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Himeji Castle, Japan

Himeji Castle is located in the city of the same name in Japan and belongs to the architectural monuments of the Middle Ages in Japan. The complex today has about 83 buildings, most of which are made of wood, but they are all well preserved to this day. The castle is adjacent to the stunningly beautiful Koko-En Landscape Garden, and within the complex, visitors can admire the art of woodcarving by old Japanese masters.

The complex’s showroom offers authentic ancient warrior armor for viewing, and it’s easy to get lost in the garden’s bizarre labyrinth. Scientists are still debating why the ancient Japanese planted so many puffins in their gardens. The same goes for the entire complex: although it looks “airy” and “decorated” from the outside, everything becomes “ominous” inside, with dozens of staircases constantly changing directions, and it’s easy to get lost on the upper floors. The cost to visit Himeji is $9.