ahmedb's User Profile - Atlas Obscura
Solvang, California

Rundetaarn Replica

In the "Danish Capital of America," a replica of one of Copenhagen's most iconic buildings.
Washington, D.C.

Starship Enterprise NCC-1701

The actual model from the original "Star Trek" series is now on display at the National Air and Space Museum.
Raleigh, North Carolina

The Daily Planet Theater

This hollow steel globe is the second-largest in the world.
Kyoto, Japan

Sagano Bamboo Forest

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

Balboa Park Botanical Building and Lily Pond

Built for an exposition in 1915, these horticultural displays have stood the test of time.
San Diego, California

San Diego Police Department Jail Cells and Police Exhibit

At this local mall, visitors are ushered through a 1940s jail exhibit.
Tokyo, Japan

Origin of Ginza Monument

This monument celebrates this shopping district's past history as a feudal silver mint.
Morro Bay, California

Morro Rock

A massive volcanic plug is now a protected area that hosts a number of bird species.
San Luis Obispo, California

Madonna Inn

A hotel and restaurant serving as the mecca of kitsch.
Sponsored by Visit California
Los Angeles, California

Millennium Biltmore Hotel

This opulent hotel has been visited by Spider-Man, Charlie's Angels, and the Ghostbusters.
Kamakura, Japan

The Great Buddha of Kamakura

A bronze statue dating back as far as 1252, still has remnants of gold on its right cheek from ancient gilding.
Kyoto, Japan

Rokuon-ji Temple

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

Bunnyhenge

Fourteen curious and controversial white bunnies sit in a circle near Newport Beach City Hall.
Tokyo, Japan

Nihonbashi Kirin Statues

Mythical beasts symbolizing the city of Tokyo guard a historic bridge.
Tokyo, Japan

Ekibenya Matsuri

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

Shiotama

Steampunk, humanoid sculptures crawl on all fours in a Tokyo plaza.
Tokyo, Japan

Shimbashi Station SL Square

The decommissioned steam engine’s whistle can still be heard three times a day at one of Japan’s oldest train stations.
Tokyo, Japan

Benten-dō Temple

A Buddhist temple on an artificial island that houses a monument to the fugu fish.
Tokyo, Japan

Kojo

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

Godzilla Head

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

Omoide Yokocho

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.”
Kyoto, Japan

Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine

The 10,000 Torii shrine.
Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto Botanical Garden

With over 12,000 different species of plants, this botanical garden is Japan's oldest and most diverse.
Kyoto, Japan

Nishiki Market

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