Unique Places

Turtleback Mountain is a great place to hike and bird watch. The South trail is pedestrian-only. Take the hike up from here to Ship's Peak for a great view -- and great views on the way as well. Be prepared to stop and enjoy.

This charming dwelling is, perhaps, more like Rivendell than the Shire, but it was formerly called "The Hobbit House" and has many features a halfling (or even a full-size-ling) might love. The location here is approximate to avoid gawkers.

Oscar the Bird King is a whimsical wood troll sculpture by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. He stands near the Point Robinson Lighthouse on Vashon Island.

Mount Constitution is in Moran State Park. There's a hiking trail up the mountain, but there's also a road. At the top you'll find a stone tower which offers stunning views -- particularly at sunset, though the park closes at dusk.

This hobbit-y or gnomish? dwelling is in Eastsound, WA.

Of the Washington State Hobbit Houses listed in this post, this is the winner for most-Hobbitish. Nestled in the hillsides of Orondo, WA, overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, it’s extremely private and has all the right features for living as a Hobbit…
We wrote more about it in this post and this post.

This is a manga and anime store in Kyoto.

This is one of two Studio Ghibli shops in Kyoto. If you love Miyazaki movies you'll want to visit.

One of two Studio Ghibli shops in Kyoto. If you're a Miyazaki fan, you'll want to visit.

The Pokemon Center in Kyoto had a different feel to it than the Tokyo one with its display of colorful Pokemon kimonos that were on display at the time.