Places JLowdown Wants to Go

This one-of-a-kind indie publisher-bookshop specializes in archiving historic red-light districts and niche cultural topics of the Shōwa era.

A hidden alley with seven corners and handmade cat decorations.

This retro café is a remnant of Japan’s post-war Argentine tango craze.

When the Cuban government seized a Trader Vic's franchise, they unknowingly led to its preservation.

Sip cherry liqueur at a bar dating back to 1840.

The former site of Fukuoka’s legendary ramen joint works hard to guide customers to the “original” original.

Natural hot springs hidden in the rainforest are only accessible by boat.

A century-old historical movie theatre that plays a mix of independent and mainstream films.

Unchanged for decades, World War II-era bullet holes and nostalgic ghost signs still haunt this desolate train station.

This century-old independent movie theater with an iconic Art Deco neon sign survived a devastating fire in 2016.

In the oldest zen temple stands a descendant of the very tree that introduced tea to Japanese culture.

Take the most scenic fjord landscape in Norway and add dramatic red cliffs, warm clear water, and playful dolphins.

This bathhouse includes an option to soak in radioactive water.

Dedicated to the largest armed uprising in American history since the Civil War.

Bioluminescent firefly squid light up this Japanese fishing port.

Everyone from Alan Ginsberg to The Rolling Stones has stopped by this classic dive bar.

Established over a thousand years ago, this family-run teahouse continues to serve skewers of sweet rice cake to this day.

This former factory has been transformed into a technicolor wonderland, where dozens of local artists have collaborated to create a real choose-your-own-adventure experience.

A train ride to the middle of nowhere gives its passengers some of the most iconic views of Japan's seasons.

A group of artists transformed this desolate city alleyway into an outdoor gallery of street art.

This 19th-century pub features stained-glass windows celebrating Victorian-era “champions.”

This snack factory boasts several tributes to its popular line of rice crackers, including a quasi-shrine.

Composed of scrap metal, a pair of platform-length murals chronicle Japan’s history, from the Big Bang to the development of modern Tokyo.

This park contains one of the largest concentrations of cedar glades, a unique and rare ecosystem.