You've got the Golden Route sorted: Tokyo's electric energy, Kyoto's temples, Osaka's food scene. Now it’s time to see what else Japan has to offer. This guide covers six destinations that are easy to reach but genuinely different from the Golden Route - places where you can slow down, dig into local culture, and experience a side of Japan most visitors never see.

From museums dedicated to extinct technology and parasites to mascots with absurdly detailed backstories, Tokyo's quirky obsessions reveal what makes this country truly special. Here are some of our favourite oddball experiences that most visitors never discover.

Working out where to base yourself in Tokyo can be a little overwhelming. We've picked out our two favourite neighbourhoods that both have their own unique vibes. Jimbocho's overflowing bookshops and Shimokitazawa's vintage shops are a perfect place to get a less touristy feel for Tokyo.