Places MeanderingMind Wants to Go

"Singing sands" and the world's largest hourglass reside near Japan's Kotogahama beach.

Japan's largest collection of Western-style mansions in the port city of Kobe includes a recreation of Sherlock Holmes' 221B Baker Street quarters.

A cool dive bar, off the beaten track.

This historic hydroelectric power plant in Japan has been preserved and is open to the public.

This adorable birdlike police box is designed based on a play on words.

An eerie maze of industrial factories looks like something out of a dystopian sci-fi.

This giant bronze Buddha, the third largest in Japan, is the last in an ill-fated series of statues.

A statue erected on an infamous cliff where young boys would hold dangerous "pee offs" to prove their mettle.

An anthropological theme park that depicts the cultures of around 20 different countries.

A sculpture that resurrected the only tree standing following the devastating 2011 tsunami.

This high-design church is made up of two dizzying spirals meant to evoke the weaving together of marriage.

Elaborate series of tunnels where traces of mass suicide are still visible.

A King Kong-like gorilla hangs from the top of this commercial building in Tokyo.

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

This retro underwater observation tower would make the perfect lair for a sea-loving villain.

The largest volcanic caldera in Japan holds an entire city in its maw.

Japan's largest area of "pink moss" turns the hillside bright pink every spring.

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.”

This ancient temple is set up to take you on a pilgrimage of self.

One of the first hotel rooms in a pod.

A Japanese corporation has turned this small island town into living modern art gallery.

Japanese company creates clone dolls that reside in the "uncanny valley."

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

This mesmerizingly colorful pond looks like a scene straight out of a fairytale.