This weird, elephant-shaped rock also hosts two ancient tombs.

Bronzes and busts that once stood in the city's main squares are now relegated to a small hidden courtyard.

In the heart of Tirana, this underground nuclear bunker has been transformed into a museum.

A scenic UNESCO site that doubles as a habitat for various forms of wildlife.

Explore a traditional Albanian dwelling that pays tribute to the region's rich history.

A museum dedicated to secret surveillance.

The largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans once held over 20,000 people, but managed to lay hidden for hundreds of years.

The elliptical citadel resisted the advance of the mighty Ottomans several times, thanks to the military prowess of the "Dragon of Albania."

Once the fallout shelter of a dictator, this sprawling bunker is now a combined history museum and contemporary art gallery.

This ominous Albanian fortress houses tanks and downed planes as a reminder of their victories over Western imperialism.

An Albanian monument to the Communism that nearly crushed the country is now a crumbling wreck.

What happens when you cross a mayor and a painter?

Hundreds of thousands of concrete bunkers crowd Albania long after the fall of Communism.

Rumored to be a giant robot in disguise, this colossal chef has been the beloved symbol of Tokyo’s kitchenware district for decades.

This historic castle is one of the oldest and most impressive in all of Japan.

An enormous pair of straw sandals woven in the traditional way—to keep demons at bay.

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

Largest graveyard in all of Japan surrounds a famous mausoleum.

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

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

Nine Gardens in one—with tea service.

This Japanese national treasure was originally built in 593.

Shrine to Japanese water-goblins, complete with their preserved body parts.

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