Kaila Imada

From Michelin-starred restaurants to famous chains that have spread from Japan across the world, ramen is having a moment in the global food scene. As such, many ramen establishments have been capitalising on the noodle wave by teaming up with convenience stores such as 7-Eleven to sell instant versions of their top-selling noodle dishes. Surprisingly, we discovered that they taste pretty darn close to what you’d get at the actual restaurant. They are the perfect late-night cheat meals, and also make cheap and cheerful souvenirs to take home from Tokyo. RECOMMENDED: 7 popular types of ramen and where to eat them in Tokyo

Tomigaya is always in the conversation when discussing Tokyo’s coolest districts, but this little indie neighbourhood remains relatively calm and collected considering its proximity to central Shibuya. Roughly consisting of a couple of blocks southwest of Yoyogi Park, it stretches south from Yoyogi-Hachiman Station to, at most, the Bunkamura – technically you’re in Kamiyamacho by then, but everyone still seems to call it Tomigaya. Here you’ll find cute cafés, trendy coffee shops, eccentric fashion stores and fantastic restaurants next to old tofu shops and the local butchers. Long-term residents complain that there’s been too much gentrification in the past few years, but for now some of the golden oldies seem to still be holding out. RECOMMENDED: The coolest neighbourhoods in Tokyo

Shopping in Tokyo is an absolute joy. You can find almost every major brand and designer label imaginable, whether it's homegrown or international. Best of all, many of these labels try to outdo each other with jaw-dropping flagship stores boasting huge sales floors inside buildings designed by world-renowned architects – some even include one-of-a-kind in-store restaurants and art galleries. One huge advantage about shopping at flagship stores is that they tend to carry the brand's full breadth of products as well as the latest releases. So whether you're looking to splurge, do a spot of window shopping or you're just a fan of retail design, you'll have a field day at these sumptuous flagship stores in Tokyo.RECOMMENDED: The best department stores in Tokyo

It’s officially 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 go-to meal for many a Tokyoite on a limited budget, udon may not have the historical prestige of soba or ramen in the capital, but this thick and chewy noodle has carved out an unshakeable niche for itself. Although varieties abound, the most popular type of udon is the thick, flat 'sanuki' from Kagawa prefecture in Shikoku, which is widely known as Japan's 'udon prefecture'.  We've scoured the city for the best udon joints; all these shops uphold the basic tenets of sanuki udon, although many of them have developed their own recipes on the side, expanding their range of noodle dishes to fit the wide variety of tastes in Tokyo. Eat your way through the entire list and find the bowl right for you. RECOMMENDED: The best ramen in Tokyo that will change your life

For art lovers, Tokyo is one of the top destinations in Asia with countless museums, contemporary art galleries and exhibitions. But that doesn’t mean you need to pay a premium to see some of the best art in the city – heck, to see these masterpieces, you don’t even have to go indoors. Here’s our list of some of the best outdoor art around town. RECOMMENDED: Explore the best outdoor art museums and parks in Japan

It may still be early in the year, but 2023 is already shaping up to be an exciting one in Tokyo. Some huge entertainment complexes are opening soon, such as the massive Tokyu Kabukicho Tower in Shinjuku. But the latest addition to the city’s skyline is the shiny new Tokyo Midtown Yaesu, a convenient shopping and dining complex right across the street from Tokyo Station.  The most striking feature of this complex is the 45-storey Yaesu Central Tower, which is home to Japan’s first Bulgari Hotel from floors 40 to 45. Making a grand statement on the ground level, however, are two massive public art installations: the 10m-tall 'Star' by Tokujin Yoshioka and 'Mountain Range' by Takashi Kuribayashi. Underground, meanwhile, is the Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu. Located on the second basement floor, this transport hub is connected to Tokyo Station via an underground passageway. Here you'll be able to catch buses to Haneda and Narita airports as well as cities like Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka. Wondering what else you’ll find at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu? Here are some of our favourite restaurant and shops at the exciting new commercial hub. RECOMMENDED: New events and openings coming to Tokyo in 2023

With the sheer number of clothing stores, sneaker specialists, souvenir shops, snack stands and cutesy cafés, Harajuku – especially the perennially crowded Takeshita Street – will surely kick your senses into overdrive. Long before the neighbourhood became a major tourist hotspot, Harajuku was, and still is, an incubator for Japanese fashion, be it street style, vintage clothing or niche subcultures such as lolita and gyaru.  However, Harajuku has more to offer than shopping and quirky fashion, it is also the hub to try out the crazy and inventive desserts, snacks and street food that Tokyo is known for. We know, the options along Takeshita-dori can be overwhelming – so we suggest you skip those lightbulb drinks and over-processed cheesedogs and head straight for some of our favourite (and totally Inta-worthy) bites. RECOMMENDED: The best food trucks in Tokyo

For the ultimate one-stop shopping experience, there’s no better place to start than a department store. Known as depato, Japan's department stores are, just like anywhere else, massive mall-like buildings that provide pretty much anything you can think of, from groceries and fashion to accessories and kimono. Where these giants stand out is in the customer service department – and in that they have expansive basement floors (depachika) dedicated entirely to glorious, impeccably presented food. If you’re itching to spend some money, check out our list of Tokyo’s best department stores below and get ready to shop your day away. RECOMMENDED: Stunning flagship stores you need to visit 

A visit to Tokyo isn’t complete without experiencing the immersive digital art of teamLab. Aside from the incomparable teamLab Planets museum, the city also hosts a number of free exhibitions at public spaces. That's not all, though. The world-conquering art collective’s immersive installations aren’t just confined to Tokyo – you’ll find them all across Japan. From taking over a botanical garden in Osaka to transforming an abandoned bathhouse in Saga prefecture, there really are no limits to what teamLab can do. See for yourself at some of the top teamLab attractions currently showing in Japan. RECOMMENDED: The best art exhibitions in Tokyo right now

Tokyo is absolutely stunning during cherry blossom season, and even winter looks spectacular with the colourful city-wide illuminations. However, the capital does have its gloomy moments, too, especially as spring transitions into summer or when a typhoon rolls into town. Good news is that Tokyo has plenty of things to do even when it's raining outside. From exploring the city's best family-friendly museums and art exhibitions to shopping at flagship stores and depachika, these are just some of our favourite places to hang out when you need to stay out of a downpour.  RECOMMENDED: The best free things to do in Tokyo

In a city as big as Tokyo, deciding on a hotel can be quite the task. Not only do you have to choose a neighbourhood, you also have to think about the price range and style of accommodation, with everything from affordable hostels to unique hotels to consider.  To help with your research, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best mid-range hotels in Tokyo that go for around ¥20,000 (approx USD$143) and under per person, per night. At this price point, you'll find trendy hotels in cool neighbourhoods, traditional Japanese accommodation and even a property staffed by robots. What's more, these mid-range hotels are in some of Tokyo's most popular districts like Ginza, Shibuya and Shimokitazawa. So, read on to find the perfect mid-range hotel for your trip to Tokyo. Note: Room rates are based on our online search conducted at the end of May for stays around the end of July 2023. Rates and room availability are subject to change. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful hotels and resorts in Japan

フレンチの要素を懐石に取り入れたてるなりの料理は、一品一品が際立っている。キッチンに立つ徳本寛一は、名店鈴なりの村田明彦の下で働いた経歴の持ち主だ。 必要以上に季節に固執することはなく、毎日その日に届いたもので丁寧に料理するのが特徴で、鶏レバーのパテが入ったモナカや、ワサビがアクセントになった牛スジの茶わん蒸しなど、和食をユニークに表現した料理が楽しめる。 ウメとショウガがきいたイワシの煮物、漬けマグロと赤こんにゃく、キュウリに添えられたうま味たっぷりのなめろうなど、さまざまな本格懐石料理も絶品だ。器の周りに添えられた季節の植物も、料理を彩る。 コースの最後は、てるなりの代表料理でもある釜炊きご飯の締め。しょうゆとみりんで甘辛く味付けされた豚肉、トマトとフレッシュバジルが入っており、かき混ぜてチーズをかければ和風リゾットに早変わりする。懐石の概念を覆してくれる、ファン必見の店だろう。

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,

銀座のバーといえば、値段が高く上品で堅苦しい場所を想像してしまうかもしれない。ミクソロジーサロンはそんなステレオタイプのイメージを覆す店で、リラックスした雰囲気と、日本のテイストを取り入れたカクテルが特徴だ。 場所はギンザシックスの13階。クリーンでミニマルなたたずまいだが、温かい雰囲気もある。実際、酒を飲む場所というよりモダンなカフェのように見えるが、それには理由がある。 「Teatail（お茶のカクテル）」を専門とするミクソロジーサロンのオリジナルカクテルは全て、茶葉を漬け込んで蒸留した自家製スピリッツを使っているのだ。ほうじ茶風味のバーボンやそば茶風味のウオッカ、烏龍茶風味のラム、煎茶風味のジンなど幅広い品ぞろえを楽しんでほしい。

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

開業から8年を迎えた九段 おおつかは、夫婦で切り盛りしてきた本格懐石料理店だ。靖国神社から通りを隔てた場所に位置し、静かで趣あふれる空間となっている。新鮮さを保つため、メニューは月変わりで提供している。伝統的だが独創的な方法で、季節の食材を主役にした料理が提供される。ユニークな食材を使った驚嘆の料理を期待してもらいたい。 お椀から始まる食事は、柔らかいトウガンの厚切りと絹のように滑らかな素麺が透明なだし汁に浮かび、オクラとジュンサイがアクセントとなっている。その後、美しい扇形の皿に盛り付けられた4種の前菜が続く。酢仕立てのゼリーで和えられたイチジクには驚きだ。ダイコンとタコの煮付けは風味豊かな醤油だしで、柔らかくなるまで煮込んである。選り抜きの夏野菜が信じがたいほど軽い衣で揚げてあり、ワサビでアクセントをつけた、湯葉と生シロエビの料理は見事だ。 おそらく唯一の懐石料理店だろうと思うが、新潟米、鳥取の鶏肉、滑らかな卵といった、最高の食材で作った看板料理の親子丼が1,080円という驚きの価格で楽しめる『親子丼ランチ』を提供している。味噌汁と自家製の漬物と一緒に出される。同店をディナーで利用する前に、ランチで気軽に足を運べるのが嬉しい。

寒くなってくると食べたくなる鍋。自宅でも手軽にできるが、ちゃんこや水炊きなど、鍋と言っても種類は多い。中でもシンプルかつ上品な鍋は、ねぎま鍋ではないだろうか。北池袋で、カウンター8席のみの小さく気取らない店を構えるねぎまは、本格江戸前料理のねぎまの店だ。 ねぎまとは、その名の通り、ねぎとまぐろが主役の鍋「ねぎま鍋」の略称。食品の冷蔵技術が低かった江戸時代、魚のような生鮮食品はすぐ傷んでしまうこともあり、脂肪分の多いトロの部分は捨てられていた。それを人々が工夫して、味わうようになったのが始まりと言われている。 ねぎまの鍋はコース料理の中の一品だ。かつおだし醤油で軽く味付けした江戸前卵焼きからコースは始まる。酒と一緒に頬張れば、いいスタートが切れること間違いなし。鍋料理に使う食材が乗った、美しい大皿が運ばれてきたら、店主の長橋公代がワカメや新鮮生野菜と一緒に薄味の出汁の中で煮込んでくれる。 取材時には、ハラモ（腹部）やカマトロ（えら肉）という、マグロの部位をいただいた。どちらも同じくらい食感が柔らかく、手で砕いたコショウ一振りで、味が際立つ。柔らかくなるまで出汁で煮込まれた、厚切りのネギも、今までのネギの概念が変わるほどの絶品。まぐろを味わう合間に口の中をさっぱりとさせてくれる。締めには土鍋で炊いた白米に煮汁をかける、出汁茶漬け。 ほかでは味わえない、本格江戸前料理に興味があれば、ぜひ足を運んでほしい。

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 (¥1,700), a fresh take on the classic Old Fashioned. Got a sweet tooth? Order the Soba Cha cocktail (¥1,600), 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.

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. 

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.

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. 

Summer is just around the corner, which means we can look forward to ice cream and mint chocolate treats. Mint chocolate is a summer highlight every year, with a refreshing taste that’s perfect for those sweltering days. So this collaboration between KitKat and Baskin Robbins in Japan, featuring both chocolate bars and ice cream, looks set to be a hit. One of the highlights of the collab is the mint chocolate ice cream-flavoured KitKat bar. This new KitKat has cocoa cream sandwiched between wafers and is enveloped in a mint ice cream-flavoured chocolate. Photo: Nestle Japan According to Nestlé, the candy bar can also be enjoyed after it’s been stored in the freezer, which makes it crispier.  Photo: Nestle Japan The mint chocolate KitKat will be sold in bags of ten for ¥540 at supermarkets and drugstores nationwide from Monday June 5. Additionally, you'll be able to buy single mini KitKat bars for ¥54 at convenience stores from Monday June 19.  While the new candy bar has us excited, that’s not the end of this collaboration. Baskin Robbins has also started offering limited-edition KitKat ice cream desserts on its menu. Photo: Nestle Japan There's the Happy Breaktime Made with KitKat (¥390) – a new ice cream flavour with dark and milk chocolate, plus crunchy KitKat pieces for added texture. You can also try the Collaboration Sundae Made with KitKat (¥550), which is a sundae topped with mini KitKat bars, whipped cream and chocolate sauce. The last dessert is the Frozen Sha

東京は美食の街として有名だが、本場のナポリ風ピッツァを提供する世界有数のおいしいピザが味わえる場所としても注目を集めている。日本では、イタリアに匹敵するような完璧なピザを作るために、シェフたちが努力を重ねているのだ。 その証拠に、世界で最も影響力のある「50 Top Pizza Asia Pacific（アジアのトップピザ50）」で、2023年は日本がアジアで最も多い14店舗が受賞した（東京10店舗、そのほか4店舗）。同ランキングは、アジア地域の審査員によって料理の品質とサービス、ワイン、内装、雰囲気が評価され、店が選出されている。 Photo: Mandarin Oriental TokyoThe Pizza Bar on 38th 1位は「マンダリン オリエンタル 東京」38階にある「ピッツァバー on 38th」が獲得。次いで2位は北京の「Bottega」、3位は東京の「ピッツェリア ペッペ - ナポリスタカ」がランク入りした。 Photo: Pizza StradaPizza Strada そのほか、東京からは「ピッツァ ストラーダ」（12位）、「 ピッツァスタジオ タマキ」（13位）、「ピッツエリア エ トラットリア ダ イーサ」（22位）「ピッツェリア エ ブラチェリア リンシエメ」（23位）、「聖林館」（25位）、「ラ トリプレッタ」（26位）、「マッシモッタヴィオ」（33位）、「タランテッラ ダ ルイジ」（50位）がランクインした。 東京以外では、名古屋の「ピッツェリア ブラチェリア チェザーリ」（16位）、大阪の「ピッツェリア ダ ティグレ」（27位）、京都の「ピッツェリア ダ チロ」（31位）、横浜の「A16」（49位）の4店がトップ50入りを果たしている。 ベスト15位までに選ばれた店は、2023年9月13日（木）にイタリアのナポリで発表される予定の「50 Top Pizza World」のエントリーが保証されている。日本のピザが、世界規模ではどの位置を獲れるのかも見ものだ。 なお、10位までのランキングは以下の通り。 1. ピッツァバー on 38th （東京・日本）2. Bottega（北京・中国）3. ピッツェリア ペッペ ナポリスカ（東京・日本）4. 48h Pizza e Gnocchi Bar（メルボルン・オーストラリア）5. Fiata by Salvatore Fiata（香港・中国）6. Via Toledo Enopizzeria（ドバイ・アラブ首長国連邦）7. Dante's Pizzeria Napoletana（オークランド・ニュージーランド）8. Pizza Massilia（バンコク・タイ）9. Pizzeria Mazzie（バンコク・タイ）10. Crosta Pizzeria（マカティ・フィリピン） 関連記事 『東京、ベストピザ19選』 『東京、ワールドミュージックを楽しむレストラン&バー』 『「サステナブルな旅」では不十分？ 現状維持よりも高い目標を掲げるべき理由』 『2023年、より良い旅をするための6の方法』 『世界の都市が実践するサステナブルな21のこと』 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

Aside from your usual suspects of sushi and ramen, Tokyo’s home to some outstanding bakeries and patisseries. There’s even a peculiar bakeshop whipping up fresh baked goods made with the addition of luxurious truffles. The spot we’re talking about is Truffle Bakery, which now has a handful of locations around Tokyo, including this convenient spot just outside Hiroo Station in Shibuya. Photo: Truffle Bakery As its name suggests, Truffle Bakery is a treat for serious truffle fans. Its most popular items are the two signature pastries made with truffle – the white truffle salt bread and a black truffle egg sandwich. Photo: Truffle Bakery The white truffle salt bread is constantly flying off the shelves and we can see why – it’s simply delicious. The bun is made from Canadian flour and is filled with homemade truffle butter which melts when baked. Once out of the oven, the buns are brushed with truffle oil and are dusted with a sprinkling of truffle salt for an extra savoury umami punch. Best of all, a single bun will only set you back ¥220 – a steal for something this truffle-packed and delicious.  Keep an eye out, as the bakery often offers variations of this popular bun including sakura salt bread and chocolate salt bread, made in collaboration with patissier Pierre Hermé.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by TruffleBAKERY ®︎ (@trufflebakery) For the ultimate indulgence, though, you can’t go past the bakery’s black truffle egg

Tokyo is renowned for its sushi, ramen and street food, but it’s also home to some of the best pizzerias in the world. Japan’s knack for perfection has seen chefs dedicate themselves to creating the perfect pizza that rivals what you’d find in Italy.  If you need more convincing, ten Tokyo pizzerias have just made this year’s 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific ranking. The top 50 list is curated by a group of inspectors with restaurants being judged on food quality, service, wine, décor and ambience. Photo: Mandarin Oriental TokyoThe Pizza Bar on 38th In this year’s ranking, the top spot has gone to The Pizza Bar on 38th at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo, which also made last year’s ranking. Following The Pizza Bar on 38th is Bottega in Beijing (No 2) and Tokyo’s Pizzeria Peppe – Napoli sta’ ca” (No 3). Photo: Pizza StradaPizza Strada The other Tokyo pizzerias to make this year’s list are Pizza Strada (No 12), Pizza Studio Tamaki Roppongi (No 13), Pizzeria e trattoria da Isa (No 22), Pizzeria e Braceria L’Insieme (No 23), Seirinkan (No 25), La Tripletta (No 26), Massimottavio (No 30) and Tarantella da Luigi (No 50).  In addition to Tokyo, four other pizzerias in Japan made the top 50: Pizzeria Braceria Cesari in Nagoya (No 16), Pizzeria da Tigre in Osaka (No 27), Pizzeria da Ciro in Kyoto (No 31) and A16 in Yokohama (No 49). It’s worth noting that the best 15 pizzerias in the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific list are guaranteed a spot in the 50 Top Pizza World ranking, due to be announced o

Tokyo’s ¥100 stores are wonderful places to shop. From handy kitchen gadgets to cheap and cheerful souvenirs, you can find so many great things at reasonable prices. It’s also worth keeping an eye out for fun branded merchandise at ¥100 stores, like Can Do’s upcoming Pac-Man collection.  This fun collaboration is being released in honour of Pac-Man’s 43rd anniversary and will be available at Can Do stores across Japan from Thursday May 25. Photo: Bandai Namco The collection includes all sorts of merch with designs of Pac-Man and the colourful ghost gang, such as A4 file folders, key chains, coin cases and plastic zip bags in various sizes.  Photo: Bandai Namco You'll also find goods like washi tape, stickers, memo pads and mini pouches. So far, we only have prices for two of the pouches, with the small, square pouch available for ¥220 and the larger one for ¥440 (see the photo above with the pink background). However, it's safe to assume that the other items will be equally reasonable as Can Do is first and foremost a ¥100 shop. For more information, visit the website.  More from Time Out Tokyo Two Tokyo train stations were given a Harry Potter transformation The new Fukaya Hanazono Premium Outlet near Tokyo has 137 branded stores This modern shrine in Fukuoka designed by Sou Fujimoto has a garden roof Sakura in Chiba is bringing back its grand fireworks show this summer The mountaintop Unkai Terrace in Hokkaido opens out to a sea of clouds Want to be the first to know wh

Japan takes its food seriously, which can be seen with the sheer number of Michelin-starred restaurants dotted around the country. However, it can be hard to snag a table at one of these top-tier restaurants, not to mention expensive. But you can soon try Osaka’s two Michelin-starred French eatery La Cime at Shake Shack Japan, with the burger chain serving a special collaboration menu this May. Shake Shack has teamed up with La Cime's chef Yusuke Takada to create a special menu that will only be sold for one day in both Tokyo and Osaka. The special menu is part of Shake Shack's chef collaboration series, which will be held in Japan for the first time in four years. You'll be able to order the special collab at Shake Shack Gaien Icho Namiki in Tokyo on Saturday May 27 and at Shake Shack Umeda Hanshin on Sunday May 28. Photo: Sazaby League Ivy Company Co., Ltd. La Cime has a lot of bragging rights as it's won two Michelin stars for six consecutive years. It also ranked in eighth place in the 50 Best Restaurants in Asia for 2023. For the upcoming Shake Shack collab, Chef Takada has created a burger featuring 100 percent hormone-free angus beef, senmaizuke (pickled turnips), yuzu citrus, and a special sauce made from a blend of dried shrimp, chili peppers and several other spices. Photo: Sazaby League Ivy Company Co., Ltd. The collab menu also includes a special milkshake made with a blend of fresh fruit including bananas, mandarin oranges, apples, peaches, pineapples and Sha

Tokyo has its fair share of serene parks and nature escapes, but we don't always want to make a special trek to enjoy the outdoors. When the weather's good, we just want to grab some snacks, maybe a few drinks, and catch up with friends in central Tokyo. Luckily, the city has plenty of green spaces and open-air terraces that are just perfect if you’re on the hunt for an outdoor hangout that's closer to shops and cafés. Read on for our top spots in the capital to enjoy the outdoors this sunny spring.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Kitaya Park Sitting right in the heart of Shibuya, Kitaya Park is a small, redeveloped space that has its fair share of outdoor seating and greenery. The urban oasis is also home to a Blue Bottle café, where you can grab coffee and light bites. There’s plenty of space to sit on the bench-like stairs, making this a great place to park yourself for lunch or a weekend coffee date. The semi-outdoor terrace attached to the café also hosts numerous public events, food trucks and markets. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Miyashita Park This bustling rooftop park comes complete with a skateboard park, bouldering wall and even a sandy court area for beach volleyball. Due to its location atop the trendy Miyashita Park shopping complex, you’ll often find the fashionable Shibuya crowds picnicking on the grassy lawns. Follow suit and grab takeout from one of the many restaurants in the mall  – you can have your pick from gyoza dumplings, tacos, ice cream and more. Photo: Kisa

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 Ueno Museum Weeks from now until Sunday May 28. This event coincides with International Museum Day on Thursday May 18, when you can enjoy some of Ueno's most popular museums for free. For the rest of Ueno Museum Weeks, you'll 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 Friday May 19. To claim, just show the coupon page of the Ueno Museum Weeks website at the participating restaurants. For more details, visit the website.  More from Time Out Tokyo Tokyo named the world’s second wealthiest city in 2023 Japan Rail Pass prices to increase by more than 65 percent Fu

Shinjuku’s Kabukicho nightlife district is well on the way to becoming Tokyo’s hottest new hangout as a brand new amusement arcade is opening in Tokyu Kabukicho Tower, the city’s largest hotel and entertainment complex. Known as Namco Tokyo, this new attraction combines a gaming arcade with a bar, making it a nightlife venue with a twist. Run by renowned gaming conglomerate Bandai Namco, recently opened on Friday April 14.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Namco Tokyo occupies a massive 1,400sqm space on the third floor of Tokyu Kabukicho Tower. One of the standout features is the Music and Playlounge Asobinotes area, which is a place where you can sip on drinks, play games and watch AI DJ performances with arcade game music. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima You can order cocktails, mocktails, beer, highballs and sours to keep you refreshed while playing games.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima What's more, you'll also be able to enjoy beautiful parfaits from late-night dessert specialist Parfaiteria Bel. There's even an adorable Pacman-inspired parfait. Not into sweets? There are also an assortment of savoury canned goods from Cannederful, a food shop selling regional specialities from across Japan in tins. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima As for entertainment, you can look forward to AI DJs, including popular characters like Pacman. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Of course, Namco Tokyo is also an arcade, so you’ll find plenty of crane games stocked with figurines from popular anime franchises. Don’t miss the 3.3m-wi

If you’re planning a trip to Tokyo Tower to see the iconic structure and enjoy the view from the top, then keep an eye out for a huge floral display of Ed Sheeran. To celebrate the release of the English singer-songwriter’s latest album, a portrait of Sheeran made from colourful carnation petals is being displayed at the base of the tower until Wednesday May 17. Photo: Genya Aoki The 25sqm portrait at the foot of Tokyo Tower is created with six different colours of carnations and can also be seen from the main deck observatory at 150 metres above ground. It was installed in collaboration with Warner Music Japan and Japanese flower display company Infiorata Associates to mark the release of Sheeran’s ‘Subtract’ album, which came out in early May. Photo: Genya Aoki In addition to the floral portrait, music videos and a special message recorded by Sheeran will be playing on a large screen at the tower's second floor main deck until Sunday May 28. Visitors who join the Tokyo Tower Top Deck Tour will also receive a limited-edition Sheeran postcard during their visit.  Photo: Genya Aoki For more information, visit the website. More from Time Out Tokyo Street go-karting is back in Tokyo – here's how to get behind the wheel Ikea Japan's annual Matcha Sweets Fair is back – now with 10 green tea desserts Shake Shack collaborates with Michelin-star restaurant La Cime for a special menu You can now meet, greet and hug Mickey and friends at Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea Get free e

When planning to visit a city as big as Tokyo, it’s natural to have a lot of questions. There are a mind-boggling array of attractions, accommodation options and transport methods to consider when visiting our brilliant city. But if you’re struggling to make a plan, you can now speak directly to a member of the Tokyo Tourist Information Center for free from anywhere in the world. The Online Tourist Guide is available in English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese. All you need to access the service is a smartphone or computer with a working speaker and microphone. Once connected, you can ask for general tourist information advice about Tokyo and Japan, plus Tokyo route guides, access information, accommodation options and details on booking a volunteer tour guide in the city. You can choose to have your video camera on or off while using the service. The concierge will show up as an avatar, but you’ll be talking to an actual person and not an AI robot. You also have the option to use screen share and chat to help with sharing information, links or explaining specific details. After your call is finished, you can send a copy of your chat to your email for reference.  Service hours for the Online Tourist Guide are from 7am to 10.30pm JST and it’s available all year-round.  For more information on using the guide, visit the website. Once in Tokyo, you can also visit one of the brick and mortar Tokyo Tourist Information Centers, which you can find here. More from Time Out Tokyo Street

There's an afternoon tea for every occasion in Japan, including a Pikachu-inspired tea set. But if you’re on the hunt for a more traditional afternoon tea, you might want to check out this cheery spring offering at Chavaty café in Arashiyama, Kyoto.  Photo: Chavaty Chavaty Arashiyama sits along the riverside overlooking the picturesque Togetsukyo Bridge and the Katsura River. It’s especially stunning in spring when the surrounding trees and flora start bursting into bloom. Photo: Chavaty This springtime afternoon tea comes with charcoal-roasted hojicha and Uji matcha sourced from a long-established tea house in Kyoto. There's also a wide variety of sweets to pair with your tea. The selection includes hanami dango (rice dumpling) verrine with Uji matcha and strawberries, passionfruit warabi (bracken starch) mochi with sakura jelly, and a charcoal-roasted hojicha terrine with chocolate, kinako (roasted soybean powder) and yuzu.  You can also look forward to savoury items. Some of the highlights are marinated romanesco served with a genovese sauce, veggie and meat gratin with homemade béchamel, and a herb salad with Uji matcha dressing. What's more, you can also get unlimited scones that are baked fresh every morning. You can choose from a variety of flavours including plain, matcha, walnut and cheese. There are also even more teas to choose from, including assam, darjeeling, Uji matcha and hojicha tea lattes.  Photo: Chavaty This special spring afternoon tea is available