In the case of these dwellings, we literally mean that there are those who enjoy a life filled with danger; just try to imagine what it would be like to live in constant fear each day. Some of these houses were constructed on the edge of a thousand-foot cliff, while others were designed to be architectural anomalies that architects claimed were impossible to construct. Regardless of the circumstance, it is abundantly clear that the individuals who construct and live in such bizarre and potentially hazardous dwellings profit from the adrenaline rush they provide.

Takasugi-an, Japan The teahouse in Nagano, Japan, Takasugi-an was constructed by pressing downed trees into the ground, giving the structure an eerie appearance. Visitors must first take off their shoes and ascend a second ladder that is also precariously balanced before they can reach the teahouse. Although the teahouse’s interior is charming, visitors should be aware that the structure is susceptible to wind-driven swaying. The building’s name, “Takasugi-an,” which means “too high” in Japanese, suggests that the builder had a sense of humor.