Giant sand sculptures of famous people and places are on display near the Tottori sand dunes.

This retro underwater observation tower would make the perfect lair for a sea-loving villain.

Coast along one of Japan’s mountain railways for coveted views of magnificent hydrangeas.

The tallest bronze seated statue of the Buddha in Japan.

A real-life replica of a home from Hayao Miyazaki's beloved movie "My Neighbor Totoro."

A disconnected rotary phone for "calling" lost loved ones offered a unique way of dealing with grief in disaster-stricken Japan.

Unusual hexagonal rocks formed by cooling lava named for their resemblance to traditional Japanese tatami mats.

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

A steaming, boiling hellscape sources Hokkaido's thermal baths.

A Japanese corporation has turned this small island town into living modern art gallery.

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

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

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

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

Once the most densely populated place in the world, this island is now a ghost town.

Abstract marble carving for an 8.5-pound rock.

Monument to the cotton-destroying boll weevil.

This 12-foot-tall T-rex is the largest K’Nex skeleton sculpture in the world.

An autonomous oak in Alabama.

Come for the boats, stay to explore the intriguing assortment of art.

What better place to take a seat?

Alabama has a fiberglass Stonehenge. With apologies to Spinal Tap, this one is full-size.