Kōkoku-ji Temple in Tokyo is not your average Buddhist temple. Tucked away in Shinjuku, it boasts a high-tech columbarium filled with colorful, digitized Buddhas guarding the ashes of the deceased. Visitors can use a smart card to activate the crystal Buddhas and pay their respects. Plus, the temple is home to two ancient ginkgo trees that have weathered centuries of history. It's a unique blend of tradition and technology that offers a fascinating glimpse into Japanese funeral practices.

A huge miss indeed - Kōkoku-ji Temple in Tokyo was on our list for a reason. This isn't your run-of-the-mill Buddhist temple; it's a tech-savvy marvel hiding in plain sight in Shinjuku. Here, the columbarium isn't just a place for ashes but a spectacle of light where digitized Buddhas in vibrant colors stand guard. You swipe a smart card, and these crystal Buddhas light up - it's like paying respects in a sci-fi movie.