Places BM Wants to Go

This museum is dedicated to the cultural history of tobacco and salt, once monopolized in Japan.

Ever needed a chocolate-filled crepe in the wee hours of the morning?

Existing for more than four centuries, the last of Hakone’s historic teahouses serves a sweet, mold-based rice drink.

The largest of the Fuji Five Lakes is home to an impressive swan population—some real, some with paddles, and one with an observation deck.

This town near Nagasaki is flecked with fruit-flavored bus stops.

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

The tallest bronze seated statue of the Buddha in Japan.

This museum showcases the art of ancient sword-making.

Weighing nearly 7 tons, this massive sculpture was carved out of 500-year-old wood and decorated with thousands of jewels.

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

The world’s first hotel to be run by robots.

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

Shells collected from over a hundred different countries line the walls, floors and ceilings of this fantasy museum.

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

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

Legend holds eating just one of these black eggs can add seven years to one's life.

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

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

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

Dedicated to the armor and weapons used by the legendary Japanese warriors.

Meet the world's longest tapeworm in a collection that really gets under your skin.

This Kyoto Starbucks takes coffee drinkers back in time.

A train ride to the middle of nowhere gives its passengers some of the most iconic views of Japan's seasons.

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.