L. Frank Baum wrote part of the "Wizard of Oz" series in this wooden Victorian beach resort.

Open-air museum with an elaborate sculpture garden, stretching for over 70,000 square-meters.

The largest of the Fuji Five Lakes is home to an impressive swan population—some real, some with paddles, and one with an observation deck.

This picturesque horseshoe weir was first built in the 1600s to prevent flooding in the town of Bath.

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

After a profound show of devotion for his master, a dog becomes the symbol of loyalty for an entire nation.

This little replica of Lady Liberty provides a bit of NYC in a Japanese city.

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

A sweet symbol marks the place where torturous executions were once carried out.

Historic funicular railway, believed to be the shortest railroad in the world.

This iconic L.A. bookshop is housed in an abandoned bank—both symbolic and chic.

Oldest building in California still in use.

Colorado Boulevard’s historic bookstore, operating since the bustling city of Pasadena was merely some orange groves and a few ostrich farms.

This strange seaside tower got its name from a wealthy eccentric who would hide coins among its stones.

Megachurch turned Catholic church comprised of 10,000 glass panes.