At the foot of Kyōto's eastern mountains, Ginkaku-ji (Temple of the Silver Pavillion) was completed in 1490 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa, and, much like its sibling Kinkaku-ji, it belongs to the Rinzai Zen sect. Despite still being known as the Silver Temple, the Shogun's goal of covering the building in leaf silver was never accomplished. Today, the wooden building is considered a prime example of the Japanese concept of 'wabi-sabi' (embracing imperfection).

The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum is a powerful and in-depth memorial and education center. Using artifacts, survivor testimonies, and films, the Permanent Exhibition traces events from the rise of the Nazis to the aftermath of the Holocaust. It’s a sobering experience that most visitors spend two to three hours exploring.

The complex of Fushimi Inari Shrine is one of the most remarkable sights in southern Kyōto. The impressive complex was dedicated to a Shinto god (Shinto gods are known as 'kami') by the Hata family in the 8th century, and encompasses five shrines. Curiously, the deity the entire complex is dedicated to – Inari Ōkami – is one of the principle Shinto kami, whose circle of influence includes foxes, rice, sake, agriculture and industry, and even general success and prosperity. The spotlight here goes to the 5,000 of vermilion gates (known as Senbon torii), that lead up to the summit of 233m Mt. Inari-san. The Romon Gate at the shrine’s entrance was donated in 1589 by the samurai warlord, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Stone foxes also play an important role here, as they are considered to be messengers of Inari.

Located at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers, this impressive brick castle was built in the 14th century at the beginning of the Teutonic attacks. Unique for its double walls and the surrounding tunnel, many events and legends of Lithuanian history are attributed to it. Today, the castle is home to various temporary and permanent programs all year round. Join educational trips and exhibitions, mould a stove tile, and try your knowledge with the Castle Quiz. Just opposite the castle, St. George the Martyr Church is also worth a visit, for it is an important landmark of Roman Catholicism.