OFFBEAT DESTINATION RECOMMENDATIONS: How to really experience Japan
When it comes to travel, there’s a world of difference between merely visiting a place and truly experiencing it. And with a culture as rich as Japan, you’d want to experience the best of it. While you could follow the well-trodden tourist trail and tick off the usual sights and attractions on your list, there’s a way to truly savor the Land of the Rising Sun: venturing into places usually off the beaten path.
In this feature, we mix and match the new and familiar—let’s transform your journey into something truly extraordinary.
FEED YOUR LOVE FOR ANIK-ANIK There’s just something about tiny little things adorning (sometimes littering, honestly) your shelves, tables, and even bags that just make the day a little brighter. A miniature kettle isn’t going to boil hot water for you, but boy, can it make you giggle with delight.
Japan happens to be a treasure trove of all things delightful, particularly unnecessary items to add to your collection of anik-anik. Where should your hunt begin? The following places mark the spot:
KAPPABASHI STREET Kappabashi Street is a haven for foodies and cooks alike. Also known as “Kitchen Town,” this street has amazing ceramics, tools, and other accessories you need to cook up delectable meals. But the real stars of the show are the shokonin sampuru, or fake food, which are on display across many different shops.
It’s an enticing display of abundance, but we’re talking about something beyond just plastic fruits and veggies. You can find sushi on a platter that looks fresh from the sea, ramen bowls with scrumptious toppings that make your stomach growl, and pastries that you’d swear were just pulled from the oven. You can even get a faux ice cream cone you’d be tempted to devour then and there.
While these sampuru are meant for restaurants for display, they also make for unique souvenirs, especially if you’re an anik-anik enthusiast. If you’re feeling crafty, there are even DIY kits to make your own fake food at home! If the luggage allowance won’t allow it, you can take home a keychain (or two, we won’t judge).
GASHAPON DEPARTMENT STORE While gashapon toys aren’t new to the scene, these capsule toys will likely never lose their charm. They’re perfect for animé fans or just collectors of cute and quirky items. Coming in varying sizes, quality, and themes, there’s one for everyone here.
If you’re looking to experience gashapon at its finest, though, you’ll need to head over to the Gashapon Department Store in Tokyo. This department store is filled to the brim with vending machines, and you’ll have endless items to choose from—from popular animé characters to miniature versions of everyday items.
Make sure to keep your watch on, though. You’ll feel like you’re hunting for treasure; time will pass quickly!
SONNY ANGEL STORE You’ve seen these tiny creatures around—Sonny Angels and Smiskis. These little boxed baby angels (former) and glowin-the-dark figurines (latter) have taken the world by storm. Logic aside, they must have been healing your inner child, and as a collector, you need to visit the Sonny Angel Store. Their flagship location is at Shibuya, which is a delight to explore.
With its whimsical displays of various Sonny Angels (we personally love the cake-themed ones) and Smiskis (have you seen the new Moving Series?), it’s highly unlikely you’ll be walking out the door empty-handed.
You’ll also be tempted by other collectibles and limited edition items. Whether you’re a serious collector, just looking for kawaii mementos, or desperately wanting to heal your inner child, you’re a welcome guest. DANCE TO J-POP
If collecting items just isn’t your thing, Japan also offers something to rival K-pop: J-pop! We’ve created a list for you to visit, filled to the brim with fun musical discoveries, merchandise, and experiences. Here are music-ridden destinations you just can’t miss:
TOWER RECORDS SHIBUYA Tower Records Shibuya isn’t your average music store. It’s the stronghold for J-pop fans. You’ll explore a literal tower— nine floors of music, merchandise, and so much more. They also regularly host events, collaborations, and exhibits featuring popular J-pop artists.
They have a lineup of exciting events for March, April, and May, which include album launches, meet-and-greets, and miniconcerts. Of course, what’s a music moment without merch to remember it by? Their extensive music collection will have you browsing for hours. TOKYO DOME
Tokyo Dome is the destination for all things music. It’s an iconic venue for a reason, having hosted some of the biggest names in music, both local and international.
It’s not just a concert venue, though. As you wait for your favorite artists to perform, you can go out and explore Tokyo Dome City, the entertainment complex serving as the home to the Dome. There’s an amusement park, a spa, and various restaurants and shops.
From the realistic sampuru in Kappabashi Street to the tranquil beauty of Kamakura, Japan has nooks and crannies (and anikaniks in between) that demand your attention. There’s always something here that will speak to your heart; all you need is to look beyond the usual.
J-POP MUSIC STYLE CAFÉ
You’ll be greeted with catchy tunes of J-Pop music once you enter J-Pop Music Style Café— the name says it all! It’s an experience that goes beyond a cup of coffee, as there will be posters of popular J-Pop artists and groups.
Their menu is also peppered with dishes and drinks inspired by either artists or songs. Every now and then, the café also caters to album release parties of fan meet-ups. If you’re a J-pop stan, this place could be your little piece of heaven on earth.
EXPLORE SECRET HISTORICAL HAVENS
These three amazing destinations in Japan offer a mix of history, culture, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a foodie, these places have something special for you. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey!
KAMAKURA
Kamakura is a coastal town that offers a blend of history, culture, and picturesque views of the sea. Just think: you can actually experience that one-train-ride-by-the-sea scene from Spirited Away. This gem is a place where you can relax by the beach one moment and explore ancient temples the next. The iconic Great Buddha statue is a testament to Kamakura’s rich history as the former capital city.
After a day of basking in the views, you can walk around with sushi in a cup—a delightful take on the classic food by Hannari Inari!
HIROSHIMA
While it’s known worldwide for its tragic history during WWII, Hiroshima has since blossomed into a city of peace—and a symbol of resilience. The city is home to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, which serves as a poignant reminder of the past. This is open for tourists looking to learn more about Hiroshima, especially how it has evolved in the war aftermath.
When it comes to food, Hiroshima serves some of the best okonomiyaki you’ll ever taste, cooked in a style that’s uniquely their own. We recommend trying oysters, squid, and cheese toppings, fried on top of cabbage and yakisoba noodles.
KANAZAWA
Kanazawa is known as the “City of Gold,” named after a long history of gold leaf production. That’s right—gold. Thinking about gold in this context likely reminds you of kintsugi, which is the art of using gold to sustainably repair ceramics, glass, and even wood. There are plenty of workshops that teach you to do this.
Walking through Kanazawa is like stepping back in time, as the city is also home to traditional tea houses and other artisan workshops that exhibit the finest Japanese craftsmanship.
LIVE IN YOUR ANIMÉ WORLD
Animé is arguably one of the biggest contributions of Japan to the global pop culture scene. It boasts a distinctive art style that reflects Japanese sensibilities and culture. One can argue that it actually became one of Japan’s strongest “soft” powers, contributing heavily to its economic growth.
With the skyrocketing popularity of this animated medium, multiple animé-themed parks have surfaced in Japan, amping up the excitement for tourists and animé enthusiasts from different walks of life—whether you’re a kid, an adult, or a kid at heart. If you’re one of them, make sure to include these places in your bucket list:
SANRIO PUROLAND
If you’re an enthusiast of cute or kawaii stuff, as they say, Sanrio Puroland might be a destination for you. Located in Tama, Tokyo, Sanrio Puroland is a theme park that features the popular characters that the company Sanrio has popularized, such as Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, Pochacco, My Melody, Kuromi, and Little Twin Stars.
Get ready to heal your inner child as you buy merchandise of your beloved Sanrio characters, enjoy your time with the rides and attractions, and satisfy your palate with the foods the theme park has to offer.
GHIBLI PARK
Are you a big fan of Hayao Miyazaki and the wonderful works of Studio Ghibli? You can experience the magic in real life at Ghibli Park, located within the grounds of Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park (called Moricoro Park) in Nagakute City, Aichi Prefecture.
Inspired by the works of the renowned animation studio, the park is divided into five areas, all of which reference the iconic works of Studio Ghibli, such as Spirited Away, Whisper of the Heart, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, and Kiki’s Delivery Service. However, each area also contains speckles of influences from the other Ghibli films—satisfaction is guaranteed!
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN
One of Japan’s most popular tourist attractions is Universal Studios, a film studio and theme park featuring attractions based on popular films, such as the Harry Potter series. It also houses several game and animé-related attractions, such as Super Nintendo World.
That’s not all. Universal Studios Japan, located in Osaka, also annually organizes “Super Cool Japan,” an event where top Japanese entertainment brands assemble in theme parks. This spring, from March to May, the event will feature two popular animé series, Detective Conan and My Hero Academia, alongside the popular game franchise Monster Hunter. Apart from exciting exhibits, you’ll also have access to special merch!
EXPLORING JAPAN, YOUR WAY
From the realistic sampuru in Kappabashi Street to the tranquil beauty of Kamakura, Japan has nooks and crannies (and anik-aniks in between) that demand your attention. There’s always something here that will speak to your heart; all you need is to look beyond the usual.