This magnificent Romanesque church, lying at the very heart of Poitiers Old Town, has become the landmark of the city. It features beautiful biblical carvings on the outside, as well as statues from the 15th and 16th centuries.

The original little temple atop a hill was destroyed by a typhoon back in the 1950s, and then later rebuilt at its current location. Walking up the path to the structure, you will pass 1200 stone statues representing the disciples of Buddha, which have been carved by a priest and townspeople who learned the craft from him. This off-the-beaten-trail temple is an amazing site for those looking to go beyond tourist staples.

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).

Just outside of Manama lies the imposing, centuries-old Qal'at al-Bahrain, originally built by the Portuguese in order to defend their outposts in the Gulf. The site has been in use for almost 5,000 years, and the archaeological digs around the fort showcase the rich history of the area, including the ruins of two earlier forts.