Places explorationanddecay Wants to Go

Hanging over one of Japan’s “hidden valleys,” these vine bridges must be remade every three years.

Bioluminescent firefly squid light up this Japanese fishing port.

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

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

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

Every autumn, this hillside is ablaze with red summer cypress.

If Hello Kitty were Mickey Mouse, this would be Disneyland.

Tokyo’s only Vaudeville-cuckoo clock–steampunk-Victorian curio cabinet time piece.

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

An exquisite tunnel of cascading flowers.

A magical place that lets you play in and explore the world of Studio Ghibli.

This spectacular public market has got meat, fish, vegetables, baked goods, and enough kielbasa for a lifetime.

World's largest collection of Coke-related items not held by the Coca-Cola company.

A small town museum celebrates the history of the Ohio county that produced Annie Oakley and other famous figures.

Constructed in 1882, this jail once housed local inmates and the sheriff's family all under one roof.

No one messes with the Massachusetts sacred cod, not this time...

A failed piece of Orientalism has become the proud symbol of a community.

This massive roadside mascot was the first version of the giant to illustrate his butt.

The legend of a local monster still haunts this small town.

A local prank turned town icon.

The rooster who crossed the road lives on forever in Takoma Park, Maryland.

Visitors flock to see this church tower's unintended feature: It happens to resemble a giant chicken from multiple points of view.

An immersive environment that is part haunted house, part choose-your-own-adventure, and part jungle gym.

The installation’s official name, “You Who Are Getting Obliterated in the Dancing Swarm of Fireflies,” says it all.