Places Hopla Wants to Go

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

Unchanged for decades, World War II-era bullet holes and nostalgic ghost signs still haunt this desolate train station.

Buddha figures are carved into volcanic rocks on the seashore of Yamagara Prefecture.

Home to thousands of dolls from around the world, including the "blue-eyed dolls" that came to Japan as American ambassadors.

A painting marks the site of a historic skyscraper destroyed by the Great Kantō earthquake.

Rice balls symbolize fate and relationship at this adorable shrine, which was once dedicated to the Buddhist Devil.

A unique art exhibit home to letters addressed to those unable to receive them.

This 24-hour vending machine serves up homemade treats inspired by the local Japanese snow monkeys.

A statue meant to celebrate peace has also been interpreted as a mother taking away her son's internet privileges.

A wooden prison doesn't sound like a good idea, yet this abandoned 1950s detention center still stands today.

A collection of more than 1,000 teddies from nearly any profession.

This amusement park brings a little slice of England to the heart of Kyushu.

This western-themed amusement park is host to a large number of decaying animatronic cowboys.

Giant art made in Japanese rice fields.

An abandoned Art Deco hotel nestled on the side of a wooded mountain.

This Japanese Manneken Pis gets new outfits for every occasion.

This sawtooth mountain range still bears the strangely lovely marks of its history as a medieval quarry.

The world's largest drain sits below the city of Kasukabe, Japan.

The world’s first hotel to be run by robots.

Abandoned Japanese ghost town gives a glimpse into what our own metropolises may leave behind.

Steaming blood-red hot spring from hell.

This historical theme park celebrates all things noodle.

This spa theme park lets its guests take a dip in pools of coffee, wine, or ramen broth.

This retro café is a remnant of Japan’s post-war Argentine tango craze.