Page 62 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Japan

▽ Cosplay Central
Cosplay, where people dress as their favourite
comic book characters, is huge in Japan, thanks
to its love of manga and anime. Expect to see
locals strolling the streets in costume, espe­

cially in Tokyo’s Harajuku (p94), Ikebukuro
(p142), and Akihabara (p116) dis tricts. Pick
up your own costume at Studio
Crown in Akihabara
(studio-crown.
com/experience)
and join in
the fun.

△ Gotta Catch ‘Em All
Japan is the birthplace of Pokémon, and
wannabe trainers will love visiting the
Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo in Ikebukuro
(p142). Packed full of colorful merchandise,
from sweets to pillows, it’s the place to pimp
your Pokédex.

JAPAN FOR
POP CULTURE

It might be renowned for its timeless traditions, but Japan is also home
to a fascinatingly futuristic pop culture. From quirky anime to cute cat
cafés, kitsch karaoke bars to quick-witted robots, the country’s eclectic
culture has taken the rest of the world by storm.

△ Bubblegum Pop
Born in the 1990s, Japan’s kitschy J­pop –
known for its focus on bubblegum
pop, catchy tunes, and wacky outfits –
has spawned many imitators, including
K­pop. Sing along to hits from AKB48
or SMAP at a karaoke booth, or visit
Karaoke Kan (karaokekan.jp), the
popular chain featured in Lost in
Translation, to warble with the locals.
62

062-063_EW_Japan.indd 62 19/02/2019 12:00

EW Themes template v1 – 18th May 2018
Fonts: Posterama Text, Soho Gothic Pro, Soho Pro