Places MikeInSanFrancisco Wants to Go

An enormous pair of straw sandals woven in the traditional way—to keep demons at bay.

This enormous monument is one of the most iconic structures in Tokyo, rudely nicknamed "The Golden Turd."

450 dead and frozen fish, proudly on display in Japan.

A remote and slightly overgrown park filled with replicas of world landmarks.

This bizarre residential building is the masterpiece of Von Jour Caux, the “Gaudí of Japan.”

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.

The third-tallest statue in the world depicts the "Buddha of Infinite Light," complete with observation deck in his chest.

One of the tallest statues in the world, and the tallest statue of a goddess in Japan.

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

This brothel-turned-restaurant features plenty of surprises and elaborate, extravagant architecture.

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

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

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

Giant art made in Japanese rice fields.

This traditional Japanese-style house doubles as one of James Turrell's colorful works of art.

Approximately 300 million years ago, a massive coral reef existed in what is now the largest limestone cave in Japan.

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

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

A 59-ft. robot statue looks over the citizens of earthquake-ravaged Kobe.

A quaint amusement park now sits, rusting and forgotten among the foliage.

This museum showcases the art of ancient sword-making.

Existing for more than four centuries, the last of Hakone’s historic teahouses serves a sweet, mold-based rice drink.

When this clock strikes a certain time, puppets showcase a story of life in Edo Japan.