Japan Pavilion | Epcot World Showcase

Japan is one of the 11 countries represented in World Showcase within Epcot at Walt Disney World in Florida. Featuring pagodas, taiko drumming, and even a giant koi pond, the Japan Pavilion has some distinct visual highlights that make it one of Epcot's standout locations. 

Getty Center Museum in Los Angeles, California

Opened in 1997, The Getty Center in Los Angeles, California is an impressive campus comprised of the J. Paul Getty Museum, the Getty Research Institute, the Getty Conservation Institute, and the Getty Trust. Better known as simply "the Getty", this world class art museum (also associated with the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades) features pre-20th century European paintings, drawings, and sculptures from the likes of Rembrandt, Claude Monet, and Vincent van Gogh. 

While the artwork, galleries, and vast displays are undeniably captivating, one cannot visit this museum without appreciating the architecture, gardens, and stunning views surrounding the Getty itself. Built on prime real estate in the Santa Monica Mountains overlooking Brentwood, the campus offers vistas that stretch from the ocean to downtown Los Angeles. 

There are also a number of notable architectural vantage points throughout the Getty. The stone, aluminium, glass, and concrete in combination with the well manicured gardens are like a late-nineties interpretation of what a utopian future might look like. Not unlike my repeat visits to LACMA, wandering the Getty was an inspired experience.   

Century City skyline and downtown Los Angeles skyline.