Places ersatznaiad Wants to Go

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

A World War II battle site made famous by one man's heroic actions.

The seat of the lost Ryukyu Kingdom has survived numerous fires and wars over the centuries.

A clear blue swimming hole with hidden caves, still unexplored.

One of the world’s most powerful corporations was established on a random Albuquerque street corner.

Albuquerque found the perfect use for tumbleweeds at Christmastime.

This cultural center showcases what may be the oldest ongoing community in all of North America.

A frozen oasis lies beneath the scorching New Mexico desert.

This historic trading post has been serving the community since 1913.

The first of the iconic American roadside attractions lives on as a college mascot.

Eons ago, a rushing lava river formed this pristine passage through solid rock.

John Wayne, Ronald Reagan, and other Hollywood actors have resided in this picturesque Route 66 hotel.

A tribute to the statues of Easter Island along Route 66.

This golf ball–shaped former desert real estate office now houses a UFO museum.

These structures were inspired by both Native American shelters as well as, strangely, an ice cream shop.

This bizarre hotel on historic Route 66 has been plagued by rumors of paranormal activity.

A California city claims to be the home of a fast-food classic.

A bigger-than-life pun that has become a beacon of altruism.

The so-called "Statue of Liberty of Los Angeles" is on a one mutant mission to keep L.A. weird.

A pair of large white marble lions guard this stretch of the Mojave Desert, and it is utterly mysterious how they got there.

A modern temple with an ancient philosophy.

This museum has a most unusual location: inside a giant, three-headed elephant.

This futuristic-looking museum was built for the centennial of Japan's most innovative toilet.

The former site of Fukuoka’s legendary ramen joint works hard to guide customers to the “original” original.