Welcome to a place where the line between the living and the dead feels paper-thin. A place where mist clings to the rocky earth, the air stings with sulfur, and volcanic vents hiss like whispers from beneath the ground. This is Mount Osorezan, often translated as the “Mountain of Fear,” one of Japan’s most spiritual—and strangest—destinations.

Imagine living in a castle that has survived wars, fire, and centuries of change — and still holds royal banquets today. Welcome to Windsor Castle, not just the oldest but also the largest occupied castle in the world. This isn’t a relic frozen in time; it’s a royal residence, a fortress, a chapel, and a living museum all wrapped into one stone-clad wonder.