Places meredithp Wants to Go

A semi-abandoned replica of Prince Edward Island's Avonlea—in Japan.

A sobering scientific reminder of the human damage caused by the advent of the nuclear age.

The world's shortest escalator doesn't seem to have any reason to exist other than to hold a world record.

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

People from around the world visit the shrine of Japan’s legendarily loyal dog.

The ruin of a Japanese love hotel almost completely overgrown with brambles.

A museum dedicated to the history of Tokyo's often-overlooked working-class district.

This town near Nagasaki is flecked with fruit-flavored bus stops.

A massive wintry wall of snow up to 66 feet tall flanks a highway through Japan's mountains.

The ruins of Japan’s premier water brothel.

Children's literature inside, forest all around.

The only thing sweeter than the potatoes is the canine proprietor of this roadside stall.

Giant sand sculptures of famous people and places are on display near the Tottori sand dunes.

White beach sands made of the remains of tiny, star shaped creatures.

A tiny collection of traditional Japanese woodblock prints, open only when the owner feels like it.

An unlikely hit, this museum is dedicated to the inventor of instant ramen and cup noodles.

Coast along one of Japan’s mountain railways for coveted views of magnificent hydrangeas.

A disconnected rotary phone for "calling" lost loved ones offered a unique way of dealing with grief in disaster-stricken Japan.

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

A Japanese cat island also populated by the descendants of a band of banished samurai.

Shells collected from over a hundred different countries line the walls, floors and ceilings of this fantasy museum.

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

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

Open-air museum with an elaborate sculpture garden, stretching for over 70,000 square-meters.