The groundbreaking Japanese shrine maiden who invented the art of kabuki.

This infamous execution site inspired the beginning of Japan's modernization in the late 18th-century.

1,001 carved statues of the Buddhist God of Mercy, each with a unique face.

Twelve hundred stone carvings guard this off-the-beaten-path Buddhist temple.

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

The legendary birthplace of the Japanese maneki-neko is dotted with hundreds of lucky beckoning cats.

These Japanese gardens are blankets of light for dark winter nights.

Twin Peaks' real life Double R Diner has been restored to its damn fine television look.

This historic building provides a powerful glimpse into the lives of Japanese Americans forced to relocate during World War II.

Make your reservation to have coffee with some kitties.

At this Denver landmark, the meals are compulsory, the sopapillas are complimentary, and the insanity is everywhere.

The restaurant keeps a hidden séance room on the second floor and reserves a table for the spirit of the former owner each night.

This 700-year-old street food market features baby octopus and soy donuts.

A Catholicism-themed restaurant where sacrilege is on the menu.

A restaurant modeled after feudal Japan, where the waitstaff are trained as ninjas.

Though tiki culture has gone in and out of fashion, the Tonga Hut has always been flying the flag in Los Angeles.

Make your own fake treats at this factory and workshop in the epicenter of Japan's food replica industry.

The bartenders at this crime-fighting theme cafe are actual private detectives by day.

The oldest apple tree in the Pacific Northwest.

Continental Europe's only museum devoted to salt and pepper shakers features more than 20,000 designs.

This collection of 80 polarizing foods aims to challenge your subjective notions of repulsion.

Transport yourself to the 1980s era of video games at this themed restaurant and bar.

Barbies stare from the walls, sit on the tables, and even pop out of cakes at this quirky cafe.

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.”