Kaila Imada

Japan's traditional summer treat, kakigori (shaved ice with syrup), has been making a strong comeback over the last few years: specialist shops have been popping up all over town, regularly attracting queues that border on the ridiculous.  The trend shows absolutely no signs of slowing down, and this once summer-only dessert is now served year-round. These shops and cafés are also constantly churning out new and creative flavours to keep the hype going – think tiramisu, avocado and even tomatoes.  This guide points the way to Tokyo's very best shaved ice shops and cafés, many of them open throughout the year. RECOMMENDED: The most sought-after cult desserts in Tokyo and how to get them

Tokyo may not have a good beach to lay down your towel for a spot of suntanning or enjoy a cooling dip in the ocean. But you don’t have to travel far to enjoy some sun, sea and sand this summer. Besides popular seaside retreats such as Kamakura and Enoshima – both of which can get super crowded during the peak of summer – there are a host of other options. Sure, these beaches may be further away and will take you a little longer to get to, but we promise it will pay off with better views, softer sand and clearer water. From seaside escapes in Chiba to the sandy shores of Shimoda, here are some of the best beaches near Tokyo – organised according to their distance from Tokyo, starting with the one closest to the city. RECOMMENDED: The best summer destinations in Japan

Tokyo is a foodie paradise, where you can enjoy a wide variety of mouth-watering Japanese food from tonkatsu and yakitori to ramen and soba. And the great thing about eating sushi in the capital is that this world-famous delicacy can be found in a range of price points. From pricey Michelin-starred omakase sets to cheap standing eateries and everything in between, there are many ways to enjoy a quality sushi meal in the capital. You can even combine a visit to the Toyosu Market with a sushi meal after catching the tuna auction.  Regardless of the sushi joint you pick, you can be rest assured that budget sushi doesn't always mean that the quality is compromised. Head to a kaitenzushi or conveyor-belt sushi joint, where a decent serving usually starts from as cheap as ¥80. Standing sushi bars are also a good option, where you can order fresh sushi directly from the chefs behind the counter for just a couple of hundred yen per plate. At prices this reasonable, best start loosening your belt for an unforgettable sushi feast in the city.  RECOMMENDED: Order sushi like a local with our ultimate guide to sushi 

Japan is a book lovers’ paradise. Home to internationally renowned authors such as Haruki Murakami and Banana Yoshimoto, Japan has plenty to offer both on the page and on the streets. Whether you’re in Tokyo’s book town, Jimbocho, or one of the manga cafés dotting the country, you’re never far away from some quality reading material.  But it’s not just about the words themselves – every bookworm knows the importance of having a perfect place to read and Japan knows it, too. From rural Tokyo to Osaka and even up to Hokkaido, these bookstores and libraries combine Japan’s love of architecture and literature. RECOMMENDED: Marvel at some of the most beautiful places in Japan

Tokyo takes its desserts seriously, especially in summer when all we think about is where to cool down with the best ice cream, kakigori shaved ice and other frozen treats. From coffee soft-serve and cereal-infused ice cream to guilt-free goodness and intense matcha delights, there's really something for everyone in our super-cool list of the best ice cold treats in Tokyo. RECOMMENDED: The best vegan, dairy-free ice cream in Tokyo

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: Explore the secret side of Harajuku at these hidden shops 

Dim sum is the Chinese equivalent of brunch, where you feast on numerous baskets of steamed dumplings, sticky rice and other small dishes, often served between late morning and lunch. Must-order items include siu mai dumplings made of pork and shrimp, har gao (shrimp dumplings), char siu bao (barbecue pork buns), cheong fun (rice vermicelli rolls) and egg tarts. These days, you can find dim sum at Chinese restaurants all around the globe. In Japan, it’s also called tenshin, and there are a number of speciality restaurants in Tokyo where you can enjoy this traditional Chinese meal. To satisfy your dim sum cravings, here are some of our top picks, including the best dishes to try at each of these dim sum restaurants. RECOMMENDED: The best restaurants for solo diners in Tokyo

Fashion is a fickle mistress – just when you think you have it down, parachute pants are suddenly 'not cool' anymore and the shiny new purchase you were so proud of two weeks ago is confined to the back of the closet, never to be spoken of again. But, as every experienced fashion-lover knows, some styles do endure, and the savvy shopper with an eye for a lasting piece can't go far wrong with a vintage buy. After all, if it can stand the test of time from as far back as the 1800s, you know it's not going anywhere anytime soon. Tokyo has more than its fair share of vintage and second-hand clothing shops, but with such an enormous selection to choose from, separating the treasure troves from the tat dens is a long and arduous process – one that we've gone through so you don't have to.  Here are the best vintage clothing stores that Tokyo has to offer, from Shibuya and Harajuku to Koenji and Shimokitazawa, plus a few gems from elsewhere in Tokyo, too. Now go out there and get your glad rags on, you stylish young thing. RECOMMENDED: Looking to sell? See our guide on how and where to sell your second-hand clothing in Tokyo

Japan is chock-full of inimitable and wacky products ranging from the fun but not-so-practical novelty trinkets to the inventive and useful solutions for everyday living. If you're on the hunt for life-changing kitchen appliances and beautiful yet functional homeware, you've come to the right place. Corny keychains and snow globes these are not – here are some products that make great Japanese souvenirs.  RECOMMENDED: 10 things you didn't know were invented in Japan

Sure, Tokyo may be known for its urban sprawl, but that doesn’t mean the capital is devoid of nature. Aside from the lush forests of Okutama and nature escapes such as Mt Takao and Todoroki Valley, Tokyo is also home to a number of subtropical islands.  The Izu Islands are a string of nine tiny islands which are popular for their volcanic landscapes and stunning beaches. If the 24-hour boat ride to Ogasawara is too far for you, check out our pick of the best islands in the Izu archipelago, which you can easily reach in just a few hours by ferry or plane. RECOMMENDED: Check out the best day trips from Tokyo

Tokyo is one photogenic city, and you’d want a proper camera to capture the best moments. Thankfully, the city is chock-full of amazing electronics and camera stores, where you can score a bargain on used equipment or splurge on the latest model. If you’re hoping to save, we highly recommend browsing the second-hand selection at many of Tokyo’s camera shops. Like most preloved items in Japan, second-hand cameras and equipment usually remain in great condition, and you can get them at a decent marked-down price.  Don’t feel intimidated when you walk into these camera stores; there are options for both casual and professional shutterbugs. Plus, your choices in Tokyo are endless as Japan is home to some of the world’s most renowned camera brands including Nikon, Fujifilm, Ricoh and Panasonic.  To help you find your ideal camera and photography accessories, here are a few of our favourite new and used camera shops.  RECOMMENDED: The best flagship stores in Tokyo

Boasting roots that go back at least a century, Tokyo's café culture is a fascinating mix of the old and the new. From old-school kissaten that tenaciously kept the flag flying for good coffee in Tokyo long before anyone had even thought it could become trendy, to the hottest representatives of the 'third wave' coffee movement, you'll find countless cafés, coffee shops, bistros and bars everywhere you go in the city. This roundup of Tokyo cafés is meant to be a cross-section of the capital's creative caffeinated community, and features a sample of in-demand newcomers, golden oldies and everything in between – we've even included a couple of places where the focus is more on superb desserts than quality coffee. Be it single origin beans, excellent espresso, artisanal green tea, a nostalgic atmosphere or decadent cakes you're looking for, we've got you covered. RECOMMENDED: Need more options? Check out the most beautiful coffee shops in Tokyo 

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。

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。

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

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9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. 

日本にはユニークで素晴らしい製品がたくさんある。一人暮らしにあると便利なアイテムや少し不思議な発明品まで、誰もが楽しめるものが揃っているのだ。ここでは、スナック菓子「プリングルズ」のパッケージにそっくりなデザインの真空断熱水筒を紹介しよう。 Photo: Takarajimasha Co., Ltd. この水筒は2022年2月に第1弾が発売された。「夏は大きいサイズが欲しい！」などの声を受け、7月4日（月）から発売される第2弾では、500ミリリットルサイズの「サワークリーム＆オニオン」デザインが登場する。 真空構造のため、温かい飲み物も冷たい飲み物も、最適な温度で約6時間飲めるというもの。持ち運びに便利なスマートなデザインで、底はゴム製。滑りにくいのも特徴だ。 Photo: Takarajimasha Co., Ltd. デザインは実際の「プリングルス」とほぼ区別がつかない。表面にはプリングルスの顔「Mr.P」が、裏面には成分表が描かれている。成分が少し変わっていることに気付くかもしれない。当たり前だが「プリングルズを入れないで」という警告が書かれていたりとユニークだ。 Photo: Takarajimasha Co., Ltd. そして、少し小さい400ミリリットルのタンブラーも3種類新たに発売される。真空断熱材を使用しており、約6時間飲み物を保温・保冷可能。飲みやすいように便利なフタも付いている。 Photo: Takarajimasha Co., Ltd. 水筒とタンブラーは日本限定の発売で「サワークリーム＆オニオン」「うま塩」「チーチーズ」の3種類が500ミリリットル（2,585円）、400ミリリットル（2,310円）。それぞれ7月4日からローソン、HMV、HMV＆BOOKSで発売される。 オンラインではHMV＆BOOKSからも購入可能だ。 関連記事 『2022年5月、アートアクアリウム美術館が銀座三越に移転オープン』  『巨大なドラえもんが登場？ 六本木アートナイト3年ぶりの開催が決定』 『東京、6月から7月に行くべきアート展』 『人々の思いを届ける「皇居千鳥ヶ淵 灯ろう流し」3年ぶりに復活』 『閉館迫るチームラボボーダレスが最後のチケットを販売開始』 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  

From the expansion of Yoyogi Park to the new developments opening in Shimokitazawa, Tokyo’s infrastructure is continuously changing. Now, the city is working towards removing an elevated portion of the Metropolitan Expressway which stretches over the historical Nihonbashi Bridge. As reported by The Japan Times, the removal work began last Friday, June 24, as part of a larger city renewal project. The expressway will be redirected into a 1.1km-long tunnel underground. Nihonbashi Bridge has been a landmark in Tokyo for over four centuries. Initially built back in 1603, the bridge was an integral link along the Tokaido Road connecting Edo (now Tokyo) to the old capital of Kyoto. The current stone structure, which was rebuilt in grand Western style during the Meiji era (1868-1912), dates back to 1911. It’s now designated a national important cultural property. According to the report, the beloved bridge will be free from the shadow of the overpass by 2041.  The dismantling and rerouting of the expressway to uncover the full glory of the picturesque Nihonbashi Bridge is part of a larger ¥320 billion renewal project, which will regenerate a 1.8km-stretch of the city between Kandabashi and Edobashi. More news Your first look at Ghibli Park’s real-life Catbus from ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ Japan’s oldest prison soon to be turned into a luxury hotel Write your wishes for Tanabata festival at these Tokyo gardens Summer sake: the seasonal drink you never knew you needed Invader’s Astro Bo

Leave it to our trusty convenience stores to stock everything you could ever want, and more. While freshly brewed coffee and ready-to-eat hot meals are a regular sight at our local konbini, some 7-Eleven outlets have jumped on the health food trend by offering fresh fruit and veggie smoothies. ／#セブンのスムージー の作り方をご紹介✨＼お店の専用マシンで、あっという間に！スムージー🥤が作れちゃう😍“その場で作る”スムージーが、東京、千葉の一部店舗にて限定販売中🥤いつか全国発売できるよう、開発担当一同頑張ります💪飲んでみたい😋と思ったら、RT🔁&いいね💓#セブンイレブン pic.twitter.com/BVGQYVoqXa — セブン‐イレブン・ジャパン (@711SEJ) August 31, 2021 Since July last year, selected 7-Elevens around Tokyo have started stocking cups of frozen fruit in the freezer section; these cups are similar to the ones used for iced coffee. Once purchased, the cup just needs to be placed in the special DIY smoothie machine, where the frozen fruit will be blended up instantly into a delicious cooling drink. セブンイレブンがまたダイエット革命を起こしてる…これ、店内で低カロリーなスムージーを作れるんだけど、食感も味も本当のスムージーなの！スムージーとは名ばかりの野菜ジュースたちにお別れして、次からこれ飲も🥺 pic.twitter.com/rjWf0LhEqQ — 痩せるセセリ@10ヶ月で15㌔痩せた (@rakuyasechan) May 11, 2022 Currently there are five Seven Cafe smoothies available at ¥300 each: Strawberry Banana Soy, Blueberry Yoghurt, Mango Pineapple, Banana Juice and Green Smoothie. In Tokyo, fancy juice bars often charge a hefty price tag, so these affordable and convenient smoothies are definitely a welcoming sight.  Photo: Time Out Tokyo The photos featured here were taken at the 7-Eleven in front of Tokyo’s Kojimachi Station

When it comes to summer drinks, we tend to gravitate towards an ice cold beer, a refreshing cocktail or a glass of rosé. However, in recent years, there’s been a growing interest in summer sake. Typically, nihonshu (as the rice wine is typically called in Japan) is mostly consumed between autumn and spring. It’s never been much of a summer drink, as its full body and sweet profile tend to be more suited for the cooler weather. But these days, there’s a wealth of different sake, including lighter and drier styles that are ideal for summer.  Today, almost every brewery in Japan makes their own version of summer sake and there are several varieties. One of the most popular is namazake or unpasturised sake, whose bright and fruity taste is best enjoyed chilled.  The highly aromatic ginjo sake is another summer favourite, defined by its complex flavour and light mouthfeel. This particular type of sake is also a lot drier and has a lower alcohol content, making it easy to drink during the warmer months. Lastly, a chilled sparkling sake is always great for summer – its light effervescence makes it refreshing and fun. After all, nobody can say no to a glass of bubbly.  Photo: Kaila Imada While shopping for sake can be intimidating due to the overwhelming variety, it’s easy to pinpoint summer sake on the shelves as the labels often feature fun, sunny and brightly coloured designs. However, if you need some guidance and recommendations, we suggest visiting Japan Sake and Shochu Infor

Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit – some of Tokyo’s top city hotels come with temperature-controlled indoor pools to make your staycation even more enjoyable. However, with the weather warming up, you might prefer an outdoor dip instead. So, if you’re yearning for a scenic outdoor pool whose views are not blocked by towering skyscrapers, you’ll want to check out the Sorano Hotel in Tachikawa.  Photo: Tachihi Hospitality Management Co., Ltd. Overlooking the sprawling Showa Kinen Park – which has tulips blooming at the moment, by the way – the hotel is well-loved for its jaw-dropping 11th-floor rooftop infinity pool, which spans the entire length of the hotel. Facing west, it’s also the perfect spot to catch the golden sunset, and you might even see Mt Fuji in the distance on a clear day. Photo: Tachihi Hospitality Management Co., Ltd. You can do more than just swim in the pool. The Sorano Hotel offers poolside morning yoga and meditation classes, where you do sun salutations in the fresh early morning air. Open to staying guests, classes are held every Sunday morning from 6.30am to 7am.  Photo: Tachihi Hospitality Management Co., Ltd. A one-night stay at the Sorano Hotel starts from ¥49,500 per night for two people. The hotel also offers day-use packages, where you can enjoy the hotel amenities including the infinity pool for up to five hours. Day-use packages start at ¥28,000 per room for four people. For more information, visit the hotel website.  More from Time Out T

Japan is full of unique and wonderful products that cater to all sorts of interests. From homeware designed specifically for single living to offbeat inventions, there’s really something for everyone. Moreover, Japan also has a knack for turning your favourite food into cool merchandise, such as these vacuum flasks and water bottles which look deceptively like tubes of Pringles.  Photo: Takarajimasha Co., Ltd. Thanks to the vacuum insulated interior, these cute tumblers can hold either hot or cold drinks at the optimum drinking temperature for approximately six hours. The sleek design makes it easy to carry around, and a rubber bottom helps keep the flask from slipping. Photo: Takarajimasha Co., Ltd. The design is almost indistinguishable from an actual Pringles tube, with Mr P (the Julius Pringles mascot) featured on the front and ingredients list on the back. If you can read Japanese, you might notice some cheeky changes to the text. It warns users not to fill the flask with Pringles (duh?!) and that you might not be able to stop eating Pringles while drinking from the flask.  Photo: Takarajimasha Co., Ltd. In addition to the original 500ml flask, you can now get a smaller 400ml tumbler, too. The latter version also features vacuum insulation and can keep your drinks hot or cold for approximately six hours. It also has a convenient lid for easy drinking. Photo: Takarajimasha Co., Ltd. These Pringles tumblers are exclusive to Japan. They come in two sizes and three

Japan’s tight border restrictions are slowly but surely easing as the country has finally opened up to international tourists via guided tours. Along with the raised daily entry cap, overseas arrivals can now be exempt from arrival testing and quarantine rules depending on the country or region they are coming from.  While you don’t have to be fully vaccinated to enter Japan, travellers from certain countries or regions can reduce quarantine time or skip it entirely by submitting a valid vaccination certificate upon arrival. Previously, Japan only accepted Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen). However, the list has now expanded. According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the following vaccines and booster shots will now be accepted for entry into Japan from Sunday June 26. For the first two doses, a combination of the following vaccines is also valid.  Pfizer Moderna AstraZeneca Janssen Bharat Biotech Novavax For the booster shot, the following are accepted for entry into Japan: Pfizer Moderna AstraZeneca Janssen Novavax For more information on vaccination certificates as well as entry into Japan, visit the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare website. More news Sakura Furusato Square in Chiba will have 15,000 sunflowers blooming this summer Survey: Tokyo is the fifth most expensive city in the world for expats Japan’s oldest prison soon to be turned into a luxury hotel Thousands of lanterns will be floating

With summer just around the corner, we’re constantly seeking the best ways to cool down in the sweltering heat. If you’re looking to try something new, Starbucks Reserve in Japan has introduced some fascinating new drinks for the season.  Chillaxな気分を演出するコースター。 この夏おすすめの透明なコーヒービバレッジ #コーヒーエイド をのせると、光彩をイメージしたグラフィックがクリアな味わいを見た目でも引き立てます🍹どの色が気になりますか💚💙❤️ ※色はお任せください※なくなり次第終了https://t.co/n9o4n6fEc3 pic.twitter.com/e0Go8BrwdB — スターバックス リザーブ®︎ ロースタリー 東京 (@roasterytokyo) June 8, 2022 The three new drinks are called Coffee Aids. They feature a unique clear coffee brewed using a special method, which is then mixed with refreshing fruit flavours. There are three variations to choose from: Coffee Aid Cool Lime (¥990, ¥972 takeaway), Coffee Aid Lemon Tonic (¥1,040, ¥1,021 takeaway) and Coffee Aid Strawberry Breeze (¥1,040, ¥1,021 takeaway). These drinks look deceivingly like lemonade but they do have the punchy taste of coffee. Initially available only at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo in May, these Coffee Aids are now on the menu of 11 Starbucks Reserve stores in Tokyo, Chiba and Osaka from Friday June 10.  Participating outlets include: Starbucks Reserve Store Ginza Marronnier Dori Starbucks Coffee Tokyo Midtown Hibiya Starbucks Coffee Ginza Tsutaya Starbucks Coffee Tokyo Midtown Starbucks Coffee Daizawa 5-chome Starbucks Coffee Ikejiri 2-chome Starbucks Coffee Okusawa 2-chome Starbucks Coffee Komazawa 1-chome Starbucks Coffee Chapeau Funabashi South Building Starbucks Co

日帰りで行ける避暑地から離島のビーチまで、国内旅行の選択肢はさまざま。特に近年はホテルだけでなく、ホステルやグランピングなど宿泊の選択肢も広がっている。夏休みに特別な思い出を作りたいのなら、Airbnbを使ってユニークな宿泊施設に泊まってみるのはどうだろう。 このほどAirbnbでは、2022年夏の予約シーズンに向け、全国の人気宿泊先10選を公開した。このデータは国内のAirbnbユーザーが2022年5月1〜17日に「お気に入り」リストに登録した宿泊先の中から、特に人気だった宿泊施設をまとめたもの。日本各地のバラエティーに富んだ旅行先がリストアップされている。 ここでは、その中からいくつか紹介しよう。夏休みの旅の参考にしてほしい。 清流のほとりにたたずむ貸別荘（岐阜県） 画像提供：Airbnb Japan 岐阜県にある屋外サウナ付きの完全貸し切りのヴィラ。近くには吉田川が流れており、静かなたたずまいが人気だ。秋には紅葉が楽しめる。 田舎の緑に囲まれた家（鳥取県） 画像提供：Airbnb Japan 鳥取県の風光明媚（めいび）な田舎風景が楽しめるゲストハウス。音楽家と建築家の家族がホストを務める。北欧をイメージしたインテリアとこだわりの空間の中で、暮らすような滞在を楽しめそうだ。 温泉露天風呂付きの一軒家（静岡県） 画像提供：Airbnb Japan 2020年に完成したばかりの貸し切りの家。広々とした露天風呂は24時間いつでも入浴でき、ビーチまで車で5分という立地も人気の理由だ。家族や自分へのご褒美に予約したい。 ホシナサトマチ（長野県） 画像提供：Airbnb Japan 広々としたテラスやバーベキュー設備、芝生の庭を備えた伝統的な古民家。子どもやペットと一緒に、ゆっくりくつろぎたい人におすすめだ。  USJまで10分のデザイナーズルーム（大阪府） Photo: Airbnb Japan 大阪メトロ大阪港駅から徒歩3分、ユニバーサル・スタジオまで車で10分という便利な立地が魅力の宿泊施設。3LDKのデザイナーズルームで、最大7人まで宿泊可能だ。ショップやレストランでにぎわう天保山エリアも徒歩圏内。大阪を効率よく旅したい人におすすめ。 寺の中にある京町家（京都府） Photo: Airbnb Japan 静かな寺の境内にある築100年の京町家、というユニークな宿泊施設。信楽焼の風呂が付いており、日本庭園を眺めながらゆっくりと湯につかることができる。地下鉄三条京阪駅から徒歩5分という立地もうれしい。 タイニーハウス（茨城県） Photo: Airbnb Japan 2つの小さな家で構成されるモダンな宿泊施設。A棟には大きなプールを備え、ワイドスクリーンで映画を観ることも可能だ。B棟には屋外ジャグジーやサウナ室を併設する。広々としたテラスではバーベキューも楽しめる。 ATAMI オーシャンリトリート（静岡県） Photo: Airbnb Japan 熱海の別荘地にある、広々とした一軒家。石造りの温泉からは海が臨める。6人までの宿泊でき、見晴らしのいいバルコニーもある。 コースタルキャビン（千葉県） 画像提供：Airbnb Japan 千葉県にある、15メートルのプールを完備する一棟貸しのコテージ。最大13人まで宿泊可能で、広々としたリビングはオーシャンビューだ。プールサイドにはデッキチェアや音響システムを備えたバーカウンターなどがあり、本格的なバケーションを楽しめる。 エレガントで閑静なログハウ

It was only a matter of time. As the prices of food and other daily essentials have been going up since April, we’re slowly seeing an increase in restaurant prices, too. Popular conveyor belt sushi chain Sushiro, known for its affordable ¥100 sushi plates, will be increasing the prices of its dishes at outlets nationwide from Saturday October 1. Sushiro, which currently has over 600 restaurants across Japan, is one of the most popular kaiten sushi joints in the country thanks to its affordable menu which starts at just ¥100 (before tax). The company has announced that the new price revisions are due to a shortage of fishery resources as well as the increased cost of ingredients, logistics and labour. From October 1, Sushiro restaurants will be categorised as either suburban, semi-urban or urban, with prices reflecting the location category. So far, the company has shared the revised prices for suburban stores as follows:  Yellow plates: ¥110, will go up to ¥120 Red plates: ¥165, will go up to ¥180 Black plates: ¥330, will go up to ¥360 On the bright side, the price increase does not seem to be too drastic. Plus, there are plenty of budget sushi options around Tokyo. More from Time Out Tokyo Here are the 10 most popular Airbnbs in Japan Survey: Tokyo is the fifth most expensive city in the world for expats Catch the Short Shorts Film Festival & Asia for free online Thousands of lanterns will be floating on the Chidorigafuchi Moat at this festival Japan's largest open-air art

When you think of Japan, two things may come to mind: beautiful onsen and delicious green tea. You can easily experience each of them around the country, but there’s a ryokan in Saga prefecture that’s combined onsen and green tea, then taken them to the next level. Photo: Yuzen no Yado Toukai Yuzen no Yado Toukai, a ryokan in the town of Ureshino Onsen, is famous for its Arita-yaki porcelain bathtubs that are shaped like giant teacups. Ureshino itself is a popular onsen destination and is also known for its sprawling tea fields. The bathtubs are made in Arita, a nearby city which is renowned for its Arita-yaki porcelain ware.  Photo: Yuzen no Yado Toukai The ryokan features five private open-air tubs, each with a unique design reflecting seasonal flowers: chrysanthemums, cherry blossoms, orchids, tea flowers and wisteria. There are also two larger communal onsen bathing areas for both men and women.  Photo: Yuzen no Yado Toukai There are a total of 20 Japanese-style rooms at the ryokan and you can book your stay with breakfast and a mouth-watering kaiseki-style dinner made with local vegetables and Saga beef.  Photo: Yuzen no Yado Toukai Stays start at ¥6,500 per night (without meals). To enjoy the private teacup onsen rooms, you have to pay an additional ¥2,800 per person to use the facilities for 50 minutes.  Photo: Yuzen no Yado Toukai The ryokan is about a five-minute walk from Ureshino-Onsen Bus Station and is also near popular sights including Yutoku Inari Shr

With spring comes the time to spend some quality time outdoors again. Japan is home to some amazing outdoor art museums where you can take in some fresh air while strolling around the beautifully landscaped grounds dotted with art. If this sounds like a fun day out, here’s a ranking of the top ten open-air museums across Japan as released by Japanese lifestyle website Seikatsu Guide. These attractions, as ranked by votes collected from members of the website, include some surprising, off-the-beaten track venues as well. Since the ranking is in Japanese, we’ve reproduced the list here in English.  Photo: Wave Dash Co., Ltd.Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, Shirakawa-go 1. Gassho-zukuri Minkaen, Shirakawa-go This outdoor museum in Gifu prefecture is well-loved for its fairytale-like gassho-zukuri-style farmhouses, whose steep thatched-roofs are iconic to Shirakawa-go. The expansive grounds cover 25 buildings, nine of which are designated as important cultural properties, and all are open to the public. The well-preserved heritage village, complete with a temple and watermill, offers an insight into the unique culture and lifestyle that once thrived in the region. Photo: Wave Dash Co., Ltd. 2. Little World, Inuyama Little World in Aichi prefecture is a museum and theme park showcasing different cultures from around the world. There are 23 countries represented in the open-air museum, including Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Germany and France. Spend a day here browsing through roughly 6,0