Dating back to 1703, Elfreth’s Alley is often hailed as the oldest continuously inhabited residential street in the United States. Go back in time by walking down its narrow, cobblestone lane, where Federal and Georgian-style homes still stand proudly as relics of a bygone era. At numbers 124 and 126, you’ll find a small museum offering a glimpse into the daily lives of working-class Philadelphians during the colonial era.

This nationally recognised Shinto shrine is considered one of Japan’s primary symbols of the country’s major religion. Take in the huge 11-metre cypress tree torii (gate) before wandering peacefully along winding paths to the wonderful inner buildings. Near the main complex, the modern Meiji Jingu Museum displays personal artefacts of the imperial couple, from manuscripts to garments. For a small fee, the Inner Garden (Jingu Naien) reveals a landscape of seasonal beauty, most famous for its June iris blooms.

Shimokitazawa, lovingly abbreviated to Shimokita, is a celebrated bohemian enclave just a few stops from Shibuya. It offers a distinct, relaxed counterpoint to Tokyo's central intensity. The labyrinth of narrow, pedestrian-friendly lanes is a haven for vintage clothing stores, independent boutiques and intimate live music venues. While recent developments like the Mikan Shimokita and Reload complexes have modernised the area around the station, the district's soul remains in its backstreets, packed with quirky cafés, second-hand bookshops and eclectic bars. The neighbourhood is roughly divided into two distinct vibes. The south side buzzes with restaurants and nightlife, while the north offers a more laid-back atmosphere for browsing and coffee. Despite ongoing gentrification, Shimokitazawa retains its creative, slightly scruffy spirit, making it the perfect place to spend an afternoon hunting for vintage treasures before settling into a cosy bar for the evening.