If you’ve ever wanted to step into a perfectly preserved piece of ancient Egypt, the Temple of Edfu is as close as it gets. Dedicated to Horus—the falcon-headed god of kingship and the sky—this towering sandstone monument is one of the most complete temples to survive from antiquity. It’s big, bold, and brimming with stories carved into every wall.

Tucked within the quiet town of Minamiaso in Kumamoto Prefecture lies a sacred pool of impossibly clear water: Shirakawa Suigen. This isn’t just a pretty pond. It’s the literal birthplace of the Shirakawa River, one of the major water sources for the entire region. What makes it truly special isn’t just the water’s purity—but the sense that you’ve stumbled upon something quietly magical.