Kaila Imada

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

Tenugui might be a centuries-old Japanese staple, but Kamawanu’s designs feel anything but traditional. For spring, the Tokyo-based brand is rolling out a fresh line-up of hand-dyed cotton cloths that are equal parts practical and decorative. Use them as breezy scarves, wrap them around gifts, drape them over shelves and tables, or hang them as wall art for an instant seasonal refresh.  If you’re shopping around Tokyo, drop by one of Kamawanu’s many Tokyo stores to browse the full range. Alongside rows of colourful tenugui, you’ll find original apparel, eco bags, scarves and thoughtfully curated ceramics and tableware from select artisans across Japan. Can’t make it in person? The full collection is also available online. From playful florals to understated graphic patterns, Kamawanu’s spring collection offers plenty of ways to add a subtle pop of colour and texture to your home or wardrobe. Here are a few standout designs and ideas for how to use them this season.

タイムアウト東京 > Things To Do > 東京近郊、日帰りで行ける絶景桜スポット9選 都内にも見事な桜の名所は多いが、一歩足を延ばせば、日帰り旅行に最適な絶景の桜スポットが待っている。こうした穴場エリアは桜の美しさはもちろん、都心の混雑を避けてゆったりと楽しめるのも魅力的だ。 富士山を背景に咲き誇る絶景から、ピンク色に染まる情緒あふれる日本庭園まで、わざわざ訪れる価値のある至高の「桜リトリート」を紹介する。 関連記事『関東近郊、美しい早咲き桜の名所6選』

We get it: when winter rolls around, there’s not a lot of motivation to leave the comfort of your cosy indoor space. However, frolicking around in the snow can be a lot of fun when you’re surrounded by a gorgeous winter wonderland. From the snowy streets of Hokkaido to the famous snow corridor in Toyama, here are some of the best ice and snow festivals happening in Japan this 2026 season. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful winter destinations in Japan

Waiting patiently for this year’s spring cherry blossoms to appear? You can get a glimpse of spring long before the season rolls around. In Japan, you’ll find beautiful varieties of winter sakura trees that bloom from as early as January through to March. Kawazu-zakura is one of the most common winter cherry blossom varieties, and is a tree native to Shizuoka prefecture. These pretty pink flowers usually bloom between February and March. Plus, they have a longer lifespan than their spring cousins and usually last around a month. Other varieties include the vibrant pink kanhi-zakura trees commonly found in Okinawa, and atami-zakura which are indigineous to the coastal city of Atami. If you’re planning on blossom hopping outside of Tokyo, here are some of the best parks, rivers and scenic spots around Japan to capture these impressive winter blossoms. RECOMMENDED: Where to see winter cherry blossoms in Tokyo 

Hot springs, or onsen, are a big deal in Japan. Not to be confused with sento, which are usually public baths using heated tap water, onsen are comprised of volcanic spring water that's full of natural minerals, giving health benefits like clearer skin, detoxification and better blood circulation, among others. As winter descends, these onsen resorts become desirable destinations for day trips and weekend breaks, so we've rounded up a few of the best. If you're a first-timer, be sure to check out our onsen etiquette guide. RECOMMENDED: Best super sento in Tokyo with multiple baths, saunas, cafés and more

Looking for a delicious way to ring in the new year? Treat yourself to a well-deserved New Year's Eve or New Year's Day lunch or dinner with your friends and loved ones. Tokyo’s top hotels have outdone themselves with lavish multi-course meals and buffets to mark the changing of the year. Can’t decide? In order of price, here are our top picks for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day feasts in Tokyo. RECOMMENDED: The best illuminations and light-ups in Tokyo

With Christmas just around the corner, Tokyo is in full holiday mode. The capital does a brilliant job of decorating the city with illuminations and towering Christmas trees as well as offering festive activities to get you into the holiday spirit. Moreover, as Christmas Day isn’t a public holiday in Japan, stores and restaurants are still open for business – it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate with a festive lunch, dinner or even a last-minute shopping spree.  If you’ve already tried celebrating Christmas the Japanese way – feasting on KFC chicken and strawberry shortcakes – we’ve got a few more things you can add to your list.  RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful winter destinations in Japan

If you're staying in Tokyo this Christmas and find yourself craving a traditional Christmas dinner, you're in luck. Christmas in Tokyo isn't all about KFC buckets – you can treat yourself to a special sit-down meal at some of Tokyo's most luxurious hotels and restaurants. With menus featuring premium steak, lobster, caviar and more, these sumptuous meals are a perfect Christmas present from you to you. Here are some of the places in Tokyo where you can enjoy an indulgent Christmas dinner. RECOMMENDED: The most dazzling Christmas trees in Tokyo 

There’s no better way to explore Tokyo than on foot. And when you’re wearing OAO shoes, the very act of walking through the capital turns into an aesthetically pleasing experience, no matter the scenery. Each pair of these handcrafted shoes blends architectural elements with the beauty of contemporary art, resulting in footwear that looks as good as it feels. Based in Tokyo and Kyoto, OAO draws inspiration from the balance between urban cityscapes and nature, finding harmony in clean design, sculptural form and sustainable materials. But style isn’t the only element that makes this footwear brand special. Their kicks are built for real life, with cushioning, breathability and support that make every step smooth and comfortable. Think of these shoes as wearable design objects you can comfortably spend the day in. OAO proves you don’t have to choose between art and practicality – you can have both.

There's no doubt Tokyo is home to some of the best illuminations in winter, and more than a few of these seasonal events lean into the year-end festivities with colourful Christmas trees as their main focus. If you're looking for the most majestic displays, we've done the work for you with this list of the best Christmas trees in and around Tokyo this year, ranging from traditional installations to interactive pieces. Note: most Christmas trees are on display until December 25. RECOMMENDED: The most festive Christmas markets in Tokyo

Japan’s remarkable snow conditions make it one of the best places around the world to go skiing and snowboarding. After all, there’s hardly much to complain about when you’ve got endless powder, friendly locals, great food and relaxing onsen to look forward to. Even if you can’t make it during the winter, many ski resorts stay open through spring and there is still plenty of snow to plow through. Can’t decide on a location? Here are some of the top ski resorts and mountain villages you should check out around the country. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful winter destinations in Japan

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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:

Now that we’re less than a month away from sakura season, updates are coming in more frequently – giving those dreaming of cherry blossoms and warmer days something to look forward to. On March 5, the Japan Meteorological Corporation released its seventh 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. Due to the recent warm weather in Tokyo, the forecast has shifted a few days earlier with cherry blossoms now predicted to start flowering on March 19, with full bloom expected around March 28. Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation As 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 19, reaching full 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 12. In the meantime, you can enjoy the early bloom

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

Over the past decade, Japan has seriously stepped up its coffee game. Tokyo in particular is now globally renowned for its cafés and roasters, even pioneering a new category of coffee experience with omakase-style tasting courses. That growing reputation has now been recognised internationally, with two Japanese coffee spots included in the second edition of The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list.  Announced at CoffeeFest Madrid 2026, The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops evaluated cafés across the globe based on criteria including coffee quality, barista expertise, customer service, innovation, ambience, sustainability practices, food and pastry offerings, and overall consistency. Expert panel evaluations (70 percent) and public votes (30 percent) were combined to determine the final ranking. The two cafés that made the cut from Japan were Ult Coffee in Osaka (No 24) and Tokyo’s Koffee Mameya Kakeru (No 28).  View this post on Instagram A post shared by ULT Coffee Roasters (@ultcoffee.exp) Osaka’s Ult Coffee was founded by the 2023 World Barista Champion, Boram Um, and offers coffee drinkers rare and meticulously sourced speciality beans on par with what's used at coffee competitions.  Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaKoffee Mameya Kakeru Koffee Mameya Kakeru has become a must-visit for coffee fans in the capital as one of the first spots to offer coffee tasting courses. Here, guests can sample various roasts prepared in different styles, including cold brew, milk brew

Tokyo’s got no shortage of stunning designer boutiques, but the new Dior concept store in Daikanyama might just take the cake. Officially opened on February 12, the Dior Bamboo Pavilion takes over an expansive 1,800sqm site, home to the luxury retailer’s ready-to-wear collections, leather goods, shoes, accessories, fine jewellery, a Zen garden and Café Dior. Weaving together Paris and Tokyo, the store is a space where visitors can enjoy Dior’s signature creations alongside works by Japanese artisans. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima The massive gold bamboo pavilion is a reinterpretation of Dior's Paris flagship store and is surrounded by a Zen garden designed by Japan's renowned 'plant hunter' Seijun Nishihata.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Inside the main boutique area, the store’s walls are constructed from delicate washi paper, while lanterns by Kyoto’s Kojima Shoten bearing Dior’s signature medallion take centre stage.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Here, shoppers can browse men's and women's ready-to-wear and accessories by Jonathan Anderson, as well as store-exclusive items like the Dior Book Tote. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima At Café Dior, you'll be in for a visual delight. The café is surrounded by immersive floral installations by artist Makoto Azuma, channelling Dior’s love for gardens.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Sitting over the space is also an incredible paper-cut chandelier by Ayumi Shibata which appears like it's raining down over the café. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima The menu at Café Dior h

The most beautiful time of year is nearly here, with Tokyo soon set to turn a frenzy of pink for cherry blossom season. To mark the arrival of spring blooms, Starbucks and Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo have unveiled their annual cherry blossom collection of merchandise and seasonal drinks, available from February 18. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect this season. 2/18(水) ✨新登場✨ 〜一挙ご紹介〜桜の繊細な印象と上品なきらめき感に、春の訪れが一層待ち遠しくなるデザインのグッズたちが登場です🌸春の訪れを知らせる、この季節ならではのフードも🍴気になるものは見つかりましたか？😊 pic.twitter.com/w23xkP2jfZ — スターバックス コーヒー (@Starbucks_J) February 12, 2026 Starbucks has yet to release an official photo of its full sakura collection together, but you can now view the entire line-up online. The items will be available in stores from February 18, with online pre-orders opening at 8pm on February 16.  Sakura 2026 Handy Stainless Steel Bottle Pink Beige, 500ml (¥5,600) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel To-go Bottle, Pink Beige & Gold, 473ml (¥5,550) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel Bottle Glitter Pink Beige 355ml, (¥4,750) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel Bottle, Metallic Light Pink, 473ml (¥4,950) Sakura 2026 Stanley Shiny Pink Gradient Stainless Steel Bottle, 473ml (¥6,400) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel Logo Bottle Matte Pink 473ml, (¥4,950, online only) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel Bottle, Metallic Pink, 473ml (¥5,150, online only) Sakura 2026 Color Changing Bottle, 473ml (¥3,450) Sakura 2026 3-Way Stainless Steel Tumbler, Stanley Shiny Pink Gradient, 414ml (¥5,200) Sakura 2026 3-Way

While Tokyo is still riding the high of the newly opened PokéPark Kanto, another exciting exhibition featuring some of your favourite characters is coming to the city next month. The wildly popular Mundo Pixar Experience, also known as the Pixar World Exhibition, is finally making its way to the capital after stints in Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro, Seoul and London. Photo: 'Pixar World Exhibition' Executive Committee The exhibition recreates Pixar Animation Studios’ most popular worlds, including classics like Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Inside Out, Coco and Finding Nemo, turning them into an immersive experience where you can literally walk into these animated movies. Photo: 'Pixar World Exhibition' Executive Committee In addition to experiencing these recreated movie scenes, you can meet more than 24 life-sized characters from the animations such as Mike Wazowski and James P. Sullivan from Monsters, Inc. Photo: 'Pixar World Exhibition' Executive Committee There’s also Joy, Sadness and Anxiety from Inside Out. Photo: 'Pixar World Exhibition' Executive Committee You can plan ahead, as advance tickets go on sale at 10am on February 20. The exhibition runs at Crevia Base in Toyosu from March 20 to May 31. Exhibition hours are set from 10am to 8.50pm, with extended hours on select dates (closed on Mondays).  Photo: 'Pixar World Exhibition' Executive Committee More event details can be found on the website. More from Time Out Tokyo Discovering 3 of Jimbocho’s best statione

While plum blossoms have started to bloom and we inch closer to spring, it’s still technically winter – and this past weekend’s weather proves it’s worth keeping your mitts and winter jackets out for a few more weeks. From the evening of Saturday February 7 through most of Sunday February 8, Tokyo experienced another rare snowfall, following a previous snow day in early January. It may be freezing cold, but a fresh blanket of snow somehow makes the city look even more beautiful and calm. If you slept in or missed most of the snowfall, we’ve scoured social media for some of the most stunning shots from the weekend. Enjoy! View this post on Instagram A post shared by SamAlive (@samalive) 数年前雪が積もった日の東京駅❄️ pic.twitter.com/SEFgxmN5GI — しふぉん | Shiho Kawahara (@shiifoncake) February 8, 2026 今日の雪と東京タワーと東京タワーから見る景色。 pic.twitter.com/suyvbneaK2 — towerup (@towerup_tw) February 8, 2026 2/8　深大寺門から深大寺へ深大寺の雪景色も格別でした。深大寺の林だった深大寺門前とつながる景色です。広報#深大寺　#神代植物公園 pic.twitter.com/PMfCiYu4W4 — 神代植物公園 【公式】 (@ParksJindai) February 8, 2026 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wander in Japan 🇯🇵⛩️ (@wanderinjapan1) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jermaine (@jermsyd) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yuji Shibasaki (@yuji_48photo) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Masaya Suzuki (@moonlightice) View t

You might have heard that the historic university enclave of Jimbocho was crowned the coolest neighbourhood in the world last year by Time Out Worldwide. Famous for its endless bookstores and cult curry spots, the area also happens to be home to some of Tokyo’s best stationery stores. And who better to guide us through them than the team at Jimbocho-based Hobonichi, known for products such as the bilingual Hobonichi Techo planners? With Hobonichi’s Asako Ogawa, Nami Annen and Naomi Yoshida leading the way, follow us on a dive into three of Jimbocho’s most interesting writing material dealers. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima The first stop on our visit is at Takeo Paper Trading, a sleek paper shop that’s also on our list of the best things to do in the neighbourhood. This incredible showroom stocks a whopping 2,700 varieties of paper, ranging from decorative sheets for artworks to sturdy stock for printing.  Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaPépet Alongside affordable A4-size sheets of paper, you’ll find a selection of playful paper-centric items including colourful mini memo blocks made from Takeo paper, ultra-thin 'onion skin' notebooks that live up to their name, and Pépet, a charming paper ‘pet’ whose distinctive texture and movement make it surprising – and fun – to play with.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Next on our stationery tour is Bumpodo, a store which has been around since 1887. Its iconic retro architecture alone makes it worth a visit, but step inside and you’ll find three floors of st

古書の街であり、歴史ある学生街でもある神保町が2025年、タイムアウトのランキング「世界で最もクールな街」で第1位に選ばれた。数え切れないほどの古書店やカルト的な人気を誇るカレー店を多く抱えるこのエリアは、実は東京で屈指の文房具の街でもある。 今回は、そんな神保町に拠点を置く「ほぼ日」のチームとタイムアウト東京英語編集部のメンバーが、文房具店にフォーカスして神保町をナビゲート。ほぼ日は、コピーライターの糸井重里が創業した企業で、人々が集う「場」をつくり、「いい時間」を提供するコンテンツを企画、編集、制作、販売している。世界中で愛されている「ほぼ日手帳」を生み出したことで知られているが、オリジナル文具も数多く手がけている。 今回は、ほぼ日の小川綾沙子、安念奈美、吉田直美とともに、神保町で注目すべき筆記具や紙製品を扱う3つのスポットを掘り下げる。 竹尾 見本帖本店 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima竹尾　見本帖本店 最初に訪れたのは、洗練された紙の専門店「竹尾 見本帖本店」。同店は神保町特集記事「神保町でしかできない18のこと」にも入っている美しいショールームで、装飾的なアート紙から丈夫な印刷用紙まで、なんと約2700種類もの紙をストックしている。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima「PÉPET」 手頃な価格のA4サイズの紙に加え、在庫限りの紙で作られたカラフルなブロックメモや、玉ねぎの薄皮のように軽く、しわ感のある紙の「Dressco オニオンスキンノートブック」、そして独特の質感と動きが驚くほど楽しい紙から生まれた手乗りペット「PÉPET（ペペット）」など、紙を主役にした遊び心あふれるアイテムも揃えている。 文房堂 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima文房堂 次に訪れたのは、1887年創業の老舗「文房堂」。印象的なレトロな看板建築を見るだけでも訪れる価値があるが、一歩足を踏み入れれば、3つのフロアに文房具や画材がぎっしりと並ぶ文具のパラダイスが広がる。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima文房堂 油絵具（えのぐ）や鉛筆から、マスキングテープ、グリーティングカードまで、あらゆるものが目に飛び込んでくるだろう。また、3階にカフェ、4階にはギャラリーがあり、アートを鑑賞しながらスイーツも楽しめる。なおカフェでは、人気過ぎてなかなか入手できない「スタイルズケイクス＆カンパニー」のケーキが食べられる。気になる人は公式Instagramをチェックしよう。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima「デュアルメタリック」 黒い紙にも白い紙にも美しく発色するぺんてるのゲルペン「デュアルメタリック」や、ブラックライトで光る水彩絵具、そして持ち歩けるように設計されたコンパクトな水彩パレットなど、ほぼ日チームのお気に入りアイテムも紹介してくれた。 TOBICHI東京 Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaTOBICHI 東京 最後に立ち寄ったのは、ほぼ日の直営店「TOBICHI東京」。ここは「ほぼ日手帳」を豊富なサイズとカラーバリエーションで揃えており、手帳をじっくり見るのに最適な場所だ。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshimaずらりと並ぶ「ほぼ日手帳」 カラフルなカバーやケース、ペンホルダー、ステッカーなどの遊び心あふれるアクセサリーで、自分だけの手帳にカスタマイズもできる。文房具以外に、柔らかいタオルや柄物の腹巻き、ほぼ日チームが厳選した食品など、こだわりの日用品も販売されている。 Ph