The Old School Otaku Lounge

Hi everyone,

I am planning to visit Japan this year and I would like to know what are the best tourist sites not to miss. I am already looking forward to visiting Tokyo and Kyoto to experience Japanese culture and traditions. However, I would also like to explore the lesser-known areas to see the hidden wonders of the country.

Thus, I would like to know if any of you have recommendations for the most fascinating and exciting places to visit in Japan. I would love to discover the picturesque landscapes, historical temples and shrines, as well as the unique modern sites.

I thank you in advance,

We went to Tokyo twice. Places we visited included Mandarake in Shibuya, Akihabara, Nakano Broadway, a few toy stores in Shimokitazawa, the Kanda-Jinbouchou neighborhood, the temple in Asakusa, saw the Gundam in Odaiba. We went to the Toei Museum in Oizumi Gakuen and the Suginami Animation Museum. We visited Uneo Park but didn't go to the zoo. Most of the cultural touristy stuff we did was simply wandering through neighborhoods like the Ginza and getting lost in Shinjuku - I can't speak for the rest of Japan but there's something interesting or weird or kooky or beautiful or outstanding pretty much every direction you look when you're in Tokyo; the trains go everywhere, the Suica pass is cheap and easy to use.

I'd say make a rough list of must-sees and then ask some locals what they recommend and you can't go wrong, everyone has a favorite restaurant or shop or neighborhood and it's a city that's very welcoming to visitors.

https://letsanime.blogspot.com/2012/09/ ... -toei.html

I would also like to push Kumamoto, Kyushu as an alternative to Tokyo/Osaka. Perhaps less nerd mecca stuff (tho One Piece, Slam Dunk, and other popular works are made by folks from here), but it's gorgeous. I'm happy to show folks around if they're in the area.