Q:  Any links or streams where I can watch Japanese channels?
A:  http://mov3.co/

Q:  Is there some kind of list of recommendations?
A:  We are working on it.

Q:  Where do you download your series with subs?
A:  kissasian - all subbed, 
	drama3s.com - stream and download, both eng sub and raw, so you gotta check beforehand,
	ondramanice.io - also both sub and raw,
	d-addicts.com - if you are looking for softsubs.
	Additonally look here: https://pastebin.com/YtK9gFDb
	It's old, but most of it is still relevant and should get you started.