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.

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.