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

The world's largest drain sits below the city of Kasukabe, Japan.

A real-life replica of a home from Hayao Miyazaki's beloved movie "My Neighbor Totoro."

A rare festival blending religion, blacksmiths, vagina dentata, sex workers, and the straight-up facts of life.

Unusual hexagonal rocks formed by cooling lava named for their resemblance to traditional Japanese tatami mats.

A steaming, boiling hellscape sources Hokkaido's thermal baths.

A Japanese cat island also populated by the descendants of a band of banished samurai.

Enormous underground chamber built to detect 'ghost particles' of the universe.

This ancient temple is set up to take you on a pilgrimage of self.

Shells collected from over a hundred different countries line the walls, floors and ceilings of this fantasy museum.

Transport yourself to the 1980s era of video games at this themed restaurant and bar.

The 43-mile route crosses through six islands with gorgeous views of the Seto Inland Sea.

The world’s first hotel to be run by robots.

Colloquially known as “piss alley,” this narrow street filled with tiny bars and barbecue stands looks like it was pulled straight out of “Blade Runner.”

Abandoned Japanese ghost town gives a glimpse into what our own metropolises may leave behind.

With over 12,000 different species of plants, this botanical garden is Japan's oldest and most diverse.

This pond is so stunning it looks like you've stepped into one of Monet's masterpieces.

This isolated Japanese mountain village untouched by time showcases unique and stunning traditional architecture.

Museum showcases Japanese sexuality and some amazing ocean views.

Starship-temple contains 400 tons of drinking water and offers free Japanese lessons.

The bartenders at this crime-fighting theme cafe are actual private detectives by day.

A plaque marks the site directly below the mid-air detonation of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima.

Japanese company creates clone dolls that reside in the "uncanny valley."

Steaming blood-red hot spring from hell.