More than 300 years old, Kyoto's historic "teahouse" still operates as an invitation-only geisha club.

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

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

Once a black market electronics marketplace, now an otaku shopper's paradise.

Tragic reminders of the 1945 firebombing campaign over Tokyo still haunt this bridge.

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.”

Not quite the menace it once was, this monster still has some chops.

The tallest city hall in the world offers an excellent bento box.

An enormous pair of straw sandals woven in the traditional way—to keep demons at bay.

This enormous monument is one of the most iconic structures in Tokyo, rudely nicknamed "The Golden Turd."

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

In the "Danish Capital of America," a replica of one of Copenhagen's most iconic buildings.

Thousands of migrating monarchs overwinter clustered amongst the eucalyptus trees.

A simple plaque remembers a California island massacre that claimed more than 100 lives.

California's own majestic geyser is powered by a subterranean volcano.

California's longest-running tourist attraction is a stump.

The first safe in this California town had to hold all the gold.

The oldest U.S. Government building in California, and it's State Historic Landmark #1.

A hotel and restaurant serving as the mecca of kitsch.

Eclectic collection of dark and macabre antiques.

A cozy bookstore is tucked within an old gold mine shaft beneath the cafe and ice cream shop.

The Laureates here get something even more coveted than a Nobel Prize: free parking for life.

Where the alchemists dream of transmuting base metal into gold was actually achieved.

This subtle Berkeley paving stone actually marks off a lawless tube of air that extends into space.