Johnson Town in Iruma, Saitama, is a picture-perfect recreation of a small American town straight out of the 1950s. Neatly trimmed lawns separate period-style wooden houses, vintage cars are parked at the most scenic spots, and restaurants sell homemade burgers. 

Although Johnson Town feels American, all the residents and shopkeepers are Japanese. It’s an American dreamland made by Japanese for Japanese, which is further part of the town’s charm. 

Things to see and do

MiMi Mom, a store that sells American sundries, and the American diner East Contents Cafe.

Johnson Town is an easy day trip from Tokyo, offering scenery that feels like walking through the sets of Leave it to Beaver while offering a large variety of contemporary delights. They range from hearty American-style food, closely adhering to original recipes to the latest in western-inspired health food. 

Try the huge burgers at a cafe called Blue Corn, or the rice flour bread (米粉パン) at Koigakubo Bakery. The bakery also sells the famous Johnson Town ice cream, a delicious gelato using locally grown Sayama tea as a key ingredient. 

If you are in a shopping mood, there are plenty of designer stores scattered across Johnson Town, selling locally made fashion. You might also want to check out the vintage clothing stores and the antique shops specializing in vintage Americana. 

Photo by: Johannes Schonherr Shops in Johnson Town sell vintage American wares.

Feel free to take your pets out there. Most shops and restaurants pride themselves as pet-friendly, some going as far as to advertise themselves as “shops for dogs and their owners.” 

Adjacent to Johnson Town is two large parks. They make for a leisurely stroll through the woods with your dog after consuming that large hamburger. 

Johnson Town history

Photo by: Joji Morita (Isono Corporation) A town rich with Japanese and American history.

Johnson Town is rooted in an American Airforce settlement dating from the same period whose image Johnson Town today tries to preserve.  

In 1937, the Irumagawa Airfield was opened and soon became one of Japan’s largest military airfields. The airfield played an important part in World War II, including the deployment of kamikaze missions.

After the war, the American Airforce took over the Japanese airfield and renamed it Johnson Airbase. 

Photo by: Joji Morita (Isono Corporation) You don’t see too many lawns in Japan.

Several residences were built to accommodate the American officers. Those residences offered the latest in American comforts, which the officers were accustomed to back home. Houses were spacious and had what many consider a staple of American life, a lawn. 

Today, Johnson Town sports more than 50 businesses. They range from wellness clinics to cafes, and a great variety of quirky shops. Parts of the town are purely residential. You can walk those streets, but please respect the privacy of the citizens. 

For more information visit the Johnson Town official website.

Whether you’re into BDSM, role-playing, or something even kinkier, you’ll likely find it in Tokyo. Here are some of the best adult shops in Japan’s capital.

In stark contrast to other Pokémon Centers around Japan, the Shibuya outlet is a bit… dark. Its black walls and neon lights fall right in line with Shibuya’s reputation for underground fashion and partying.

The incubation chamber holding a captive Mewtwo at the entrance makes it feel like more of a Team Rocket base than your friendly neighborhood Pokémon Center.

Photo by: Peter Austin Shhh, you don’t want to wake him.

Once you’ve successfully snuck past Mewtwo, you’re welcomed by exclusive graffiti-covered clothing and skateboard decks. This is all before entering the actual store where the rest of the (friendlier) Pokémon are.

Wait ‘til you see the Swarovski Pikachu

Photo by: Peter Austin Poke street wear and skateboards.

Of course, the latest generation and fan favorites like Eevee and Pikachu dominate the shop floor. However, every generation is well represented including the entire Caterpie line.

If you’ve been to other Pokémon Centers in Japan, you’ll notice they each have their own stylized Pikachu mascot. The one in Kyoto, for example, has a truly regal Pika decked out in a traditional Japanese kimono. In Shibuya, Pikachu comes rocking two new styles.

One has our favorite electric-type Pokémon covered from head to tail in graffiti. The other style has Pikachu sporting a baseball cap and a can of spray paint ready to tag up more of his buddies. This Pikachu has had enough of his red-capped trainer and is officially sticking it to the man, street artist style.

Photo by: Peter Austin The graffiti artist formerly known as Pikachu.

The store has an awesome Pokémon x Super Mario mashup with classic 8-bit Pokémon models used to create larger 8-bit Super Mario characters on a whole line of t-shirts and bags. The reverse mashup is next door in the Nintendo Store! Go ahead and catch them both. After that, you may as well continue your nerdom pilgrimage over to the Capcom Store. They’re all located in the new Shibuya Parco, which has a whole floor dedicated to otaku culture.

If you just happen to have a ton of extra cash to burn, check out the sparkly and (extremely) expensive Pikachu decked out head to toe in Swarovski crystals. This glorious Pikachu is the crown jewel of a whole Swarovski Pokémon collection. It can be yours for the low, low price of ¥300,000.

Photo by: Peter Austin The most expensive Pokeball on the planet.

To match the dazzling Pikachu, level up your Poké fashion game with a bedazzled keychain or phone case. For the serious Pokémon card players, there are leather and crystal deck cases. Which one will you choose?

Aside from the exclusive merch, the store stocks all the usual Pokémon goods, with trading cards, plates, socks, bags and so much more. If you can imagine a Pokémon on it you can probably find it here.

Feeling hungry after all that shopping? Head over to the Pokémon Cafe for even more Pika cuteness.

Rebuilt in 2019, the Shibuya Parco shopping complex contains a lot more than the luxury stores on the ground floor suggest. With ten floors and an eclectic mix of shops ranging from Gucci to Nintendo, Parco definitely has something for everyone.

Photo by: Peter Austin Find Mewtwo up on the sixth floor in the Pokemon Center!

The floors are separated by theme, but the coolest is definitely the sixth-floor Cyberspace Shibuya which is dedicated to games, manga, and otaku culture. This is where you’ll find Japan’s first and only shops dedicated entirely to Nintendo and Capcom. If that isn’t enough, there’s the Shibuya Pokémon Centre, a Shonen Jump shop and eSports cafe too.

Photo by: Peter Austin Spend a relaxing afternoon on the rooftop terrace after you’re done emptying your wallet.

Inspired by the winding alleyways located all over Tokyo, the “Chaos Kitchen” on the basement floor is not your typical department store food court. Highlights are a very rare vegan izakaya (Japanese pub), an outpost of Shinjuku Ni-chome’s LGBT bar Campy and another pub where you can eat a cicada parfait. Yes, a cicada parfait. We weren’t feeling brave enough to try it on our visit, we’ll leave that up to you.

Photo by: Wikipedia Commons The old Shibuya Parco closed down in 2016 after being destroyed by Shin Godzilla.

The rest of the floors are filled with even more stores, art galleries, a cinema, and a rooftop terrace with aerial views of the city. You can even find the neon letters that made up the old Parco sign. In short, this place rules.

Check out some of the exclusive shops inside below.

Gamers be warned, the Nintendo Store in Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood has a near limitless supply of stuff you never knew you needed.  Like what, you ask? Well, for starters, The Legend of Zelda coffee mugs with a life bar that depletes as the drink inside cools down. Nintendo knows that coffee is the real life force.

Photo by: Peter Austin Link, looking #thicc.

Life-size statues of Zelda’s Link, Animal Crossing’s Isabelle, Splatoon’s female Inkling, and of course Mario, are surrounded by special goodies you can’t get anywhere else. Better empty your bank account and bring an extra-large suitcase.

They even sell whiskey tumblers emblazoned with the Hylian crest, because rescuing princesses warrants a drink or two.

The one and only dedicated Nintendo store in Japan is the centerpiece of Cyberspace Shibuya, located in the Shibuya Parco shopping complex. With a floor dedicated to the likes of Capcom, Pokemon, Shonen Jump, and more, Cyberspace Shibuya is an otaku’s dream.

It’s a me, Mario!

Photo by: Peter Austin Wa-hoo!

As you may expect, Mario is a dominant theme throughout the store. From notebooks, plushies, and keychains to dinner sets and tote bags, no possible souvenir is left behind.

For those adults with an unhealthy obsession with The Legend of Zelda, how about a pair of socks or a business tie with Link on it? They even sell whiskey tumblers emblazoned with the Hylian crest, because rescuing princesses warrants a drink or two.

Photo by: Peter Austin The store has more than just Zelda and Mario goods!

Of course, Nintendo also has plenty of stuff for fans of the less famous games. From Splatoon alone there are Shibuya Crossing styled t-shirts, towels, pins and even a skateboard deck. For something more practical, they stock a whole array of Animal Crossing kitchen goods, including an oven glove so cute you won’t want to actually use it.

Pick up a cuddly Pikmin to throw at your friends, just don’t do it in the store. If you can’t bear to pick a single character, go for the Nintendo Tokyo Collection which has them all.

Nintendo Switch it up

Photo by: Peter Austin Play til your heart’s content.

Even with all of this, the store still has space to dedicate to the Nintendo Switch, with a trial area for you to get your fix. Try out the latest games and drool over all the Switch models on display.

Pikachu and Mario make one hell of a mashup in the shop’s Pokémon x Mario Maker 8-Bit Scramble collection. Here you’ll find loads of Pokémon models made with 8-bit Super Mario blocks. The reverse of this killer mash-up can be found next door in the Pokémon Center!

Find more spots for your Japanese pop-culture pilgrimage in our anime and manga section.

With a life-sized Ryu from Street Fighter preparing to spam Hadouken standing outside, Japan’s first Capcom Store is very easy to spot. Located on the sixth floor of the Shibuya Parco shopping complex, the store is filled to the brim with all manner of Capcom related goods.

Photo by: Peter Austin Hadouken!

Street Fighter, Mega Man, Monster Hunter, Ace Attorney—all the popular franchises are here, plus more! Whether you prefer to use your fists, a mega buster, or your keen deductive reasoning to fight baddies, you’ll definitely find something that catches your eye.

Inside Tokyo’s Capcom Store

Photo by: Peter Austin Japan’s first Capcom Store.

The store is quite small but the walls are stacked with enough exclusive merchandise to satisfy even the most extreme fan. Socks, mugs, figurines, t-shirts, character cookies—the variety of choices is almost overwhelming.

One wall is completely lined with plushies of all Capcom’s characters. These ridiculously cute soft toys range from palm size to pillow size.

Photo by: Peter Austin Plushies galore.

Not tempted by an adorable Ryu or Ken? Check out the range of stationery goods for something more practical. Set your desk apart from your stale office coworkers with a Mega Man notebook or feather pen.

Capcom… perfume??

The pièce de résistance of the store has to be the perfume. Yes, perfume. If you’ve been wondering what Dante from Devil May Cry or Phoenix Wright smell like, here’s your answer. The character-based perfume sets even come in Monster Hunter versions, if you prefer a wilder aroma.

Take a peek at more of the exclusive goods at the Capcom Store’s official website.

Photo by: Peter Austin A killer photo op.

After shopping you can snap selfies with Ryu, or head over to other dedicated photo spots. In the Monster Hunter section of the store there’s a large Rathalos mural, with a 3D claw for added drama. Armed with the scent of a true monster hunter, wield the over-sized sword and strike a heroic pose to commemorate your visit.

Find more spots for your Japanese pop-culture pilgrimage in our anime and manga section.

• 2019 Monster Parade: Sat, October 19th, 2019
• 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• http://kyoto-taisyogun.com/en/

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And here’s a really cute kitsune (fox) girl who runs a spooky-themed tenugui (traditional Japanese cloths) shop. Or maybe she’s just hanging about to make mischief? ? [Minolta a7 / Astia100f] #youkaiseries

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Today, this street is known as “Yokai Street,” where you can see some of these traditional and not-so-traditional monsters. The owners of shops on this street started to construct monsters as a celebration of the legends. Some of them are based on Japanese folklore, and others are just a hodgepodge of things thrown together to look like a monster. Either way, it’s worth a visit while in Kyoto City.

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おはようさん！ たまには、こんなんのもいいやろ? 仕事しよ。 #photo #写真 #カメラ #camera #一眼レフ #NIKON#d7200 #myphotography #写真好きな人と繋がりたい #カメラ好きな人と繋がりたい#写真撮ってる人と繋がりたい #team_jp_西 #igersjp #ig_japan#icu_japan #ig_nihon #bestjapanpics #nikonasia #NikonGlobal #kyoto #japanlicious #妖怪ストリート

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As the story goes…

In Japanese folklore, yokai are feared and renowned. Most of the legends are used to scare children into doing their chores or being kind to each other. This is why you will sometimes see “monsters” made out of old broomsticks, or other household items. Make sure to sweep the house or the broom monster will come and get you!

The street is home to a shopping district called Taishogun Shopping Street, where the 400-meter walk is populated with homemade sculptures of these legendary monsters.

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前回の大将軍八神社の記事でチラッと書きました妖怪ストリートの妖怪達を紹介します。 . 平安時代最強の陰陽師・安倍晴明が式神を隠した一条戻橋に通じる一条大路。現在の一条通りにこの妖怪ストリートは有ります。 . 10月には妖怪に扮した人間達が百鬼夜行をする妖怪イベントもあり面白いですよ。 . #大将軍八神社#妖怪ストリート#百鬼夜行#平安時代から#妖怪#yokai #travel #trip#kyoto#宿泊 #旅館業許可 #町家#京都旅行#kisshoan#吉祥庵#お宿#ゲストハウス #umetree#umeblossom #ume#guesthouse #建築士#簡易宿泊所 #ホテル#hotel#リノベーション#renovation#newwebsite http://kissho-an.jp/

A post shared by KISSHOAN (@kisshoan1) on Mar 9, 2018 at 10:43pm PST

This is your opportunity to grab some authentic Japanese food and souvenirs. Since the street is not really a tourist destination, it is a great opportunity to experience a different side of Japan. Most of the shops cater to locals and some of them are hundreds of years old. Everything from fresh fish, to clothing and tea shops line the streets.

Seasonal events

If you happen to visit in September and October, the street also boasts “Monster”-themed events such as the “yokai parade” which is the area’s largest event of the year. Hundreds of people dress up as different monsters and parade through the streets in the evening, much like ancient Halloween traditions. They also hold a “ghost” flea market on the weekend, where monster-themed goods are sold from dozens of shops. If you ever wanted earrings shaped like eyeballs, Japanese rice wine with spooky art labels, or stuffed animals of legendary Japanese monsters, you have come to the right place.

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一条百鬼夜行妖怪パレード＠大将軍商店街。 力作過ぎるよ！ #kyoto #festival #京都 #大将軍商店街 #大将軍商店街一条妖怪ストリート #百鬼夜行 #妖怪パレード #パレード #妖怪

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These events have different dates each year, so be sure to check out the official website to find the best time to go. Don’t miss out on this spooky treat when visiting Kyoto.

Looking for more strange parts of Japan? Check out some “offbeat” places!

• Halloween 2019: Public drinking is now illegal in Shibuya on Oct. 25, 26, 27, 31 and Nov. 1. Read more on GaijinPot Blog: https://blog.gaijinpot.com/shibuya-to-ban-public-drinking-for-halloween-2019/

The traffic lights at Shibuya’s Scramble Crossing change every two minutes to maintain the enormous flow of people and vehicles.

It’s pop-culture credentials don’t just cease there, Shibuya is the pulsating core of some of Japan’s most internationally renowned districts. Teenagers, couples and families can be spotted picnicking in the shade of nearby Yoyogi Park. Students decked out in the latest fashion trend file out of adjacent Harajuku. The older (and richer) make a quick getaway to the posh malls of Omotesando Avenue and healing calm of Meiji-jingu.

Shibuya is just a short walk from Yoyogi Park and Harajuku.

Park yourself outside the Hachiko Exit (named after the famously loyal Shiba-Inu that always met his owner at the station after work) on a Friday or Saturday night and you’re sure to witness the sheer power of Japan’s vibrant youth culture.

Partying in Shibuya

It used to be that Shibuya was the place to party on Halloween in Tokyo. Just grab a couple of cans from a nearby convenience store and revel in crowds of over 1 million people getting absolutely hammered in the street. Yes, in the street.

Seems like Jason has made some new friends.

Sadly, all good things come to an end—street drinking in Shibuya during Halloween has been banned since someone flipped over a truck and numerous fights broke out amidst the chaos in 2018. This is literally why we can’t have nice things.

If you end up finding love, there’s always Love Hotel Hill for all your lovin’ needs.

If hitting the club scene sounds like your jam though, the most youthful of Tokyo’s wards certainly has a nightlife to write home (or just y’know, a Twitter status) about. The giant disco ball in the center of Womb’s main dance floor coupled with the huge, multi-floored VISION are only two reasons why you could end up having your best night out evaaaa in Shibuya. If you end up finding love, there’s always Love Hotel Hill for all your lovin’ needs.

The Hachiko meeting point is the busiest in the city but somehow people always manage to find each other. Look out for the dog statue opposite the green tourist information bus.

Shibuya’s laid back side

As vigorous as Shibuya can be, there is an array of more laid-back food, sports and art culture well suited for any age or persuasion. Baseball and rugby enthusiasts will be overjoyed by the offerings from the Meiji Jingu and Chichibuomiya Rugby Stadiums.

Cultural hotspots such as the Bunkamura (a museum with outstanding art exhibitions), the New National Theatre Tokyo (or NNTT) or Konno Hachimangu Shrine (once home to the illustrious Shibuya family) will broaden the scope of your itinerary.

Grab a coffee at the Hachiko Starbucks overlooking Scramble Crossing.

Likewise, foodies will be able to gorge themselves on some of the most varied and delicious cuisine in Japan. For vegans, Nagi Shokudo combines seriously delicious food with fantastic magazines and reading material in English or Japanese.

For film freaks, make a pilgrimage to Gonpachi, the restaurant from Kill Bill. As the base of the hip and trendy, there are also coffee shops galore including the famous Starbucks whose second floor looks out over the world’s busiest crossing.

One thing’s for sure: you could stay in Shibuya for your entire stay and never, ever get bored.

Looking for places to drink around Shibuya and beyond? Check our list of foreigner-friendly bars and clubs in Tokyo!

By day an energetic shopping district and by night a backstreet maze of quirky bars, Tenma is a lively Osaka neighborhood steeped in history. Get to know an authentic side of the city in this neighborhood known for a historical shrine, massive annual festival, and one-of-a-kind nightlife.

Osaka Tenmangu Shrine and Tenjin Matsuri

Tenma gets its name from a thousand-year-old shrine called Osaka Tenmangu, the heart of the bustling district. Osaka Tenmangu was founded in 949 for the deity of scholarship, Sugawara Michizane. Also known as Tenjin, Sugawara was a Heian era (794-1185 AD) scholar, poet, and politician. Shrines around Japan are dedicated to his legacy, but Osaka Tenmangu is his headquarters. Students often venture here to pray for good grades on their exams. The shrine is a peaceful and relaxing place to pray or enjoy the plum and cherry flowers blossoming every spring.

Photo by: シュウ Osaka Tenmangu Shrine is beautiful in all seasons.

However, things get crazy once a year during the Tenjin Festival. The festival, celebrated annually on July 24 and 25, commemorates Tenjin, whose spirit is paraded around Tenma in a mikoshi (portable shrine). On day one, religious ceremonies are held at the shrine. Marching bands, fireworks, and a massive boat procession on the second day bring together spectators from around the nation. The festival draws hundreds of thousands, making it Osaka’s largest festival and one of the top three in all of Japan.

Photo by: Chi (In Oz) The Tenjin Festival is one of the top three festivals in Japan!

Endless shopping at Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street

In the 17th century, a small fruit and vegetable market was established to serve travelers making the pilgrimage to the ancient shrine. This became Tenjinbashi–suji, a thriving shopping center which now claims to be the longest shotengai (covered shopping street) in Japan. The 2.6 km (1.6 miles) stretch of shops is known for insanely good bargains. Mainly local businesses catering to residents line the road, making the vibe more old-fashioned than glitzy tourist traps like Namba and Shinsaibashi. Buy or rent a cheap kimono, test your haggling skills over unique souvenirs, or simply grab some street food and snack while you stroll, taking it all in.

Tenma after dark

Photo by: m-louis Eat like a local at Ura Tenma’s hole-in-the-wall joints.

At night, the nondescript back alleys near Tenma station become an exciting bar-filled labyrinth known as Ura-Tenma. The area directly outside the station’s north exit is populated with hole-in-the-wall eateries brimming with character. Tiny yakiniku, sushi, and tempura restaurants thrive next to dive bars with standing room only. Osaka’s salarymen and women flock here after work, making it a great place to eat like a local. Meander the winding, lantern-lit streets and pop into any spot that sparks your interest.

Kansai Rainbow Festa and more

Photo by: HOTEL GRANVIA KYOTO Rainbow goodies from the 2017 event.

Adjacent to Tenjinbashi-suji shopping street, the interactive exhibits at the Osaka Museum of Housing and Living transport visitors back to the Edo era (1603-1867) with a life-size recreation of what Tenma looked like 200 years ago.

Though not Osaka’s most well-known, Ogimachi Park is spacious and full of cherry blossoms in spring. In October, the park hosts the Kansai Rainbow Festa, the city’s annual LGBT pride celebration.

Daikanyama, located between Shibuya and Nakameguro, mixes the trendiness of the former with the hipsterness of the latter to create an oh-so-fashionable oasis among the hectic scramble of Tokyo. Though very popular among locals and expats alike, Daikanyama lives life in the slow lane, providing a plethora of inviting spaces where you can relax with a book, chat with friends, or buckle down to get some work done.

The foremost place to do this is the famous Daikanyama T-Site, an upscale outpost of the ubiquitous Tsutaya Books located west of the station, whose award-winning architecture classes it as one of the most beautiful bookstores in the world. T-Site is further set apart by its unique services– you can have classic movies formerly unavailable on DVD burned on the spot, or stationary monogrammed the same day – and their wide selection of Western and Japanese books and magazines, available for perusal at one of the store’s cozy cafes.

Daikanyama T-Site has been named as one of the world’s most beautiful bookstores.

The complex also houses specialty pet, bicycle, and camera stores as well as Ivy Place, considered by many to be Tokyo’s best pancake cafe (though they have plenty of other delicious options on offer), and Caffe Michelangelo, a favorite among Japanese celebrities that is popular year-round, but especially during the warmer months when patrons can sit on its gorgeous outdoor patio. Both restaurants are very popular, so expect long lines.

North of the station, you can find Log Road, a line of shops and restaurants recently built on the former site of Toyoko Line railroad tracks. The lush greenery and timber-exterior of the buildings gives it a rustic feel similar to the High Line in Manhattan. Log Road’s main attractions are Fred Segal; the Spring Valley Brewery, a craft beer brewpub that serves food all day, offers brewery tours (in Japanese only), beer tastings, and seminars; and the popular Camden’s Blue Star Donuts, the U.S. donut shop that makes its brioche-dough donuts fresh daily in flavors like Blueberry Bourbon Basil, Cointreau Crème Brûlée, and Apple Bourbon Fritter. Are you drooling yet?

Head to Daikanyama for some of the capital’s best international food. Photo by Shibuya 246.

For foodies, Daikanyama’s array of top-ranking spots are a dream come true. Catch Tokyo’s best sandwiches (King George Sandwich Bar), strawberry pancakes (Clover’s Pancakes), and apple pie and New York cheesecake (Matsunosuke NY, which also offers baking classes in English so you can bring it home too), all within a few minutes of each other.

Photo by: Victor Gonzales Walk along Shibuya stream lit up at night to get to Daikanyama. This opened in 2018.

Meanwhile, shopaholics can find interesting shops like Journey, a vintage shop with goods imported from the U.S., and UES, who make denim products designed to be used in some way for their full product life. Specialty shops like Okura, which makes goods treated with a traditional indigo dyeing technique from the 10th century, and Kamawanu Tenugui, making one-of-a-kind, hand-dyed tenugui (traditional oversized multipurpose handkerchiefs), are good for unique souvenirs.

2019 top destination

Daikanyama is one of GaijinPot Travel’s Top 10 Japan Travel Destinations to check out in 2019. Discover Daikanayama and the other destinations in our video.