matthewboudier's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
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Kasukabe, Japan

G-Cans: the World's Largest Drain

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

Shimanami Kaido Bikeway

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

Meoto Iwa

This pair of small sea rocks has been "wed" using rope and ancient Shinto tradition.
Hachimantai, Japan

Matsuo Mine

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

Super-Kamiokande

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

Aogashima Volcano

We heard you like volcanoes so we put a volcano in your volcano so you can die for sure...
Tokyo, Japan

Clone Factory

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

Tenshou-Kyousha Shrine Mermaid Mummy

Reportedly 1,400 years old, this may be the first of the Fiji Mermaids.
Iwakuni, Japan

Kintai Bridge

One of Japan's most famous sights, the bridge was originally built in 1673.
Kyoto, Japan

Ryōan-ji

The quintessential Japanese rock garden has existed for more than 500 years.
Hatsukaichi, Japan

Itsukushima Shrine

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

The Vine Bridges of Iya Valley

Hanging over one of Japan's "hidden valleys," these vine bridges must be remade every three years.
Yoro, Japan

Yoro Park

Experience park where visitors are told to expect the unexpected.
Hitachinaka, Japan

Kochia Hill

Every autumn, this hillside is ablaze with red summer cypress.
Nara, Japan

Tōdai-ji Daibutsuden (The Great Buddha Hall)

This massive wooden building contains a giant Buddha, healing pillars, and tame deer wandering the grounds.
Yakushima, Japan

Shiratani Unsuikyo Ravine

The magical, mossy forest that inspired Princess Mononoke.
Ishinomaki, Japan

Cat Island

On Japan's Tashirojima Island, cats are king.
Kyoto, Japan

Sagano Bamboo Forest

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

Wisteria Tunnel

An exquisite tunnel of cascading flowers.
Buxton, England

The Crescent

A historic Georgian building and warm springs.
Derbyshire, England

Blue Lagoon of Buxton

This beautiful "lagoon" is actually a toxic soup filled with cars, carcasses, and trash. When warnings couldn't stop people from going for a dip, the town dyed it black.
Staffordshire, England

Lud's Church

This haunting stone chasm is a hotbed of mossy rock and English legend.
Leek, England

The Queen's Chair

This stone throne invites adventurers to observe breathtaking views of the Peak District.
Cheshire East, England

Hack Green Secret Nuclear Bunker

On a site with a long military history, a 1980s shelter.