Places Michelle D Wants to Go

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese shrine.

Not quite the menace it once was, this monster still has some chops.

Tokyo’s only Vaudeville-cuckoo clock–steampunk-Victorian curio cabinet time piece.

On Japan's Tashirojima Island, cats are king.

Twin Peaks' real life Double R Diner has been restored to its damn fine television look.

This centuries-old pub boasts a collection of more than 4,500 snippets of neckties from around the world.

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

Have a soak at this retro bathhouse, where you will find Japan's first electric bath, tiling from Spain, and wood carvings representing the Japanese invasion of Manchuria.

The cutest shrine in Kyoto is dedicated to bunnies.

A train ride to the middle of nowhere gives its passengers some of the most iconic views of Japan's seasons.

The tallest city hall in the world offers an excellent bento box.

A few hidden stones are said to bring fortune and love.

A glimpse into life in 1830s Tokyo, back during the heyday of the Tokugawa shogunate.

The final resting place of New Orleans' most famous voodoo priestess.

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

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

This Kyoto Starbucks takes coffee drinkers back in time.

Order a salt beef-loaded beigel at any hour of the day or night at this East End institution.

Known as the "Valley of the Moon," this Jordanian wadi is one of the most amazing desertscapes on Earth.

A more chill but no less fascinating version of the famous ancient archeological site.

An ancient capital city that dates back 3,000 years and harbors many surprises.

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

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