Kaila Imada

What a wonderful time to be in Tokyo! After recent weather fluctuations, the city’s cherry blossom season is now underway, with the Japan Meteorological Agency announcing the official start on Thursday March 19. Despite the recent rain, the blossoms are nearing peak bloom, with around 50-60 percent now open. It's now the perfect time to head out, as numerous sakura festivals and illuminations are already in full swing. To keep you up to date on how the blossoms are doing, we've done the legwork, visited different sakura spots in Tokyo, so you can check up on the blooming cycle before heading out. RECOMMENDED: Make this your best sakura season yet with our ultimate guide to cherry blossoms in Tokyo

This trendy Tokyo neighbourhood is best known for the Meguro River that runs through it and the revamped shopping area under the train tracks. The former is flanked by cherry trees, eateries and independent shops while the latter is home to some of the area's best cafés, restaurants and bars, including our favourite oden restaurant Samon and coffee haunt Onibus. In spring, the river becomes a photogenic landscape of cherry blossoms. Aside from cherry blossom season, the entire area surrounding Nakameguro Station makes for a nice walk anytime of the year. Venture away from the Meguro riverside, follow the train tracks, and you’ll find a wealth of hidden art galleries, independent shops, and cute cafés. RECOMMENDED: Explore Jimbocho, the coolest neighbourhood in the world 

It’s that time of year we’ve all been waiting for – the 2026 cherry blossom season has arrived in Osaka. According to this year’s cherry blossom forecast, the best time to bask under Osaka’s pink blooms is from the end of March through mid-April. However, if previous years have taught us anything, weather can play a big factor in how long the blossoms stay around. Japan’s third-largest city is gorgeous come spring, with an iconic castle, flourishing parks and stunning tree-lined streets all covered in the pastel pink petals. Now, get ready for a spectacular sakura season with our definitive 2026 Osaka cherry blossom guide. GOING TO KYOTO? These are the top cherry blossom events and illuminations happening in Kyoto

The stretch of Meguro River in Nakameguro is undoubtedly one of Tokyo’s most popular cherry blossom destinations. During sakura season, the riverside is flanked with food stalls and pretty pink lanterns that light up once the sun goes down. After taking a long stroll up and down Meguro River, it’s nice to relax and marvel at the blossoms from one of the many restaurants and cafés facing the water. What’s more, some of these food and drink venues offer limited-time cherry blossom sweets and seasonal menus. RECOMMENDED: The best cherry blossom day trips from Tokyo

Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are synonymous with Japan. Mention spring and, chances are, you'll imagine trees bursting with delicate blooms of white and pink lining the rivers and dotting the parks everywhere in Tokyo. There's a ritual of sorts (known as hanami) that locals adhere to when enjoying this fleeting season, which lasts only for a couple of weeks at most. However, rest assured, even after the flowers have withered, you'll still find the essence of the season in the city's many food and drink offerings, from sakura-flavoured lattes to pretty desserts featuring the beautiful petals.  Here we've pulled together a guide to help you make the most of the sakura season – yes, Instagram inspiration included. Plus, we've also compiled a list of sakura facts that will make you seem like an expert in no time. ALSO SEE: Our cherry blossom progress report for 2026

タイムアウト東京 > レストラン＆カフェ >東京、おまかせデザートコース4選 寿司の「おまかせ」は、東京を代表する食体験の一つである。しかし近年、街で注目を集めている新しいスタイルが、「おまかせデザート」である。「握り」や「巻き物」の代わりに、丁寧に仕立てられたスイーツがコース仕立てで登場し、デザートだけで構成された食事が楽しめるというものだ。 デザートだけのコースと聞くと、甘いものばかりで飽きてしまうのではと思うかもしれない。しかし、ここで紹介する店は、いずれも絶妙なバランスを意識したものばかりだ。多くの皿では旬のフルーツが主役となり、その自然な甘さを最大限に引き出す。さらに、コースの途中に「セイボリー（塩味の軽食）」を取り入れることで、味覚の変化や食事としての満足感も生み出している。 ここでは、比較的手頃な料金で楽しめるチーズケーキのコースから『ミシュランガイド』掲載店まで、さまざまなスタイルのお薦め「おまかせデザート」をタイムアウト東京英語版編集部が紹介する。 関連記事『東京、パティスリーカフェ5選』

Tokyo isn’t short of brilliant cherry blossom spots, but there are also incredible sakura destinations just outside the city that are perfect for pleasant day trips. Not only are these lesser-known areas beautiful, they also tend to be less crowded than some of the cherry blossom hotspots around Tokyo. From sakura with the backdrop of Mt Fuji to traditional gardens full of pink flowers, these cherry blossom retreats are definitely worth the excursion. RECOMMENDED: The greatest cherry blossom trees of Japan and where to see them

The fleeting nature of cherry blossoms is a poignant reminder for us to seize the moment. This is especially true in early spring, when the delicate pink blooms appear across Japan all at once but last only for about two weeks. To make the most of the season, prepare to visit as many sites as possible between now and early April. Once you’ve explored Osaka’s top sakura spots, along with their limited-time events and illuminations, consider taking a day trip to some of Japan’s most scenic springtime destinations in nearby Kyoto, Nara, Himeji and Kobe. Every location on this list is easily accessible by public transport and offers unique sakura scenery. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: Here's the official forecast for the flowering and full-bloom dates of cherry blossoms in the Kansai region

With sakura season just around the corner, we've rounded up some of the best seasonal cherry blossom treats to indulge in while you head out to see the gorgeous pink blooms across Tokyo. These pastel pink cherry blossom-flavoured desserts and drinks also make for the perfect Instagram fodder this spring.  RECOMMENDED: the best places to see cherry blossoms in Japan – with 2026 dates

タイムアウト東京 > ショッピング＆スタイル > 海外出身のクリエーターがおすすめする東京近郊のチェーン店 海外の価値観を持ち併せ、東京で生活するクリエーターたちは、東京ローカルのヴェニューをどのように見ているのだろうか？デザイナー、イラストレーター、バーテンダーの3人におすすめのチェーン店について聞いてみた。  

Nothing elicits more excitement in Japan than cherry blossom season. These delicate pink flowers bloom for just two weeks annually, so everyone clears their schedule for hanami picnics and long strolls in the parks. A single cherry tree along an otherwise drab, unremarkable road is enough to transform the street and stop pedestrians in their tracks for photos. Still, it’s worth going the extra mile to seek stunning settings that enhance the blossoms’ beauty. We’ve already got a list of the best places in Tokyo for sakura spotting, but there are just as many trees to see in other prefectures, too. Here are the top sites and festivals to check out in Japan, even after Tokyo’s blooms fade. Note: the dates in this feature may change depending on weather conditions. See the latest flowering forecast here. RECOMMENDED: The greatest cherry blossom trees of Japan

Sure, sushi omakase is a Tokyo essential – but the city’s latest must-book experience swaps nigiri and hand rolls for meticulously plated sweets, turning dessert into a multi-course affair. Welcome to the world of dessert omakase, where skipping straight to dessert isn’t just allowed – it’s the whole point. An entire meal of just sweets may sound indulgent, but these esteemed establishments strike the balance perfectly. Their creations are never overly sweet, often showcasing fresh, seasonal fruit and letting the peak produce take centre stage. Some even weave in savoury elements to offset the sweetness and keep the experience dynamic. Curious to experience a dessert omakase for yourself? We’ve rounded up some of Tokyo’s best, from a wallet-friendly cheesecake spectacular to Michelin Guide-recognised establishments. RECOMMENDED: Get your caffeine fix at Tokyo’s best coffee shops

Osaka has recently emerged as a magnet for luxury hospitality, with the Four Seasons among the latest prestigious names to open in the vibrant metropolis. Stepping into the ground floor lobby automatically screams luxury, as you’re faced with stylish interiors courtesy of Japanese design house Curiosity. The serene ambiance is elevated by exquisite stonework, soaring lattice partitions, an amber-lacquered elevator area, and a captivating water feature that reflects the changing seasons. Enhancing the sense of refinement are carefully curated artworks thoughtfully placed throughout the hotel, including a striking Urushi sculpture by Genta Ishizuka in the lobby and a graceful piece by Ayako Ueda sitting near the pool. Located in the central Dojima district, the Four Seasons Hotel Osaka comprises 175 guest rooms, a gorgeous indoor pool, a public bath and a 24/7 fitness centre with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline. The hotel also offers a modern take on the traditional ryokan experience through its exclusive Gensui floor, which features 21 Japanese-style guest rooms adorned with refined tatami flooring, futon-style sleeping platforms, and amenities such as cotton yukata robes. Those staying on this floor also have access to the Sabo tea lounge, where you can enjoy tea, bento breakfasts, and sake and wine served in the evenings. The hotel's Western-style rooms are nothing short of stunning, accented with natural wood and stone interiors, crisp white linens and

Since opening its doors in 2023, Tokyo Confidential has established itself as a standout in Tokyo’s cocktail scene. The stylish space doesn’t feel like a typical Japanese cocktail bar – not that there’s anything wrong with Tokyo’s more genteel drinking dens – as it offers a more casual and relaxed environment for you to just drop in without fussing over reservations and strict bar rules. At times, the bar doesn’t even feel like Tokyo at all – until you take in the unobstructed view of Tokyo Tower from the open-air terrace. The bar has a cosy living room vibe, and coupled with its hospitality and welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to lose track of time here. Furthermore, the bar’s slogan of ‘pull up, fess up’ means you can drop in whenever you please to escape life’s pressures. The folks behind Tokyo Confidential have some serious street cred. Founder Holly Graham, for instance, was ranked in the top 10 of Bar World 100, a list of the globe's most influential figures in the bar industry. Head bartender Wakana Murata, on the other hand, was on the opening team of Tokyo Edition’s much-lauded Gold Bar. Plus, the bar’s food menu is supervised by chef Daniel Calvert of the three Michelin-starred Sézanne.  Tokyo Confidential’s centrepiece is a gorgeous bar counter made from a 300-year-old piece of reclaimed wood from a shrine. It’s the perfect spot to start exploring the bar’s drinks menu, where you’ll find a selection of signature cocktails including low- and no-ABV options. To keep t

When one thinks of Ginza bars, prim and prissy spaces affixed with a pricey drink list often come to mind. You can imagine how glad we were to have found Mixology Salon, which is bucking that stereotype with a relaxed attitude that also extends towards its inspired Japanese-take on cocktails. Easily accessible on the 13th floor of Ginza Six, this unpretentious space is clean and minimal yet welcoming. In fact, it looks more like a modern tea bar than an alcoholic one – and there’s a good reason for that. Specialising in what they call ‘teatails’, Mixology Salon’s signature cocktails are all made with its house blend of tea-infused spirits. You’ll find a wide range here, from hojicha-infused bourbon and soba cha vodka to oolong tea-flavoured rum and sencha gin. For first-timers, we recommend you go for a teatail course, where you can choose between three to five drinks made with a particular tea in mind. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with the Green Tea Fashioned, a fresh take on the classic Old Fashioned. Got a sweet tooth? Order the Hoji Cha cocktail, which is a mix of buckwheat tea-infused vodka and pineapple and finished with a surprising hint of miso. Note: ¥800 table charge applies per person. Price exclusive of consumption tax.

Terunari puts a creative spin on kaiseki by incorporating French influences that shine through in each and every dish. French- trained chef Kanichi Tokumoto runs the kitchen, working under chef Akihiko Murata of Terunari’s Michelin-starred sister restaurant Suzunari. Chef Tokumoto doesn’t stress over hyper-seasonality and instead works with whatever the kitchen is given, not necessarily just with what’s in season. You can look forward to unique reinterpretations of classic Japanese dishes, such as a crisp monaka (wafer sandwich, usually sweet) filled with chicken liver pâté, and chawanmushi egg custard made more substantial with beef tendon and a hint of wasabi. The more classic kaiseki- style dishes range from sardines simmered with ume plum and ginger to tuna served with red konjac, and aji (mackerel) layered with cucumber and a savoury miso tartar which packs an umami punch. Seasonality is expressed through the details: decorations include seasonal leaves and twigs, while the colours are bright and vibrant, making them not just appetising but photogenic too. The meal ends with a shime (loosely translated as ‘coming to a close’), where you’re served Terunari’s signature rice dish, a combination of sweet pork marinated in shoyu and mirin, and steamed with a perfectly plump tomato and fresh basil inside a Japanese claypot. Once cooked, the rice is mixed up at your table and topped with a good dose of cheese, turning it into a Japanese risotto of sorts. For fans of kaiseki,

Run by a charming husband-and-wife duo for the past eight years, Kudan Otsuka is classic kaiseki at its best. The quaint space is situated across the street from Yasukuni Shrine, whose calm surrounds extend into the restaurant. To keep things fresh, the menu changes monthly, highlighting seasonal ingredients in a traditional yet original way. Expect wow-inducing dishes featuring unique ingredients you may have never seen or tried before. Our meal started with a deceivingly simple soup (or owan, which literally means bowl in Japanese). The clear broth was accented with a tender chunk of winter melon, silky smooth somen noodles, okura and junsai (watershield, whose leaves have a slimy coating). This was followed by a four- appetiser platter served on a beautiful fan-shaped plate: a sunomono salad was given a twist by replacing the conventional cucumber with figs inside a vinegar jelly; a traditional summer kaiseki coupling of daikon and octopus had been simmered in a flavourful soy broth until tender; a selection of summer vegetables fried karaage-style in an unbelievably light batter; and there was an inspired pairing of yuba (tofu skin) and raw shiro ebi (white shrimp) topped with wasabi for a light kick.

Commonly associated with sumo wrestlers looking to get a calorie-packed meal to bulk up for an upcoming match, and hungry diners seeking something warm during the cold months, nabe or Japanese-style hotpot also has a more refined side. Enter Negima, an unassuming restaurant in Kita-Ikebukuro, which specialises in Edo-style maguro (tuna) and negi (Welsh onion) nabe. Contrary to its big servings, the restaurant is tiny and only seats eight. Negima is inspired by nabe from the Edo era prior to the invention of refrigerators, when fresh produce especially fish couldn’t be kept for long. So folks back then had to use up the ingredients by dropping them all into a pot of flavourful dashi broth where everything would be cooked thoroughly. Nabe at Negima is served as a course meal. You start with an Edo-style tamagoyaki, or egg roll, which has been lightly seasoned with katsuo dashi and shoyu. Pair it with sake and you’re off to a good start. Next, you’ll be presented with a beautiful platter of nabe ingredients before they are cooked inside a light dashi broth along with wakame seaweed and fresh greens. You’ll be able to sample various cuts of tuna, including the haramo (belly) and kama toro (gill flesh); they are both equally tender and elevated to another level with just a sprinkle of hand-crushed pepper. The thick slices of negi are cooked until soft and make for a refreshing relief between mouthfuls of tuna. To finish, you get to savour all that flavourful broth that’s been si

The popular frames from the leading South Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster have finally opened up shop in Hong Kong with their very first flagship store. Fashionistas in the SAR can now get their hands on the very sunglasses worn by Korean pop stars to sleek frame styles you won't find anywhere else. The new flagship shop in Causeway Bay is themed after a train platform giving visitors a unique shopping experience similar to Seoul's ever-changing 'Quantum Project' concept stores. 

Celebrate more than 40 years of Agnès B as they open their brand new concept store in Causeway Bay's Fashion Walk. The Rue du Jour shop is named after the very first Agnès B Femme shop, which opened in Paris back in 1975. Get your hands on your favourite items from the Sport B, Voyage and Bijoux collections along with a bite to eat at the B Cafe and a colourful bouquet from B Fleuriste. 

Step into the brand new Adidas flagship store for all your go-to sporting needs from clothing and shoes to accessories. The new shop is also home to the all-new Adidas Training Academy where you can kick yourself into gear with your new sportswear while working up a sweat at one of the free training programmes followed by a visit to the Refresh Zone to freshen up in their shower facilities and vanity areas.

Tucked away inside Hong Kong’s trendy PMQ compound, Café Life is continuously bustling with customers looking for a great cup on the go or some of its decadent homemade baked goods. Perfecting the coffee one cup at a time, each batch of beans is made to order and roasted with a compact in-house roasting machine in the corner of the shop. Its coffee beans are picked from the best terroirs around the world, such as Tanzania, Costa Rica and Columbia, giving customers a wide array of premium choices. 

Despite Italy being a remarkably diverse country when it comes to cuisine, opportunities to sample its more distinctive regional specialities beyond the usual staples are relatively rare in Tokyo. That’s where Le Pristine Tokyo comes in. Located within Hotel Toranomon Hills, the esteemed restaurant is the Tokyo outpost of the Michelin-starred Le Pristine in Antwerp, helmed by acclaimed chef-restaurateur Sergio Herman.  From March, the restaurant has launched its ‘Italian Regions’ series, celebrating the country’s diverse culinary landscape. Each instalment invites diners to ‘travel’ across Italy via a menu spotlighting different regions, reinterpreted with Chef Herman’s signature touch, seasonal Japanese ingredients and subtle nods to his hometown of Zeeland. For March and April, the series spotlights Lazio and Abruzzo, two central Italian regions home to major destinations such as Rome and the Tyrrhenian coast. Known for ingredients like sheep’s milk cheeses, cured pork, artichokes and lamb, these regions provide the foundation for Le Pristine Tokyo’s six-course dinner menu.  Photo: Hotel Toranomon Hills Highlights from the menu include Carciofi Alla Romana, a tender artichoke served with ricotta cream, mint and bottarga (dried mullet roe) from Nagasaki. Photo: Hotel Toranomon Hills There’s also Sergio’s Carbonara, a refined twist on the classic pasta, featuring squid woven through the noodles, guanciale, and a delicate squid foam infused with kuruma ebi essence. Photo:

If you love immersive digital art spaces like Tokyo’s ever-popular teamLab Planets and teamLab Borderless, you’ll want to check out this new destination in Yokohama. Opened on March 19, Wonderia Yokohama Supported by Umios lets you step into breathtaking, hyper-realistic digital worlds powered by cutting-edge technology. Photo: Karin Minamishima Located in the Basegate Yokohama Kannai complex, Wonderia is divided into six immersive themed zones: highland, deep sea, forest, cave, lake and sky, and city. A standout is the deep sea zone, home to Japan’s largest immersive LED tunnel. The space is five metres wide, eight metres deep and four metres high, and features high-definition ocean imagery that makes you feel as if you’re floating through the deep sea. 画像提供：DeNA「ワンダリアアプリ」のイメージ For a more interactive experience, you can download the Wonderia app to take part in fun missions across each zone and discover the creatures that ‘inhabit’ them while learning about nature along the way. Photo: Karin Minamishima If all that exploring works up an appetite, stop by the onsite Wonderia Café, which serves a menu inspired by nature. Expect seasonal treats like the Spring Cherry Blossom Cream Soda, along with dishes such as the Seasonal Spring Curry and Deep Blue Sea Pizza. 画像提供：DeNA「ゾーン3：擬態する森」のイメージ Wonderia Yokohama is open from 10am to 7pm Monday to Thursday, and until 9pm Friday through Sunday (including holidays). Tickets are ¥2,900 for adults, ¥2,200 for junior and high schoo

Now that it’s officially sakura season in Tokyo and across Japan, the country has burst into a pink frenzy, with everything from food to seasonal merch inspired by the fleeting blossoms. If you’re taking a break from hanami hopping around the city’s best viewing spots, why not channel that sakura spirit into a little shopping? Whether you’re after pretty pink tumblers or collectible art pieces, here are the most delightful cherry blossom-themed finds of the season.  Photo: Starbucks JapanStarbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo collection Starbucks Japan mugs and tumblers As it does every year, Starbucks Japan is releasing not one but two cherry blossom collections, featuring mugs, tumblers and even stationery inspired by the spring blooms. You’ll find the sakura items both in stores and online, but be quick – they tend to sell out fast. The Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Nakameguro also has its own limited-edition sakura range, which is well worth a look. Photo: Blue Bottle Coffee Japan Blue Bottle Coffee cups and handkerchief Alongside its seasonal cherry blossom latte and matcha cherry blossom latte, Blue Bottle Japan has released a small selection of exclusive sakura goods that make perfect gifts or souvenirs. Highlights include a special sakura latte cup created with Yumiko Iihoshi Porcelain, cherry blossom Hasami ceramic cups in collaboration with Kinto, and an original embroidered handkerchief made with Kyoto-to. You can pick these items up at Blue Bottle cafés nationwide a

This year’s on-and-off temperatures have had us second-guessing when sakura season would actually begin. But after all that waiting, we can finally say it: cherry blossom season is here.  On Thursday March 19, the Japan Meteorological Agency officially announced the start of the 2026 sakura season in Tokyo. The call was made based on the sample somei-yoshino tree at Yasukuni Shrine, which now has more than 60 blossoms open – well above the five to six flowers required to declare the official start. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 靖國神社/Yasukuni Jinja (@yasukuni.official) This year’s bloom comes five days earlier than last year’s, thanks in part to recent warm weather, which is expected to continue through the season. Tokyo isn’t the only region seeing an early start to sakura season. First bloom was already announced in other parts of Japan earlier this week, including Gifu, Kochi, Kofu and Nagoya. The rest of the country is expected to follow over the long weekend. As for full bloom, the agency predicts Tokyo will reach peak sakura around Wednesday March 25. Looking to make the most of the 2026 cherry blossom season in Tokyo? We have all the guides you’ll need right here:  18 best places to see sakura in Tokyo  16 spectacular cherry blossom illuminations in Tokyo  20 best cherry blossom festivals and events in Tokyo 21 cherry blossom desserts and drinks to try in Tokyo More from Time Out Tokyo Japan moves to implement new pre-travel ‘JEST

まだ東京を訪れたことがないのなら、きっとあなたの行ってみたい場所リストの上位に挙がっているはずだ。決してひいき目で言っているわけではない。 タイムアウトが調査している毎年恒例の「ベストシティ」調査でも、東京は再び、世界で最も住みやすく、訪れる価値のある都市の一つに選ばれ、今回は第10位にランクインしている。 今年のランキングは、世界150都市にわたる2万4000人以上の人々から得られた知見と、タイムアウトが擁する100人以上の都市のエキスパートによる投票を基に集計。最終ランキングに入った50都市は、数千件に及ぶアンケート回答に加え、世界各地に広がるタイムアウトの編集者、ライター、現地寄稿者の意見を組み合わせて選出された。 この調査では、優れた食、ナイトライフ、ミュージアム、ショッピングといった都市生活の定番の魅力を分析するだけでなく、現在それぞれの都市で暮らすことが実際にどのように感じられるのかについても探っている。回答者には、幸福度や生活の質といった全体的な満足度から、恋愛のしやすさ、地域のコミュニティーで他の人とつながりやすいかどうかまで、さまざまな点について尋ねた。 東京は今年、ランキングを大きく伸ばし、昨年の31位から第10位へと躍進。この順位の上昇には、相次ぐ刺激的な新店のオープンから、我々のお気に入りのローカルな街が昨年「世界で最もクールな街」に選ばれたことまで、さまざまな要因がある。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima 新しい観光スポットや施設といえば、東京には最近、世界で初めてとなるポケモンの屋外常設施設「ポケパーク カントー」がオープンした。また、原宿の象徴的存在だった「KAWAII MONSTER CAFE」も、よりアトラクション性が高い「Kawaii Monster Land」として華々しく復活している。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima もちろん、昨年のハイライトの一つは、神保町が「世界で最もクールな街」に選ばれたことだ。歴史ある大学街であり、本好きにとっての楽園でもあるこのエリアは、居心地のよいカフェや名物カレー店、そして現代のスピード感あふれるデジタル生活からひと息つける、ゆったりとした空気感によって、地元の人々にも旅行者にも愛されている。 この調査で、東京はタイムアウトのスタッフの間でも人気があり、ロンドンと並んでスタッフが選ぶ2026年のトップ都市になった。また、東京はZ世代の住民からの評価も特に高く、30歳未満の91％が「東京にいると幸せを感じる」と回答。さらに、82％が「東京の人々は全体的に前向きだ」と答えている。 さらに、日本の都市の中では、東京だけではなく大阪もトップ50入りを果たし、第39位にランクインした。 関連記事 『Tokyo ranks among the world’s 10 best cities for 2026（原文）』 『神保町が2025年「世界で最もクールな街」ランキング第1位に選出』 『大阪・中津が「世界で最もクールな街 2025」ランキングで8位に』 『世界の「最高の映画館100選」に東京エリアから3館がランクイン』 『2026年版「世界のコーヒーショップ ベスト100」、日本から2店がランクイン』 『海外出身のクリエーターがおすすめする東京近郊のチェーン店』 東京の最新情報をタイムアウト東京のメールマガジンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら  

If you’re already putting together a list of cherry blossom destinations to visit this year, you’ll want to add this gorgeous castle in Niigata to your list. Takada Castle Site Park in Joetsu, Niigata prefecture is home to roughly 4,000 sakura trees, which are illuminated at night along with 3,000 bonbori lanterns during the annual sakura festival.  Photo: Niigata Prefecture Tourism Association This year, the event is celebrating its 101st year with festivities taking place between Friday April 3 and Sunday April 19.  Photo: Niigata Prefecture Tourism Association The park has long been regarded as one of Japan's top evening hanami spots, with one of the highlights being the 300m Sakura Road, just south of the castle. Here, you can stroll under a boulevard of blooming cherry blossom trees and see the bonbori lanterns illuminated after sunset. Photo: Niigata Prefecture Tourism Association Aside from the cluster of blossoms near the castle, the inner and outer moats that surround the grounds and nearby Aota River are lined with even more sakura trees. It’s quite a sight to behold, especially with the reflection of the lit-up trees on the water.  Photo: Kyukamura Association For more information on the Takada Castle Site Park Sakura Festival, visit the website. This article was originally published on March 14 2022 and updated on March 16 2026. More from Time Out Tokyo Tokyo lands seven spots on the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2026 list3 of the world’s 100 greatest movie

It’s probably common knowledge by now that Tokyo serves some of the world’s best pizza – especially when it comes to authentic Naples-style pies like those found in Italy. Year after year, the capital continues to prove its credentials, regularly ranking among the top cities in the annual 50 Top Pizza lists. This year, Tokyo claimed seven spots on the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2026 ranking, announced at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Tokyo on March 9. The selection includes a number of familiar names alongside several new entries. And Tokyo isn’t the only Japanese city with standout pizza – restaurants in Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Hokkaido also made the prestigious ranking. Photo: Mandarin Oriental Tokyo Claiming the top spot this year – and ending The Pizza Bar on 38th’s three-year streak – is RistoPizza by Napoli Sta’ Ca’, which was crowned No 1. The Pizza Bar on 38th at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo didn’t fall far, coming in at No 2. Rounding up the top three is a tie between Hong Kong's Fiata and Gigi's in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Pizza Marumo Additional Tokyo pizzerias on the list are La Tripletta (No 17), Pizza Strada (No 21), L'Insieme (No 23) and Massimottavio (No 32). Making its debut on the list is Pizza Marumo at No 35.  Beyond Tokyo, the other Japanese restaurants included in the ranking are Nagoya's Pizzeria Braceria Cesari!! (No 8), Osaka's Pizzeria da Tigre (No 19), Kyoto's Pizzeria da Ciro (No 36) and Hokkaido's Toncini (No 49). There’s more excitement

Now that we’re just days from sakura season, updates are coming in on a weekly basis – giving those dreaming of cherry blossoms and warmer days something to look forward to. On March 12, the Japan Meteorological Corporation released its eighth cherry blossom forecast of 2026, giving us a good idea of when sakura season is expected to begin. The JMC forecast predicts the first flowering and full bloom dates of the popular somei yoshino variety of cherry blossoms for around 1,000 destinations across Japan. This highly anticipated forecast is based on temperature patterns from this past autumn and has been released slightly earlier than usual. The agency is also incorporating artificial intelligence to provide earlier dates, helping people plan their sakura trips more effectively. As for Tokyo, the forecast hasn’t changed much since the last update, with cherry blossoms still expected to start flowering on March 19, and full bloom predicted for March 27. Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation For other popular destinations, Kyoto is expected to see initial bloom by March 23, reaching full bloom by April 1. Sapporo is predicted to start flowering from April 25, with full bloom by April 28, while Fukuoka is expected to see flowers by March 20, reaching peak bloom by March 29. We'll continue to keep you posted as the forecast changes. The next update from the JMC is scheduled for next week on March 19. In the meantime, you can already enjoy numerous cherry blossom events and fes

If you have yet to visit Tokyo, there’s a good chance it’s high on your list of destinations. The capital continues to captivate travellers from around the world – and we’re not just being biased saying that. In Time Out’s annual Best Cities survey, Tokyo once again ranks among the world’s top places to live in and explore, this time coming in at No 10.  This year’s list was shaped by insights from more than 24,000 people across 150 cities worldwide, alongside the votes of over 100 Time Out city experts. The 50 cities that made the final ranking were selected using thousands of survey responses combined with input from our global network of editors, writers and local contributors.  Along with analysing your typical lifestyle perks like great food, nightlife, museums and shopping, the survey also explored what it truly feels like to live in each and every one of these cities today. Respondents were asked about everything from happiness and overall quality of life to finding love and how easy it is to connect with others in the community. Tokyo made a big leap in the rankings this year, climbing to tenth place from No 31 last year. The jump reflects a number of factors, from the wave of exciting new openings across the city to our favourite local haunt being crowned the world’s coolest neighbourhood last year. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Speaking of new attractions and facilities, Tokyo has recently welcomed the world’s first permanent open-air Pokémon theme park, while Harajuku’s

From the world’s first Pokémon theme park to life-changing doughnuts, Japan goes viral for plenty of things. But recently, nothing has captured hearts quite like Punch, the seven-month-old Japanese macaque who’s taken the world by storm. If you’re on social media, you’ve probably seen him pop up on your feed – or even on the news in recent weeks. Wondering how the monkey rose to fame? Here’s a quick recap of Punch’s major moments so far. Ichikawa City Zoo has released new photos of Punch as a baby, showing him cuddling with his small orangutan plushie. pic.twitter.com/Ch9ei3PxRs — Complex (@Complex) February 24, 2026 July 2025-January 2026 Punch was born on July 26 2025 at Ichikawa City Zoo – a lesser-known zoo located just over an hour by train from central Tokyo. Unfortunately, Punch was abandoned by his mother immediately after his birth, and zookeepers stepped in to raise him. They eventually gave him a plush orangutan toy from Ikea that would later become a hot commodity due to Punch’s growing popularity.  In mid-January, Punch was introduced to the zoo's Saruyama, or 'Monkey Mountain', enclosure, home to approximately 60 other macaques.  ～お知らせ～現在、サル山の中にぬいぐるみを持った子ザルがいます。2025年7月26日に生まれ、放置されていたところから人工哺育で育ち、今年の1月19日から群れで過ごしています。名前は「パンチ」という男の子です！パンチの成長を暖かく見守ってください！#市川市動植物園 #ニホンザル#パンチ pic.twitter.com/jNpFSH0LOV — 市川市動植物園（公式） (@ichikawa_zoo) February 5, 2026 Early February 2026 The zoo shared a photo of Punch clinging to his plush toy at the beginning of the month.

この10年で、日本はコーヒーのレベルを大きく引き上げてきた。とりわけ東京は、カフェやロースターの街として今や世界的に名を知られ、さらにはおまかせ形式のテイスティングコースという新しいコーヒー体験のカテゴリーさえ切り開いている。 その高まり続ける評価は、いまや国際的にも認められたといえよう。「The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops（世界のコーヒーショップ ベスト100）」の第2回ランキングでは、日本からも2店がランクインした。 このランキングは、2026年2月中旬に開催された「CoffeeFest Madrid 2026」で発表されたもの。コーヒーの品質、バリスタ技術、接客、革新性、雰囲気、サステナビリティ、フードやペストリー、そして全体の一貫性などの基準で、世界各地のカフェを評価している。最終的ランキングは、専門家パネルによる評価（70％）と一般投票（30％）を組み合わせて決まった。 日本から選ばれたのは、大阪の「ULT Coffee Roasters」（24位）と、東京の「KOFFEE MAMEYA Kakeru」（28位）2店だ。 この投稿をInstagramで見る ULT Coffee Roasters(@ultcoffee.exp)がシェアした投稿 大阪の「ULT Coffee Roasters」は、2023年の「ワールド・バリスタ・チャンピオン」であるボラン・ウム（Boram Um）により創業。コーヒー競技会で使用されるものと同等の、希少で厳選されたスペシャルティビーンズをコーヒー愛好家に提供している。 Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaKoffee Mameya Kakeru 一方の「KOFFEE MAMEYA Kakeru」は、コーヒーのテイスティングコースを提供する先駆的な店の一つとして、東京のコーヒーファンにとって必訪のスポットとなっている。ここでは、コールドブリュー、ミルクブリュー、フィルターコーヒー、エスプレッソなど、さまざまなスタイルで抽出された異なる焙煎（ばいせん）のコーヒーが味わえる。 また、好みの豆を選んで1杯ずつ注文することも可能で、軽やかでフルーティーなシングルオリジンから、深みのある力強いブレンドまで、幅広い選択肢が用意されている。 「The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops」全リストは、公式ウェブサイトで確認できる。 関連記事 『Japan lands two spots on The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list for 2026（原文）』 『イタリアのコーヒー王者が世界初の旗艦店「Vannelli Coffee」を表参道にオープン』 『東京、中国発のスペシャルティコーヒーショップ3選』 『東京、世界で活躍するトップバリスタ5人』 『モロッコ発、銀座に降臨したコーヒーの宮殿「Bacha Coffee」が日本初上陸』 『東京、2025年にオープンしたベストカフェ10選』 東京の最新情報をタイムアウト東京のメールマガジンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら  

Maybe you’ve already had your fill of this season’s pretty Starbucks sakura merch, but don’t put your credit card away just yet – Starbucks Japan is gearing up to drop a second sakura collection on March 4 (online pre-sale from 8pm on March 3).  While the first collection leaned into soft pastels and pinks, this second series swaps them for gorgeous blue hues inspired by the clear skies framing the blossoms during the spring season. Beyond mugs and tumblers, you’ll also find a cute coaster and a handy shoulder bag made to carry your bottle or smartphone. Photo: Starbucks Japan Here’s a closer look at the second sakura collection: Sakura 2026 3-Way Stainless Steel Tumbler Stanley Shiny Airy Blue Gradient, 414ml (¥5,200) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel To Go Bottle Airy Blue, 473ml (¥5,550) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel Bottle, Shell White, 355ml (¥4,750) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel Bottle, Glitter Airy Blue, 444ml (¥4,950) Sakura 2026 Strap Cup Shape Stainless Steel Bottle, Airy Blue, 355ml (¥5,000) Sakura 2026 Stanley Shiny Stainless Steel Bottle, Airy Blue Gradient, 473ml (¥5,700) Sakura 2026 Tumbler White, 473ml (¥2,450) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel Mug with Lid, 355ml (¥4,000) Sakura 2026 Mug Medal Airy Blue, 355ml (¥2,850) Sakura 2026 Glass Tumbler, Airy Blue, 473ml (¥3,500) Sakura 2026 Bottle Shoulder Bag Metallic Pink (¥2,950) Sakura 2026 Coaster Airy Blue (¥2,000) Sakura 2026 Starbucks Mini Cup Gift, Airy Blue (with drink ticket) (¥1,150) Sakura 2026 Heat-resistant Glass M