Ili Saarinen

Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or are planning an indulgent dinner in good company, Time Out Market Osaka has got you covered. Opened in March 2025, Osaka’s most buzzing food and cultural space showcases the best of the Kansai region’s top culinary talents through a curated selection of 17 kitchens and two bars, from local essentials like okonomiyaki and udon to wagyu burgers and trailblazing tacos. The first Time Out Market in Asia shines especially bright when it comes to Japanese cuisine. Besides chefs turning out elevated versions of Osaka classics, the Market hosts washoku-focused gourmet luminaries from across western Japan. These masters’ takes on sushi, ramen, wagyu, Japanese curry and more have wowed locals for years – and won over our editorial team, on whose curation the Market’s line-up of kitchens is based. Here are the details on three of our favourite restaurants serving up top-of-the-line Japanese cuisine at Time Out Market Osaka.  RECOMMENDED: Discover all 17 kitchens at Time Out Market Osaka

Osaka's sourthern downtown district of Minami, which encompasses the Namba area, is the city’s renowned entertainment district, home to countless dining, shopping and nightlife options. That massive Glico running man sign that has become synonymous with Osaka – you’ll find it here among the bustling, neon-lit streets of Dotonbori. The Minami district is also home to Amerikamura, which is Osaka’s answer to Tokyo’s Harajuku. You’ll find all sorts of youthful fashion, boutiques and cafés in this energetic neighbourhood. For something more hip and refined, venture to Horie, especially around Tachibana-dori (Orange Street), where tightly curated select shops co-mingle with artistic brands and industrial-chic cafés. There’s really no shortage of shopping in Minami, as the area also features a massive covered shopping arcade, the Namba Parks shopping centre, major department stores and luxury boutiques, especially along the streets of Shinsaibashi. As such, you can expect Minami to be very well served by public transport – three train companies, three subway lines and an express bus terminal – making this an ideal base for your Osaka holiday. RECOMMENDED: Find out what do in Umeda, Osaka’s northern centre

Osaka may be the place for kuidaore – eating until you fall over – but don’t overlook its many excellent museums. Most of them have an Osaka-centric focus to their exhibitions, which make them great places to learn about the city. Even if you’re not a history buff, there’ll be a museum for you on this list. Interested in Japanese pottery? Peruse the collection of the Museum of Oriental Ceramics. Love instant ramen? Visit the CupNoodles Museum. Prefer a drink? Take a deep dive into the world of malt whisky at Suntory Yamazaki Distillery. Whether you’re travelling with friends and family or going solo, Osaka’s museums are super fun ways to spend an afternoon – or the time in between meals. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Osaka with kids

Umeda is Osaka’s northern downtown, a lively business district served by two of the city’s busiest transport hubs: the sprawling, all-encompassing complexes of Osaka and Umeda stations. Recent redevelopments have bestowed the area with new energy and excitement, and these urbanisation projects are set to continue until 2028. The focal point of these new projects is Grand Green Osaka, which has transformed a former freight rail yard into a cutting-edge multipurpose complex consisting of parks, offices, retail and of course Time Out Market Osaka, our very first editorially curated food and cultural market in Asia. It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the abundance of shopping, dining, hotel and sightseeing options around Umeda. There’s the modern architectural marvel Umeda Sky Building with its rooftop observation deck, department stores and shopping centres galore (Daimaru, Links, Hankyu, Hanshin, Hep Five) as well as a network of underground malls. For a completely different vibe, the historic Osaka Tenmangu Shrine offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city while the artsy Nakazakicho neighbourhood beckons with its laid-back lifestyle, craft shops, vintage stores and cool cafés. Find out what’s good, what’s cool and what’s new in Umeda with our picks of the best that the area has to offer.

Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is finally here, with the much-anticipated event having opened to the public on April 13. The many exhibitions and experiences being offered at the various national and thematic pavilions have been unveiled, and the buildings themselves at the Expo site, the artificial island of Yumeshima, are finally ready to welcome visitors. In the run-up to the Expo, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to find out what exactly you’re able to see and do on Yumeshima during the six-month extravaganza. Our series of sneak peeks at the pavilions and their programmes returns with a look at the Swiss Pavilion, where bubbly hopes for the future meet cutting-edge tech and majestic landscapes. RECOMMENDED: Expo 2025, Osaka Kansai News Hub

2025年は大阪の年になりそうだ。「2025年日本国際博覧会（大阪・関西万博）」の開催により、世界の視線がこの街に集まる中、大阪はその魅力を存分に発揮する準備が整っている。 大阪の最高峰の食と文化が一つ屋根の下で満喫できる「タイムアウトマーケット大阪（Time Out Market Osaka）」が「グラングリーン大阪」の南館にアジア初上陸を果たすほか、コーヒー・音楽・アート・カクテルなど、多彩なカルチャーシーンでも新たな動きが生まれている。 Photo: Time Out Osaka そんな躍動する大阪を、タイムアウト大阪マガジン創刊号「The city on a plate」では余すことなく紹介。「今、大阪がアツい9つの理由」をはじめ、大阪の魅力を52ページに詰め込んだ。 Photo: Time Out Osaka 2025年3月21日（金）にオープンするタイムアウトマーケット大阪の「必食＆必飲グルメガイド」も掲載。厳選された17店舗の全ラインナップを紹介し、その魅力を余すところなく伝えている。 Photo: Time Out Osaka そのほか、マガジンではアート好きのための美術館・ギャラリー巡りを紹介。世界クラスの美術館が並ぶ中之島から、創造性あふれる街・北加賀屋まで、1日でアートを満喫するルートを紹介している。 Photo: Time Out Osaka ナイトライフのセクションでは、アメリカ村でクラシックなカクテルやクラフトビールを楽しむためのガイドを紹介。クラシックなカクテルバーからクラフトビールパブ、カラオケバー、隠れ家バーまで、多彩なナイトライフを提案した。 Photo: Time Out Market Osaka タイムアウト大阪マガジン創刊号の表紙では、大阪北堀江のメキシカン・ガストロノミー「milpa（ミルパ）」のオーナーシェフ、ウィリー・モンロイ（Willy Monroy）が、新しい大阪のアイコン「グラングリーン大阪」をワンプレートで表現。メキシコ料理の伝統的な技法と日本の食材を融合させ、大阪の地でメキシカン・ガストロノミーの新たな地平を切り拓くモンロイの取り組みは、新しい大阪の国際化を象徴しているかのようだ。 同マガジンは関西・成田・羽田空港、タイムアウトマーケット大阪をはじめ、大阪・新大阪・難波観光案内所ほか、MOPマリンピア神戸、ららぽーとEXPOCITY、ららぽーと門真・MOP大阪門真、ホテル阪急グランレスパイア大阪、ホテル阪急レスパイア大阪、ホテルニューオータニ 大阪、OMO7大阪、OMO関西空港といった商業・宿泊施設などで無料で入手できる。 Cover direction by Steve Nakamura. Photography by Naohiro Tsukada. The cover represents Grand Green Osaka, home of Time Out Market, recreated as a dish by chef Willy Monroy.

Photo: Time Out Osaka 2025 is shaping up to be Osaka’s year. The arrival of the Expo will ensure the eyes of the world are on the city and we’re more than ready for our close-up. From the neighbourhoods that are reinventing themselves to the arrival of Time Out Market, the launch of Donkey Kong Country at Universal Studios and the reinvigorated coffee, music, arts and cocktail scenes, it’s all going off. And Time Out is here to showcase and celebrate everything that makes Osaka such an amazing place to be in. Our special launch issue condenses the magic of the city into 52 rich pages, starting with nine reasons to get excited about the Big O right now.   Photo: Time Out Osaka We’ve also prepared a comprehensive guide to the essential things to eat and drink at Time Out Market Osaka, the new food and cultural market serving up the best of the city under one roof. Opening on March 21 at Grand Green Osaka, the buzzing space will feature 17 kitchens and two bars with communal tables for diners to enjoy each other’s company and soak in the local culture. Photo: Time Out Osaka Osaka is bursting with inspiring galleries and museums, but how much art can you pack into one day? Our team set off to find out, and our ultimate art crawl ended up a whirlwind tour of the city’s artistic highlights, from the world-class museums of Nakanoshima to the oasis of creativity that is Kitakagaya. Photo: Time Out Osaka After a long day exploring the city, sit down for drinks at the best bars

Hearty tonkatsu or a refreshing serving of soba for lunch, an indulgent sushi spread for dinner, and maybe an artistic parfait devoured somewhere along the way. We all have our own fantasies of the perfect day of eating in Tokyo, and the big-name stalwarts of Japanese cuisine dominate most of these delicious daydreams. But for a growing contingent of local and visiting gourmands, game meat – from duck and pigeon to deer, boar and bear – now also figures prominently on Tokyo must-eat lists. While all but the most committed carnivores may not have noticed, wild meat has been making inroads in the capital’s gourmet scene over the past decade or so, and is enjoying the spotlight thanks to its versatility, sustainability, health benefits and – above all – palatability. What’s behind the growing demand for game in Tokyo, and what makes hunted meat worth a punt? We spoke to two local game pioneers about the rise of what could be the next big thing in the capital’s food scene. A taste of nature  One of the driving forces behind the ascent of game in the capital is chef Takuto Murota of Aoyama restaurant Lature, who has been cooking with wild meat for more than two decades and goes duck-hunting in his native Chiba whenever he finds he time. Murota’s creative game dishes – including bear steaks flavoured with sansho pepper – have won him international recognition, and now up to half of his guests on any given night hail from overseas. Photo: Hiroyuki TakedaChef Takuto Murota Murota r

Osaka gets plenty of mention as Japan’s best nightlife city, and for good reason: locals love to party hard and are more than happy for visitors to do the same. The energetic clubbing scene is mainly split between the Umeda and Dotonbori areas, though alternative and underground venues can be found in other parts of the city, too. Cocktail and music bars are plentiful, with many staying open until early morning, and you’ll also find a nice selection of 24-hour eateries and cafés. Read on for our picks of the essential Osaka after-dark spots. RECOMMENDED: 6 best bars in Amerikamura

The ‘nation’s kitchen’ and the city of kuidaore – eating until you drop – Osaka is Japan’s culinary capital, where the best ingredients from across the country get turned into a dizzying variety of delicacies. It’s a city where everyone’s passionate about food and you’ll never run out of sumptuous dishes to discover – from street food essentials like takoyaki, okonomiyaki and kushikatsu to ramen, sushi and hyper-seasonal kaiseki, and from Korean comfort food to superb burgers, moreish curries and artistic sweets. At Time Out Market Osaka, located right by JR Osaka Station, you can eat the best of the city all under one roof. The chefs manning the 17 restaurants at the Market condense Osaka’s rich food scene into a tightly curated selection of unforgettable dishes, many of them available only here. For the thirsty, there’s a speciality coffee shop and two superb bars, serving up beer, wine, cocktails, sake, Japanese whisky and more. And alongside all that munching and imbibing, you’ll be able to experience the city’s vibrant culture through a programme of shows, gigs and other events. Enough said; it’s time to get to the good stuff. We have the full list of everything to eat and drink at Time Out Market Osaka right here, so dig in.

Though Osaka may not yet have a big reputation for being a family-friendly place to visit, there’s actually plenty to do across the city together with kids – even if you opt not to brave the crowds at Universal Studios Japan. Osaka boasts a long list of exciting activities to choose from, with river cruises and other fun on the water being ideal sunny-day options. When the weather is less cooperative, you can head to one of the city’s excellent libraries, check out a museum or catch a show or concert, or even fly down a thrilling slide attached to the iconic Tsutenkaku tower. The only problem is trying to fit all these experiences in your itinerary. Whether you’re into theme parks, hands-on workshops or monster figurines, there’s something for every family on this list of kid-friendly activities in Osaka. RECOMMENDED: Best things to do in Dotonbori

全国、47都道府県には、食・自然・歴史などそれぞれにまだ発見されていない宝石のようなストーリーが存在する。 文化庁による「日本遺産（Japan Heritage）」に登録された地域は、それらを発見・体験したい人にとってうってつけの場所だと言えるだろう。 日本遺産とは、地域の歴史的魅力や特色を通じて日本独自の文化・歴史・伝統を語るストーリーを紡ぐ地域や文化を集めたもので、地域の多様性を示す物語や伝統が結集している。 食欲をそそる料理の話から古代から続く伝承まで、豊富なストーリーを探索すれば、どんなに日本通な人でも満足できるだろう。ここでは、次回の旅で実際に体験できる場所やアクティビティをいくつか紹介しよう。 現在、104のストーリーが日本遺産に認定されているが、その中からいくつかをピックアップするので、ぜひあなたの冒険と探索の旅に役立ててみてほしい。

While they all try, very few central Osaka hotels below the ultra-luxury range can convincingly present themselves as an oasis of calm in the midst of the ceaseless urban cacophony. Zentis Osaka pulls off said feat effortlessly. Walking past the patch of lush greenery at the entrance and into the compact ground-level lobby with its natural, earthy hues and meditative lighting accomplishes an instant – almost disorienting – separation from the neon-lit, town car-filled streets of buzzy Kita-Shinchi. That feeling of having stepped through a portal is accentuated when you make your way past the lobby’s show-stopping staircase to the adjacent guests-only lounge, complete with a fireplace and decorated with quirky art and crafts inspired by the city. Beyond the wall-size windows lies a small but inviting garden-style terrace, where you can bring a local microbrew or soft drink from the lounge and kick back while admiring plump hydrangeas in June and foliage sparkling in red and orange come autumn. Once you locate the discreetly placed elevator call button and make your way higher up in the skinny 16-storey building, it’s time to see your digs. Zentis Osaka has 212 rooms – including two 57sqm suites – with the 25sqm Studio being the standard offering. Creative layout solutions that minimise storage space, modern-minimalist design, and a calm but playful colour scheme incorporating yellows and blues combine to make the rooms feel airier than the numbers suggest. Still, if you have t

Gone are the days when you couldn’t find a decent taco in Tokyo to save your life. Whether self-taught or armed with taco knowledge soaked up at the source in Mexico or Southern California, hardworking taqueros across the city are now turning out product that deserves to be called authentic. But when it comes to authenticity, we’d argue that nobody does it better than 3 Hermanos. The brainchild of Yamato Furuya, who spent years in Mexico City learning the ways of salsa and suadero, this street tacos specialist set up shop in Harajuku in spring 2024 and quickly became a sensation. Furuya has since been featured on Mexican TV and shouted out by innumerable international taco connoisseurs visiting Tokyo. Photo: Tacos 3 Hermanos With long queues still regularly forming at the Harajuku shop, hungry taco fans everywhere will be happy to hear that 3 Hermanos is now opening up a second Tokyo location. Set to start business on Sunday April 27, 3 Hermanos Ebisu sits by the Shibuya River next to the Shibuyabashi intersection – just a stone’s throw from our very own Time Out Café & Diner. Photo: Tacos 3 Hermanos In Ebisu, Furuya and his team will be serving up delicacies familiar from the Harajuku shop – including their superb carnitas, arrachera and suadero tacos – plus occasional limited-time specials. 3 Hermanos Ebisu (1-16-1 Hiroo, Shibuya) will be open 11am-4pm and 5pm-10pm daily, with last orders 30 minutes before closing time. Check out their Instagram for the full details. M

Dotted with more than a thousand islands large and small, the Seto Inland Sea between Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu is a marvel of natural beauty. The archipelago and its shores comprise the Setouchi area, where picturesque scenery meets a forward-looking blend of art, culture and cuisine. You may know Setouchi as Japan’s number one destination for contemporary art enthusiasts thanks to the international Setouchi Triennale art festival, which is returning in 2025. And with world-class museums and a wealth of site-specific artworks sprinkled across the region’s pretty forests and sandy beaches, that reputation is deserved. But there’s so much more, too: stretching from Kobe in the east all the way to Kitakyushu in the west, the Inland Sea region has a mild climate that underpins an incredible culinary culture, and a rich history intimately entwined with contemporary life. And there’s no more convenient way to start exploring it all – from bucket-list sights to ultra-local eateries, bars and bookstores – than scoring a copy of The ultimate guide to Setouchi. Published December 19 2024 and created by us together with the good folks at JR West, the free 16-page booklet contains all the inspiration you need to start planning an Inland Sea adventure. Inside you’ll find seven easy-to-follow model itineraries, each one centred on a specific JR railway station in Setouchi. Here’s a sneak peek… The ultimate guide to Setouchi In Okayama, snack on freshly fried millet dumplings after expl

今年で、3.11の東日本大震災から5年という長い年月が過ぎたことになる。震災は、東北地方沿岸を広範囲にわたり徹底的に破壊し、東京を含めた東日本全域で人々の生活を突如として不安定なものにした。復興への道は長く険しいが、被災地は着実に立ち直りつつあり、旅行者もまた、自然が美しく歴史のある、美味しい食べ物も豊かなこの地域に徐々に戻りつつある。 今年の1月、福島県、宮城県、岩手県の現在の状況をレポートするために、タイムアウトニューヨークの同僚とともに東北へ向かった。復興過程を調査するだけでなく、今の東北地方ですべきこと、見るべきこと、体験すべきことなどを知りたかったからだ。この4週間にわたる旅の様子は、タイムアウトニューヨークのウェブサイト、紙面、タイムアウト東京の日英サイトで連載中だ。 NHKワールドと共同で制作した東北地方シリーズの記事は、3月10日（木）から12日（土）までニューヨークのグランドセントラル駅で開催される『ニューヨークジャパンウィーク』ともタイミングを合わせている。ビッグアップルに立ち寄ることがあれば、チェックしてほしい。   『Following the samurai in western Fukushima』の原文はこちら 東北探索 第1回『武士の歴史を追って 福島県西部』はこちら

In association with Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture 美術館を訪れる時間がなかなか作れないという読者も多いのではないだろうか。大抵の美術館は平日は18時前に閉館するので、仕事帰りにアート鑑賞するのは困難だ。一方で、週末には展示を見る人たちで混み合っている。そんな事情もあり、美術館に行くことが億劫（おっくう）になっていたアート好きに朗報がある。今年の夏は、都立や国立の美術館6館で「サマーナイトミュージアム」が開催される。期間は、2017年7月20日（木）から8月26日（土）まで。 サマーナイトミュージアムに参加する美術館や博物館は少なくとも週1日、2日は21時まで開館する。この夏はバーに行く前に展覧会に立ち寄ったり、帰宅ラッシュを避け、夜の涼しい美術館や博物館でアート鑑賞をゆっくりと楽しむのもいいだろう。 ©東京都江戸東京博物館 期間中には、トークショーやミニコンサートなども実施される。東京都美術館、江戸東京博物館のカフェ、レストランでは17時30分から、東京都写真美術館では18時から、それぞれ展覧会チケットを提示すると飲食代が割引になるサービスも。東京国立近代美術館では、夏限定ガーデンビアバーも登場する。 各美術館の夜間開館時間と詳細は以下。いずれも入館は閉館の30分前まで。なお、小金井市にある江戸東京たてもの園でも夜間特別開園が実施されるが、2017年8月5日（土）と6日（日）は20時30分まで開園する。サマーナイトミュージアムの詳細は東京都歴史文化財団公式ウェブサイトで確認してほしい。 サマーナイトミュージアム開館時間・開催イベント 1.東京都美術館 2017年7月21日（金）〜8月25日（金）金曜のみ21時00分まで開館 2017年7月28日（金）〜8月25日（金）金曜のみ17時30分以降は『杉戸洋 とんぼ と のりしろ展』は学生無料。一般の観覧料は割引。 2017年7月28日（金）18時00分〜／19時00分〜 企画棟ホワイエにて無料ミニコンサート（企画制作・東京文化会館） 2017年8月11日（金・祝）17時30分〜／18時30分〜 「ヘブンアーティスト」による屋外でのチェロ演奏 2.東京都写真美術館 2017年7月20日（木）〜8月25日（金）木・金曜のみ21時00分まで開館 ※金曜18時00分以降は学生無料、一般、65歳以上の観覧料は割引。（『世界報道写真展2017』を除く） 2017年8月25日（金）18時00分〜 無料ミニコンサート（企画制作・東京芸術劇場） 3.東京都江戸東京博物館 2017年7月21日（金）〜8月25日（金）金曜のみ21時00分まで開館 ※金曜17時30分以降は常設展の観覧料が学生無料、一般、65歳以上の観覧料は割引 2017年7月28日（金）15時00分〜21時00分 ※2017年NHK大河ドラマ『おんな城主直虎』特別展『戦国！井伊直虎から直政へ』当日券100円割引 毎週金曜18時30分〜 えどはく寄席（45分間）   4.東京国立近代美術館       2017年7月21日（金）〜8月26日（土）金・土のみ21時00分まで開館 ※企画展『日本の家 1945年以降の建築と暮らし』は、17時以降一般200円割引、学生は100円割引。金・土曜は所蔵作品展『MOMATコレクション』は17時以降一般200円割引、学生は8月のみ無料 2017年7月28日（金）～8月26日（土）金・土曜夜のみ夏限定ガーデンビアバーが芝生

In association with Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture Having trouble finding time for Tokyo’s museums? We’ve all been there: most of them close before 6pm on weekdays, making post-work art appreciation impossible, while going on a weekend usually means elbowing your way through a sea of humanity just to get a glimpse of the exhibits. But there’s hope on the horizon: this summer, six national and city-run museums in the capital are teaming up for Night Museum, an extravaganza of events and extended opening hours running from July 20 to August 26. During said period, all participating institutions will stay open until 9pm on at least one day of the week, with most extending their hours on two days weekly. And that, in turn, opens up all kinds of exciting possibilities: how about taking in an exhibition before hitting the bars, or avoiding the evening rush hour by admiring art long past sunset? However you choose to take advantage of the longer hours, there’s plenty to look forward to: in addition to the events listed below, the programme includes a slew of gallery talks and lectures (all in Japanese, natch), plus discounts for exhibition ticket-holders at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum and Edo-Tokyo Museum’s cafés and restaurants after 5.30pm. You can also save money on drinks at the Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, which offers similar discounts after 6pm, and sip on a cold one at the National Museum of Modern Art, where beer, wine and snacks can be enjoy

2017年3月1日（水）にフィンランドレストランがオープン。さっそくタイムアウト東京のフィンランド人エディターが行ってきたので、彼の感想をレポートする。 ムーミンカフェや輸入もののドーナツショップ、その他様々なポップアップショップはあるが、本物のフィンランドレストランはない。つい最近まで、東京でフィンランドの味を楽しみたいと思ってもそれは叶わなかった（おかげで今日までスリムなままでいられたわけだが）。しかし、北欧諸国最東端であるフィンランドのデザイン、ファッション、さらには音楽（ほぼメタルを意味する）さえも、過去10年の間に日本国内のその界隈ではかなりの人気を博しているので、グルメの世界でも同じように人気が上昇しても不思議ではない。 先陣を切るのは、2017年3月1日（水）に六本木ヒルズでオープンし、2018年1月末まで限定で（これはフィンランドの独立100周年記念日と一致する）フィンランド料理を提供する、落ち着いた雰囲気のとても素晴らしいレストラン、フィンランドキッチン タロだ。メトロハットの地下2階に入居するタロ（フィンランド語で家の意味）は、北欧諸国について広く知ってもらうことを目指している。例えば、使用している食器は『イッタラ』と『アラビア』のものだったり、家具はミニマルなデザインのものだったりする。店内は樺の木の枝で装飾されており、隣接する居酒屋と寿司屋の賑やかさといい意味で鮮やかなコントラストをなしている。   なにかとフィンランド産のものが多い店内だが、やりすぎといった印象は受けない。ムーミンの存在感は最小限に抑えられ、提供されるメニューはフィンランドの大使館の公式シェフ、エレナ・エダが監修した。エダが考案した『ビーツソース添えのローストポーク』や、心のこもった豆のスープ（木曜のみ）、そして『マカロニキャセロール』は、常駐シェフの松本勲の手に任されており、彼自身のオリジナルメニューもまた何種類か提供される。筆者は特に『ラピンクルタ』のビールを使った、香り豊かで家庭的な風味のビーフシチューが気に入った。   ドリンクメニューも面白く、輸入醸造として注目を集めるフィンランドのウォッカを効かせたカクテルなどを中心に、スカンジナビアの紅茶、フィンランドの大手コーヒー業者であるロバートコーヒーのサイフォンコーヒーなどがある。値段は850円とコーヒーとしては少し厳しい値段のように聞こえるかもしれないが、一口飲めば許容範囲と思ってしまうだろう。コーヒーはポットでサーブされ、たっぷり2カップ分以上は入っている。 デザート好きのことももちろん忘れてない。注目すべきは、創業160年になるヘルシンキのベーカリー、エクベリ直伝のとびきり美味しいベリーのタルトと、アイスクリームとフィンランドのベリーを添えた、シンプルでフワフワなオーブン焼きのパンケーキの2つだ。紹介したアラカルト料理とドリンクはすべて14時30分から注文可能、ラストオーダーは毎日22時となっている。一方、11時からのランチタイムでは、選べる3つのコースがあり、メインやサイドを組み合わせることができる。 タロは明らかにフィンランドの観光局にとって便利なPR手段で、レストランの見た目と雰囲気を可能な限り「本物」にするために、年予算のかなりの部分を使ったに違いない。しかし、現時点でこの街で最高のフィンランドの食べ物を提供し、非常にリーズナブルな価格で楽しめるという事実は揺るぎようがない。東京にあるミャンマー、ウズベキスタン、ベラルーシのレストランに行ったことがある人は書き留めてほしい。「東京

Moomin cafés, import doughnut shops and multifarious pop-ups, yes, but no real restaurants – until very recently, the pickings have indeed been slim for those looking to sample the flavours of Finland in Tokyo. But with design, fashion and even music (read: metal) from that easternmost of Nordic nations winning considerable popularity on these shores over the past decade, it’s no surprise that the gourmet side of things appears to be improving as well. Leading the way is this modest but very competent eatery, opened at Roppongi Hills on March 1 and set to serve a diverse menu of Finnish cuisine until the end of January 2018 – a period that coincides with Finland’s celebrations of its 100th birthday as an independent country. Tucked away on the second basement floor of the Metro Hat, Talo (‘house’) aims for a comprehensively Nordic experience – think Iittala and Arabia tableware, minimalist furniture and branches of birch trees decorating the premises – that makes for an almost laughably acute contrast with the neighbouring izakayas and sushi joints.   But it manages to stay well out of kitsch territory: Moomin characters are kept to a minimum, and the menu is curated by Elena Ada, the Finnish embassy’s official chef. Her recipes for dishes like roast pork with beet sauce, hearty pea soup (available only on Thursdays) and macaroni casserole are then put into practice by resident chef Isao Matsumoto, who also contributes a few of his own creations. We’re especially fond of the

Think travelling by taxi in the capital is too expensive? Well, the prices have just gone down significantly – assuming you’re only choosing cabs for quick rides around the city centre. Beginning today (January 30), the initial fare within the 23 wards (plus Mitaka and Musashino cities) has been lowered from ¥730 to ¥410. Quite the discount, huh? Well, of course there’s a catch: this rate only applies to the first 1.052 km, whereas the old starter fare covered 2km. Once the roughly 1km limit has been reached, the meter in your cab will start ticking up by ¥80 every 237m (or every 90 seconds when you’re moving at 10km/h or slower). That adds up to lower fares for anyone travelling 2km or shorter, while those riding 6.5km or longer can expect to pay more than before. Journeys in between those thresholds will cost roughly the same as previously. Touted as a change meant to encourage more frequent taxi rides (read: get all those cheapskate tourists to jump in), the revision is unlikely to please Tokyoites who rely on cabs to get home after missing their last train or getting so utterly wasted as to make a journey on public transport unfeasible. They really couldn’t wait for spring before all this fare-fiddling, could they? New in town? Find out how to catch a cab in Tokyo

December is almost here, and with it the commotion that always surrounds the unveiling of the Michelin Guide. Published annually since 2008, the gourmet bible's Tokyo edition has rightfully ranked our dear city as the food capital of the world every year from 2009 onwards, so it's hardly news that Tokyo still stands high above the competition in 2017. Unveiled on November 29, the latest version of Michelin Tokyo lists 12 three-star restaurants – two more than the 10 found in Paris – 54 two-star joints (up from 51 last year) and 161 one-star places (153 in 2016), giving Tokyo a total of 227 starred restaurants. That's far more than double the number of closest challengers Kyoto (96) and Paris (92). However, the gap between Paris and Tokyo at the very top is closing at an alarming rate: Tokyo again dropped one three-star, and the heady heights of 17 back in 2012 are looking more and more like an anomaly. The unlucky loser was Aoyama's Esaki, which for some reason fell to two stars – while the likes of Sukiyabashi Jiro and Kanda maintained top marks despite predictions to the contrary.  Although the three-star list appears to be turning into a victim of conservatism and comfort, Michelin Tokyo 2017 is admittedly packed with interesting details in the less flashy categories. For one, Sugamo's Tsuta was joined by Minami-Otsuka shop Nakiryu in the hallowed hall of Michelin-starred ramen, with the innovative tantanmen specialist blindsiding most of the capital's eager slurpers (incl

  Art direction and food design: Steve Nakamura. Photography: Naohiro Tsukada. Chef: Takashi Aoki Tokyo is home to anywhere from 80,000 to 150,000 restaurants and boasts more Michelin stars than any other place on earth. So, the question becomes, how the hell are you going to choose only 100 restaurants to represent this gourmand nirvana? While admitting the inherent futility of our task, that's exactly what we’ve gone ahead and done in our autumn issue, on shelf from October 1. Behold, the ultimate guide to Tokyo’s very best food, from the taste bud-bending sushi creations of Ginza’s Aoki (who were so kind to help out with our cover) to melt-in-your-mouth wagyu, the washoku of dreams and the most slurpable ramen in the galaxy.  And once you've chewed yourself through the irresistible restaurant lineup, we're serving you dessert in the form of an overview of the season's tastiest sweets, plus a look at the best depictions of Japan's culinary culture in cinema. All filled up and satisfied, you can then flip the page to find an expert's guide to the grooviest jazz joints in and around Tokyo, suggestions for Sideways-style winery tours in the Kanto region, a roundup of the city's finest skate parks and an in-depth anthropological report from Tokyo's craziest otaku bars. Pick up a free copy at any of our distribution points in the city or get the mag sent straight to your door by placing an order here. Release details: Title: Time Out Tokyo Magazine no. 12Publication frequency: 

  ART DIRECTION: STEVE NAKAMURA. PHOTOGRAPHY: KATSUMI OMORI, HAIR AND MAKEUP: MINAKO SUZUKI, STYLING: YASUHIRO TAKEHISA (MILD), CLOTHING: UEMULO MUNENOLI   Think something's off with that lady on the cover? You're right – and the mysteries don't stop there in our summer issue, which will take you underground, high up and down narrow alleyways, into black baths, an industrial fridge and face to face with a genuine humanoid. Yes, the time has come to uncover the hush-hush side of Tokyo, its hideout boozers, oases of greenery, street art, waterfalls and vibrator bars. The Secret City issue, on shelf from July 1, points you in the direction of 50 confidential spots and is your ultimate guide to city sights, eats and experiences known only to the initiated – until now, that is. We're also bringing you a bonanza of rather less classified but equally exciting news from the restaurant world with a roundup of the five best new openings in town this year, plus the lowdown on why all-night dancing has finally been legalised (!) in Japan, the only guide to Fuji Rock you'll ever need, and a recap of the Tokyo landmarks Godzilla has laid waste to over his 62-year career of destruction. Pick up a free copy at any of our distribution points in the city or get the mag sent straight to your door by placing an order here. Release details: Title: Time Out Tokyo Magazine no. 11Publication frequency: Four times per year (planned issues: 2016 - September, December)Format: 297 mm x 225 mm (slightly

Rescue and aid efforts are continuing in earthquake-hit Kumamoto, where tens of thousands of people are still living in temporary shelters. Last week, we outlined how to help those affected through donations – often the most efficient way to do your bit, as the local authorities reportedly have more than enough volunteers on site. Now, another admirable channel of support has emerged among Tokyo restaurants and watering holes specialising in eats and drinks from the Kyushu region: as reported by lifestyle mag Crea, more than a dozen city bars, izakayas and eateries have started booze-fuelled donation schemes that see the businesses part with a portion of their earnings in order to assist the recovery effort. The concept is simple: the more patrons at participating joints consume Kumamoto- and Kyushu-made wares – mainly nihonshu and shochu, both famed specialities of the region – the more these boozers will donate to earthquake relief. Getting drunk for a good cause – sounds like something we can get behind. Here's a full list of businesses taking part in the donation drive (visit Crea's website for address and contact details in Japanese): Juban Ukyo, Kakyo (both Azabu-Juban), Kasumicho San Maru Ichi no Ichi (Nishi-Azabu), Chiaki (Tsukiji), Renshan (Shirokane), Noyashichi (Arakicho, Shinjuku), Sonoyama (Ebisu), Itamae Bar, Sushi Saisho (both Ginza), Kappo Funyu (Honjo, Sumida), Vineria Hirano (Sendagaya), Kanogawa (Ogawamachi), Sushi Shun (Okachimachi).