Christopher House

タイムアウト東京 > Things to Do>東京、注目すべきユニークな自販機35選 「23人に1台」という驚異的な自動販売機の普及率を誇る日本は、世界でも類を見ない「自動販売機（以下、自販機）大国」だ。中でも東京は、名実ともに世界一の「自販機首都」といえるだろう。 ボタン一つで買えるのは、定番の飲み物だけではない。東京の自販機は進化を遂げ、新鮮なカットフルーツから調味料、さらにアニメや漫画のグッズに至るまで、ありとあらゆるラインアップが揃う。 小銭の準備はできた？　東京で見つけた、とびきりユニークな自販機の世界へ英語編集部が案内しよう。 関連記事『東京でしかできない88のこと』

Here at Time Out we generally like to provide you with off-the-beaten-path adventures, like unconventional day trips or treks to lesser-known cities. But let’s face it: sometimes you just want to see the touristy stuff. Hey, no judgment here, and no worries – we’ve still got you covered.While we wouldn’t call the following 11 locations tourist ‘traps’ per se, they’re certainly incredibly popular among visitors and locals alike. Read on for some of the city’s most popular attractions, plus our recommended alternatives for each one.RECOMMENDED: 7 guided walking tours to see the best sides of Tokyo

This article is part of a three-part series. To learn about a biwa master and her music lessons, see here. To learn about a taiko master and her music lessons, see here.Traditional Japanese instruments, also known as wagakki, are an intrinsic part of Japan’s rich cultural heritage. Whether it’s the vibrant, percussive beat of the taiko or the lilting, airy melodies of the shakuhachi, each instrument has enchanted audiences for centuries, and continues to do so to this day.To get better acquainted with just a few wagakki, we sat down with Toshinobu Shishido, who goes by the artist name Kouzan Oyama, a master of the shamisen, koto and sanshin. Read on to learn more about his life, and if you fancy, book a lesson with him to try your hand at one (or all) of these three instruments.

This article is part of a three-part series. To learn about a shamisen, koto and sanshin master and his music lessons, see here. To learn about a taiko master and her music lessons, see here.The biwa is one of Japan's many wagakki (traditional musical instruments). A relative of the Chinese pipa, the pear-shaped instrument is often used as an accompaniment for songs about historical tales and epic narratives, which are sung by biwa players like our interviewee, Nobuko Kawashima.Ever since her youth, Nobuko has been the performing arts type, but music wasn't always her passion. The Nakano-born musician worked in theatre and ballet before ultimately making the switch to studying the biwa. Now she's been playing for over 25 years and teaching for over a decade. Read on to learn more about this music master and find out how you can book her class.

Boasting an estimated one vending machine per 23 people, Japan is in a league of its own when it comes to automatic dispensers. That makes Tokyo the undisputed vending machine capital of the world. While drinks are the most common item you can purchase at the press of a button, Tokyo's vending machines have gone above and beyond to offer everything from cut fresh fruit and cooking condiments to anime and manga merch.Time to get that loose change ready – here are some of the most outlandish vending machines Tokyo has to offer.RECOMMENDED: Looking to explore more of the city? Here's 88 things to do in Tokyo

If you're the type to reach for vitamin drinks for their purported health benefits, this one might be for you. When it comes to gut healthy probiotic foods, you might already know about kimchi or kefir, but do you know your natto from your narezushi? Your koji from your katsuobushi?Pretty much all of these items can be found in your local grocery store, or in some cases the nearest convenience store or even vending machine. Hunt around and see which ones you like – your gut just might thank you.Note: the information in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice.RECOMMENDED: Got a sweet tooth? Try these dessert omakase

Sakura season is upon us once again. Japan is home to hundreds of varieties of the fleeting flowers, but do you know your Kanzan from your Ukon? Here’s a quick guide to introduce you to a mere fraction of the many types of sakura you may see during your hanami adventures. Got a good shot to share? Tag us on Insta at @timeouttokyo_ with your best sakura pics. RECOMMENDED: While you're here, check out our ultimate guide to cherry blossoms in Tokyo

We all know that big cities like Tokyo and Osaka are great places to be, but let's face it: Japan is home to plenty of smaller locations that we're sometimes guilty of overlooking. One such place is Hamamatsu.This seaside city lies right in between Tokyo and Osaka, making it the perfect stop along the way to either location. With its many historical sites and its status as a leader in Japanese manufacturing, Hamamatsu offers an exciting mix of tradition and modernity for visitors to experience.Word to the wise: getting around won't be quite as convenient as in Tokyo. Taxis will be your best bet for most places, so we recommend having a taxi app or two in your arsenal while you're there. That said, read on for some of our favourite things to do in Hamamatsu.RECOMMENDED: 15 best day trips for a weekend getaway from Tokyo

If you’ve tried amazake, chances are it was from a paper cup at a winter festival; a warming, comforting and nutritious beverage to keep you going in chilly weather. But this sweet white non-alcoholic drink made from fermented rice is traditionally a summer beverage.Nicknamed ‘drinkable IV’ (as in ‘intravenous drip’), amazake is heralded as a remedy for natsubate (summer heat fatigue), and it’s believed to offer a myriad of health benefits – some even claim it helps with hangovers. Unsurprisingly, given its superfood billing, amazake is now widely available all year round.Read on to learn more about the nutritious beverage, plus how to make it and where to buy it. This article was originally published on July 22 2019, and updated on August 6 2025. RECOMMENDED: 30 best kakigori in Tokyo for a delicious cool down

From gogo performances to drag shows, queer creativity comes in all forms. Live entertainment from queer talent is great of course, but if you're looking for something tangible to take home with you, these artsy LGBTQ+ folks have got you covered.Whether you're looking for a gift for a loved one or a little something for yourself, consider supporting these queer creatives with your next purchase.RECOMMENDED: Check out the best souvenir shops in Tokyo

It's time to get spooky, folks. From costume shops to parties, we've got you covered for Halloween night and beyond. Whether you're the adventurous type itching to get out and explore or a homebody looking for goose pimples from the comfort of home, read on for not only some of Tokyo's haunted locations, but a few popular Japanese urban legends as well.Given that Tokyo is a bustling metropolis, the spookiness of several of these allegedly haunted spots is fairly low, meaning even the most skittish of scaredycats has little to fear. But if you prefer to avoid them anyway, no judgment here – feel free to stay in and read up on some urban legends instead. Happy haunting!RECOMMENDED: Check out these creepy day trips from Tokyo

Ah, Tokyo. Practically perfect in every way. The city consistently ranks as one of the best in the world, but let's face it: no place is flawless, and it would be irresponsible to pretend that this marvellous metropolis isn't without its faults.The next time you're strolling through one of Tokyo's many parks or gardens, try taking a closer look. Depending on where you are, you may notice people who have fallen through the cracks of society, struggling for basics like food.Enter Grama Seva Japan, the Tokyo-based group that's feeding the city's unhoused. Read on to learn more about the team's incredible work and how you can get involved.Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official editorial position of Time Out.RECOMMENDED: Meet the drag queens saving the planet, one show at a time

It's practically impossible to engage with Japanese media without encountering something connected to Toei Company. On the animation side, Toei is behind iconic series like Sailor Moon, Dragon Ball, Digimon and One Piece, just to name a few. On the film and TV front, the studio distributed the 2000 thriller Battle Royale and produced the series Super Sentai, which became the source material for the hit American series Power Rangers.Now the entertainment juggernaut is expanding into the world of video games. The new venture, called Toei Games, is starting out by releasing PC games on Steam, with plans to expand to Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox. The company recently announced its first three upcoming PC games – read on for more info. Photo: Toei Games, UnGloomStudio'Hino' Hino Action-adventure game Hino is brought to you by Japanese indie game developer UnGloomStudio, in which the titular character and her kawaii skeleton companion dodge monsters as they navigate a dilapidated school building shrouded in darkness to uncover the truth of their world. The eerie visuals come courtesy of Fukuoka-based designer and illustrator Yatara, who uses ballpoint pen to combine the creepy and adorable in this dark fantasy. Judging from the game's trailer and description, it appears to share some similarities with Little Nightmares in terms of gameplay and storyline, though Hino is reported to have multiple endings. Photo: Toei Games, Black Tangerine'Ki

The world is hers, and so is this store. Hatsune Miku merch could already be found sprinkled about the city (including even in vending machines), but this newly opened space in Harajuku is one dedicated solely to the Vocaloid singer and her Piapro pals.The store sells a myriad of products featuring Miku-chan, ranging from standard items like figurines and plushies (from ¥3,000)… Photo: Christopher House Photo: Christopher House … to the somewhat left-of-centre Miku-chan chapstick (¥770)… Photo: Christopher House … to the downright silly Hatsune Miku leek curry (¥880), in reference to the iconic meme – if you know, you know. Photo: Christopher House The rest of the Piapro characters get some love too, with plenty of items starring Rin, Len, Luka, Meiko and Kaito – think figurines, keychains and tin badges, but sadly no curry. Photo: Christopher House For a bit of virtual variety, head to the store right next door by VTuber agency 'hololive production', which specialises in the virtual entertainment business. Like the Miku store, this place is also newly opened, but unlike the Miku store, it requires you to queue with a numbered ticket for entry. If you're not interested in queues (or VTubers), stick with Miku-chan: she won't let you down. Photo: Christopher House 'The Hatsune Miku Store in Harajuku' is located on the fourth floor of Tokyu Plaza Omotesando, open from 11am to 8pm daily.More from Time Out TokyoSatisfy your guilty cravings with these unhealthy yet grat

If you're the type to offer financial support to the LGBTQ+ community by donating to drag queens or purchasing works from queer creatives, here's another initiative that could use your yen. Queer community centre NamNam Space has announced on its Instagram account that its lease is not being renewed – they have the space until October 2026, after which they must vacate the premises.As disheartening as the sudden announcement may be to NamNam's many supporters, this isn't the first time the organisation has moved. Though NamNam is now located on the fourth floor of a blink-and-you'll-miss-it venue among the shopping streets of Koenji, it was established in Kawasaki in 2023, and moved to its current home the following year. Photo: NamNam Space Since its founding, the not-for-profit, volunteer-run org has hosted a slew of events from art exhibitions and film screenings to bake sale pop-ups, open mics and more, mostly centring around social justice and queer community building.'Given the influx of love and support we've gotten, and given my knowledge of the team and what we're capable of, I'm not pessimistic. In fact, I'm quite hopeful,' says Hana Breslau, one of the staff at the space. 'I have a lot of faith that we'll be fine and that we'll land on our feet.'With the lease expiration looming, a fundraiser has been launched to help raise money for a potential new location. NamNam's goal is to raise at least ¥3.5 million to cover the costs, though they estimate they may need as

This article is part of a three-part series. To learn about a biwa master and her music lessons, see here. To learn about a shamisen, koto and sanshin master and his music lessons, see here.From Pokémon and Pocky to Godzilla and Goku, modern Japan has been ubiquitous worldwide for decades. But when it comes to certain aspects of the country's traditional culture, for example its many wagakki (traditional instruments), plenty of people might not be as familiar. How many of us have seen a live taiko performance, for instance, let alone tried to play one of the drums?If you're looking to try the taiko for yourself but don't know where to start, look no further than bilingual instructor Eva Kestner, a performing artist with over 30 years of drumming experience. Read on to learn more about her and what to expect from her exceptional taiko class. Photo: Keisuke Tanigawa Meet the master Tokyo-born Eva Kestner began practising taiko at the age of eight. At first, she merely enjoyed the feeling of using her whole body to play rhythms, but that simple pleasure soon developed into a full-fledged passion for the instrument. She continued practising throughout most of her adolescence before leaving Japan to study at Cornell in the US. Photo: Keisuke Tanigawa The music bug followed her abroad. Despite majoring in philosophy, Eva found herself forming the university's first taiko team, acting as its musical director. It was from this transformative experience that she eventually decided

The price hikes just keep on coming – littering fees, traffic violation fines, US-bound package fees and now taxis. As of today (April 20), Tokyo's taxis have raised their fees in all 23 wards, plus in Musashino and Mitaka.The price hike is the first since 2022 and comes in response to rising fuel costs and driver shortages, among other reasons. The increase is just over 10 percent – 10.14% to be precise – but comes not in the form of raising listed prices, but rather by adjusting how fees are charged.The ¥500 base fare remains the same, but although it used to cover the first 1.096km of your journey, that's now been reduced to 1km. Each additional 255m after that used to cost ¥100, but that distance has been reduced to 232m per ¥100 instead. So, the prices themselves haven't changed, but the distance your yen will pay for has gone down.The fare changes above apply to standard taxis, but larger taxis have also increased their rates, so be mindful if hailing a larger car. For the full rundown of all the changes, check out the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's official press release on the matter (in Japanese, natch).More from Time Out TokyoShibuya Sky is opening its rooftop bar for a limited time from April 29DisneySea celebrates its 25th anniversary with a Sparkling Jubilee eventHere's what you'll find at the new Oimachi Tracks complex near Oimachi StationTokyo could be getting its own version of the Las Vegas SphereGrand Hyatt Tokyo celebrates Pokémon

Seems like there are new fines and fees everywhere these days: new littering fines, new traffic violation fines and, if you're planning to send a package to the United States, potentially new fees to pay. Japan Post has announced that as of April 14, the postal service will once again accept US-bound parcels valued at over 100USD, but at a cost – literally.Japan Post had ceased shipping packages worth over 100USD in August of last year in response to a Trump-administration executive order that ended tax exemptions for items valued at 100USD or higher, but the company has now resumed shipments with new rules.For personal gifts or merchandise valued between 100USD and 800USD, customs fees must be paid in advance through an authorised app. The app Japan Post currently supports is Zonos Prepay – a step-by-step guide for how to use the app can be found on the Japan Post website here (in Japanese).Letters, postcards, other printed materials and personal gifts or merchandise under 100USD aren't subject to the aforementioned customs fees. As for packages over 800USD, consult with your local Japan Post branch regarding any necessary fees and how to pay them.More from Time Out TokyoMissing Punch the monkey? Ichikawa Zoo is still taking donations for him10 art exhibitions to check out in and around Tokyo this springGrand Hyatt Tokyo celebrates Pokémon’s 30th anniversary with themed rooms this summerTokyo could be getting its own version of the Las Vegas SphereUeno Zoo is set to open a '

In this fast-paced world, viral characters come and go (remember Moo Deng?), but there's a little monkey out there who's still in our hearts: Punch. The baby Japanese macaque made massive waves worldwide earlier this year, with images of him and his orangutan plushie racking up millions of views across social media. (If you somehow missed the whole spectacle, read our recap of the Punch the monkey saga to get up to speed.)The popular primate garnered so much attention online that the zoo where he's located, Ichikawa Zoo just over an hour from Tokyo, began to see a massive spike in real-world attendance. The zoo subsequently started a fundraising campaign in mid-March, receiving over ¥19 million from gracious donors worldwide by the end of the month.If you care to donate, you still can – Ichikawa Zoo is accepting donations until May 31. The funds raised aren't exclusively for Punch, of course, but go toward the upkeep of the zoo's facilities in general, including the enclosure where Punch resides.The bilingual guide on how to donate can be found on the official Ichikawa Zoo website here. By the way, we hear that Punch is doing much better, and though he doesn't depend on his iconic plushie anymore, he just might appreciate it if you pay him a visit anyway. Long live Punch!More from Time Out TokyoCatch a traditional Japanese flute performance at this outdoor market near TokyoSee the world's most famous work of Japanese erotic art now in Kabukicho10 art exhibitions to check out

Searching for authentic experiences away from the hustle and bustle of the inner city? Look no further than Machida, about an hour from the city centre. Here you can try spinning wool on a sheep farm, for example, and later this month the city is holding a shinobue (bamboo flute) concert in a bamboo grove.The 40-minute concert is brought to you by musicians Sachiko Yamaguchi and Yuko Kumagaya, who have been performing as the duo Yamakumaya since 2019. Their shinobue performances combine traditional Japanese folk songs and Western melodies, made all the more ethereal among the breathtaking bamboo.After the show, stick around for a brief lesson to practise the basics of the shinobue (in Japanese only). Bring your own shinobue if you happen to have one lying around the house, or use one of the instruments provided at the event. Photo: Shima Takenouchi The concert is the highlight of the day, but it's not the only thing going on. Next to the performance venue you'll find an outdoor market, where you can try local foods and support local artisans by purchasing their handmade crafts. As the market takes place near the aforementioned bamboo grove, the items on sale include bamboo-related products ranging from artisanal soap to home decor. Photo: Shima Takenouchi The whole shebang takes place on April 25 at the Yoridoko Community Center from 11am to 3.30pm, with the concert happening at 1pm. To get to the community centre, take the Odakyu line to Tsurukawa Station or Tama Center

Ah, Hatsune Miku. It's not exactly difficult to find merch of Japan's most famous virtual superstar – in vending machines or at the country's only Sega Store, for instance – but it's about to get even easier. Later this month, a store dedicated to the turquoise-haired talent is opening in Harajuku.Officially named 'The Hatsune Miku Store in Harajuku', the shop is set to feature exclusive merch of Miku-chan and the other Piapro characters. Not much else has been announced yet, but the good news is that this isn't a pop-up shop: fans will soon have a permanent store dedicated to their idol. Photo: ⓒ COVER If Miku and her Piapro pals aren't enough digital delight, you're in luck. VTuber agency 'hololive production' is also in the virtual idol business and is opening its own official store on the same day as the Hatsune Miku store, and in the same building to boot. Themed decor, exclusive merch… you know the drill.The Hatsune Miku store and 'hololive production' store both open on the fourth floor of Tokyu Plaza Omotesando on April 24. The hololive store requires a ticket lottery for the first two days of its opening – enter the lottery here.More from Time Out TokyoFeed sheep and spin wool on this farm tour near TokyoThis Tokyo exhibition explores the process of curating art for an entire nation10 art exhibitions to check out in and around Tokyo this springThe largest Doraemon exhibition in history just made its Tokyo debutDive into Sebastian Masuda's immersive kawaii world at

Tokyo and its surrounding areas may seem like a concrete jungle to the unfamiliar, but there's plenty for nature lovers to experience if you know where to look (vegetable picking, anyone?). This farm tour located in Machida about an hour from the city centre lets you feed sheep, spin wool, hike through a bamboo grove and try your hand at bamboo weaving, all in one. Photo: Christopher House You'll start the day by meeting your bilingual tour guide – at 8.40am at a designated meeting point in Shinjuku Station – who will then accompany you to Tama-Center Station. (Alternatively, if you're already familiar with the Tokyo metro system, you can choose to meet your guide directly at Tama-Center Station.)From there, you'll be transported to your first stop, about 10 minutes' drive from the station: the Yoridoko Community Center. Just beyond this building lies the bamboo grove where you'll visit the sheep farm, but for now you'll meet your bilingual bamboo workshop instructor, Yukino. Photo: Christopher House Yukino Enjoji is a skilled craftsperson with several years of experience working with bamboo. She's been running workshops for locals and international guests alike since 2023, teaching them how to work the versatile material into useful household items. 'It's nice to make something with your hands,' she says. 'You don't have to buy everything.'For this tour, you have the option of creating a basket, a lantern or a pair of knitting needles. Photo: Christopher House Yukino's

From traditional ukiyo-e prints to futuristic sexy robots, Tokyo has no shortage of fascinating exhibitions to offer. Get ready for a whole lot more, as the beloved Edo-Tokyo Museum reopened on March 31. The massive 9,000sqm venue had been closed since April 2022 for renovations, but its collection of over 350,000 items is now available for public viewing once again.The upgrades include not only updated familiar spaces, but also brand-new permanent exhibitions. Read on for a preview of what to expect from the new-and-improved museum on your next visit. Photo: Christopher House Near the main entrance you're immediately greeted by a creative work that exemplifies what the museum is all about: merging the old and the new. The remarkable piece is the work of Tokyo artisan Naoki Kusumi, a third-generation master of traditional plaster techniques. His hand-crafted work pairs seamlessly with the contemporary design of the museum – the synthesis is a perfect introduction for what's in store.The first floor is also where special exhibitions are held throughout the year. Check the museum's website for updates, but in the meantime, catch the lift to the fifth and sixth floor to see the permanent exhibitions. Photo: Christopher House For the uninitiated, you can't enter the fifth floor directly: you have to start on the sixth floor and work your way down. The sixth floor features a recreation of Nihonbashi Bridge, which passes over the fifth floor's Tokyo Zone to the right (pictured

The Edo-Tokyo Museum’s reopening is happening soon after four long years, but until that fateful day, here’s another exhibition to check out. Earlier today, March 27, saw the debut of ‘100% Doraemon & Friends’ at the newly opened Tokyo Dream Park in Ariake.The expansive exhibition is the largest in the franchise’s 56-year history, bringing together manga panels, animation, sculptures, limited-edition merch and a themed food menu all starring the world’s favourite blue robot cat. Photo: Kisa Toyoshimaオープニングセレモニー The exhibition launched in Hong Kong in July 2024, attracting over five million visitors during its month-long run. Since then, it has continued to captivate fans across Asia, making its way through several cities including Shanghai, Guangzhou, Bangkok, and Kaohsiung in Taiwan. Photo: Genya Aokiオリジナルアニメーションの1シーン※メディア内覧につき撮影、通常撮影禁止 In addition to showcasing the content from the previous cities, the Tokyo exhibition also features Japan-exclusive works. Here you can see Doraemon transformed into a shiba inu, a sumo wrestler and a few other forms inspired by Japanese culture, as well as view two original animations not seen elsewhere. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Photo: Kisa Toyoshima「ウソ800」の名場面を再現した展示 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Fans of the manga won’t be disappointed, as the venue is decked out with wall panels, 3D projectors and life-size models displaying iconic scenes from all 45 volumes. Plus, get a glimpse of the cool cat’s humble beginnings with a recreation of Doraem