Japan has a justly bad reputation for over-engineering its rivers - but sometimes the results are spectacular, like this underground concrete cathedral used for storing floodwater. It's a spectacular photo opportunity but you would never know was there, under rice paddies in the outskirts of Tokyo.

Bring good shoes and a Japanese-speaker for the tour.

Kasukae, Saitama

720 Kamikanasaki, Kasukabe city, Saitama 344-0111

Google map: tinyurl.com/3263c35

048-747-0281

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It was my first time in Japan, and I was looking for somewhere cheap to eat that wasn’t a burger joint. I happened upon Yoshinoya (they’re everywhere, look for the bright orange signs). The menu is mainly rice-based: the dishes include pork, beef etc. with ginger, curry etc. The dishes cost from 360 - 630 yen (approx. £2-4) including rice and miso soup - fantastic value for money. I ate there four times in a 10-day holiday, and every time we were the only westerners there; as they say, if it’s where the locals go it must be good!

Everywhere in the major cities

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