A massive wintry wall of snow up to 66 feet tall flanks a highway through Japan's mountains.

A moss-covered statue of a Japanese Buddhist deity stands at a quiet temple in downtown Osaka.

Weighing nearly 7 tons, this massive sculpture was carved out of 500-year-old wood and decorated with thousands of jewels.

The divine septet of Japanese fortune gods are rendered in 1,000 year old wood at this peaceful site.

Unusual hexagonal rocks formed by cooling lava named for their resemblance to traditional Japanese tatami mats.

Chronicling the history of Thailand’s unique currencies, from the silver “bullet money” to porcelain gambling tokens of various shapes.

One of Ayutthaya’s most iconic locations is a mysterious, hauntingly surreal miracle.

An enormous Buddha peers through a gap in its ruined chamber.

A Buddhist shrine in a cave protected by macaques next to dark passages lined with creepy paintings.

Where an entire elephant skeleton, a snakeskin table runner, and thousands of animal remains become art.

A modern temple with an ancient philosophy.

The long underground cave's curiously shaped stalagmites have inspired many legends.

Modern design and unusual architecture make this mountaintop temple no ordinary Buddhist retreat.

Vintage furniture and art share space with all manner of collectibles at this quirky shop in Bangkok.

At a Bangkok bistro, one pot of beef stew has been cooking non-stop for more than 45 years.

Walk through depictions of the torture inflicted on those who go to Buddhist hell.

An enormous dragon scales the walls of this 17-story temple.

At the right time of day, sunlight floods through the roof of this cave and illuminates the small pavilion hidden within.

A white Buddhist temple with a golden restroom.

Over 40 species of fern cover the canyon walls of this lush green bowl, cut off from the bustle of the world by a cave entrance.

This retro underwater observation tower would make the perfect lair for a sea-loving villain.

Though it won't take you far, the wood train housed at this station is the last of its kind in Japan.

A gorgeous medieval library where the books are kept in chains.

A spiritual sanctuary in a natural cave.