Elaborately carved to showcase the glorious wealth that the age of exploration brought to the Portuguese empire.

Portugal's National Pantheon has a history of curses, collapses and financial problems.

The world's oldest bookshop still in operation.

One of Kyoto's oldest food establishments has supplied soba noodles to temple priests and the Imperial Palace.

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese Shrine.

One of the most scenic stretches of road in America winds between some of the country's oldest trees.

This stretch of beach along California's central coast is a busy highway for the largest seal in the northern hemisphere.

This tea house was a hand-built gift from Boulder's sister city in Tajikstan.

The Denver airport is guarded by a 32-foot-tall sculpture of a demonic horse.

On this stunning Scottish island, you can walk in the footsteps of dinosaurs.

Vienna's giant wonder wheel had a starring role in one of the greatest noir movies of all time.

This chapel on a cliff is renowned for its healing powers and was founded on the site of a supposed divine intervention.

This tiny home was originally a narrow alleyway.

This colorful gate stands as an entrance to the walled city of Old San Juan.

This massive wooden building contains a giant Buddha, healing pillars, and tame deer wandering the grounds.

This snack factory boasts several tributes to its popular line of rice crackers, including a quasi-shrine.

Although damaged beyond recognition, this stone god is still said to bring good luck to those who tap on him with a pebble.

This quirky collection of furniture also happens to be a public art installation.

This enormous monument is one of the most iconic structures in Tokyo, rudely nicknamed "The Golden Turd."

An enormous pair of straw sandals woven in the traditional way—to keep demons at bay.

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

Legend says the goddess this shrine honors curses any couples that pass by.

People from around the world visit the shrine of Japan’s legendarily loyal dog.

An ordinary pond with fish from out of this world.