Places zentropy Wants to Go

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese shrine.

Japanese island famous for poison gas and fluffy bunnies.

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

After a profound show of devotion for his master, a dog becomes the symbol of loyalty for an entire nation.

This Japanese national treasure was originally built in 593.

This mesmerizingly colorful pond looks like a scene straight out of a fairytale.

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

This historical theme park celebrates all things noodle.

Hanging over one of Japan’s “hidden valleys,” these vine bridges must be remade every three years.

Twelve hundred stone carvings guard this off-the-beaten-path Buddhist temple.

The oldest hotel in the world has been operated by the same family for over 1,300 years, even catering to samurai.

This neighborhood thoroughfare is haunted by dozens of homemade monsters.

This massive wooden building contains a giant Buddha, healing pillars, and tame deer wandering the grounds.

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

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

Colloquially known as “piss alley,” this narrow street filled with tiny bars and barbecue stands looks like it was pulled straight out of “Blade Runner.”

This 700-year-old street food market features baby octopus and soy donuts.

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

An exquisite tunnel of cascading flowers.

On Japan's Tashirojima Island, cats are king.

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

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

A taste of the macabre Tokyo's ritzy shopping district.

Hot springs monkey spa in the middle of Hell's Valley.