Places urathore12 Wants to Go

Children's literature inside, forest all around.

Giant animal sculptures are created with the rice straw leftover from the fall harvest each year.

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

The largest volcanic caldera in Japan holds an entire city in its maw.

Thirty architectural gems from the 19th- and early 20th-century Tokyo were restored and relocated to this space.

High in the mountains of Kochi Prefecture, a magnificent library designed by a world-famous architect.

This retro underwater observation tower would make the perfect lair for a sea-loving villain.

Once the main gateway to Tokyo, sneaking through this checkpoint was a capital offense in feudal times.

This active volcano's siren song to suicide jumpers forced authorities to build a fence.

The tallest bronze seated statue of the Buddha in Japan.

The Hanshin Expressway goes right through its 5th, 6th, and 7th floors.

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

The 43-mile route crosses through six islands with gorgeous views of the Seto Inland Sea.

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

Abandoned Japanese ghost town gives a glimpse into what our own metropolises may leave behind.

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

The freshest fish here are the ones you catch yourself.

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese shrine.

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

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

This Japanese national treasure was originally built in 593.

1,001 carved statues of the Buddhist God of Mercy, each with a unique face.

A 20-meter (65-foot) robot towers over Tokyo Bay.

A statue erected on an infamous cliff where young boys would hold dangerous "pee offs" to prove their mettle.