When you think of Japan, your mind probably races to neon-lit cities, cherry blossoms, ancient shrines, or sushi masterpieces. But what if we told you Japan also has a desert? And not just any desert—a place where mirages shimmer across golden dunes like something out of Arabian Nights?

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.