A tree grown from astronaut seeds which were exposed to cosmic rays.

The stately birthplace of California's statehood.

The oldest U.S. Government building in California, and it's State Historic Landmark #1.

This eagle-topped spire remembers the military commander who snatched up California for the United States.

One of the most elaborate displays of Jellyfish is on display at the aquarium.

For centuries, this gold mine was the powerhouse behind the Tokugawa Shogunate.

These unconventional "tub boats" let locals row around the island's turbulent coast.

This giant statue pays homage to this temple's furry residents who keep the landscape pristine.

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

The tallest bronze seated statue of the Buddha in Japan.

A train station decorated by a giant replica of an ancient Shakōki-dogū figurine.

The largest of the Fuji Five Lakes is home to an impressive swan population—some real, some with paddles, and one with an observation deck.

Although it has never been a secret ninja base, this shrine still has plenty of tricks up its sleeve.

See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.

Is this cat asleep or just pretending?

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

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

This temple is steeped in local folklore involving a teakettle and a raccoon dog.

This little known mountain has claimed four times as many lives as Everest.

This giant bronze Buddha, the third largest in Japan, is the last in an ill-fated series of statues.

Devoted Buddhists can earn enlightenment in the next life by crawling through this symbolic nostril.

One of the world's largest tanks mimics the experience of watching rare whale sharks, giant rays, and deep sea creatures from the ocean floor.

Elaborate series of tunnels where traces of mass suicide are still visible.

Each year this Japanese temple overflows with scowling, bearded good luck talismans.