Trimmed trees grow alongside the graves like topiary tombstones.

The big toe of this towering monument to a Croatian national hero is worn from years of superstitious rubbing.

This picturesque medieval monastery guards a small trove of historic treasures.

Formerly Yugoslavia's "forbidden island," this sleepy little city still holds the abandoned remains of military strongholds.

Croatia's "hairy stone" fortress is one of the most well preserved Istrian castles.

Longest fortress system anywhere in Europe.

Gargoyle head that brings good luck.

The complex has been abandoned since the Croatian War of Independence, barring a stint as a set for 'Game of Thrones.'

This Croatian fairytale castle is slowly falling apart thanks to years of neglect.

Humble beginnings for one of the world's most famous scientists.

A wonderfully strange collection of 500+ stuffed frogs doing people things.

A musical instrument played by the sea.

An ethereal glowing blue ocean cave in Croatia.

A chain of 16 wondrous lakes formed as a result of the gradual dissolution of soluble layers of bedrock.

One of the tallest statues in the world, and the tallest statue of a goddess in Japan.

Rows of stone statues are dressed up to mourn children that are lost before birth.

This sprawling scenic burial ground is the final resting place of Japan's last shogun.

This traditional Japanese-style house doubles as one of James Turrell's colorful works of art.

A hub of information on tropical diseases and their treatments.

A remote and slightly overgrown park filled with replicas of world landmarks.

More tin toys than you can shake a clapping monkey at.

A statue erected on an infamous cliff where young boys would hold dangerous "pee offs" to prove their mettle.

This giant bronze Buddha, the third largest in Japan, is the last in an ill-fated series of statues.

Founded over a thousand years ago, this shrine is said to be built on the site of a warlord's harem prison.