carolinekharvey's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Kyoto, Japan

Rokuon-ji Temple

This 14th-century temple is also known as the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion" for its gorgeous gilded reliquary hall.
Kyoto, Japan

Kiyomizu-Dera Temple

A shrine contains nearly 200 statues of the Buddhist deity Jizo, dressed in bibs by parents who have lost a child.
Kyoto, Japan

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

The 10,000 Torii shrine.
Hatsukaichi, Japan

Itsukushima Shrine

Japanese national treasure originally built in 593 CE.
Osaka, Japan

Tavern Pachimon Wars

This bar is filled with Star Wars merchandise from around the world, all of it unlicensed knockoffs.
Hiroshima, Japan

Human Shadow Etched in Stone

An eerie reminder to the horrors of World War II.
Hiroshima, Japan

Hiroshima Peace Memorial

Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Tokyo, Japan

The Asahi Flame

This enormous monument is one of the most iconic structures in Tokyo, rudely nicknamed "The Golden Turd."
Tokyo, Japan

Owaraji (Giant Straw Sandals)

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

Akihabara Electric Town

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

Matsushima Bay

These tiny pine-covered islands have inspired art and poetry for centuries.
Yamagata, Japan

Yamadera Temple Complex

The Buddhist temples of Yamadera, built into a mountain side, feature a viewing deck with sweeping views.
Des Moines, Iowa

Robert D. Ray Asian Garden

Dedicated to the humanitarian efforts of the state's former governor.
Des Moines, Iowa

West End Architectural Salvage

Piled high inside this warehouse and coffee shop are salvaged goods that span every corner of the globe.
West Des Moines, Iowa

Huston Cemetery

A small burial plot formerly stranded in the middle of a road.
Adair, Iowa

Site of the First Train Robbery in the West

Lured here by the promise of tens of thousands in gold, Jesse James started a quintessentially American trend of robbing trains in-motion.
Winterset, Iowa

John Wayne's Birthplace

This simple home was the beginning of a long journey for the iconic Western film star.
Philipsburg, Sint Maarten

Yoda Guy Movie Exhibit

An unexpected must-see for fans of Star Wars who find themselves on the beautiful island of Sint Maarten.
Chichen Itza, Mexico

Pyramid of Kukulcan at Chich'en Itza

Every equinox this Maya pyramid puts on a spooky ancient light show.
Vatican City

Vatican City Walls

Historic fortifications form the boundary of Vatican City, but it’s not entirely surrounded by walls.
Vatican City

Gallery of Maps - Galleria delle Carte Geografiche

Breathtaking and huge 430 year old maps of Italy.
New Orleans, Louisiana

National World War II Museum

Formerly known as National D-Day Museum, this collection commemorates the battles of Normandy and WWII.
Paris, France

Paris Padlocks of Love

The celebrated eyesore created by starry-eyed sweethearts.
Paris, France

Pont de la Concorde

This bridge was constructed from the rubble of the infamous Bastille.