The hike through a narrow river flanked by the 2,000-foot-tall walls of Zion Canyon is one of the best in the world.

Settled by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1859, this abandoned frontier town has appeared in several films.

Giant, natural amphitheaters made of delicate geological formations called "hoodoos."

The colonial city's social history is reflected in its fanciful door knockers.

One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world hides a neo-Gothic interior behind an art nouveau facade.

Single runway interrupted by a busy road that cuts across its middle.

One of the world's largest tanks mimics the experience of watching rare whale sharks, giant rays, and deep sea creatures from the ocean floor.

The seat of the lost Ryukyu Kingdom has survived numerous fires and wars over the centuries.

Every spring, this walkway outside the Japan Mint turns into a cherry blossom tunnel.

The sound of swaying stalks in this stunning grove has been named a governmentally recognized sound.

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese shrine.

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

This 14th-century temple is also known as the "Temple of the Golden Pavilion" for its gorgeous gilded reliquary hall.

Once the most densely populated place in the world, this island is now a ghost town.

A rare festival blending religion, blacksmiths, vagina dentata, sex workers, and the straight-up facts of life.

A magical place that lets you play in and explore the world of Studio Ghibli.

Once a black market electronics marketplace, now an otaku shopper's paradise.

Serving you alcohol with a side of insanity. Also, costumes!

Rows of stone statues are dressed up to mourn children that are lost before birth.

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

In all of the 29 years it was in operation, no prisoners ever escaped successfully... or so they claim.

The enigmatic skull gazes out over the ruins of a once-great Mayan city.

Three small rooms in the jungle house the most elaborate and intact murals of the Mayan world.

The ruins of an ancient Mayan city, beautifully preserved and only accessible by boat.