Places Aksel Wants to Go

Inside the columbarium, thousands of colorful, high-tech Buddhas guard the ashes of the dead.

A museum dedicated to the history of Tokyo's often-overlooked working-class district.

This sprawling scenic burial ground is the final resting place of Japan's last shogun.

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

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.”

A Buddhist temple to honor insects that died for science.

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

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

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

The original "capsule building" is a masterpiece of Metabolist architecture.

Cabaret where the show girls are all androids, and the patrons couldn't be more pleased.

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

A temple made famous by Japanese Buddhist monks who sacrificed themselves at sea.

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

Be a ninja - or just act like one.

Japan's first automaton went missing, only to be revived by the Osaka Science Museum.

One of the first hotel rooms in a pod.

One of the world's largest ancient burial mounds.

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

The giant figure on the back of this turtle-shaped temple actually hides a memorial pendulum.

This spiritual landmark for practicers of Shamanism is drenched in milk and vodka and covered in blue scarves.

Fascinating early attempt at a Jewish autonomous settlement.

This massive glowering Lenin head gazes out over eastern Siberia.

A uniquely authentic display of traditional Russian culture.