Places Kan Cho Wants to Go

Established over a thousand years ago, this family-run teahouse continues to serve skewers of sweet rice cake to this day.

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

Crawl through the hole in the middle of this stone to break off a bad relationship or initiate a good one.

The Hanshin Expressway goes right through its 5th, 6th, and 7th floors.

Blowtorches, tuna, and a jolly, chain-smoking proprietor mark this beloved street-food stand.

The 43-mile route crosses through six islands with gorgeous views of the Seto Inland Sea.

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

Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

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

One of Kyoto's oldest food establishments has supplied soba noodles to temple priests and the Imperial Palace.

A plaque marks the site directly below the mid-air detonation of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima.

This Kyoto Starbucks takes coffee drinkers back in time.

One of Japan's most famous sights, the bridge was originally built in 1673.

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

With over 12,000 different species of plants, this botanical garden is Japan's oldest and most diverse.

This subterranean spot might be the epitome of Japan's baroque, retro coffee houses.

A restaurant modeled after feudal Japan, where the waitstaff are trained as ninjas.

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese shrine.

After a profound show of devotion for his master, a dog becomes the symbol of loyalty for an entire nation.

This Japanese national treasure was originally built in 593.

The quintessential Japanese rock garden has existed for more than 500 years.

1,001 carved statues of the Buddhist God of Mercy, each with a unique face.

A 70-foot-deep ice cave formed by lava from Mt. Fuji on the edge of Japan's "Suicide Forest."