This irregularly shaped sea fortress has defended not one but three different sovereign states.

The oldest museum in Russia is home to a fascinating collection of nearly two million anthropological artifacts and anatomical curiosities.

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.

One of the world's tallest statues is also one of its most hated.

Gargantuan home of Russian science.

Stalinist skyscraper built with help of cryotechnology.

Dozens of padlock-trees along the Moscow River.

The tallest hotel in Europe.

Moscow's most popular cemetery includes the graves of numerous cosmonauts.

Moscow's imposing monument to the Space Age.

World's largest bell sits on the grounds of the Kremlin in Moscow.

Moscow's other, lesser known kremlin is a fairytale-like cultural complex modeled after Old Russia.

This building holds the embalmed remains of the leader of the Bolshevik Revolution.

Museum celebrating the achievements of the Soviet space program.

An unlikely hit, this museum is dedicated to the inventor of instant ramen and cup noodles.

A remarkable lava formation encloses a line of Buddhist statues that can't be accurately counted, according to local mythology.

Peace Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome.

With over 12,000 different species of plants, this botanical garden is Japan's oldest and most diverse.

A bronze statue dating back as far as 1252, still has remnants of gold on its right cheek from ancient gilding.

A beautiful bamboo trail tucked in this famous Japanese shrine.

After a profound show of devotion for his master, a dog becomes the symbol of loyalty for an entire nation.

The quintessential Japanese rock garden has existed for more than 500 years.

The 10,000 Torii shrine.