Places anselmederos Wants to Go

Shrine to Japanese water-goblins, complete with their preserved body parts.

Exploring crime and punishment in feudal and pre-modern Japan.

Outside of where Tsukiji Market once stood, these memorials honor the spirits of the fallen fish, shrimp, and eggs used for nigiri.

This western-themed amusement park is host to a large number of decaying animatronic cowboys.

The headquarters of a secretive order is also a beautifully-designed park.

A kitsch shrine dedicated to the ogre-slaying folktale hero born from a peach.

A whimsical museum dedicated to the mischievous kappa, a mythical cucumber-loving water sprite.

Naturally carbonated water fills the mineral baths at this 19th-century California resort.

The haunting cadaver tomb of a famous French poet, playwright, and filmmaker.

Anne Rice, one of the most influential writers in gothic literature, is buried alongside her husband in a New Orleans cemetery.

Discover for yourself what Herb Caen referred to as "the best kept secret in the Bay Area."

Hidden among the multi-million dollar mansions in the Santa Cruz hills is a sanctuary for troubled birds.

The unbelievably opulent home built for an infamous newspaperman.

Every year, over 25,000 monarchs overwinter in Pacific Grove.

At this California chicken ranch, four bucks will get you 18 eggs and a chorus of dancing animatronic poultry.

Visitors to this temple are greeted by a massive collection of wooden dolls said to bring good fortune.

Blowtorches, tuna, and a jolly, chain-smoking proprietor mark this beloved street-food stand.

This brothel-turned-restaurant features plenty of surprises and elaborate, extravagant architecture.

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

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

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese shrine.

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

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

Established over a thousand years ago, this family-run teahouse continues to serve skewers of sweet rice cake to this day.