The iconic castle that withstood a magnitude 6.2 earthquake has become a symbol of resilience.

The largest volcanic caldera in Japan holds an entire city in its maw.

The giant figure on the back of this turtle-shaped temple actually hides a memorial pendulum.

It is rumored that if you spot this little golden frog hiding in plain sight, good luck will come your way.

Visiting this grotto is symbolic of a spiritual journey into Nirvana.

The site where the Emperor of Korea performed the long-forbidden "rite of heaven" to demonstrate his absolute sovereignty.

This school was constructed in memory of Korean Confucian scholar Yi Hwang.

An early Korean refrigerator.

Celebrating the history of Hangul, the Korean writing system invented by King Sejong to improve his realm’s literacy.

Booksellers and public artworks fill this vibrant promenade along the disused railroad tracks.

Only a few pieces remain of a grand 16th-century water clock that once announced the changing hours with the sound of bells, gongs, and drums.

A traditional village rooted in the Joseon Dynasty.

About as hidden as can be, this specialty coffee shop is wedged between multi-story buildings at the end of a dark, skinny alleyway in Seoul.

Climb a set of vertiginous stone steps to the top of this impressive ancient edifice.

This column celebrates Rome's victory over the Goths, and may be the oldest Roman monument in Istanbul.

This half-forgotten fortress was constructed by the Ottoman conqueror of Constantinople.

A fountain standing as a testament to a doomed alliance.

1513 Turkish world map, full of European state secrets and snarky commentary.

Five sultans and their families rest in eternal splendor, teeming with overlooked beauty and drama.

This remarkably well-preserved Egyptian plinth is pretty well traveled for a giant piece of stone.

A small etching on the white marble parapet was written in runic script by a Viking mercenary.

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.

These cascading falls resonate throughout the Bulgarian forest.

A mysterious set of tunnels carved in the hills of rural northern Kyushu.