Kaila Imada

Every year from October to December, hordes of Tokyoites make the exodus out of town to classic autumn-leaf destinations like Kamakura, Nikko, Hakone and even Osaka.  However, if you prefer not to travel, there are still plenty of gardens and parks right here in the city to catch the brilliant autumn colours from mid-to-late November. Here are our top picks of historic retreats, lush parks and lesser-known viewing locations, all in or close to Tokyo. BEFORE YOU GO: The 2025 autumn leaves forecast for Tokyo and Japan

If you’re looking for a different autumn experience around Tokyo and Japan, go seek out fields of susuki pampas grass instead of the usual red maple and yellow ginkgo trees. This tall plant is green in summer, but then it turns into shimmering shades of gold and silver when autumn rolls around. Because of this, pampas grass fields have become an Instagram hit of late, especially the one at Sengokuhara in Hakone. Here we’ve rounded up the top spots in Japan where you can frolic through fields of breezy pampas grass. RECOMMENDED: Looking for more things to do this season? Here are the most beautiful autumn destinations across Japan

タイムアウト東京 > Things To Do > 神保町でしかできない18のこと 東京の知識人が何世代にもわたって集ってきた地、神保町。ここは歴史ある大学街であり、ビブリオマニアにとっての楽園だ。約130軒の古書店があり、そのほとんどが低層のやや年季の入った雑居ビルに入居し、昔ながらの喫茶店やカレー店と建物を共有している。 新しい学生たちが絶え間なく流入することで、エネルギッシュな底流が生まれており、過去と現在が鮮やかに息づいている街でもある。路地裏には、新しいタイプの親密なミュージックバー、本格的なインドカレー店、クールなカフェ、独立系書店が次々と登場し、デジタル生活の不安や絶え間ないペースに対する理想的な癒やしのように感じられる場所に、新たな層を加えている。 「タイムアウト」は「世界で最もクールな街ランキング」の2025年度版では、この神保町が第1位に選ばれるという快挙を成し遂げた。ここでは、そんな神保町の中で、英語編集部がセレクトした訪れてほしい場所を紹介しよう。これが神保町の究極ガイドだ。 関連記事『神保町が2025年「世界で最もクールな街」ランキング第1位に選出』

It’s true that Tokyo really does have everything, from the best restaurants in the world to endless shopping and even lush green spaces within the city limits. It’s way too easy to spend a whole vacation in the heart of central Tokyo. However, Japan has much more to offer than just its capital city. Get out of the city for a day (or longer, if you have time) and head south to Kanagawa hot springs, north to Tochigi for traditional shrines, or out to Yamanashi for postcard perfect views of Mt Fuji. Tokyo might have captured your heart, but these day trips will fully cement your love of Japan.   RECOMMENDED: If you're looking for a specific kind of day trip, here are the art day trips and unique Tokyo islands near the capital

The hangout of choice for generations of Tokyo intellectuals, Jimbocho is a historic university enclave and a bibliophile nirvana that enjoys a charmed existence just a quick stroll away from the city’s most high-powered business districts. It’s home to some 130 second-hand bookstores, most of them housed in low, slightly antiquated mixed-use buildings they share with old-school coffeeshops and curry houses. While this is a neighbourhood where the past vividly informs the present, the steady influx of new student cohorts lends Jimbocho an energetic undercurrent – one that’s now surging. In the backstreets, a new breed of intimate music clubs, authentic Indian curry spots, cool cafés and indie booksellers are adding fresh layers to a place that feels like the ideal remedy to the anxieties and relentless pace of digital life. We’ve just released our annual ranking of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, and Tokyo’s Jimbocho takes the number one spot. Of course, there are incredible things to discover all over this city, but if you’re looking for one essential stop, make it here. From hidden bars to manga-themed hotel rooms, pizza toast to listening bars, this is your ultimate guide to Jimbocho. RECOMMENDED: your ultimate round-the-clock guide to the capital

Once you begin collecting tenugui cloths from Kamawanu, you’ll find it difficult to stop. The long-established shop introduces fresh patterns and colours with each season, offering endless inspiration for everything from home décor to fashion. Distinguished by the use of chusen – a traditional hand-dyeing technique performed by skilled artisans – Kamawanu’s tenugui stand apart from ordinary printed fabrics in both texture and depth of colour. Kamawanu’s flagship store in Daikanyama is the ideal place to start your shopping adventure, as the well-stocked store offers the brand’s full range of tenugui as well as products like clothing, fans, insulated tumblers and even tableware made in collaboration with artists from across Japan. If you’re not in Japan, you can also shop Kamawanu’s collection online. This autumn, Kamawanu presents a mix of traditional seasonal motifs and distinctive new designs. Here are some of our favourite picks for the season and and a few tips on how you can incorporate them into your everyday life.

For those in search of dazzling jewellery, luxury watches or designer handbags, Tokyo is undoubtedly a shopping wonderland. But when it comes to rare finds and exclusive pieces no longer available on the mainstream market, options can feel limited. That’s where Yukizaki steps in. This long-standing jeweller offers an impressive selection of made-in-Japan fine jewellery, coveted designer watches and even hard-to-find Hermès bags. Founded in 1978 as a jeweller specialising in gemstones and jewellery, Yukizaki has steadily grown into a trusted name in luxury. Today, the brand not only offers its own line of fine jewellery, but also curates a selection of pre-loved designer jewellery and watches, with each piece carefully refurbished to look as radiant as new.  From its early beginnings in Fukuoka, Yukizaki has since expanded nationwide, with nine stores across Greater Tokyo as well as locations throughout Japan. You’ll find stores in Tokyo’s major shopping districts including Ginza, Shibuya, Omotesando, Roppongi and Kabukicho. All Yukizaki stores offer tax-free shopping, and there’s staff on hand who can communicate in Japanese, English and Chinese. If you’re considering selling, Yukizaki provides a buyback service for pre-owned jewellery and watches. Don’t forget to bring the original box and warranty card for a smooth process. Looking for bling in Tokyo and Japan? Here’s why a visit to Yukizaki should be on your list.

Aside from the ever-popular cherry blossom season, autumn in Japan is easily one of the best times to travel the country. The changing autumn colours, locally known as koyo, is highly anticipated, with annual forecasts predicting when the leaves will change from green to stunning shades of yellow, gold and red.  Thankfully, there is ample time to enjoy this seasonal spectacle as temperatures vary throughout the country. This means you’ll be able to catch the leaves anytime from the end of October through to December. From the temples of Kyoto to the mountains in Hokkaido, keep these gorgeous destinations in your list if you want to see the best of Japanese autumn. RECOMMENDED: The best times to see autumn leaves in Japan, according to official forecast

Times change, but Ginza stays. Famed for its upscale boutiques and iconic department stores, the luxe neighbourhood remains one of Tokyo’s top destinations for shopping and dining. A go-to spot for both food and fashion is the luxurious Ginza Six shopping centre, home to designer brands, world-class restaurants and an impressive second basement floor dedicated entirely to food and drink. Seven exciting new shops recently opened at Ginza Six’s extravagant food floor – including two sleek new drinking venues and five sweets and snack shops perfect for tasty gifts or a quick treat.  Here’s a closer look at what’s new underground.

If you're looking to experience a major concert in Tokyo, you're in luck. We've got shows lined-up for the rest of 2025 and into early 2026 (and there's more to come) from some of the biggest names in rock, K-pop, hip hop and more. Here are the best concerts to look forward to in Tokyo over the next few months. RECOMMENDED: The best live music venues and DJ bars in Tokyo

What Tokyoite doesn’t like to flaunt a little city trivia to impress a visiting friend or family member? But if you really want to appear like a local expert, not just any old fact will do – you need the really important stuff, like how many bars are there in Golden Gai? How did Sangenjaya become so damn hip? Why can’t Tokyo seem to beat Osaka in the highly competitive discipline of mass Bon Odori dancing? We’ve got these and plenty more essential (and essentially useless) Tokyo facts for you right here. Tokyo world records As you might imagine for a city this size, Tokyo holds a worthy amount of world records, some of them more unusual than others. Here are our favourites. 1. World’s most visited one-group museum Ever since digital art impresarios teamLab debuted their dazzling interactive creations around a decade ago, experiencing them has become something of a must for visitors to Tokyo (and plenty of locals, too). The capital boasts two immersive teamLab spaces: Planets and Borderless. Planets, the longer-running of the two, was in 2023 officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the most visited museum in the world exhibiting works by a single art collective. That’s before it expanded with new installations, no less. 2. Most LGBTQ+ venues in a single neighbourhood Shinjuku Nichome is the heart of Tokyo’s LGBTQ+ scene, boasting an estimated 300 queer bars and clubs in just a five-block area – the highest concentration of LGBTQ+ venues in the world. Hit up the righ

Tokyo’s doughnut scene is enjoying a sweet revival, with a wave of specialist bakeries opening across the city in recent months, each offering creative flavours and playful presentations. So if you’ve been scouring the city’s coffee shops and cafés for the tastiest doughnuts, you may have been looking in the wrong place. Here are a handful of specialist shops where you can embrace the sugary ring and try varieties from deep-fried delights covered in gourmet toppings to dietary-specific options made from soy milk, rice flour and other organic ingredients. RECOMMENDED: 30 best kakigori in Tokyo for a delicious cool down

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Following the announcement of Asia’s 50 Best Bars earlier this summer, there’s more glory in store for Tokyo’s bars. Now, three outstanding establishments in the capital have also earned spots on the prestigious World’s 50 Best Bars 2025 list, which was revealed at an awards ceremony in Hong Kong on October 8. A total of 12 bars from Asia made the global roundup, with the top spot going to Hong Kong's Bar Leone.  Photo: The World's 50 Best Bars Leading the pack for Tokyo is Hiroyasu Kayama’s Bar Benfiddich in Shinjuku, which rose seven spots to No 18 this year after ranking No 25 in 2024. The bar is known for its ‘no menu’ approach, crafting drinks based on whatever seasonal produce is available. Photo: Four SeasonsVirtù at the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi Another familiar name on the list is Virtù at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, coming in at No 45. This stunning cocktail lounge offers unbeatable views of the city skyline and a menu featuring French aperitifs and liqueurs alongside Japanese shochu and whisky. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaThe Bellwood Last but not least, The Bellwood in Shibuya makes the ranking for the first time, coming in at No 48. This stylish drinking den transforms traditional kaiseki cuisine into cocktails, while a hidden sushi counter in the back serves inventive nigiri alongside exclusive mixed drinks. For more information and to see the full list of the World’s 50 Best Bars 2025, visit the website. More from Time Out Tokyo Here’s the

There are many ways to explore Tokyo, but nothing beats discovering the city on foot at your own pace. If you’re looking to explore the capital through experiences like guided walking tours, Andaz Tokyo’s new stay package might be just what you need. Photo: Andaz Tokyo Centered around the old-school neighbourhood of Shinbashi, Andaz Tokyo’s The Nostalgic Soul of Tokyo Today: Music, Flavors & Nightlife in Shinbashi package lets you kick off your travels on a thrilling nightlife adventure, experiencing Shinbashi through its music, food and bar scene. Along with two nights’ accommodation at Andaz Tokyo and daily buffet breakfast at The Tavern – Grill & Lounge, the package includes a three-and-a-half-hour walking tour of Shinbashi with stops at three exciting hangouts. Photo: Andaz Tokyo The tour is completely English-friendly, led by an expert guide who’ll take you through some of the neighbourhood’s hidden gems. Shinbashi remains one of the few areas in Tokyo that still embodies Showa-era (1926–1989) charm, with timeworn alleyways, handwritten signboards and cosy backstreet establishments that have stood the test of time. Photo: Andaz Tokyo Your first stop is a traditional obanzai restaurant, where you can enjoy home-style Japanese dishes crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients.  Photo: Andaz Tokyo Next, you’ll visit a retro music bar specialising in vintage vinyl records, where you can sip a drink while listening to the smooth sounds of ’70s and ’80s J-pop. Photo: An

To celebrate the brilliant autumn moon, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is now showcasing a mesmerising Sea of Clouds installation at its lush garden. Japan’s mountainous regions are renowned for their beautiful cloud formations known as unkai or ‘sea of clouds’. This natural phenomenon often appears in the early morning in spring and autumn.  The good news is, you don’t need to venture out of the city to catch this spectacular sight, as Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is recreating this natural occurrence at its traditional Japanese garden. With the Sea of Clouds installation, which is ongoing until November 10, the garden is looking even more breathtaking, as a full moon is projected onto the mist.  Photo: Fujita Kanko Co., Ltd. Measuring about three metres in diameter, the moon projection is huge, and can be seen every evening at 6.40pm, 7.40pm, 8.40pm and 9.40pm for about seven minutes per session. You can still enjoy the scenic Sea of Clouds between the moon viewings, making for a lovely atmosphere. Celebrating 100 years since the relocation of the garden's three-storey pagoda, this year's moon projection depicts the full lunar cycle. Photo: Fujita Kanko Co., Ltd. While you don't have to be staying at the hotel to enjoy the event, the garden is reserved for guests making use of the hotel facilities. This means you can still visit the garden and installation if you are dining at one of the hotel's many restaurants. For more information, visit the hotel website. More from Time Out Tokyo '

From fields of colourful tulips to a sea of blue nemophila, the sprawling Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki has something to see every season. In summer, the park starts growing kochia, or summer cypress. These fluffy little bushes look like something out of a Dr Seuss book. Scaled up for 2025, there are now approximately 40,000 kochia bushes growing at the park’s Miharashi no Oka Hill area, covering roughly 2.3 hectares. Photo: Fukamiyoga/DreamstimeA stock photo of Hitachi Seaside Park in summer During summer, the bushes are in a fresh, vibrant green colour, but come autumn, they'll turn brilliant red.  Photo: Banky405/Dreamstime These 'fur balls' have already started to change colour. The best time to see them in their full red glory is from mid-October. Later into the month, they'll start to take on a dusty golden hue. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 国営ひたち海浜公園【公式】 (@hitachikaihin) Currently, the green bushes have just started to turn red and will be at peak viewing from October 18 to October 26. You can keep tabs on this year’s kochia colours forecast via Hitachi Seaside Park’s website. The kochia plants changing colour coincides with the annual Kochia Carnival, which is also showcasing gorgeous red and pink cosmos flowers on the lower sections of Miharashi no Oka Hill. The carnival runs until October 31. The park is roughly two hours from Tokyo Station. See the park’s website for information on how to get there. This arti

Shopping in Tokyo is never just about ticking things off a list – it’s about exploring new spaces and discovering unexpected finds. And now there’s a new hub to uncover: Newoman Takanawa, which officially opened on September 12. As the largest Lumine mall in Japan, this new landmark at Takanawa Gateway is more than just a retail cluster – it’s a full-blown destination. Think a lush botanical garden 150 metres above ground, expansive flagship stores, and cool concept shops from some of the country’s best-known brands. Here are some of the must-visit spots you should check out at Newoman Takanawa. Photo: Kisa Toyoshimaルフトバウム The highlight of the new shopping complex has to be Luftbaum, a 28th-floor botanical garden 150 metres above ground, home to over 500 large plants. The plants have been carefully curated from across Japan, featuring showstoppers like a 100-year-old banyan tree, Japanese momiji maples, and even a weeping cherry blossom tree. With such variety, you can enjoy the beauty of all four seasons in this stunning space. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima天窓のような照明は、その時の天気によって変化。日中は光に包まれ、夜は静かに日が落ちる Inside Luftbaum you’ll find the stylish Loops café. Designed by Tokyo-based studio Daikei Mills, this elegant space combines the warmth of classic coffee shops with the sleekness of a modern hotel lounge, creating a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere. The menu features classic kissaten-style dishes, from Napolitan pasta to egg sandwiches with fresh, Italian- and French-inspired twis

With the summer heat still lingering, autumn is most likely to arrive later than usual this year. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t get excited about koyo, or Japan’s always stunning autumn leaves, which will arrive in due time. On October 2, the Japan Meteorological Corporation released the second edition of its official autumn leaves forecast, which predicts the autumn foliage around Japan spanning from Hokkaido to Kagoshima. It details the two most popular types of koyo: the red momiji maple and yellow ginkgo leaves. Here’s a detailed look at the second forecast.  Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation Red momiji leaves forecast The maple leaves in Hokkaido will be the first to see colour change, with Sapporo projected to get red momiji around November 9 – about 12 days later than usual. The best time to see momiji in Nagano is November 24, and in Kanazawa it should be December 1. As for Tokyo, you can expect to see the leaves turn red around December 1. Similarly, Osaka won't see the foliage glisten until early December, with the forecast predicting December 5. For Kyoto, the leaves will turn even later, on December 12. Further south, the leaves in Fukuoka will only start turning colourful around December 9, while the date for Kagoshima is December 13. Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation Yellow ginkgo leaves forecast For the yellow ginkgo trees, the leaves are predicted to change around the same time as usual, with the projected date in Sapporo being November 7

While Tokyo’s new Blue Front Shibaura complex draws hungry crowds for its vast selection of restaurants, bars and cafés, food and drinks aren’t the only reasons to check out this exciting new building. Shoppers will want to make a beeline for the third floor, home to the brand-new FamilyMart Convenience Wear satellite shop.  The first of its kind, the shop carries FamilyMart’s popular in-house apparel line developed in collaboration with Japanese fashion designer Hiromichi Ochiai, the founder of streetwear label Facetasm. The shop offers around 150 items, including pre-sale pieces not yet available at regular FamilyMart stores. Photo: Kaila Imada On our recent visit, we found a wide selection of FamilyMart’s iconic socks – including the classic white pair with blue and green stripes – plus sizes for children.   Photo: Kaila Imada In addition, you can find short and long sleeve T-shirts, underwear and FamilyMart's own thermal bodywear. FamilyMart has also brought back its classic sweat shirts, jogger pants and knit cardigans – just in time for the cooler weather.  Photo: Kaila Imada The brand’s popular Imabari towels come in various patterns and sizes, and there’s also a selection of FamilyMart stationery featuring the konbini chain’s iconic colour scheme. Photo: Kaila Imada The shop is entirely unmanned, with a small self-checkout at the back to complete your purchases. The Convenience Wear shop is open from 7am to 11pm and is closed on Sundays and public holidays. Yo

The Michelin Guide Tokyo 2026 is out, and the capital once again proves its culinary dominance, retaining the world’s highest total number of Michelin stars. This year, 18 new restaurants earn stars, including 14 new one-star entries, while three long-time favourites rise from one to two stars. One exceptional restaurant also makes the leap from two to the coveted three-star ranking. View this post on Instagram A post shared by MICHELIN Guide (official) (@michelinguide) The biggest news was the promotion of Japanese restaurant Myojaku, which has risen from two to three Michelin stars. First appearing in the guide in 2023 with two stars, the Nishi-Azabu restaurant has now received the highest honour thanks to the vision and dedication of chef Hidetoshi Nakamura. Reflecting his pursuit of harmony, purity and gratitude towards nature, Myojaku serves refined kaiseki-style meals that highlight delicate flavours, many prepared with deep-sea spring water, all in a serene, relaxing setting. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 日本料理　伯雲 (@nihonryori_hakuun) Additionally, notable restaurants that were promoted to two stars include Nishiazabu Sushi Shin, kaiseki specialist Hakuun and modern Japanese restaurant Ensui.  ©Manoir; Michelin Japan Co., Ltd. In the 2026 guide, 14 Tokyo restaurants have been awarded one Michelin star, bringing the city’s total to 122 one-star establishments. Here are the newcomers to the list: Sushi Yuki Kibun S

Since opening in 2022, Ghibli Park has become one of Japan’s most talked-about destinations. Though tickets can be notoriously hard to secure, there’s now another way to experience the park this autumn. For just two days from November 1 to 2, Aichi Expo Memorial Park will host its Autumn Dondoko Festival on the ‘Large Lawn Park’ – the central area linking many of Ghibli Park’s main attractions. The highlight of the festival is the series of outdoor screenings and concerts featuring a tribute to two iconic Ghibli films: From Up on Poppy Hill and Kiki's Delivery Service. The music programme will be directed by Satoshi Takebe, the producer of the Studio Ghibli music tribute album Singing Ghibli Part 2, which will be released this November. © 2011 Chizuru Takahashi, Tetsuro Sayama/Keiko Niwa/Studio Ghibli, NDHDMT「コクリコ坂から」 On November 1, rock unit Glim Spanky will perform a live cover of the Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind theme song, alongside a screening of From Up on Poppy Hill. © 1989 Eiko Kadono/Hayao Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli, N「魔女の宅急便」 For November 2, guests can look forward to a live performance by singer Sakurako Ohara, who is known for singing the ending OST from Kiki's Delivery Service. To coincide with this, the movie will also be screened on the same day.   Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaAn exterior shot taken in the Valley of Witches For those with tickets for Ghibli Park attractions, some areas will extend their opening hours on October 31 to coincide with the event. Th

Fancy food halls showcasing some of Tokyo’s hottest eateries have been popping up across the city this year. Following the openings of P in Futako-Tamagawa and K, D, C in Shin-Okubo comes Blue Front Shibaura. More than just a restaurant cluster, this new complex is part of the rapidly developing area south of Hamamatsucho Station and has already made headlines for housing Japan’s first Fairmont Hotel. Photo: Kisa Toyoshimaドリンクスタンド1-1-1。クラフトビールのほかにも、ワッフルやコーヒーがオーダーできる。 Opened on September 1, Blue Front Shibaura boasts two towers with food halls featuring some of Tokyo’s most in-demand restaurants. Across the two food courts, you’ll find 27 new restaurants and about 1,000 seats overlooking the surrounding waterfront and greenery. Part of the seating area is also open to the public until 5pm, and you’re free to bring in your own food and drinks or even use the space for remote work or study. Not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up the must-visit spots to try when you’re in the neighbourhood. Photo: Kisa Toyoshimaスタッフ一押しのプリン。固めの食感で贅沢感があり、1日の終わりのリラックスタイムにおすすめとのことだ Dig into additive-free sweets at Panetteria Hagari. The shop specialises in handmade deli items and sweets, including their popular focaccia topped with tomatoes and ham and the decadent earl grey custard pudding. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima特製ヴィシソワーズスープがそばと野菜に絡んでパスタのように軽やかな「東京ベジ SOBA BOWL」と、小麦粉不使用の天ぷら粉で作ったヘルシージャンクな「グルテンフリーベジ天丼」 Japan isn’t always the easiest place for gluten-free dining, but a new spot is changing that.

Tokyo has firmly established itself as a global pizza capital. Earlier this year, six of the city’s pizzerias were featured in the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific ranking. Now the 2025 list of the world’s 100 best pizzerias has been revealed, and we weren’t exactly surprised to find out there’s more pie glory in store for our city. This year, two Tokyo pizzerias scored a place on the 50 Top Pizza World 2025 list. Additionally, one restaurant in Nagoya made the expanded list of pizzerias (No 51-100), giving Japan a total of three restaurants in the top 100. This is no random ranking either: The 50 Top Pizza online guide highlights the world’s best Neapolitan-style pizza, with anonymous inspectors around the globe evaluating restaurants on food quality, service, wine, décor and ambiance. Photo: Mandarin Oriental TokyoThe team at The Pizza Bar on 38th Moving up one spot from last year, The Pizza Bar on 38th at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is the highest-ranked restaurant in Japan and takes second place, just behind Italy’s I Masanielli – Francesco Martucci and New York’s Una Pizza Napoletana, which are tied for first. The top three is rounded off by São Paulo’s Leggera Pizza Napoletana. ナポリスタカ 駒沢店 Additionally, RistoPizza by Napoli sta ca in Azabudai Hills returns to the list this year, climbing two spots from No 15 to No 13. This popular pizza joint is an upscale offshoot of its sister restaurant Pizzeria Peppe – Napoli Sta’ Ca, which has been a Tokyo institution for years. Lastly

Ever since opening in 2017, Ginza Six has developed a reputation for its impressive – and impressively large – art exhibitions that take centre stage in the shopping centre’s massive atrium. The latest of these mega-artworks is a striking installation by contemporary British artist Julian Opie. Titled ‘Marathon. Women.’, the LED work fills the lofty space with colourful runners inspired by British female sprinters. You'll be able to differentiate the seven runners as they are each moving at different speeds across a floating rectangular screen, locked in an endless race.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima展示風景 The piece is Opie’s first airborne, large-scale LED film installation, designed to blend seamlessly into Ginza Six’s environment and offer a different perspective from each floor.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima展示風景 The best way to experience the installation is by viewing it from multiple angles – above, below, across, or even while moving between floors on the escalators.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima画面の中を軽やかに走り抜けるスプリンターたち Opie’s new piece replaces ‘Big Cat Bang’, the space cat installation by Kenji Yanobe which had been on display since April 2024. ‘Marathon. Women.’ was unveiled on September 11 and will be on display until autumn 2026.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima展示風景 The installation is part of Ginza Six’s ongoing cultural programme, themed ‘From Ginza to the World’, which features collaborations with renowned artists and creators showcased throughout the shopping facility. For more informat