The legendary birthplace of the Japanese maneki-neko is dotted with hundreds of lucky beckoning cats.

A magical place that lets you play in and explore the world of Studio Ghibli.

The small peaceful island off the Venice tourist circuit is where the city began more than 1,500 years ago.

This palatial spiral staircase was so unusual the name "snail" was given to the noble family who built it.

This community on a small Venetian island has taken to painting their houses in bright neon hues.

One man's quest to fix his toilet unearthed over 5,000 artifacts spanning more than 2,000 years of history.

A long-buried ancient ruin unearthed right in the middle of the city.

A trail of iron footwear stands as a monument to the thousands executed along this riverbank during WWII.

This sculpture by artist Fritz Keonig survived the 9/11 attacks and now stands as a monument to the victims.

This mosaic dedicated to John Lennon was tended for years by a Beatles super-fan.

An "inside out" building in the historical center of Paris, featuring Europe’s largest modern art museum.

A rare pod of derelict midcentury Futuro and Venturo houses lines a semi-abandoned beachfront resort outside Taipei.

This dramatic landscape hidden on the Isle of Skye looks as though you've stepped into the magical realm.

The convergence of two currents makes this a surprisingly pleasant getaway in the Arctic Circle.

Gladiators once walked this ancient, subterranean passage.

The oldest cemetery of modern-day Athens blends the modern and ancient worlds.

World's strongest whirlpool.

According to the locals, the sands of this secluded Norway beach are infused with gemstone particles.

The giant club-wielding wildman stands proud as the symbol of Swedish Lapland.

An ancient Viking runestone hidden in plain view in Stockholm's old town.

Several cannonballs of mysterious origins decorate two buildings in Stortoget's main square.

It is said that each of the white stones in the red facade of this medieval house represents the head of a murdered Swedish noble.

One of the world's first dedicated bank buildings in the world is now the oldest one.

Stockholm's narrowest alley is barely over two feet wide.