Christopher House

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

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

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

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

If you’re a foodie looking to take a deep dive into Tokyo’s culinary scene without having to traverse the entirety of the sprawling metropolis, there’s one event you shouldn’t miss: the Tokyo Tokyo Delicious Museum. The massive three-day event in Ariake has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors each May since 2022 and features gourmet food and drink vendors, live entertainment, family-friendly cultural workshops and more.Dozens of food stalls are spread across multiple themed zones serving up local and international cuisine, including exclusive dishes created specifically for the event. Keep your eyes peeled, as several of Tokyo’s most in-demand restaurants can be found amongst the ample selection. Vegan-friendly, gluten-free and Muslim-friendly options are also available, plus kids’ menus for the little ones.Speaking of little ones, there’s plenty more than kids’ menus to make this event an excellent choice as a family outing. Parents can make use of the free diaper-changing stations, nursing rooms, designated parking spaces for strollers and priority seating for families that the event provides.Here’s what the 2026 edition of the Tokyo Tokyo Delicious Museum offered – keep your eyes peeled for announcements on next year’s event.

‘I don’t feel safe in Tokyo,’ is a statement you’re probably not likely to hear. After all, the city consistently ranks as one of the world’s best, and the country as a whole boasts incredibly low crime rates.Still, no place is perfect. The killing of 21-year-old Moe Harukawa at the Pokemon Center in Ikebukuro earlier this year was a devastating reality check that unfortunately not everyone is safe at all times.To do our small part to try to prevent tragedies like Moe’s from repeating, we reached out to the staff at TELL Japan – a nonprofit providing mental health support through its Lifeline, clinical services and community outreach programs – to get insight on what resources are available to those who may find themselves in an unsafe situation in Tokyo.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: This group feeds the homeless in Tokyo – here’s how you can help

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』

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.

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

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

Moss enthusiasts, this one's for you: JR Tokai Tours is offering its oddly specific Kyoto Moss Tour Passport again this year. The ¥1,500 booklet is available until September 30, granting admission into any four of the six participating Kyoto temples known for their spectacular moss gardens. It's a strangely niche proposition, we know, but we promise they're all quite lovely. Photo: JR TokaiKyoto Moss Tour Passport 2026 Given that buying separate tickets for any four of these temples would add up to more than the cost of the booklet, it's quite the bargain. To get your hands on the 'passport', you can purchase an e-ticket here, which you must then use to pick up your booklet in person at the Kyoto Tourist Information Center 'Kyo Navi' in Kyoto Station.Read on for more info on the six participating temples. Photo: Digital Love/PixtaMyoshin-ji Temple Keishun-in Myoshinji Temple Keishunin (妙心寺桂春院) Built in 1337, the majestic Myoshinji Temple has evolved over centuries into the sprawling Buddhist complex seen today. Scattered across this massive site is a network of historical sub-temples, many of which, particularly those erected in the 1600s, have been officially designated as Tangible Cultural Properties of Kyoto. Tucked away in the furthest northeast corner is Keishunin Temple, home to a garden so splendid it is now officially a National Site of Scenic Beauty. The grounds are made up of four distinct dry-landscape gardens, including the Shojo courtyard garden featuring whi

Seems like the world still can't get enough Punch. The Japanese macaque and his iconic stuffed orangutan first stole the hearts of viewers worldwide earlier this year, racking up millions of hits across social media. The adorable monkey became so popular that Ichikawa Zoo, Punch's home just over an hour from Tokyo, began accepting donations for him in mid-March.Since then, the zoo has raised a staggering ¥43 million from Punch lovers worldwide. The fundraising campaign has been such a success that the original May 31 deadline to submit donations has been extended significantly. You now have until December 31 to offer Punch your monetary support.The funds are intended for the maintenance of Monkey Mountain, where Punch and the other macaques reside. Some of the planned upgrades reportedly include expanding the monkeys' enclosure, plus installing sunshades and air conditioning.If you'd like to donate, you can find the bilingual guide on Ichikawa Zoo's website.More from Time Out TokyoTokyo's hydrangeas are now blooming – and they're gorgeousOne of the world's best burgers is right here in TokyoThe Pokémon Cafe in Tokyo's Nihonbashi is reopening this monthShibuya's Hands store will close in November after 48 years in businessHere's what to expect at the revamped Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.

The results of a new LGBTQ+ survey are in, and just in time for Pride Month. Advertising and PR company Dentsu Japan has released the findings of its aptly named ‘LGBTQ+ Survey 2026’ conducted earlier this year. The survey questioned 46,658 individuals aged 20 to 59. Of those surveyed, around 10.6% self-identified as belonging to the LGBTQ+ community. Photo: dentsu Japandentsu Japan LGBTQ+ Survey 2026 This year's LGBTQ+ survey was the sixth carried out by Dentsu. The last one was in 2023 and reported that about 9.7% of participants identified as LGBTQ+, which was an increase from 8.9% in the company's 2020 survey. Photo: IpsosIpsos LGBT+ Pride Report 2025 But how do these rates compare globally? Multinational market research and consulting firm Ipsos performed an international LGBTQ+ survey in 2025. Brazil rated highest, with 14% of individuals surveyed identifying as LGBTQ+. Canada, Sweden, the US and Germany occupied the remaining Top 5. It's worth noting that Ipsos’ survey listed Japan’s LGBTQ+ rate at only 5%, though this may be due to the significantly smaller sample size of 1,000 the company used for the country, compared to Dentsu Japan's 46,658 used in 2026. Photo: dentsu Japandentsu Japan LGBTQ+ Survey 2026 A second portion of Dentsu’s survey involved 6,240 participants; the results showed growing support across a range of LGBTQ+ issues from queer-inclusive curricula to marriage equality. Around 81.7% of those surveyed expressed support for education on diverse

Pokémon fans, rejoice. Earlier this year, Tokyo's only Pokémon Cafe announced it would be closing in March for renovations. Those renovations are soon coming to an end, as the eatery is reopening later this month with a few surprises. Photo: ©2026 Pokemon ©1995-2026 Nintendo/Creatures., Game Freak Inc. Pokemon is a trademark by Nintendo/Creatures Inc./Game FreakPokémon Cafe menu items The interior isn't the only thing that's been renovated – the menu's gotten an upgrade too. Take your pick of the Pikachu curry (¥2,530), Eevee pancakes (¥2,090), Mimikyu omelette (¥2,530), Snorlax teriyaki burger (¥2,530) and other themed food and drink items. Photo: ©2026 Pokemon ©1995-2026 Nintendo/Creatures., Game Freak Inc. Pokemon is a trademark by Nintendo/Creatures Inc./Game FreakPika Pika Parfait For a sweet treat, go for the new chocolate and berry Pika Pika Parfait (¥2,090). Classic items like the Gengar smoothie will still be around, but for the most part the menu has been completely revamped, so there's plenty of new stuff to try out. Photo: ©2026 Pokemon ©1995-2026 Nintento/Creatures., Game Freak Inc. Pokemon is a trademark by Nintendo/Creatures Inc./Game FreakPokémon Cafe interior A part of the café's renovations includes an area for the 'Let’s Make a Pika Pika Parfait' show. The 10-minute performance takes place throughout the day and features an appearance by Chef Pikachu, Waitress Pikachu or Pastry Chef Pikachu, who will show up to, well, make a Pika Pika Parfait. Talk ab

With its frequent earthquakes and other natural calamities, Japan is a world leader in disaster preparedness, so much so that places like the Disaster Prevention Underground Temple have become unique tourist attractions.But there's more than one way to prep for an emergency – enter the 'waterless' toilet in Tokyo's Nakameguro Park that you may have seen in the news or on social media lately. Photo: Christopher HouseBio toilet in Nakameguro Park Installed in April, the park's new loo is solar-powered and not connected to any external water or sewage systems, relying instead on bacteria and other microorganisms to break down human waste, plus methods like UV radiation and carbon filtration to further the decontamination process.The setup is indeed eco-friendly, though to describe the toilet as 'waterless' is misleading. Water is definitely present: it's just recycled. The toilet can be used up to 10 days – or around 4,000 flushes – before its solid waste receptacles need to be emptied. Photo: Christopher HouseBio toilet and diaper-changing station The unisex stall on the left is wheelchair-accessible and has a toilet and changing table (no urinal), while the female stall on the right has only a toilet. One downside is that because both stalls are so conservative with water usage, there are no bidets or even a sink for washing your hands. Photo: Christopher HousePublic toilets in Nakameguro Park If you'd like to wash your hands, use the nearby public bathroom instead, whic

In case you haven't noticed, unseasonably warm weather has already begun to rear its fiery head in Tokyo. With higher temperatures comes more AC usage, which can get pretty pricey over time. To help ease the burden on residents' wallets, the national government has announced its plans to subsidise electric and gas bills this summer.The ¥500-billion plan comes as a response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has led to increased energy costs. The subsidy will cover around ¥5,000 per household per month from July to September.More specifically, you'll get ¥3.50 per kilowatt-hour in July and September and ¥4.50 per kilowatt-hour in August, an increase from last year's ¥2 and ¥2.4. If maths and paperwork aren't your forte, not to worry. Your subsidy amount will be automatically calculated and deducted from your bills with no application process necessary.With all those extra savings, feel free to stock up on a few summer essentials to help you survive the upcoming heat.More from Time Out TokyoGuitar legend Masayoshi Takanaka's new Japan tour kicks off this summerSeoul's Kompakt Record Bar lands in Tokyo Tokyo's life-size Unicorn Gundam statue in Odaiba will be retired this August A new sushi restaurant from the team behind Udatsu Sushi opens in Omotesando A brand new digital art space is coming to Ariake this June Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.

Fan of all things Sega? Well, you're in luck. To celebrate its 65th anniversary, the video game company has opened a seven-day pop-up store in Shibuya, and not too far from Sega Store Tokyo to boot. Photo: Christopher House'Sega 65th The Limited Shop' The pop-up features dozens of never-before-seen items produced specifically for the event, ranging from keyrings and acrylic stands to T-shirts, caps and other apparel. Photo: ©Sega'Sega 65th The Limited Shop' merch The extensive collection spans the gamut of Sega's many games and characters over the years. Merch starring everyone's favourite blue hedgehog abounds, natch, but you'll also find items featuring the likes of Like a Dragon / Yakuza, Sakura Wars or the incredibly obscure cult-classic life simulation game Roommania #203, made for the Sega Dreamcast in 2000, among others. Photo: Christopher House'Sega 65th The Limited Shop' Lugosis & Strato collab You'll also find items created through artistic collaborations with the Sega brand. Five international and local artists showcase their work, including Italian twin-brother visual artists Lugosis & Strato (work pictured above) and acclaimed painter Shohei Ochiai, who has previously collaborated with American singer-songwriter and music producer Pharrell Williams.Time Out tip: For bonus merch, you can purchase a 65th-anniversary Sega cup from the restaurant that shares a space with the pop-up store for just ¥850. Customers also receive a commemorative Sega sticker with th

It’s almost that time of year again: Mount Fuji climbing season. Despite the increase in ticket prices now required for entry, the iconic mountain remains a beloved hiking destination for both domestic and international tourists from July to September – and registration for this year's climbing season is already underway. For the uninitiated, Mt Fuji's four hiking trails are split across two prefectures: three in Shizuoka (Fujinomiya Trail, Gotemba Trail and Subashiri Trail) and one in Yamanashi (Yoshida Trail). Subashiri and Yoshida are scheduled to open July 1, while Fujinomiya and Gotemba open a bit later, on July 10. Registration is currently open for all trails regardless of their opening date. Yoshida began placing limits on its daily visitor count in 2024 to manage overcrowding, and this year is no different. Climbers for the trail are restricted to 4,000 a day, though Shizuoka’s three trails have announced no such limit. Entry is ¥4,000 per person. Take note that the two prefectures have different registration methods for their trails: Yamanashi’s registration website can be found here, while Shizuoka requires you to register through its ‘Shizuoka Fuji Navi’ app. Remember to abide by all safety rules and regulations and to wear appropriate climbing attire. Visit the official Mt Fuji climbing website for more info on what's required. Happy hiking! More from Time Out TokyoReview: Is the new Sailor Moon Shining Theater show in Tokyo worth the hype?The official Hatsune Mi

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