Japan might be the land of cherry blossoms, neon cities, and serene temples—but tucked away between the islands of Shikoku and Awaji lies one of its most mysterious natural wonders: the Naruto Whirlpools. These aren’t just cute little eddies. We’re talking about giant oceanic whirlpools, some as wide as 20 meters, forming like clockwork beneath the dramatic span of the Ōnaruto Bridge.

At the base of towering limestone cliffs in the desert of Deir el-Bahari stands one of Egypt’s most elegant and enigmatic structures: the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut. Blending into the cliffs like it was born from them, this three-tiered masterpiece tells the story of a woman who ruled like a god—and made sure the world would never forget it.