Kaila Imada

Soon it will be summer here in Japan, and for most people, the warm weather immediately calls for a visit to one of the many gorgeous beaches or islands dotted around the country. However, if you’d rather escape the sweltering sun, Japan is also home to a host of refreshing mountain resorts and rolling hillside landscapes in cooler regions such as Hokkaido.  Looking to make the most of the summer season? Start planning your next getaway to one of these beautiful destinations. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best nature escapes in Tokyo

The enduring icon of spring in Japan, cherry blossoms are practically synonymous with the country itself, attracting hordes of admirers from across the world every season. While cherry blossoms generally flower in late March, they usually last no longer than a couple of weeks. So if you missed the cherry trees at peak bloom, fret not – there are lots of other spring flowers you can find that are just as beautiful in their own way. And the best part is, there’s always something putting out its petals in Tokyo during spring, from late March right through to May. RECOMMENDED: How to enjoy Tokyo's biggest attractions in one day

Travel down to the Kanagawa coast and you’ll run into the small but beautiful Enoshima. The hilly island lies off the Shonan coast in western Kanagawa, and it’s connected to the mainland by a bridge open to both vehicles and pedestrians. Enoshima is one of the most popular islands nearest to Tokyo. Here you’ll find a number of cultural monuments, quaint cafés and sightseeing attractions – more than enough to fuel a day trip. When the weather’s clear, you can even see Mt Fuji in the distance. Getting here: The Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass includes a round-trip ticket on the Odakyu line from Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima Station, which takes about 80 minutes one way. You also get unlimited rides on the Enoden line between Fujisawa and Kamakura stations for a bit of extended sightseeing in the area. The pass costs ¥1,640 for adults and ¥430 for children. It's a 12-minute walk from Katase-Enoshima Station to the island.RECOMMENDED: Explore Kawagoe, Saitama’s Little Edo

Photo: Time Out Tokyo In commemoration of our crystal anniversary, we’re unveiling 15 of Tokyo’s best kept secrets that will delight both seasoned Tokyoites and adventurous travellers.   Photo: Time Out Tokyo From uncovering Tokyo’s most photogenic shrine to sipping on cocktails in a hard-to-find speakeasy, the capital is home to a number of unexpected pleasures that make it such a fun place to explore. Photo: Time Out Tokyo With an abundance of top-notch ingredients and seasonal produce, it’s no surprise that Tokyo is counted among the best places in the world to eat out. If you want to treat yourself to an incredible meal, check out our round-up of the best restaurants where you can splurge on an omakase sushi or wagyu beef meal. Photo: Time Out Tokyo Need some time to relax and unwind? Try out one of these rejuvenating spa and beauty treatments in Tokyo. You can get everything from an intricate manicure to a complete head spa to up your hair and scalp routine. Photo: Time Out Tokyo There’s always something new to enjoy in Tokyo, and the city’s bar scene is no exception. From art bars to cocktail specialists, we share some of the city’s most exciting new watering holes. Pick up your FREE copy of Time Out Tokyo magazine at Haneda and Narita airports as well as selected hotels and tourist information centres in Tokyo.  You can also check out the digital edition below, or read the magazine here or on Kindle Unlimited. Cover direction by Steve Nakamura. Photogr

Osaka makes history in 2025 as the first Japanese city to host the World Expo twice. It last staged the event in 1970, which holds the record as the best-attended Expo of the 20th century. With big plans in place, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan is sure to be just as memorable. World Expos have been taking place since 1851 and now occur every five years for up to six months at a time. These large-scale events bring together innovations from around the world and are often the first places to see new technology. Over the years, the likes of elevators, electric cars and the first mobile phone have been unveiled at Expos. You can discover the innovations and culture of each participating country at its own pavilion during the event. Expo 2025 is Osaka’s second and Japan’s third World Expo, following the Aichi Expo in 2005. It takes place from April 13 to October 13 2025 on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay. World-renowned architect Sou Fujimoto is responsible for bringing the Expo 2025 site to life with a stunning master design. Fujimoto includes plenty of nature by incorporating green spaces throughout the site as well as ample seating and shaded rest areas. The venue’s showpiece is the 20-metre high, two-kilometre round Grand Ring. Visitors can walk inside as well as on top of this giant wooden structure, which affords breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Expo site and Osaka Bay.

「2025年大阪・関西万博」が開催中。この記念すべきイベントで期待されること、そしてチケットの入手方法などを紹介しよう。 今回、大阪は日本で初めて万国博覧会（以降、万博）を2度開催する都市として歴史を刻む。前回の開催は1970年で、万博では20世紀最大の入場者数を記録した。2025年大阪・関西万博は、壮大な構想のもと、記憶に残る万博になるに違いない。 万博は1851年以来開催されており、現在では5年に一度、会期は最大6カ月に及ぶ。このような大規模なイベントには世界中から技術的なイノベーションが集結し、しばしば新技術を紹介する最初の舞台となる。長年にわたり、エレベーター、電気自動車、初代携帯電話などが万博で発表されてきた。会期中は、参加国それぞれのパビリオンで、その国のイノベーションと文化を堪能できる。 2025年大阪・関西万博は、2005年に愛知で開催された「愛・地球博」に次いで大阪で2回目、日本で3回目の万博。開催期間は2025年4月13日（日）から10月13日（月）まで、大阪湾に浮かぶ人工島・夢洲が会場となる。 世界的に有名な建築家である藤本壮介は、2025年大阪・関西万博の会場を見事なデザインで誕生させる。藤本は、自然をふんだんに取り入れ、敷地内の至る所に緑地を設け、座席や休憩スペースを充実させる予定だ。 目玉として、高さ約20メートル、周囲約2キロの巨大なリング状の大屋根を設置。来場者は、大阪湾の雄大な景色を眺めることができる。

What a wonderful time to be in Tokyo! After a recent spell of warm weather, Tokyo's cherry blossoms are now fully open with the Japan Meteorological Agency announcing full bloom on Sunday March 30. Although the cherry blossoms are now past their peak, many trees still retain a good number of flowers and continue to offer beautiful views. However, with petals falling more each day, they’re not expected to last much longer — so now is the time to visit if you haven’t already. 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

The best pizza in the world is in Japan. That’s according to internationally acclaimed chef David Chang, who made the brazen declaration in his Netflix series ‘Ugly Delicious’. Not only that, six acclaimed Tokyo pizzerias recently ranked in the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific list for 2025. So, the proof is in the pudding – or in this case, the crust. On a scale of zero to Naples, we’d have to agree Tokyo pizza is up there with the best. While you can find Chicago deep-dish pizza, NYC-style pizza by the slice, and Japanese-style pizza with wild toppings like lotus root and seaweed in Tokyo, we’re talking about the true test of doughy excellence: Naples-style pizza. There are minimal ingredients but many variables – from the thin base to the perfectly puffy crust and carefully chosen fresh toppings.  Tokyo’s pizza places serve up impeccable Naples-style pizzas made by chefs who can use a woodfired oven like it’s an extra limb. Here’s a selection of our favourites. Reviews by Kaila Imada, Jessica Thompson and James Hadfield RECOMMENDED: The best tonkatsu restaurants in Tokyo for golden deep-fried pork

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: The official Japan cherry blossom forecast for 2025

Cherry blossoms aren’t the only thing blooming in Tokyo this spring. Tulips are one of the many beautiful flowers popping up in and around the city between March and April. The colourful little bulbs come in hundreds of varieties and the gardens around Tokyo sure know how to show them off.  The flowers are often associated with the Netherlands, and that’s true in Japan, too. So if you’re picturing rolling fields of tulips set against a backdrop of spinning windmills, you’re in for a treat. Many of these photogenic parks aim to replicate that scene, right down to the old Dutch windmill. Read on for the best spots to see these stunning spring flowers. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful spring flowers in Tokyo – and where to see them all

With winter now behind us, our great city is finally starting to transition into spring. In other words, the 2025 Tokyo sakura season is now upon us. According to this year's forecast, cherry blossoms are expected to start blooming on March 24 and will potentially reach full bloom by April 1.  You can find cherry blossoms in many places across Tokyo, from the city's best parks including Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park, to pretty suburban streets in Nakameguro, Shibuya and Kunitachi. So with cameras at the ready, save these top places in Tokyo for the most beautiful spring blooms. RECOMMENDED: Looking to go further? Check out these amazing cherry blossom destinations across Japan

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

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

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.

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. 

Get your daily jolt of caffeine with one of the blends from the experts at % Arabica. This coffee roaster takes pride in using beans from its own coffee farm in Hawaii, as well as sourcing high-grade speciality beans from around the world. The shop is also a global distributor of, and uses, a high-tech Japanese roasting machine – the Tornado King – that prepares the beans to precision at the touch of a button. With a flagship shop in Discovery Bay North Plaza, plus a couple of other outlets in Hong Kong, you can pick up your fresh beans with relative ease.

Japan’s weak yen and fluctuating economy has created a golden opportunity for international travellers seeking more bang for their buck. The country has seen record-breaking numbers of visitors in just the first quarter of 2025, and no signs point to inbound tourism slowing down anytime soon. Japan simply offers top-of-the-line value, as a recent survey conducted by the UK’s Post Office makes clear: the ranking has Tokyo as the third most affordable holiday destination worldwide in 2025. Also known as the Holiday Money Report, the survey studied 47 destinations for UK travellers, ranking them by ‘overall holiday value for money’. These are the destinations that made up the top ten:  Algarve, Portugal Cape Town, South Africa Tokyo, Japan Kuta, Bali Delhi, India Sunny Beach, Bulgaria Hoi An, Vietnam Prague, Czech Republic Phuket, Thailand Costa del Sol, Spain To come up with the final ranking, Post Office examined the average cost of eight common travel items that you’d most likely purchase on a trip. This includes essentials like sunscreen and insect repellent to consumables like a cup of coffee and a three-course dinner for two.  According to the report, a cup of filter coffee in Tokyo comes out to approximately £2.44 (around ¥476) and a three-course dinner for two (including a bottle of house wine) costs roughly £44.58 (around ¥8,704). Compared to many other countries on the list, these prices are extremely favourable, and may only get better depending on the currency you

From family-friendly spaces to stunning art institutions, there are a vast array of museums in Tokyo, with many of them located in Ueno. The area’s huge park is home to six long-standing museums, while there are many other cultural facilities dotted around the neighbourhood for you to enjoy.  One of the best times to visit Ueno is during the Ueno Museum Weeks, which is running now until Sunday May 25. This event coincides with International Museum Day on Sunday May 18, when you can enjoy some of Ueno's most popular museums for free. For the rest of Ueno Museum Weeks, you can join special tours, catch a free concert, and get discounts at participating restaurants and cafés. Photo: 国立科学博物館National Museum of Nature and Science Specifically on May 18, you can get free entry to the permanent exhibitions at the National Museum of Western Art and the National Museum of Nature and Science. Additionally, you can enter Tokyo National Museum’s general cultural exhibitions for free on the same day. As for Ueno Museum Weeks in general, you can redeem coupons for free drinks and discounts at restaurants in the neighbourhood, including yoshoku (Japanese-style Western food) restaurant Kurofune-tei and yakiniku eatery Taishoen. These deals are available until May 25. To claim this offer, just show the coupon page of the Ueno Museum Weeks website at the participating restaurants. For more details, visit the website.  This article was published on May 13 2024 and updated on May 13 2025. More

In Tokyo you’ll be spoilt for choice. For instance, you could take in the cityscape from Tokyo’s many indoor observation decks, but with this lovely spring weather, we’d much prefer lounging at a sky-high outdoor terrace. You’ll still get an unobstructed aerial view of Tokyo’s dynamic skyline, plus you can put that observatory entry fee towards getting drinks and snacks instead. Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi as well as The Tokyo Edition, Ginza have opened their outdoor terraces for the season. They each offer a different view of the city, along with a well-curated food and drink menu that will have you chilling from lunch to sunset. Photo: Four Seasons OtemachiThe outdoor terrace at Four Seasons Otemachi's Pigneto restaurant Pigneto at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi The terrace at Four Season Otemachi’s Italian restaurant Pigneto is perched on the 39th floor, 200 metres above the bustling streets of Tokyo’s financial district. From this height, you’re very much guaranteed a front row seat to Tokyo’s contrasting skyline – the downtown skyscrapers as well as the lush gardens of the Imperial Palace, which is just a few steps away from the hotel. On good days, if you’re lucky, you might even spot Mt Fuji in the distance. Photo: Four Seasons Here you could treat yourself to a three- or four-course prix fixe lunch (from ¥6,800, last orders at 2.30pm) of classic Italian dishes but reimagined with local seasonal produce. Or choose from a selection of sharing-style pa

Now that Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is well underway, there’s no better time to explore Osaka and enjoy the many must-see attractions and events centered around this momentous event. When you’re there, one thing’s for certain: you’ll definitely come across Myaku-Myaku, the blue and red shape-shifting Expo mascot who’s become a beloved character all across Japan. You’ll find Myaku-Myaku on pretty much all the Expo-themed merchandise created especially for the event, from cute plushies and daruma dolls to collaboration items with your favourite Sanrio characters.  Hoping to cop some cool collectibles and merch while you’re visiting the Expo? Here are our top picks. Photo: Heso Holdings Co., Ltd. Myaku-Myaku backpack, pouch and plushie For something both fun and cuddly, these Myaku-Myaku plushies are a perfect pick – especially the two that double as a backpack and pouch. Each features the beloved mascot in its classic smiling form, and the bag versions offer a playful yet practical alternative to the standard plush toy. From ¥4,500 Photo: Dai Nippon Printing (DNP) Myaku-Myaku Tamagotchi In celebration of Tamagotchi’s 28th anniversary, the nostalgic egg-shaped toy has received a special Myaku-Myaku makeover. The limited-edition Expo version features a cute designed shell with Tamagotchi characters playfully wearing Myaku-Myaku on their heads. ¥5,500 Photo: 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo Master License Office Myaku-Myaku x Sanrio keyrings Ever since Hello Kitty celebrated her 50th ann

If you’ve already seen Tokyo’s most famous tourist attractions, you’ll want to set your sights on some of the more remote locations in and around the capital. One such spot is the otherworldly Metropolitan Area Outer Underground Discharge Channel in Kasukabe, Saitama prefecture.  Affectionately known as the Disaster Prevention Underground Temple, the tunnel is a whopping 50 metres underground and is used to prevent flooding in the Greater Tokyo area during a major natural disaster such as a tsunami or typhoon. When not in use, the massive tunnel is open to the public for viewing. Its towering architecture has made it a popular spot for visitors – it has even been used as a filming location for music videos and other projects. Photo: Manuelascanio/Dreamstime The best way to explore the Disaster Prevention Underground Temple is by joining a guided tour, such as the Underground Temple Course, which costs just ¥1,000 per person and takes about 55 minutes. On the tour, you can learn about the facility and explore at your own leisure.  Longer tours are available, too, including the Pit Experience Course (¥3,000 for 110 minutes) for a visit to the drain's 70m-deep shaft. There's also the Impeller Exploration Course (¥4,000 for 110 minutes) for those who want to explore the pressure regulating tank.  The newest of these tours is the Underground River Walking Adventure Course (¥15,000 for 240 minutes), where you can explore previously off-limits areas, including walking through an u

Tokyo is home to some incredible spaces where you can get a jaw-dropping view of the city skyline. One of the most popular places to take in the views is at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, where you’ll find two free observatories on the 45th floor of both the north and south towers. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima The South Observatory closed temporarily for renovations earlier this year, but it officially reopened its doors on Wednesday April 23. In addition to providing one of the city’s best views, the South Observatory is now also home to Gift Shop Tokyo Mikke!, a brand new souvenir shop and café located in the centre of the picturesque space.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Along with browsing fun merchandise like lucky daruma dolls and Edo Kiriko glassware, you can order from a selection of food and beverages including coffee, sake, soft serve ice cream, takoyaki, and even traditional Japanese sweets like fish-shaped taiyaki cakes. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima At the centre of the shop you’ll find a dedicated space stocked with Time Out Tokyo magazines and guide maps, which you can of course pick up for free. Digital screens nearby showcase tourist information curated by us, highlighting top things to do around the city – like discovering Tokyo’s most beautiful gardens. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima The 360-degree observation area gives you a look at the city from many different angles. You can catch views of some of Tokyo’s most iconic buildings and attractions, including Tokyo Skyt

If you’re a Pokémon fan, Tokyo is your ultimate playground. Starting with Shibuya's expansive Pokémon Center and the numerous Poké Lid manhole covers dotted around the city, there’s endless pocket-monster fun waiting to be discovered. For the ultimate Pokémon city getaway, you can now book Pokémon room packages at Grand Hyatt Tokyo, with stays available between June 20 to August 31.   Following the adorable Pokémon Sleep rooms from last year, this year’s offering is inspired by tropical island vibes and features fun beach-themed décor, original Pokémon amenities and even a tasty pocket monster-inspired food menu.  ©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.「ポケモン コラボレーション サマー 2025」 The Pokémon Beach Resort Suite Stay gives you a chance to stay in the hotel's one and only Pokémon suite, which has been decked out to look like a luxurious island hideaway with palm trees, tropical plants and an ocean-inspired rug. Most importantly, you can relax with the cuddly giant Snorlax and Lapras plushies featured in the suite’s living room.  ©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.「ポケモン コラボレーション サマー 2025」 Guests staying in the suite will receive original collaboration amenities including a Pokémon French bathrobe, beach towel, beach bag, cap and oversized T-shirt. You can also bring home the smaller Pikachu and Piplup plushies in the room. ©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.「ポケモン コラボレーション サマー 2025」 Those staying in the suite will be treated to a special

Monsters in Tokyo? Totally normal. But seeing a reptilian kaiju star in OneRepublic’s latest music video? That was a fun surprise. In the band’s music video for the new single 'Invincible', you’ll see a retired monster living its best life in Tokyo as it strolls the streets, hangs out in a park, goes grocery shopping, and even rides the Yamanote line.  Screenshot: OneRepublic/YouTube Tokyoites might recognise a few of the spots featured in the video, including the area around Shibuya Station as well as Arisugawa-no-miya Memorial Park.  Screenshot: OneRepublic/YouTube Excited by OneRepublic’s live performance in Tokyo – which it watches on TV – the monster ends up destroying Tokyo Tower, with the iconic structure breaking in half by the end of the video. 'Invincible' is OneRepublic’s second ending theme song featured in the first season of the anime 'Kaiju No. 8’. The band has also contributed another hit to the same show: 'Nobody' was its first ending theme. Catch the full video for ‘Invincible’ on YouTube. More from Time Out TokyoJapan now has an official Hello Kitty airportOnline booking to climb Mt Fuji will begin April 24Hakone Ropeway to open new observation area overlooking a volcanic valleyLoewe’s mega-exhibition has arrived in Tokyo with whimsical Studio Ghibli roomsSurvey: Tokyo has two of the world's top airports for foodWant to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.

With its seamless public transportation system and incredible dining scene – to name just a few major draws – it’s no wonder Tokyo is consistently ranked as one of the best cities in the world. While everyday city life has plenty to offer the average Tokyoite, the capital also doubles as a luxurious playground for the super-rich. Illustrating this point is wealth migration firm Henley & Partners’s just-revealed annual report, which ranks the world’s wealthiest cities based on the number of millionaire and billionaire residents – and includes Tokyo in the top three.  Trailing only New York City (No 1) and the US Bay Area (No 2), Tokyo is in third place out of 50 cities studied worldwide. The only other Asian entrants in the top ten are Singapore (No 4) and Hong Kong (No 8). According to Henley’s data, Tokyo is home to a whopping 292,300 millionaires, 262 centi-millionaires and 18 billionaires. But compared to New York City and the Bay Area, Tokyo has not seen dramatic millionaire growth over the last decade, with the stats suggesting a modest four-percent increase over the last ten years. Here are the top ten wealthiest cities in 2025: New York City  The Bay Area  Tokyo  Singapore  Los Angeles  London  Paris  Hong Kong  Sydney  Chicago For more information and to see the full 50 cities included in the ranking, visit the Henley & Partners website. More from Time Out TokyoJapan now has an official Hello Kitty airportOnline booking to climb Mt Fuji will begin April 24Hakone Ro

Tokyo has one of the most efficient public transport systems in the world, and it’s only getting better, with new stations, lines and upgrades constantly making it easier and faster to navigate the city. One upcoming addition is the Haneda Airport Access Line, which is now being constructed. Due to this work, sections of the Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines will be suspended between Saturday April 19 and Sunday April 20.  As reported by the Japan Times, JR East is suspending sections of the Yamanote outer loop (trains running clockwise from Shinagawa) between Ueno and Osaki stations and service between Shinagawa and Higashi-Jujo stations along the Keihin-Tohoku line. The suspensions will be in effect all day Saturday and from the start of Sunday till around noon on Sunday.  Additionally, other train frequencies will be reduced outside of the two suspended sections, including on the inner loop of the Yamanote line (trains running counter-clockwise from Shinagawa), which will be running on a limited schedule between Osaki and Ueno stations (including Tokyo Station). As for the Keihin-Tohoku line, it will only be running local trains, with no rapid service over the weekend. It’s a good idea to plan your travels in advance, especially if you have a time-sensitive schedule like catching a flight or shinkansen. Alternative transport options will also be offered by JR East via the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. For a detailed look at the suspended areas and alternative routes, c

The Shibuya Sky observation deck has become one of the hottest attractions in Tokyo since it opened on the rooftop of Shibuya Scramble Square. This open-air observation deck boasts 360-degree views of the city from a jaw-dropping 230 metres above ground, and you can see all of Tokyo’s major landmarks including Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Skytree and even Mt Fuji on a clear day. What's more, the observation deck boasts a stunning rooftop bar that's only open for about eight months a year. 画像提供：渋谷スクランブルスクエア株式会社バーカウンター The good news is, the rooftop bar and lounge, known simply as The Roof, will be open for a limited time from April 28 to December 25. You can order snacks and drinks such as beer, wine, cocktails and mocktails. The bar operates from 4pm until 10pm every evening (from 5pm in August, 2pm-8pm in November and December), giving you a chance to catch the sunset as well as Tokyo’s stunning skyline at night.  Photo: Shibuya Scramble Square It’s a good idea to purchase tickets in advance (tickets are sold up to two weeks in advance) to secure one of the cosy couches overlooking the city. You'll be limited to a 50-minute time slot for each couch reservation, which is available as part of a champagne or standard drink set (from ¥7,000 per person). Do note that a minimum of two guests must be present to secure a couch seat. In case of bad weather, The Roof will be closed. Photo: Shibuya Scramble Square For more details and to book a reservation at The Roof, visit the website. 

A lot of exciting things are unfolding across Japan to coincide with the momentous World Expo now happening in Osaka. One such project is the absolutely adorable Hello Kitty-themed airport down in Kyushu – which is actually a rebranding of the existing Oita Airport, located in Kunisaki, Oita prefecture. Photo: Sanrio Entertainment Co., Ltd. As of April 13, the airport has officially renamed itself Oita Hello Kitty Airport, and it will stay that way until October 13 – the end date of Expo 2025. To commemorate the event, an official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on the first day with appearances by Hello Kitty, My Melody and Kuromi.  Photo: Sanrio Entertainment Co., Ltd. The Hello Kitty revamp includes new interior and exterior decorations featuring all your favourite Sanrio characters, from the outdoor signage to the international arrivals area.  Photo: Sanrio Entertainment Co., Ltd. As Oita is renowned for its hot springs, the airport has also set up a kawaii photo spot where you can snap a picture of yourself inside a massive bathing bucket along with Hello Kitty, Pompompurin, Cinnamoroll, Kuromi and My Melody. Photo: Sanrio Entertainment Co., Ltd. As if that wasn’t enough, those travelling from the airport will receive Sanrio-themed luggage tags, and you’ll also be able to pick up fun Oita Hello Kitty Airport official merch from the onsite souvenir shop.  Photo: Sanrio Entertainment Co., Ltd. Some of the fun items available in the souvenir store include keychai