A decaying, yet still functioning, work of communist architecture.

An homage to the medieval rulers of Bulgaria.

A gigantic statue of a Russian soldier watches over the ancient city of Plovdiv, a prominent reminder of the Soviet period in Bulgaria.

"Holy Wisdom" overlooks the city that became its namesake.

A striking symbol of the Bulgarian capital.

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

Japan's largest collection of Western-style mansions in the port city of Kobe includes a recreation of Sherlock Holmes' 221B Baker Street quarters.

Devoted Buddhists can earn enlightenment in the next life by crawling through this symbolic nostril.

An unexpected curiosity cabinet hidden within a department store in the Japan Post tower.

Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

A Japanese corporation has turned this small island town into living modern art gallery.

Meet the world's longest tapeworm in a collection that really gets under your skin.

A plaque marks the site directly below the mid-air detonation of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima.

Colloquially known as “piss alley,” this narrow street filled with tiny bars and barbecue stands looks like it was pulled straight out of “Blade Runner.”

Go through the looking glass in Tokyo's Wonderland-themed shop.

Once a black market electronics marketplace, now an otaku shopper's paradise.

This Japanese national treasure was originally built in 593.

This Buddhist temple is home to the graves of the Japanese national legends, the 47 Ronin.

The 10,000 Torii shrine.

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

This 700-year-old street food market features baby octopus and soy donuts.

The sound of swaying stalks in this stunning grove has been named a governmentally recognized sound.

A magical place that lets you play in and explore the world of Studio Ghibli.

This ancient theater, restored in the 20th century, lives on as a venue for dramatic and musical performances.