Nestled among the bamboos in a temple complex, this art installation serves as a unique memorial to insects.

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

Rumored to be a giant robot in disguise, this colossal chef has been the beloved symbol of Tokyo’s kitchenware district for decades.

An enormous pair of straw sandals woven in the traditional way—to keep demons at bay.

Watch out for the two-story Godzilla made out of tires.

This enormous "shamoji" means more to the people of Miyajima than just a way getting rice onto a plate.

This kitsch-forward diner is dedicated to an almost-forgotten “one-cent” prototype of okonomiyaki.

This brothel-turned-restaurant features plenty of surprises and elaborate, extravagant architecture.

Surreal giant face-pillars welcome visitors from across the globe to this hotel.

Perhaps the world's cheapest vending machines.

A museum housed in a stunning Rockefeller-funded medical institute building from the 1930s.

Various sculptures are a rotating exhibit in this small town.

He’s not from around here.

An architectural marvel that combines Gothic architecture with Indian elements.

A huge railroad museum with over 100 pieces of rolling stock focusing on the railroad history of Pennsylvania.

Byzantine emperors ruled, lived, and died in this 13th-century palace-turned-museum.

The life of one of America's pre-eminent painters is frozen in time in the home where he lived, worked, and died.

Intricate, eye-catching, award-winning rubber sculptures liven up this Pennsylvania town.

An aromatic exploration of the rich history and flavors of this German town's famous gingerbread.

Open since 1690, this former teahouse makes “strength mochi” based on the centuries-old recipe.

The greatest collection of New Orleans masking and processional traditions covering everything from Baby Dolls to Skull and Bone gangs.

This float factory takes the mask off of Mardi Gras and lets visitors see where the magic happens.

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

Taiwan’s iconic dish is in peak form here.