Saarbrücken has plenty to offer to the lovers of architecture, and one unmissable landmark is the city's town hall, built at the turn of the 20th century in neo-Gothic style and designed by Georg Von Hauberrisser, whose works also include the town hall in Munich.

Tōfuku-ji Temple is one of the oldest and most famous Zen temples in Kyōto for its wonderful and extensive gardens. The original buildings were burnt down but rebuilt faithfully to the original in the 15th century. In 1881, a blazing fire destroyed the Buddha hall, which was never again rebuilt. The complex' main gate is the oldest sanmon in Japan and a National Treasure. Today, the temple welcomes thousands of visitors throughout the year; to make their experience even more unforgettable, it offers regular Zen meditation sessions for beginners (only in Japanese). Note that the temple is overcrowded during autumn as a favourite haunt to witness kōyō (the falling of colourful leaves).

A stroll around Björkholmen still gives you an insight into how it was in the 18th century. The Björkholmen part of the town can be seen as the other side of the tracks in relation to the parade buildings of Trossö. This is where the first shipyard workers and tradesmen lived in small, low cottages, that sometimes rested directly on the flat rock. The streets on Björkholmen are named after different types of ships and admirals. Enjoy the view over Saltsösund and passing boats.