Imagine a place where the Earth hisses, belches sulfur, and constantly exhales white plumes of steam into the sky. A place where black eggs are boiled in volcanic springs and eaten to gain extra years of life. Welcome to Owakudani—one of Japan’s most unusual and naturally hostile locations, and one that feels like it sits right at the edge of the spirit world.

Nestled among rolling green hills and serene waters in the county of Kent, Leeds Castle rises like something out of a dream. Surrounded by a sparkling moat and landscaped gardens, it’s easy to see why it’s been called "the loveliest castle in the world." But don’t let the fairytale setting fool you — behind those stone walls are stories of queens, power struggles, wartime survival, and even a hedge maze that might get you lost in time.