Ili Saarinen

Specialising in tori paitan – cloudy, white chicken-based ramen – Torisoba Zagin counts among Osaka’s most universally praised noodle joints. Since opening its first outlet in Higobashi back in 2014, the shop has taken the Kansai ramen scene by storm, and now has a multi-brand presence across the region as well as in Tokyo. The establishment of Time Out Market Osaka in March 2025 marked a new chapter in Zagin’s history, as chef Kazumasa Takeda took our invitation to be part of the new food and cultural market as an opportunity to try something out of the ordinary. For his new shop, Zagin Diversity, Takeda decided to flip the script. The soups are still as moreishly creamy and the noodles as lovingly crafted as at Torisoba Zagin, but Zagin Diversity does away with staple ramen ingredients like pork in the interest of whipping up bowls that can be savoured by noodle fiends from all over the world. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaThe beef hakubutsu ramen from Zagin Diversity On a quick break from crafting his acclaimed vegan shoyu ramen, Takeda answered our questions on where he likes to eat, drink and shop in Osaka. Here are the noodle master’s picks, from his favourite breakfast spot and go-to takoyaki stall to the ingredients he makes sure to keep a stock of at home. Where do you go for breakfast on your day off? I love Cocorono Bakery in Nishi-Nakajima. Their tamago sando (egg sandwich) is unbelievable. And where do you drink your morning coffee? At home. Mandheling from Kaldi is my

Tokyo never stops. The world’s greatest city pulsates with energy whatever the hour, changing ceaselessly, always offering up something new to discover and relish. To help you make the most of the capital’s relentless abundance, we’ve put in many all-dayers and all-nighters to deliver a round-the-clock guide that puts you right on Tokyo time. Below you’ll find all you need to plan an unforgettable 24 hours in the city, from wolfing down a bowl of super-fresh seafood before sunrise to embarking on an all-night indie club crawl or soaking in an open-air hot spring at 3am. It’s time to pound that convenience store energy drink, hit the streets and discover the capital in all its dynamic glory. RECOMMENDED: Need a cool place to crash? Check out these unconventional Tokyo hotels

Osaka being Japan’s unofficial culinary capital, the sushi options available across the city are of course legion. From the world’s first conveyor-belt sushi restaurant – Genroku Sushi in Fuse – to Osaka’s own oshizushi, or pressed sushi, coined by Yoshino Sushi, you have the must-visit-once pedigree spots, alongside a slew of innovative eateries putting their own mark on the revered tradition of raw fish over rice. One of these relative newcomers is Kitaro Sushi, where the speciality is sharikoma – a snackable type of sushi characterised by its small balls of gently vinegared rice. Topped with delectably springy cuts of fish, these dainty morsels are as pretty to look at as they are appetising. And you won’t need to look far to find them: Kitaro Sushi is a signature part of Time Out Market Osaka, located right by Osaka Station in the heart of Umeda. Photo: Time Out Market OsakaKitaro Sushi’s ‘sharikoma’ But where does the superb seafood showcased at the Market come from, and where does Kitaro’s lead sushi artisan, Hideaki Iwamoto, go for a break from crafting his tiny beauties? Read on for Chef Iwamoto’s Osaka food recs – from unmissable breakfast cafés to grill-it-yourself restaurants, plus the condiments he can’t live without. Where do you go for breakfast on your day off? Marufuku in Sennichimae. It’s an Osaka classic. I get the ‘mix toast’ with strawberry jam and butter, and a cup of piping hot coffee. (Editor’s note: Marufuku also has a location at Grand Green Osaka,

While hot-spring bathing is still Japan’s go-to form of wet and sweaty relaxation, Nordic sauna culture has been making massive inroads across the country in recent years. The steam-room boom has even reached Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, where the toughest reservation of them all is neither any of the national pavilions, nor one of the stunning ‘signature pavilions’ produced by some of the country’s brightest scientific minds – it’s a sauna. Named ‘Taiyo Tsubomi’ – roughly ‘buds of the sun’ – the Expo sauna is a unique take on the Finnish sweat chamber, composed of petal-like air membrane cushions that converge to form a sprout reaching toward the light. Tickets for the 14-person bathing sessions that take place daily are doled out through a devilishly competitive lottery system, and scoring one is considered a minor coup among sauna heads. But whose idea was it to build a high-tech sauna at the Expo, and how does this decidedly laid-back project fit with the World’s Fair’s message of building a better society for the future? We asked Yuki Nohmura, president of the company behind Taiyo Tsubomi, and got an exclusive look at the in-demand attraction – along with a story of how the cutting-edge materials Nohmura’s firm specialises in make some of the Expo’s most spectacular sights possible. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaYuki Nohmura Steamy rituals, naked connections A cluster of pearly white, translucent structures standing tall on the edge of Osaka Bay, the Taiyo Tsubomi saunas are hidden

Even if you’ve never been to Tokyo, chances are you have a mental image of Kabukicho. As depicted in shows like Tokyo Vice, the neon-lit Shinjuku district is the ultimate symbol for the city’s sinful side. But while Kabukicho undeniably has a high concentration of gangsters and grime, it’s also a captivating, vibrant neighbourhood full of hospitable people and welcoming nooks where even first-time visitors can feel part of the local community. If you’re new in town, the soulful side of the area is best explored in the company of an insider guide. And who better to show you around than the local experts at Kabukicho Concierge, a custom tour service backed up by the Smappa!Group, which runs an array of bars, clubs and other businesses in the neighbourhood. Want to sip fine wine under glittering chandeliers while enjoying some distinctly Japanese hospitality? Book a host club experience. Prefer to explore the miniature watering holes at Golden Gai? They have a bar-hopping tour just for you. And if you’re in the mood for something morbid, opt for the ‘macabre tour’, a guided stroll around some of Kabukicho’s creepiest crime scenes. Photo: SuppliedMugi no Oto Each tour begins at Mugi no Oto, a sleek basement bar and restaurant just around the corner from the Toho building and the Godzilla head. Here you can sip on craft beer and nibble on vegan eats from marinated and grilled greens to pasta while your guide quizzes you on specific things you’d like to learn or experience durin

You won’t have any problem finding a great hamburger joint in Osaka these days, but that was decidedly not the case when Kenjiro Kurita started cooking beef burgers in his first food truck back in 2008. In the years since, the uncompromising chef’s Critters Burger has introduced countless thousands of Osakans to the joys of carefully crafted wagyu patties and satisfyingly fluffy buns baked with Hokkaido wheat. The eatery has grown into a local icon, first through its beloved Amerikamura shop and, since March 2025, as part of our very own Time Out Market Osaka. Photo: Time Out Market Osaka We imagine that evangelising for quality burgers in the promised land of takoyaki, kushikatsu and udon can be exhausting, especially when you’ve been doing it essentially non-stop for 17 years. To find out what keeps Kurita going, we checked in with the busy chef to ask where he likes to eat and shop in Osaka – and where he always takes visitors from out of town. Where do you go for breakfast on your day off? West Wood Bakers in Horie. Their pancakes and sandwiches are amazing. How about a quick lunch? Tonkatsu at Ofuji. This one’s in Horie too. And kitchen equipment – where do you get yours? At Ebisuya on Doguyasuji. They sell everything you could need as a chef. For furniture and tableware, I like Timeless Comfort. What’s one ingredient or condiment you can’t live without at home? Mitsuboshi soy sauce from Horikawaya, a 300-year-old brewery in Wakayama prefecture. Lastly, what’s a place

Located in the western part of the city on the mouth of the Kizu River, Kitakagaya was the hub of Osaka’s shipbuilding industry from the early 20th century until the 1970s. Today, thanks to the joint efforts of local residents and the influential Chishima Real Estate company, which owns large swaths of land in the area, many of Kitakagaya’s former factories and warehouses have been repurposed to house art spaces and artists’ studios. The walls of the neighbourhood are covered in murals, with striking sculptures, hidden stencil graffiti and illustrated manhole covers adding to the colourful scenery. Kitakagaya, with its many vacant buildings and lower rents, has become Osaka’s creative haven over the past few years, and its strong sense of community spirit has been incredibly inspiring to local artists and makers. In addition to art hubs large and small, the neighbourhood’s streets are lined with inviting indie shops, eateries and bars, making Kitakagaya both an inspiring and tasty day trip destination. These are our favourite things to do in the ’hood. RECOMMENDED: The best things to do in Tanimachi 6-chome

Osaka is a lively city year-round, and it gets even more exciting in the summer when there are festivals abound. Many of our favourite seasonal celebrations are fireworks festivals; when vibrant explosions start lighting up the cloudless skies after sundown and the yukata-wearing crowds turn their heads towards the spectacle, that’s when you can get into a truly magical Japanese summer mood. This year’s celebrations kick off with the Ise Shrine Dedication Fireworks Festival out in Mie on July 19 and include everything from classics (Tenjin Festival Fireworks, Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks) to a beachside favourite (Senshu Dream Fireworks) and a massive happening out in rural Kyoto (Kameoka Hozugawa). So dust off your yukata, arrive early to secure the best viewing spot, and enjoy the colourful fireworks while snacking on some tasty festival grub. RECOMMENDED: 7 reasons to visit Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai at night

Standing out with its signature 330-metre tall tower, cutting-edge architecture and ethos of sustainability and wellness, the expansive Azabudai Hills complex has become a pivotal landmark and lifestyle hub in central Tokyo. If you’re looking for a hip new place to dine and catch up with friends, or rejuvenate in a lush urban oasis, Azabudai Hills is the place to be – and it’s got plenty more too, including public art, sleek galleries and educational facilities. Read on for our selection of the best places to shop, dine and see in Azabudai Hills.

2025年6月30日にリリースされたタイムアウト東京マガジン2025年夏・秋号「24-hour city」では、東京を遊び尽くす究極の24時間ガイドを紹介している。もちろん、東京で時間を忘れて過ごすには、綿密なプランと体力が必要だろう。 それならと、野口オロノ（以下、オロノ）にとっておきの過ごし方を聞いてみた。オロノは、埼玉の田舎からアメリカ・メイン州の小さな町、そしてロンドンを経て、18歳になる前にバンド・SUPERORGANISMのリードボーカルとしてインディーポップシーンの頂点に立った新世代のスターの一人だ。 最近はマルチメディアアーティストとして、ニューアルバム2枚のリリースに向けて準備を進めたり、絵画を通じて独特な視覚言語を発展させたり、TBSラジオでレギュラー番組を持ったりと、相変わらずエネルギッシュに活動している。 そんなオロノに、タイムアウト東京英語版編集部がインタビューした。 Art direction: Steve Nakamura | Photo: Chito | Styling: Sumire Hayakawaタイムアウト東京マガジン2025年夏・秋号「24-hour city」表紙 ー夜の好きな過ごし方を教えてください。 カラオケのオールナイトです。特に中野の「まねきねこ」。安いし、食べ物も飲み物も持ち込めるんですよ。カラオケの食べ物にお金を払うのは絶対嫌なんです。 あと、まだやったことはないのですが、浅草から隅田川の船に乗ってみたいですね。前に友達とお台場のビーチに座って船を見ながら「楽しそうだね、もうちょっとお金に余裕ができたら乗ってみよう」って話してました。 ーアメリカやロンドンと比べて、東京での生活はどうですか？ 家に帰ってくるのが好きです。良くも悪くも日本はいつも変わらないじゃないですか。生まれてからこれまで、本当に変わっていないなと思うのですが、それが心底安心できるんです。 アメリカの友達とやりとりしていて「日本はどう？」と聞かれると、「相変わらずよ、のんびりしてる」って答えています。日本のいいところというと、やっぱり一番は食事ですね。食べ物と友達と家族かな。 ー東京のナイトライフで改善すべきだと思うことはありますか？ もっと飲酒を控えた方がいいのではないでしょうか。みんな飲み過ぎですよね。アルコール以外に、ドラッグがないことが関係しているのかもしれませんが（笑）。 路上で人が倒れてるのは見たくないですし。もっと責任感を持って、もう少し酒量を減らした方がいいと思います。 Photo: Chito ー新たな2つのバンドについて詳細を聞かせてください。 ミッチ・マルシコ（Mitch Marsico）とのデュオ・cheese touchでは、私たちを含めてみんなお金がないので、フリーライブをたくさんやっています。8月にリリース予定のアルバムを仕上げているところです。 もう一つのバンドはNose Noise。父の友達と一緒に始めました。インディーレーベルを立ち上げるから、その第1弾アルバムを作ってほしいと父に頼まれたんですよ。そのアルバムは、8月の初めにリリース予定です。 ー絵画も描いてるんですよね？ そうですね。伊勢丹とコラボレーションして、Tシャツを100枚くらい手描きして。一枚一枚にそんなに時間をかけられないから、シャツを見て最初に思い浮かんだものをバイブスで描いています。 ータイムアウト東京マガジンの最新号では、東京で24時間楽しめるお気に入りのことを紹介しています。オロノさんの東京での完璧な一日の過

To go around the clock in Tokyo you need a lot of energy, and Orono clearly has that in abundance. This is a woman who went from rural Saitama to small-town Maine, then London and on to the summit of the global indie pop scene as the lead vocalist of Superorganism, all before her 18th birthday. Now an accomplished multimedia artist, she’s as kinetic as ever – gearing up to release two new albums, developing a distinctive visual language through her painting, doing a regular show on TBS Radio and much more. Who better then to kick off our guide to Tokyo round the clock? Art direction: Steve Nakamura | Photo: Chito | Styling: Sumire Hayakawa What are some of your favourite things to do at night? All-nighters at karaoke. Specifically at Manekineko in Nakano, because it’s cheap and you can bring in your own food and drinks. I refuse to pay for karaoke food. Also, I haven’t done this yet, but I’d like to ride one of the boats [down the Sumida River] from Asakusa. I remember sitting on the beach in Odaiba with my friends one night looking at the boats, being like ‘That looks fun, maybe we’ll do that one day when we have more money.’ How do you like life in Tokyo compared to the US and London? I like coming back home. A good and bad thing about Japan is that it’s always the same. This country hasn’t really changed since I was born, which is very comforting. When I’m texting my friends back in the States, they ask me ‘How’s Japan?’ and I’m like ‘Same old, same old, I’m just chillin

Photo: Time Out Tokyo 今年も夏がやってきた。暑さとともに、2025年6月30日には、タイムアウト東京マガジン2025年夏・秋号「24-hour city」も登場した。 カバーを飾るのは、ロンドンを拠点とする多国籍インディー・ポップバンドSuperorganismのフロントウーマン・Orono。本誌では、彼女へのQ&Aを皮切りに、東京を遊び尽くす究極の24時間ガイドを収録している。これさえあれば、完璧な東京の一日が過ごせること間違いなしだ。 Photo: Time Out Tokyo 例えば、夜明け前に新鮮な海鮮丼をかき込んだり、夜通しインディークラブをはしごして午前3時に露天風呂でひと息ついたり、どんな時間帯でも思い切り楽しめるとっておきの過ごし方を紹介している。 Photo: Time Out Tokyo グルメ情報も充実。世界有数の美食都市とされる東京には革新的なシェフたちが集い、世界各国の料理をユニークにアレンジした特別な一皿を次々と生み出している。本誌では、焼き加減が完璧なピザから、常識を覆すような革新的なペルー料理まで、今訪れるべき国際色豊かなレストランを厳選して掲載している。 Photo: Time Out Tokyo 気温の高い都心から逃れて、郊外でフルーツ狩りや野菜の収穫体験を楽しむのも夏ならではのアクティビティだ。家族連れにもおすすめしたい、都心からアクセスしやすい農園をピックアップした。 Photo: Time Out Tokyo 東京の夜を彩るゴーゴーボーイの存在も忘れてはいけない。 LGBTQ+イベントはもちろん、それ以外の場面でも活躍する彼らは、夜のテンションを一気に引き上げてくれること間違いなしだ。本誌では、人気ダンサーたちがステージを降りた後の素顔にも迫っている。 Photo: Time Out Tokyo さらに、日本最大級の野外フェスティバルのFUJI ROCK FESTIVALで絶対に見逃せない注目アクトや、出演アーティストのオーストラリア発エレクトロポップバンド・Confidence Manのインタビューなど、フェスティバルを楽しむためにぴったりな内容も充実している。 同冊子は、羽田・成田空港をはじめ、都内の一部ホテルや観光案内所などで無料配布中。Kindle Unlimitedでも読めるので、ぜひチェックしてほしい。 Cover direction by Steve Nakamura. Photography by Chito. Styling by Sumire Hayakawa. Cover location: Skwat Kameari Art Centre.

Exploring Tokyo’s liveliest and loudest entertainment district can be draining. Fortunately enough, Kabukicho is home not only to host clubs and ‘happening bars’, but also just the type of hideout we appreciate most when we need a break from the sensory overload. Located only a few steps from the central Toho building and its Godzilla head but down an inconspicuous staircase that effectively separates it from the street-level commotion, Mugi no Oto is a sleek, sparingly lit bar and restaurant focused on vegan grub, natural wine and craft brews. Colourful cans of beer sourced from many of Japan’s leading microbreweries and well-known overseas purveyors – we spotted offerings from Left Hand Brewing, Revision Brewing and G Schneider & Sohn on our most recent visit – decorate the space, along with a lengthy line of wine bottles and some outsized greenery in vases. The rest of the décor is perhaps best described as industrial chic, with worn-metal surfaces, exposed ventilation ducts and bare plaster walls. In contrast, there’s nothing rough about the Italian-inspired food. In addition to ample servings of marinated and grilled greens, you can choose from a brief but thoughtful selection of plant-based eats, including fries and a daily pasta special. Animal-eaters can opt for Kumamoto-made gourmet sausages or fresh rock oysters. On the drinks front, the plentiful line-up of canned beers and bio-wines is complemented by a sake list and a frequently updated assortment of six domestic

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

Summertime is festival time in Osaka. Kicking off the celebratory season is Tanabata, a traditional Japanese festival with origins in Chinese folklore. According to legend, deity couple Orihime and Hikoboshi are separated by the Milky Way, and they are only able to meet once a year: on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. Tanabata, or the Star Festival, celebrates the day of their reunion. As Japan has largely dropped the lunar dating system in favour of the Gregorian calendar, Tanabata is commonly celebrated on July 7, which falls on a Monday this year. The Star Festival is associated with grand, colourful streamers decorating streets, shopping malls and temples. Another popular custom is to write your wishes on strips of paper and hang them on bamboo trees. Tanabata is one of the most joyous and colourful traditional celebrations in Osaka – and it offers great photo opportunities. So if you’re in the city between July 5 and 7, put any of these three Star Festival events on your to-do list.   Photo via Hirakata ParkTanabata Lantern Festival at Hirakata Park Tanabata Lantern Festival at Hirakata Park July 5–6 Hirakata Park’s Tanabata festival features a special indoor lantern area, where lanterns filled with wishes are launched. Summer festival stalls offer carnival games like superball scooping, yo-yo fishing and shooting. There are also workshops that allow you to paint masks and make flower crowns or have your face painted. Consider picking up a ¥200 fortune-telli

日本では、一年を通して祭りが尽きない。夏には伝統的な祭りや花火大会、肌寒い季節になると街はイルミネーションに彩られ、輝きを増す。また、見応えのある美術展も年中開催されている。 活気あふれる祭りやライトアップなど年中行事を体験するのにふさわしい街の一つが大阪であり、忘れられない体験の数々が楽しめる。ここでは、大阪の下半期の見逃せない祭りやイベントを英語版編集部が紹介する。 ※同記事は2023年6月26日に初公開し、2025年6月2日に更新した。 Photo: Aizendo Shoman-in Temple 1.愛染まつり 開催日：2025年6月30（月）～7月2日（水） 場所：愛染堂勝鬘院（あいぜんどうしょうまんいん） 大阪三大夏祭りの中で一番初めに開催され、大阪に夏の訪れを告げる「愛染まつり」。初日には浴衣姿の8人の女性が「宝恵駕籠（ほえかご）」に交代で乗り、「愛染（あいぜん）さんじゃ、ほーえーかーご」のかけ声とともに谷町筋をパレードする。 「愛染娘」として知られている彼女たちは、江戸時代には芸者が務め、商売繁盛を願ってかごに乗って同堂を訪れた姿を再現している。現在は公募によって選ばれ、日本人だけでなく外国人の愛染娘もいる。 ※「宝恵駕籠パレード」は6月30日正午から Photo: Osaka Tenmangu Shrine 2. 天神祭 開催日：宵宮 2025年7月24日（木）・本宮 25日（金） 場所：大阪天満宮 1000年以上の歴史を持ち、「日本三大祭り」「大阪三大祭り」の一つである「天神祭」。毎年6月下旬から約1カ月にわたって諸行事が行われ、7月25日に本宮を迎える。 本宮では、女性だけでみこしを担ぐ通称「ギャルみこし」の巡行があるほか、菅原道真の御心霊を乗せたみこしをかついで3000人が街を練り歩く「陸渡御（りくとぎょ）」が大川の船乗り場まで続く。その後みこしは船に乗せられ、「船渡御（ふねとぎょ）」が営まれる。氏子らを乗せたおよそ100隻の船団が大川を往来する中、約3000発の奉納花火が夜空に打ち上がる。 Photo: Kishiwada CityKishiwada Danjiri Festival 3. 岸和田だんじり祭 開催日：2025年9月13日（土）・14日（日）、10月11日（土）・12日（日） 場所：岸和田市 「岸和田だんじり祭」は、威勢のよいかけ声や太鼓の音とともに、「だんじり」と呼ばれる30台以上の山車が市街を駆け巡る、勇壮な祭りとして知られる。高さ4メートル、4トンともいわれるだんじりが、引き手によって走りながら直角に曲がる「やりまわし」は圧巻で、沿道の観客から大きな歓声が上がる。 だんじりはそれぞれの町会によって管理・メンテナンスされ、祭り当日の「曳行」も町会が運営。町民は年齢などによって役割が与えられ、祭りを通じて岸和田の人々はつながっている。 祭り当日はだんじりの曳行コースに沿って、昔ながらのさまざまな屋台が連なるのも楽しみだ。 Photo: Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival Committee 4. なにわ淀川花火大会 開催日：2025年10月18日（土） 場所：淀川河川敷 日本の夏の風物詩といえば花火。「なにわ淀川花火大会」は、大阪最大級の花火大会だ。毎年8月に実施されているが、「2025年日本国際博覧会」（以下、大阪・関西万博）の終幕と重なるため、2025年は10月に開催される。 例年5つのシーンに分けて、それぞれ2つの楽曲に合わせ花火が打ち上げられる。

There's no shortage of festivals to enjoy throughout the year in Japan. Summer is famous for its traditional festivals and fireworks displays, the cooler months are brought to life through colourful illuminations, while excellent art exhibitions take place year-round. One of the best places to get a taste of all these events is Osaka, where you can enjoy vibrant traditional festivals, incredible light-ups and many other unforgettable experiences. Here are some festivals you shouldn't miss while you're in Osaka this year.  Photo: Aizendo Shoman-in Temple Aizen Festival When: June 30-July 2, 2025Where: Aizen-do Shoman-in Temple The main highlight of Aizen-do Shoman-in’s namesake summer festival occurs on the first day, when eight women dressed in yukata are carried in their respective hoekago (literally means ‘treasure basket’) for a parade along Tanimachisugi street. These women, also known as Aizen Musume, were traditionally geisha back in the Edo period (1603–1867). Today they’re selected by the organisers and occasionally include local celebrities.  Photo: Osaka Tenmangu Shrine Tenjin Festival When: July 24-25, 2025Where: Tenmangu Shrine This traditional festival is one of the biggest in Japan, dating back over 1,000 years. It takes place annually in July over two days, with the main events happening on the second day. The festivities culminate with a vibrant parade of mikoshi (portable shrines) carried by devotees in elaborate costumes. The procession starts at the his

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