Nao-shima is a small island in Shikoku, Japan, that is most easily reached by ferry from Takamatsu, the capital of the region, which is famous for its Udon noodles (rightfully so by the way). Nao-shima was part of a huge re-beautification project where once a sewage treatment plant existed; and extreme poverty for locals now has become a sight of art nouveau. Bathhouses with mammoths inside, decorative pumpkins, old houses converted into artist instillations (I love the building with the Statue of Liberty inside). It is a bit pricey, at almost $200 to see everything, but this garbage dump turned wonderland is a not to be missed. BTW, don’t miss the James Bond museum near the ferry station!