STRANGE OLD TOKYO
with David McElhinney, writer for Tokyo Weekender
David in Ito on the Izu Peninsula, 50 miles southwest of Tokyo
Looking for some unusual attractions in Tokyo, Japan? Look no further.
In this episode, we talk to local expert and freelance writer David McElhinney.
David is a Northern Irish journalist and editor based in Tokyo and Belfast. Since first moving to Japan in 2018, he’s written travel articles — as well as pieces on Japanese art, culture and current affairs — for the likes of Lonely Planet, Tokyo Weekender and CNN Travel. He’s currently working on a guidebook to Japan.
In this episode you’ll find out…
Where to witness the genitalia-celebrating Festival of the Steel Phallus
Why curry bread and pit-viper liqueur beat salted squid guts
How rockabilly and jazz music have found a loving home in Tokyo
…and so much more.
You’ll find all David’s picks on the podcast website: www.strangeoldworld.com
Read his articles for Tokyo Weekender and check out davidmcelhinney.com
Here are a couple of the Japan-focused articles we mentioned on the pod:
Follow Joe on X or Instagram or get in touch at info@juniorproductions.co.uk
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Picks of the pod
Here’s a list of all the Strange Old Tokyo suggestions of David McElhinney. Attractions marked with an asterisk (*) are included on the map below.
Strange thing to see in Tokyo: The Strangers* (bonus shoutout: Japanese performance art like kabuki, noh, rakugo, kyōgen, nōgaku, bunraku, butoh)
Strange thing to do in Tokyo: Visit a jazz kissa — try Jazzbar Samurai* (bonus shoutouts: Parasite Museum, Tobacco and Salt Museum, Sewage Museum)
Strange festival in Tokyo: Kanamara Matsuri* (bonus shoutout: Naki Sumo)
Strange food in Tokyo: Shirako cod semen — try it at Bakawarai Junsui* (bonus shoutouts: kare pan, natto, tororo, mekabu, fugu, squid guts, habushu liqueur)
Strange legend/slice of history in Tokyo: Hachikō Memorial Statue*
Stranger Danger™ in Tokyo: Talking/eating/drinking on the train, initiating handshakes or hugs
Strange day trip from Tokyo: Mt. Kawanori* (bonus shoutout: Mt. Mitake, Aokigahara)
Straight-up recommendations for Tokyo: Look up for better restaurants, discover the Kita Senju, Kichijoji and Jimbocho neighbourhoods, shop at Infinity Books
Why visit now/when to visit: It’s a very dynamic city that’s always changing/Less busy in winter (and you can see Mt. Fuji), avoid hot and humid August
Strange sight elsewhere in the world: Yakushima Island, Japan
Joe’s end-of-pod pick: Shop for plastic food on Kappabashi-dori*