoo.
Charming Chahan: Fried Rice with a Side of Fried Rice
Love fried rice? At Charming Chahan, you can order all items on the menu with a side of fried rice—including fried rice!
Inari Kio: A Shrine to the Demon King?
This shrine in Shinjuku has “demon king” on its name plate, but nobody really knows why. What secrets does Inari Kio hold?
Sugatami no Ido: The Life Span-Divining Well of Chomeiji
There’s a spooky water well in Tokyo that can tell you how much longer you have left to live. Would you dare take a look?
Yoshiwara Today: Remnants of Tokyo’s Red-Light District
Behind the fame and allure of Yoshiwara is a tragic past built on the slavery of women. Here’s what it looks like today.
Toyoiwa Inari: A Hidden Gem in Ginza
People come to Ginza for its luxury shops and elegant cafes, but hidden in a small alley is a tiny…
Kadota Inari: A Shrine of Curses?
As a shrine for cutting ties, Kadota Inari is said to be Japan’s scariest; I, however, found it to be among the saddest I’ve ever seen.