Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

A plaque marks the site directly below the mid-air detonation of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima.

This enormous "shamoji" means more to the people of Miyajima than just a way getting rice onto a plate.

Japanese national treasure originally built in 593 CE.

Devoted Buddhists can earn enlightenment in the next life by crawling through this symbolic nostril.

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

This little replica of Lady Liberty provides a bit of NYC in a Japanese city.

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

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

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

A shrine contains nearly 200 statues of the Buddhist deity Jizo, dressed in bibs by parents who have lost a child.

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

The graffiti-covered remnants of a former triangulation station are balanced precariously on this California peak.

The most beautiful Taco Bell in the world even has surfboard parking.

Abortion, prohibition, religion, war, and fear all play a part in the history of this idiosyncratic Pacifica castle.