The National Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals from nearly 400 species — everything from elephants and lions to smaller exhibits you can explore at your own pace. Highlights include the Giant Panda Habitat and Amazonia, an indoor rainforest with monkeys, fish, and tropical plants. The grounds are expansive, so wear good shoes and plan a few hours if you want to see more than just the main enclosures.

Nakano provides a distinct experience for visitors interested in Tokyo’s specialist subcultures. Less central than Akihabara, this neighbourhood draws a more knowing crowd of enthusiasts. The district serves as a central point for otaku culture, a Japanese term for people with dedicated, often deep interests in areas like anime, manga and video games. Its primary attraction is Nakano Broadway, a multi-level mall from the 1960s that houses a dense collection of specialist shops, including the flagship Mandarake complex, selling vintage toys, comics and collectables. Access to the mall is through the Nakano Sun Mall, a covered shotengai (shopping arcade) filled with everyday shops and eateries. In recent years, Nakano Broadway has also developed a parallel reputation for its concentration of dealers in high-end vintage watches.

History-lovers and the curious should certainly include San Giovanni al Sepolcro Temple into their Brindisi itinerary. The ancient structure holds frescoes that date back to as early as the 12th century, with explanation boards set up in both Italian and English. Roman structures' remains can be seen in the basement.

Works on Brindisi’s impressive Cathedral began in the 11th century and it was rebuilt in the mid-18th century. Parts of the original building, including a twelfth-century mosaic floor, can still be seen. Inside you can see the altars in poly-chrome marble commissioned, the balustrades and the majolica floor.