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

A shrine dedicated to a 10th-century samurai emperor, whose head is not buried on site (contrary to popular belief).

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

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

Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

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

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

This Japanese national treasure was originally built in 593.

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

A shrine contains nearly 200 statues of the Buddhist deity Jizo, dressed in bibs by parents who have lost a child.

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese shrine.

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

The sound of swaying stalks in this stunning grove has been named a governmentally recognized sound.

This 700-year-old street food market features baby octopus and soy donuts.

One of Savannah's oldest and most haunted cemeteries, featuring graves desecrated by Sherman's Union Army.

This kitschy tavern is also home to rare early editions of "Treasure Island."

For decades, Puerta del Sol has been illuminated by a giant, guitar-wielding bottle of sherry.

Whitewashed mosque contains the world's largest carpet.

A unique configuration of blown glass can be found inside this hotel lobby.

On any given day this sprawling market houses literally tons of government-regulated gold, gems, and precious metals.

A preposterously luxurious hotel with gold-plated iPads, Rolls Royce chauffeurs, and a staff that trains by watching "Downton Abbey."

The first memorial dedicated solely to the Black troops who fought for the Union.

Perhaps the most scandalous statue of America's first president.

This too-low North Carolina railroad trestle is still a notorious big rig executioner.