Places christiesmiles Wants to Go

This massive subterranean fissure is known as the "underground Grand Canyon."

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

A collection of the specialized tools used to construct Japan’s beautiful architecture.

Home to the world's oldest wooden building.

One of the world's largest ancient burial mounds.

Children's literature inside, forest all around.

Rusted cars, trucks, and buses form a fascinating collection of Soviet-era machinery.

Once the main gateway to Tokyo, sneaking through this checkpoint was a capital offense in feudal times.

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

The oldest hotel in the world has been operated by the same family for over 1,300 years, even catering to samurai.

Roots and stumps that lay inundated for two millennia are on display in Japan's city of three mysteries.

Bioluminescent firefly squid light up this Japanese fishing port.

A Catholicism-themed restaurant where sacrilege is on the menu.

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

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

A cheeky architectural easter egg.

Unlikely place for krautrock legends to hang out.

The Japanese mayo factory famous for its cute mascot.

A museum dedicated to the least secret spy is actually an attempt to get Hollywood's attention.

After a short 5 year run, this former major theme park sits in ruin.

A derelict New Zealand-themed amusement park in Japan.

An abandoned giant glass dome sits in the bay in “the Venice of the East.”

A failed Russian themed village and amusement park in Niigata prefecture.

Haunted house kitsch meets Japanese folklore at this theme bar where patrons can “die” and have their own mock funeral.