Places Sonj Wants to Go

A touching statue dedicated to Japan's first therapy dog.

This museum showcases the art of ancient sword-making.

Inside the columbarium, thousands of colorful, high-tech Buddhas guard the ashes of the dead.

Home to a legend of the supernatural raccoon dog, a rare wooden structure of Edo, and witnesses of the Tokyo bombings.

An eclectic temple with Chinese architecture, Korean lion-dogs, an Indian god and a legendary 700-year-old tree.

Here lies Hattori Hanzō, a samurai who is remembered as a legendary ninja in today’s popular culture.

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

The only Edo-period ferry that is still in operation in Tokyo today.

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

One of the best-preserved remains of "Tokyo's lost rivers."

Since Tokyo's Kiyosu Bridge was inspired by a historic bridge that crossed over the Rhine, this viewing spot is known as a "view of Cologne."

A 17th-century Shinto shrine that is home to statues of Mickey Mouse and Pikachu.

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

A tiny cafe that recreates the Japanese elementary school lunch experience.

The small candy-colored ride is the last rooftop Ferris wheel in Tokyo.

Run a wash cycle while sipping a latte at this community-oriented café.

Sidle into a side alley for a taste of sumo wrestlers' traditional hot-pot soup, in a tiny restaurant founded by a former competitor.

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

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

Transport yourself to the 1980s era of video games at this themed restaurant and bar.

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

If Hello Kitty were Mickey Mouse, this would be Disneyland.

An ordinary pond with fish from out of this world.

A railway station takeout shop sells boxed meals in containers shaped like trains and snowmen that hold the country’s abundant regional delicacies.