This mysterious medieval grotto holds a grid of sacred wells of unknown purpose.

An ingenious solution to a tricky engineering problem, this spiraling bridge takes drivers for a dizzying spin.

A majestic lion statue guards this Parisian botanical garden, and feeds on an unsettling item.

The very center of Paris is surrounded by a bevy of strange good luck rituals.

This iconic Parisian bookstore doubles as the "Tumbleweed Hotel" for traveling writers.

Notorious artist squat renovated into legal studios.

France's most famous cemetery, with some of its most curious tombs.

The vast, legendary catacombs hold secrets much stranger than stacked bones.

This adorable birdlike police box is designed based on a play on words.

A railway station takeout shop sells boxed meals in containers shaped like trains and snowmen that hold the country’s abundant regional delicacies.

Oddly touching memorial to a little-remembered nuclear tragedy.

This little replica of Lady Liberty provides a bit of NYC in a Japanese city.

Cherry blossom season comes early in this Japanese town where pink flowers line the streets and riverbanks.

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.”

Legend holds eating just one of these black eggs can add seven years to one's life.

Meet the world's longest tapeworm in a collection that really gets under your skin.

A bronze statue dating back as far as 1252, still has remnants of gold on its right cheek from ancient gilding.

An ordinary pond with fish from out of this world.

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

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

This historical theme park celebrates all things noodle.

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

This Buddhist temple is home to the graves of the Japanese national legends, the 47 Ronin.

This spa theme park lets its guests take a dip in pools of coffee, wine, or ramen broth.