The original "capsule building" is a masterpiece of Metabolist architecture.

This Japanese national treasure was originally built in 593.

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

Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

This enormous "shamoji" means more to the people of Miyajima than just a way getting rice onto a plate.

A 250-year-old timepiece-automaton adorned with golden mechanical birds, which still sing to this day.

An 18th century wonder of the world, lost in WWII, re-created at the Catherine Palace.

Architecturally stunning library serves as the hub of Finnish scholarly life and culture.

This insurance company building reminds customers that witches, bears, and gnomes are out there, best be insured.

A subterranean house of worship carved right out of the bedrock.

An abstract monument to a symphonic composer.

Finnish lake, and scene of an infamous murder mystery.

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

The largest of the Fuji Five Lakes is home to an impressive swan population—some real, some with paddles, and one with an observation deck.

An ancient capital city that dates back 3,000 years and harbors many surprises.

The most gigantic, swoony, intimidating trio of fingers in all of antiquity.

The world's oldest map of the holy land gives us a fragmented glimpse of the layout of biblical nations.

The remains of this ancient fortress atop a manmade hill look as though they were built into a volcano.

As the Dead Sea continues to deplete, massive sinkholes open along its banks.

This stone complex marks the urban center of a lost civilization.

Now containing the bones of the actual conquistador, instead of someone else.

Ancient serpentine sacrifice holder that has stood the test of time.

A marvel of Byzantine engineering under the streets of Istanbul.

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