Places jenmcdonald Wants to Go

A flight of this "ghost staircase" has 40 steps on the way up, but only 39 steps on the way down.

This museum showcases the art of ancient sword-making.

This ordinary set of steps is a must-see destination for fans of a certain romantic anime.

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

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

The bartenders at this crime-fighting theme cafe are actual private detectives by day.

Stuck in a bygone era, the oldest subterranean shopping street in Japan hides beneath the popular Asakusa district of Tokyo.

Go through the looking glass in Tokyo's Wonderland-themed shop.

This Buddhist temple is home to the graves of the Japanese national legends, the 47 Ronin.

Transport yourself to the 1980s era of video games at this themed restaurant and bar.

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

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

The legendary birthplace of the Japanese maneki-neko is dotted with hundreds of lucky beckoning cats.

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.”

Visit a family-run restaurant that has been serving the epitome of soul food for more than seven decades.

Located inside a former record pressing plant, this recording studio pays homage to the techniques and gear of a bygone age.

This church houses the “incorrupt” body of its founding Bishop.

When Motown musicians came to Nashville in the 1960s they stayed at this historic record-pressing company because hotels wouldn't host them.

This defunct, fortress-like prison has been the setting for several movies.

Dinosaurs invade a suburban Nashville neighborhood.

At 135 years old and counting, this historic print shop is heaven for poster nerds and music buffs.

One of the oldest family businesses in Reykjavík serves lamb-based hot dogs.

This Viking-inspired miniature golf course features a pirate ship and views of Icelandic landscapes.

This verdant, tree-lined Reykjavik graveyard is both enchanting and eerie.