A restored 1920s cascade stairway provides one of the best views of Oakland's Lake Merritt.

A massive ultra-modern church presents a science-fiction view of Catholicism's inclusive future.

Oakland's beautiful monumental cemetery.

International delicatessen has been owned and operated by the same family for more than 110 years.

This Oakland fairytale kingdom, fiercely devoted to childlike whimsy, was an early inspiration for Disneyland.

Neoclassical Revival mansion and set of horror cult classic Phantasm.

Dive bar built out of the remains of a whaling ship.

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

Once a black market electronics marketplace, now an otaku shopper's paradise.

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

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

Largest graveyard in all of Japan surrounds a famous mausoleum.

The sound of swaying stalks in this stunning grove has been named a governmentally recognized sound.

This incredible stone temple is a monument to death, victory, and fantasy architecture.

This jaw-dropping 19th-century bridge uses its reflection to form what appears to be a perfect circle.

Explore the complex ecology of this multifaceted nature preserve by riverboat.

The "Prussian Versailles" that is as glorious today as when it was built.

This Berlin island is home to a flock of free-roaming peacocks, as well as a historic ivory folly.

Gardens representing parts of Asia, Europe, and the Mid East are tucked away among the Soviet-style buildings in East Berlin.

A 12th-century fortress containing some of Berlin's oldest buildings.

An eerie, derelict amusement park in Berlin.

Started as a kitchen garden, now the second largest botanical garden in the world.

A tree-like building perches on its trunk in the Steglitz neighborhood of Berlin.

Blitzkrieg bop your way through Berlin's Ramones Museum.