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Kit Kriewaldt

Kit Kriewaldt

Deputy Editor, Time Out Tokyo

Currently the deputy editor of Time Out Tokyo, Kit has been writing about food and drink, nightlife, travel and technology since 2012. He's still exploring Tokyo through its many cocktail bars and is easily distracted by seasonal konbini food.

Articles (11)

4 best Ginza bars that won’t break the bank

4 best Ginza bars that won’t break the bank

If Tokyo is a temple to bars (and let’s be honest, it is) then Ginza would be its inner sanctum. The city’s most luxurious shopping district is full of quiet, hidden cocktail spots run by world-renowned bartenders who speak in hushed tones while serving up visually stunning drinks – with prices to match. Ginza’s lavish bars have their place, but sometimes you just want a good drink without worrying about emptying your wallet. You might not know it, but Ginza is also home to a range of small, more budget-conscious bars that don’t skimp on quality. Here are some of our favourite local hangouts, offering draught beer, whisky highballs, lemon sours, bar snacks and more for under ¥1,000. RECOMMENDED: Psst...these are Tokyo's best secret bars

New restaurants, cafés and bars in Tokyo to try this month

New restaurants, cafés and bars in Tokyo to try this month

Tokyo is one of the world's greatest food cities, and you don't have to tour the city's Michelin-starred ramen shops to know it. From Tokyo's tried and tested cheap eats to its irrestible omakase menus, there's something for every taste, diet and budget. But if novelty is what you crave, Tokyo's got you covered, too, with delicious new openings every week. Go on a food adventure and try out some of these new restaurants, cafés and bars now. Note: these venues might close early depending on the current Covid-19 measures. Please check with the individual outlets for the latest business hours. RECOMMENDED: The top 10 things you must eat in Tokyo

東京のベストバヌ28遞

東京のベストバヌ28遞

タむムアりト東京 > フヌドドリンク > 東京のベストバヌ28遞 クラフトビヌルのパブから日本酒専門店たで、タむムアりト東京が愛するバヌを厳遞しお玹介。東京で今最も話題のノェニュヌを集めた。 遞定のポむントは、良質なドリンクを扱っおいるこず。銀座の老舗や受賞歎がある店だけでなく、䜕床も通いたくなるようなカゞュアルでリヌズナブルな店も䜙さずリストアップしおいる。バヌテンダヌに季節のスペシャルカクテルを「お任せ」したい堎合も、このリストはおすすめだ。 クヌルなむンテリアデザむンや個性的なメニュヌなど、それぞれ魅力ある店がそろう。ここで玹介する店は党お、タむムアりト東京スタッフの行き぀けだ。友人に勧めるにも問題はないだろう。 ※新型コロナりむルスの圱響により営業時間に倉動があるため、蚪れる際は必ず公匏りェブサむトを確認しよう 関連蚘事『東京のベストを遞ぶ、Time Out Love Local Awardsノミネヌトが開始』『東京、隠れ家バヌ7遞』『東京、眺めのいいレストラン6遞』

30 best bars in Tokyo

30 best bars in Tokyo

Welcome to our critics’ choice of the best bars in Tokyo’s drinking scene. This list features the most refreshing watering holes in the city right now: from craft beer pubs to sake specialists and everything in between. When curating this list, we put a lot of emphasis on quality drinks. But aside from the serious Ginza institutions and award-winning bars, we also want to include casual, less expensive venues that make great neighbourhood hangouts. Of course, if you're looking for one of Tokyo's legendary omakase-style bars, where the bartenders serve up seasonal specialities, you'll find plenty of those here, too. Drinking is all about having a good time, so we’re also looking for the fun factor in a bar. It can be an interesting theme, cool interior design, a quirky menu or even a friendly yet relaxed service that makes you feel welcomed. Ultimately, these are the places we keep going back to again and again, and will always recommend to friends. RECOMMENDED: Looking for a bite to eat before drinks? Try the best cheap Micehlin-starred meals in Tokyo

Best bottle shops and liquor stores in Tokyo

Best bottle shops and liquor stores in Tokyo

Tokyo has a vibrant drinking scene – and that's not just because the city has an insane number of bars and izakaya. The country is a prolific producer of alcohol, from amazing sake and exceptional whisky to craft beer, artisanal gin and wine. Whether you're a collector or just an enthusiast, these liquor shops in Tokyo offer extensive collections of rare bottles, from gift-ready one-cup sake to limited-edition Japanese whisky and more. Best of all, some of these speciality shops even offer tastings for around ¥100 – so you can explore new labels before deciding on a purchase or three.  RECOMMENDED: Head straight to the source with Tokyo's best urban breweries, wineries and distilleries

How to celebrate New Year's Eve 2021-2022 in Tokyo

How to celebrate New Year's Eve 2021-2022 in Tokyo

While New Year’s Day in Japan, called shogatsu, is normally a quiet holiday dedicated to family time, New Year's Eve in Tokyo is anything but. This year, things may be more muted and celebrations will need to be socially distanced, but you can still spend the last night of the year like a Tokyoite by heading to a countdown party, sipping creamy amazake at a temple or getting up early to catch the first sunrise of the new year. RECOMMENDED: New Year's Eve train schedules across Tokyo

6 best Japanese whiskies you can still buy

6 best Japanese whiskies you can still buy

Japanese whisky has cemented itself as one of the world's best alongside Scotch, scooping up some of the most prestigious international awards. Unfortunately, now might not seem like the best time to get into Japanese whisky. Big brands are discontinuing major labels and distilleries are scrambling to meet demand with expensive new bottles or hard-to-find limited releases. But if you’re looking for a good drink rather than an investment, there’s still plenty of great – and affordable – Japanese whisky out there. Aged single malt may be in short supply, but luckily Japan makes some of the best blended whisky in the world. Plus, more beer and sake brewers are getting into distillation, so quirky and experimental drams are only becoming more common. Here are some of our current favourites, from powerhouses like Suntory and Nikka to new releases from up-and-coming producers. Best of all, they meet the official definition for Japanese whisky and they're all under ¥10,000. RECOMMENDED: Check out Tokyo's best urban breweries, wineries and distilleries

12 best things to do in Tokyo this autumn

12 best things to do in Tokyo this autumn

After a long and humid summer, autumn can never come too soon with its cool crisp air and dazzling foliage. Though the past few months of state of emergency protocols left us with little to do but browse Netflix, the recent ease of restrictions mean some of our favourite things are back on the programme. Whether you’re after bottomless brunches out on the terrace or a digital detox in the form of a glamping getaway, there are endless perks to the season to keep you going in high spirits for the rest of the year. To get you into the mood, we've gathered our favourite things to do in and near the city, so you can make the most of Tokyo's amazing autumn season. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful autumn destinations in Japan

5 best canned lemon sours to drink in Japan

5 best canned lemon sours to drink in Japan

In Japan, lemon sours are ubiquitous simple cocktails made from shochu (Japan’s answer to vodka), soda water and lemon juice. They’re a classic standby order at an izakaya, especially in the warmer months, and you’re guaranteed to find them at convenience stores, right next to the whisky highballs and beer.  Canned lemon sours are such a staple that comparing them almost misses the point. After all, the best lemon sour is the one you’re drinking. But it seems like a new brand comes along every month boasting low sugar, exotic citrus or some other special feature to stand out. With so many sours to choose from, we thought we’d help you out. Here are five of our favourite canned lemon sours, so you’ll know which one to pick on your next konbini run. RECOMMENDED: Or go for something fancier at one of Tokyo's best rooftop bars

11 quotes that sum up Tokyo and Japan perfectly

11 quotes that sum up Tokyo and Japan perfectly

Tokyo has always been a source of inspiration to locals and visitors alike. This city has a special charm that draws people in from across Japan and around the world. There are those who come for Tokyo’s truly top-notch food and drink, the vibrant art scene, or just to soak up Japan’s unique culture. These quotes from some of Tokyo’s most famous residents and visitors sum up what life in Tokyo and Japan is all about. RECOMMENDED: Be inspired by the most beautiful places in Japan

The best places to visit in 2020

The best places to visit in 2020

With so many flights cancelled and most of us doing our best to stay home during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, now might seem like the worst time to travel. On the other hand, being stuck inside gives you plenty of time to plan your next getaway. So we’ve rounded up a list of the places you can and should visit anytime – and they are 100 percent safe. Recommended: the best things to do when you're stuck at home

Listings and reviews (7)

Qwang

Qwang

Qwang has been serving up quality cocktails and mouth-watering Thai food in its cosy Roppongi basement since 2000. Don’t let the address fool you – the bar is a world away from the more touristy spots the area is known for. In a part of the city often dominated by restaurants, shops and clubs as ephemeral as they are expensive, Qwang’s more casual vibe and straightforward service are a breath of fresh air. The key to the bar’s longevity is its husband-and-wife owners, Yasuhiro and Junko Hasegawa. The duo have created the perfect space to show off their talents: Yasuhiro with drinks and Junko with food. A veteran of several Thai restaurants in the city, Junko serves up an impressive array of dishes on a menu that changes weekly. These are more than simple bar snacks, too. Expect classics like green curry (¥1,540) and an excellent pad thai alongside unorthodox options like Thai-style okonomiyaki (¥1,650). Not looking for a full meal? Grab some shrimp crackers (¥770) or a slice of homemade almond cake (¥660) instead. Behind the bar, Yasuhiro offers an equally intriguing list of cocktails. Drinks range from 19th-century highballs like the Mamie Taylor to the bar’s own concoctions such as the Gingerbread Manhattan (both ¥1,760). There’s a definite tropical slant to the menu – we love the piña coladas and daiquiris – which compliments the Southeast Asian food perfectly. Keep an eye out for the specials board to find the more experimental stuff, or just opt for some beer or wine. Fo

Flying Bumblebee

Flying Bumblebee

Tucked away in a basement on a quiet Daikanyama side street, Flying Bumblebee is the kind of bar that seems destined to spread by word-of-mouth. The entrance, via a nondescript concrete staircase, means you’re unlikely to stumble upon this place by chance. Once inside, the low lighting, sleek design and trip hop soundtrack make Flying Bumblebee feel like a secret you just can’t keep to yourself. Owned and run by bartender Ai Igarashi, whose experience ranges from managing Ebisu stalwart Bar Trench to stints at Singapore’s D2tllry and Maison Ikkoku, Flying Bumblebee is decidedly different from your typical Tokyo cocktail bar. Instead of a standard setup with the bartender on one side and the customers on another, Flying Bumblebee has an open plan layout. A dark marbled island bar dominates the room and there are stools on both sides, creating an instant sense of intimacy as Igarashi glides back and forth, serving drinks and chatting to regulars. Don’t expect any hefty leather bound menus here – in keeping with the minimalist space, the bar takes a less-is-more approach to the drinks. The single page menu is split into five standard and five seasonal cocktails. The standard list includes classics like negroni, pisco sour (¥1,600), and, appropriately, James Bond’s signature vesper cocktail (¥1,800). Meanwhile, the seasonal list has more playful creations like the decadent Financier Cocktail (¥1,600). Our favourite just might be the best ramos gin fizz in town, served in an oddly

Bard

Bard

It's easy to see why Bard is considered one of the best bars in Asia. You’ll find this little oasis just outside Katase-Enoshima Station in Kanagawa. While most travellers make a beeline straight over the Benten Bridge towards Enoshima Island, this is one place you won’t want to miss. The cosy bar occupies a ground-floor spot right on the river, and all its old-fashioned stained glass windows are perfectly positioned to give the best views of the water and the island. Bard opens at 3pm, but we recommend stopping by after you’ve visited Enoshima, otherwise you might never make it to the island at all. Everything about the venue will have you in the mood to stay put just a little longer, from the comfy leather armchairs by the windows to the old-school jazz playing in the background. This is no place for a quick beer before the train – beer and wine aren’t even on the menu. Bard is all about whisky and classic cocktails. A sign apologetically warns you that the bar has no Japanese whisky, but the staggering collection of mostly Scotch and Irish drams going back decades is nothing for owner-bartender Takeshi Tanabe to be ashamed of. Drinks start at ¥1,000 and there’s a seating charge of ¥500 per person. There’s no menu, but with so many old bottles on display, whisky fiends will be spoilt for choice. As for cocktails, Tanabe knows all the classics, but if you’re not sure what to order, look at the bowl of seasonal fruit on the counter, pick your favourite, and Tanabe will whip s

Tokyo Riverside Distillery

Tokyo Riverside Distillery

Hiding in plain sight on a Kuramae street corner, this distillery makes inventive, quality spirits from food waste. Tokyo Riverside Distillery is run by The Ethical Spirits & Co, which hit the headlines in mid-2020 with Revive, a gin made by distilling leftover Budweiser beer that was going to waste during Japan’s first state of emergency. The product roster has expanded since then, but the company is still focussed on gin for now, with plans to release its first whisky in 2022.  In front of the gleaming 500L copper still on the ground floor is a streetside counter where you can buy all the company’s unusual but wonderful spirits, including Revive, Elegant (a range of two gins using sake lees as a base), and our personal favourite, Cacao Éthique. It’s a silky smooth gin made with cacao husks and it’s currently the only spirit being distilled on the premises. (The company is partnering with larger distillers to make the others while it builds a bigger venue in Chiba.) Instead of a free tasting, the shop offers a free whiff – staff will spray each spirit onto a pad for you to smell, just like at a perfumery. It’s a great way to get an idea of what each one will taste like without downing a flight of straight gin.  If you’re looking to get more than just an idea of what this place can do, head upstairs to Stage, the venue's bar and restaurant. A slick single room that’s all copper fittings, polished concrete and pot plants, Stage is where the distillery really gets to strut its

Jade5

Jade5

Early birds rejoice! This American-style café and diner in Hiroo is a proper breakfast and brunch hangout. Open from 7.30 every morning (except Mondays) and serving fresh pancakes, eggs, bacon and more, Jade5 is a welcome reminder that breakfast in Tokyo isn’t all grilled fish and pickled veggies. Even better, the breakfast staples here are on offer all day, so you can sleep in and still wake up to french toast. Sensibly, the sweet menu gives you a choice between pancakes and french toast (from Â¥1,100) with a range of toppings that are available for either. Want that blueberry sauce on your french toast instead of on pancakes? You can have it – scratch that – you should. But the café’s best feature isn’t even listed on the menu. Just like in a classic American diner, every table has its own bottomless pot of syrup, so you’ll never have to worry about not having enough of the sweet stuff. As for savouries, you’ll find all the classics like fried or scrambled eggs (from Â¥500) omelettes (from Â¥1,130) and a surprisingly rich eggs benedict (Â¥1,130). Later in the day, the menu pivots to brunch, with some seriously stacked salads, wraps, sandwiches and burgers. Don’t worry, though – although the egg dishes disappear, the pancakes and french toast are always available in the Lumberjack and Jack & Jill sets, respectively. The only downside of this cosy little café is that it’s too
well, cosy. With food this good, only four tables and no reservations, you can expect to queue up, esp

Hitachino Brewing Tokyo Distillery

Hitachino Brewing Tokyo Distillery

You’d never guess there was a fully equipped distillery tucked away under the Yamanote Line tracks just north of Akihabara Station, but this new venue from Hitachino Brewing is full of surprises. The Ibaraki-based craft brewery behind the popular Hitachino Nest beer started distilling whisky back in 2016, and this is the best place in Tokyo to get a taste of what they’ve been working on. The venue has the same neat and casual interior as the Hitachino Brewing Lab venues in Tokyo. But where the former focus on beer, the Tokyo Distillery is all about the company’s Kiuchi Whisky, which you can sample while sitting amongst beautiful copper stills. The 14 whiskies on offer – seven malt, seven grain – start at ¥750 per glass and vary widely in age, cask and flavour profile. There’s a sense of experimentation here, which you just don’t get from a bigger distillery. If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for a tasting flight of three different whiskies (¥1,280). While the whisky all comes from the company’s main distillery in Ibaraki prefecture, you can also sample gin, liqueurs and other spirits that are distilled on-site (from ¥750). And of course, Hitachino’s beloved beers are on tap, too (from ¥750). You’ll need some food alongside all that booze, and the menu offers plenty of classic pub grub. There’s pasta carbonara (¥1,280), beef jerky (¥980) and salads (from ¥750), plus a range of homemade charcuterie using local Ibaraki pork (from ¥680). Whether you’re a diehard whisky fan or ju

Marugin

Marugin

Marugin is an old-school izakaya underneath the JR line tracks between Ginza and Shinbashi. Ordinarily, pubs under train tracks are a pokey affair, but Marugin is surprisingly spacious. And it needs to be – the bar gets busy after 7pm, so we recommend going shortly after it opens at 5pm. Although Marugin calls itself a standing bar, there are plenty of tables to sit at, or you can gather around the central bar and watch the staff grill the house speciality: yakitori chicken skewers (from ¥143 per skewer). There’s a detailed English menu with pictures, but if you’re confident with your Japanese, check out the card of seasonal recommendations. From special cuts of meat to simple bar snacks, the recommended dishes are all designed to pair with the rotating list of sake (from ¥328 per glass) on the back of the card. If you’re looking for whisky highballs, you’ve come to the right place. There’s an array of fancier highballs on offer (all from ¥438), but the signature Marugin Highball is the most popular, featuring yuzu, honey, ginger and whisky. It’s tart, refreshing and dangerously easy to drink. Lemon sours – and sours using other types of citrus – are also available for ¥548 each, while beer on tap starts at ¥614 per glass. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick drink or spending an evening here, Marugin is one of Ginza’s best affordable izakaya.

News (29)

It’s happening: Japan to reopen borders from June

It’s happening: Japan to reopen borders from June

In news that many of us have been waiting to hear, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced that border restrictions will begin to relax this summer. According to Kyodo News, Kishida made the announcement in a press conference in London on Thursday May 5. We don’t have details yet, but Kishida said the plan is to consult with health experts and review the Covid-19 border measures ‘in stages’. Bloomberg reports that, at an earlier press conference on the same day, Kishida said his goal is to make Japan as easily accessible as other G7 nations from June onwards. That’s particularly good news if you’ve been yearning for a holiday in Japan – the other G7 countries (USA, UK, Italy, Canada, Germany and France) all allow tourists to visit with few, if any, restrictions. According to Nikkei, the Japanese government is looking at lifting the ban on tourist visas soon. Officials want to see what impact the Golden Week holidays have on coronavirus case numbers before making a decision in two weeks' time. It's possible the border will open to tour groups first before opening for general tourism later in the year. However, The Japan Times reports that the country may open to small tour groups as early as this month. Clearly, the details are still up in the air, but fingers crossed we can welcome you back to Japan soon. Until then, here’s a breakdown of the current border rules. This article was published at 11.50am May 6 and updated at 3.30pm. More news Japanese tourism industry ca

What you need to know about the new definition of Japanese whisky

What you need to know about the new definition of Japanese whisky

It’s no secret that the best Japanese whisky can be hard to find – even in Japan. Despite all the limited-edition bottles and the re-releases of old single malts, the good stuff is in chronically short supply. In fact, there’s even less Japanese-made whisky out there than you think. What's the problem? With only about a dozen whisky distilleries in the entire country, Japanese whisky makers simply haven’t been able to keep up with the increasing demand over the past decade. Many distillers have taken to blending their product with whisky bought from overseas in order to make supplies last longer. Although Japan isn't the only country where distillers do this, drinkers looking for purely Japanese whisky find it hard to sort out what's what. You mean no one could tell which bottles were actual Japanese whisky? Unlike in Scotland, where adding booze from another country to the mix means you can’t call it Scotch anymore, Japanese whisky never had a formal definition of production. That means there was nothing stopping an unscrupulous brand from blending Scotch with shochu, or simply importing whisky from overseas, bottling it here in Japan and then slapping on a ‘Japanese whisky’ label. That’s going to change, thanks to rules from the Japan Spirits & Liqueurs Makers Association (JSLMA). After years of consultation, the group released a set of criteria that a spirit must satisfy in order to be called Japanese whisky. So what is Japanese whisky? The full list of rules is published

政府が倖囜人の団䜓芳光客受け入れを怜蚎、6月にも開始か

政府が倖囜人の団䜓芳光客受け入れを怜蚎、6月にも開始か

うれしいニュヌスが飛び蟌んできた。銖盞の岞田文雄が今幎の倏から囜境の芏制を緩和するこずを発衚したのだ。共同通信によるず岞田は、2022幎5月5日にロンドンで蚘者䌚芋し、新型コロナりむルス察策に぀いお6月にも芋盎す方針を衚明した。 さらに同日行われた蚘者䌚芋で岞田は、「6月にはほかの先進7カ囜G7䞊みに円滑な入囜が可胜ずなるよう、氎際察策をさらに緩和する」ず述べおいる。G7諞囜アメリカ、むギリス、むタリア、カナダ、ドむツ、フランスは、ほが制限なく芳光客が蚪れるこずを蚱可しおいる。 日経新聞によるず、政府は倧型連䌑明け2週間ほどの新型コロナりむルスの感染状況などを芋極めお刀断し、たずは旅行䌚瀟などが管理しやすい団䜓旅行から認める案がある。 詳现はただ未定だが、日本ぞの旅行を埅ち望んでいる人には朗報だ。 関連蚘事  『日本ぞの入囜時手続きを簡玠化、「ファストトラック」が実斜䞭』 『海倖旅行、隔離なしで入囜できる囜リスト』 『政府、アメリカやカナダなど106カ囜の入囜拒吊解陀』 『ディズニヌがコロナ犍で倉わった6のこず』 『アゞアのベストバヌ50、東京からバヌ ベンフィディックなど4店が遞出』 東京の最新情報をタむムアりト東京のメヌルマガゞンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら

倧阪、奈良、京郜を結ぶ豪華列車「あをによし」がデビュヌ

倧阪、奈良、京郜を結ぶ豪華列車「あをによし」がデビュヌ

近畿日本鉄道は、倧阪〜奈良〜京郜を結ぶ新しい芳光特急列車「あをによし」を2022幎4月29日金・祝から運行を開始するこずを発衚した。 Photo: Kintetsu Railway CoAn artist's impression of the train あおによしは、196070幎代の特急車䞡12200系を改造したもので、4äž¡1線成。窓偎にはラりンゞシヌトが蚭眮され、景色を存分に眺められる。新型車䞡の写真はただ公開されおいないが、豪華な内装のむメヌゞに期埅が高たる。 Photo: Kintetsu Railway CoAn artist's impression of the train bar and restaurant 2䞡目には、軜食やドリンクを提䟛するバヌやレストランが蚭眮されるようだ。 Photo: Kintetsu Railway CoAn artist's impression of the train restaurant's 'salon seats' 4人たでのグルヌプで食事や䌚話ができる、「サロンシヌト」ず呌ばれる垭も甚意されおいる。 あおによしは、倧阪難波駅から近鉄奈良駅を経由し京郜に向かう特急で、座垭数は84垭党垭事前予玄制。倧阪難波〜京郜駅間の乗車刞は1人1,960円座垭料金、特急料金、特別車䞡料金蟌み、子どもは半額ず、人気3郜垂を巡る豪華列車ずしおはかなりリヌズナブルな蚭定だ。 倧阪から京郜たでの所芁時間は玄80分で、週6日運行を予定しおいる。 関連蚘事  『日本初、フルコヌスで楜しむ逃子ビストロ店「SHE meguro」が目黒にオヌプン』 『赀坂の寺の境内に江戞前寿叞「すし いわお」が誕生』 『東京、蚪れるべき老舗レストラン8遞』 『「くたボトル」が話題のコヌヒヌアンドバヌ ゞヌニヌが蔵前にオヌプン』 『スタヌバックス、4月13日から䞻力商品やコヌヒヌ豆䟡栌匕き䞊げ』 東京の最新情報をタむムアりト東京のメヌルマガゞンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら 

This new luxury sightseeing train will run between Osaka, Nara and Kyoto

This new luxury sightseeing train will run between Osaka, Nara and Kyoto

Want to travel in style? Railway company Kintetsu – the largest train network in Japan after JR – has announced a new luxury sightseeing train connecting Osaka, Nara and Kyoto that’s set to start running on April 29 2022. Photo: Kintetsu Railway CoAn artist's impression of the train Named the Aoniyoshi, the new train is made up of four 12200 series carriages (originally built in the 1960s and 70s) that have been completely remodelled with window-facing lounge seats to help you make the most of the view. Photos of the new train haven’t been released yet, but the artist’s impressions of the sumptuous interior have definitely caught our attention. Photo: Kintetsu Railway CoAn artist's impression of the train bar and restaurant The second carriage will have a bar and restaurant serving light meals and drinks. Photo: Kintetsu Railway CoAn artist's impression of the train restaurant's 'salon seats' You’ll also find what the company calls ‘salon seats’ for groups of up to four people to eat and chat in the restaurant car. The Aoniyoshi train will have 84 seats (all of which require prior reservation) and run as a limited express from Osaka Namba Station to Kyoto via Kintetsu Nara Station. Tickets for a full trip between Osaka Namba and Kyoto stations will cost ¥1,960 per person (including seat fare, limited express fee and special vehicle fare), or just half that for kids, which is pretty reasonable for a deluxe trip through three of Japan’s most popular cities. You’ll want to

Suntory whisky will be up to 28 percent more expensive in 2022

Suntory whisky will be up to 28 percent more expensive in 2022

It feels like the world of Japanese whisky is always changing, from the dwindling stock to the new definition introduced in 2021. But one thing remains constant: there’s just never enough to go around. That’s especially true for popular single malts like Suntory Yamazaki, which seem to get rarer every year. Now, the company has announced sweeping price increases to 31 different labels in Japan starting from April 1 2022. This is no April Fool’s joke – drinkers and collectors don't have long to stock up on their favourite drams before the recommended retail prices go up by as much as 28 percent. In other words, if you thought Suntory was scarce before, get ready for a whisky black hole. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Whisky-collections (@whiskycollections) Of the 31 products listed, 18 are Japanese whiskies, such as Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki. The other 13 are imported whiskies exclusively distributed here by Suntory, including The Macallan, Glenfiddich and Tullamore Dew. The price increase varies from brand to brand, but basically the older the whisky, the bigger the jump. For example, a standard 700ml bottle of Yamazaki 12 Year is going from ¥8,500 to ¥10,000 (an 18-percent increase), while the coveted Hakushu 25 Year jumps from ¥125,000 to ¥160,000 (28 percent higher). Even the miniature 50ml bottles of Yamazaki 12 Year are getting a bump of 21 percent, up to ¥880. View this post on Instagram A post shar

サントリヌりむスキヌ、2022幎4月入荷分から28倀䞊げ

サントリヌりむスキヌ、2022幎4月入荷分から28倀䞊げ

䞖界から泚目を济びる「ゞャパニヌズりむスキヌ」は、新たな定矩が2020幎に蚭けられるなど目たぐるしい倉化が続いおいるが、需芁に答えるだけの十分な量がないずいう点だけは倉わらない。この事実は、幎々入手しにくくなっおいるサントリヌの『山厎』など、シングルモルトの人気銘柄にこずさら蚀えるこずだ。 こうした状況を受け、サントリヌは2022幎4月1日金入荷分から囜内の31銘柄に぀いお、垌望小売䟡栌を最倧28倀䞊げする方針を2021幎11月に発衚した。 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Whisky-collections (@whiskycollections) 31銘柄のうち、18は『山厎』『癜州』『響』などのゞャパニヌズりむスキヌで、残り13は『マッカラン』『グレンフィディック』『タラモア デュヌ』ずいったサントリヌが販売を担う茞入銘柄。どれだけ倀䞊がりするかはブランドごずに異なるが、基本的には叀いほど䞊がり幅が倧きくなる。 䟋えば、『山厎 12幎』700ミリリットルは8,500円から1䞇円になっお18倀䞊がりするが、垌少な『癜州 25幎』は12侇5,000円から16䞇円で28倀䞊されるずいった具合だ。『山厎 12幎』のミニチュアボトルでさえ、730円から21䞊がっお880円になる。 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jay (@adramgoodwhisky) ただし、普通のボトルのノン゚むゞりむスキヌ であれば、『山厎』『癜州』『知倚』は7以䞋の倀䞊げでいずれも5,000円未満にずどたるのは、安く入手したい向きにずっおありがたい話だろう。実際、こうした条件なら店頭圚庫もあるはずだ。さらに、『サントリヌりむスキヌロヌダル』ず『サントリヌりむスキヌ角瓶』は倀䞊げの察象に含たれおいない。なお、察象銘柄の詳现はこちらを参照しおほしい。 もちろん倀䞊がりしおも垌望小売䟡栌なのだから、小売店によっおは販売される可胜性もなくはないが、倚くはサントリヌの䟡栌に䞊乗せするはずだ。ちなみにこの改定䟡栌は、すでにサントリヌの銘柄が高隰しおいる海倖では適甚されない。 原文はこちら 関連蚘事 『珟存する日本最叀のゞャズ喫茶が、2023幎にミュヌゞアムずしお再生』 『総工費400億のバブル期建築、アヌティストむンレゞデンスを募集䞭』 『䞀床は行きたい絶景レストラン、倪平掋を臚みむタリアンを堪胜』 『おふろカフェの新斜蚭が千葉の蟲園リゟヌトにオヌプン』 『アンビ゚ント・ミュヌゞックの創始者、ブラむアン・むヌノ日本初の倧芏暡展芧䌚が開催』  東京の最新情報をタむムアりト東京のメヌルマガゞンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら

今幎は東京から2぀のバヌがランクむン、䞖界のベストバヌ50

今幎は東京から2぀のバヌがランクむン、䞖界のベストバヌ50

幎末ずいえば、さたざたな「ベスト」が発衚される。その党おを把握するこずは難しいが、その䞭でも芋逃せないのが「䞖界のベストバヌ50」だ。ミシュランガむド東京に続いお発衚されたこのランキングは、䞖界䞭のバヌがしのぎを削る名誉あるランキングである。 ロンドンからのラむブ䞭継で発衚された、トップ50を発衚するむベントの様子 今幎は、バヌ業界にずっお厳しい䞀幎であった。新型コロナりむルスの圱響により、アルコヌルの販売が厳しく制限され、4月から6月たでバヌでの飲酒が事実䞊犁止された。しかし、東京の2぀のバヌが囜際的に認められたこずは喜ばしいこずだ。 Photo: The SG ClubGuzzle, the ground-floor bar at The SG Club 18䜍にランクむンしたのは、䞖界ナンバヌワンバヌテンダヌの称号を持぀埌閑信吟の手がけるザ・゚スゞヌ・クラブ。2019幎から同リストに掲茉されおいるが、䞀床でも蚪れればその理由が分かるこずだろう。地䞋のラりンゞから1階のカりンタヌ、2階のシガヌバヌたで、ここでのドリンクは楜しく、意倖性があり、味わい深いからだ。 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hiroyasu Kayama (@benfiddich_tokyo) 2020幎にランキングに返り咲いた新宿のベンフィディックは、今幎40䜍から32䜍にランクアップ。マスタヌが䜜りあげる劖しく矎しいカクテルには、オヌナヌの鹿山博康が、自家栜培したハヌブなどが䜿われおいるこずで知られおいる。加山は、自分で材料を生産する方法があればそれを採甚しおおり、それが圌のバヌが感動を䞎え続ける理由だ。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima 76䜍には、初登堎ずなるザ・ベルりッドがランクむン。コロナ犍にオヌプンしたバヌの䞭でも最も優れた店の䞀぀であり、100幎前の東京で流行した「倧正モダンな特殊喫茶カフェヌ」を珟代のカクテルバヌずしお衚珟した䞀軒だ。酒だけでなく、料理も玠晎らしく、モダンな寿叞ずカクテルのペアリングが楜しめる看板のない寿叞店、べる寿叞も人気が高い。 䞖界のベストバヌ50の公匏りェブサむトはこちら 関連蚘事 『サントリヌりむスキヌ、2022幎4月入荷分から28倀䞊げ』 『ハリヌ・ポッタヌの歎史に迫る倧芏暡な展芧䌚が開催』 『代官山蔊屋曞店に食べ飲み攟題のコワヌキングスペヌスが誕生』 『日本最叀のビアホヌル、銀座ラむオンビルが登録有圢文化財に』 『枋谷にケヌキ猶や腕時蚈が買える「プレれント専甚自販機」が登堎』  東京の最新情報をタむムアりト東京のメヌルマガゞンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら 

Two Tokyo bars made the World’s 50 Best Bars 2021 list

Two Tokyo bars made the World’s 50 Best Bars 2021 list

The end of the year means ubiquitous best-of lists, from films to burgers. It’s impossible to keep track of them all, but one we never miss is the World’s 50 Best Bars list. Coming hot on the heels of the Michelin Guide Tokyo announcement, the annual ranking is a chance for bars around the world to strut their stuff. The awards were announced via live-stream from London, and you can watch the top 50 countdown above. It hasn’t been an easy year for our favourite city drinking spots. Pandemic rules in Tokyo severely restricted alcohol sales for much of 2021, including a de facto prohibition on drinking in bars from April to June. But we’re pleased to see two of the city’s best bars getting the international recognition they deserve. Photo: The SG ClubGuzzle, the ground-floor bar at The SG Club Coming in at No 18 is Shibuya stalwart and world-class cocktail den The SG Club. Shingo Gokan’s freewheeling three-floor speakeasy has been on the list since 2019 and one visit tells you why – not that you’ll be able to stop at just one. From the basement lounge to the ground-floor counter to the upstairs cigar bar, the drinks here are fun, surprising and moreish. We say this every year, but The SG Club is still one of our favourite hangouts in Tokyo. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hiroyasu Kayama (@benfiddich_tokyo) After making a triumphant return to the list in 2020, Shinjuku’s Bar Benfiddich jumped from No 40 to No 32 this year.

ミシュランガむド東京2022が発衚、3店舗が15幎連続で䞉぀星を獲埗

ミシュランガむド東京2022が発衚、3店舗が15幎連続で䞉぀星を獲埗

緊急事態宣蚀の発什などにより、今幎倖食を思う存分楜しめたずいう人は少ないかもしれない。しかし東京には、䞖界のどの郜垂よりも倚くミシュランの星を獲埗したレストランがあり、「矎食の街」ずの評刀が高い。 2021幎11月30日に『ミシュランガむド東京2022』が発衚され、数々のレストランがその名声にふさわしいずいうこずを瀺す機䌚ずなった。 今回、星を獲埗したレストランは合蚈203軒。2021幎版の212軒からは枛少したが、東京は匕き続き食のシヌンをリヌドしおいるず蚀っお間違いないだろう。 View this post on Instagram A post shared by ゞョ゚ル・ロブション 公匏Joël Robuchon OA (@robuchon_tokyo) そしお、東京のトップレストランは衰える気配がないずいうこずも頭に入れおおきたい。今回、掲茉された432軒䞭、䞉぀星を獲埗したのは、2020幎ず同じ顔ぶれの12軒。特に日本料理のかんだ、フランス料理のカンテサンス、ゞョ゚ル・ロブションは、『ミシュランガむド東京』が初めお発行された2008幎以来、15幎連続の獲埗ずなった。 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michihiro Haruta (@michi_crony) 二぀星には、41軒が遞ばれた。䌝統的な江戞前寿叞を提䟛する日本橋蛎殻町すぎたが二぀星に昇栌したほか、フランス料理のアサヒナガストロノヌム、モダンフレンチレストランのクロヌニヌが初掲茉ずなった。 Photo: Lim Chee WahGinza Hachigo 䞀぀星は、21の新芏レストランが加わり、合蚈150軒に。そのうち20軒は初掲茉で、虎ノ門にある懐石料理店の空花などが挙げられる。䞭でも、タむムアりト東京では、ピブグルマン獲埗時から泚目しおいた革新的なラヌメン店、銀座 八五がミシュランの䞀぀星を手にしたこずはうれしいニュヌスだった。 View this post on Instagram A post shared by か぀お食堂 (@katsuoshokudou) ビブグルマンずいえば、今幎は財垃に優しいレストランが35軒も登堎した。老舗の立喰い寿叞 あきらや枋谷のか぀お食堂なども掲茉されおいる。今回、サステナブルな取り組みを評䟡するグリヌンスタヌも14軒あった昚幎よりも8軒増加。これは、地球ず私たちの胃袋にずっお良いニュヌスだ。 『ミシュランガむド東京 2022幎』の党リストは、公匏りェブサむトからチェックしおみよう。なお、曞籍のガむドは12月3日金に発売される。 関連蚘事 『日本最叀のビアホヌル、銀座ラむオンビルが登録有圢文化財に』 『枋谷にケヌキ猶や腕時蚈が買える「プレれント専甚自販機」が登堎』 『䞊野の歎史を読み解く展瀺、東京郜矎術通で開催䞭』 『2024幎、代々朚公園の斜蚭敎備に䌎いスケヌトボヌドパヌク開蚭』 『䞋北沢駅高架䞋に新しい商業斜蚭「ミカン䞋北」が開業』 東京の最新情報をタむムアりト東京のメヌルマガゞンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら 

Tokyo is officially home to more than 200 Michelin-starred restaurants

Tokyo is officially home to more than 200 Michelin-starred restaurants

Between rolling state of emergency rules and strict travel restrictions, dining out in Tokyo hasn’t been easy this year. Nevertheless, Tokyo has a world-class gastronomic reputation to uphold, with more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world. The video reveal of the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2022 on November 30 gave the city’s ramen joints, izakaya, bistros, sushi shops and more a chance to show that their reputation is well deserved. For 2022, a total of 203 Tokyo restaurants received Michelin stars. That’s down slightly from 212 restaurants in the 2021 guide, but we’re pleased to say Tokyo’s lead over the world’s other major food destinations is still intact. This city is still jam packed with Michelin-starred eateries. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ゞョ゚ル・ロブション 公匏Joël Robuchon OA (@robuchon_tokyo) Better still, Tokyo’s top-rated restaurants are showing no signs of slipping. All 12 of Tokyo’s three-star restaurants maintained their ratings this year, which is no small feat during a pandemic. Special mention has to go to Japanese restaurant Kanda and French restaurants Joël Robuchon and Quintessence, which received three-star ratings for the 15th year in a row. They’ve been in the three-star club ever since the very first Michelin Guide Tokyo, way back in 2008. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michihiro Haruta (@michi_crony) As for two-star venues, 41 restaurants made the cut

4 best Halloween parties in Tokyo this weekend

4 best Halloween parties in Tokyo this weekend

Tokyo’s usually boisterous Halloween was pretty muted last year thanks to the pandemic. This year, though, the Halloween weekend in the city is set to be much livelier. Sure, Shibuya Halloween is effectively cancelled, with drinking in public banned and the event moved online, but there are still plenty of other places where you can don your best costume for the Monster Mash. Here are some of Tokyo’s most spook-tacular Halloween events, club nights and art parties happening in this last weekend of October. Photo: ZOMBIE-CHANG ​​Yagi Magic Orchestra Head to underground Shibuya club Contact on October 29 for this special Halloween party curated by Okamoto Reiji from Japanese rock band Okamoto’s and core member of Yagi Magic Orchestra, Jun Inagawa. There will be live performances by rapper and singer Daoka, Osaka native DJ Seiho, singer-songwriter Zombie-Chang and much more. Come in costume and revel in all the Halloween mischief on this spooky evening. Photo: fb.com/ageha.fanpage The Final Agehalloween On October 30, Tokyo’s biggest nightclub Ageha is celebrating Halloween one last time before it closes forever in January. It’ll be playing groovy dance music all night long, featuring over 30 DJs including Banvox, Mitomi Tokoto, DJ Moe, Mad Fox and more. Come in costume and dance your way across all four dancefloors at the two-storey club. When you need to take a break, there’s an outdoor area with grass, benches and even food trucks where you can recharge before you go back