Places bartholomej Wants to Go

At first glance, this area seems like just another city park, but the lush landscape hides a dark past.

An abandoned 19th-century iron factory perched along the outskirts of an idyllic village.

Too much gossip or just missing curfew could land you in here for a couple of days.

The remains of the iconic train crash from the movie 'The Fugitive' can still be found rusting along the Great Smoky Railroad.

An unlikely hit, this museum is dedicated to the inventor of instant ramen and cup noodles.

This temple is steeped in local folklore involving a teakettle and a raccoon dog.

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

When this massive wooden temple ran out of rope, they made one out of devotees' hair.

The quintessential Japanese rock garden has existed for more than 500 years.

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

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

The demolished ruins of a poorly located Japanese Love Hotel.

A tiny cafe that recreates the Japanese elementary school lunch experience.

The train engine is tucked under an apartment building on a quiet Tokyo street.

A railway station takeout shop sells boxed meals in containers shaped like trains and snowmen that hold the country’s abundant regional delicacies.

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

This subterranean spot might be the epitome of Japan's baroque, retro coffee houses.

A King Kong-like gorilla hangs from the top of this commercial building in Tokyo.

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.”

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

An oddly touching memorial to a little-remembered nuclear tragedy.

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

We heard you like volcanoes so we put a volcano in your volcano so you can die for sure...

Japanese company creates clone dolls that reside in the "uncanny valley."