Kit Kriewaldt

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

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. So spend Sunday December 31 2023 like a Tokyoite by heading to a countdown party, visiting a temple or shrine for New Year prayers, and ringing the ceremonial bell to rid yourself of past year's bad luck before ushing in the new year. Here's to an amazing 2024! RECOMMENDED: 2023 New Year's Eve last-night and overnight train schedules across Tokyo

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

タイムアウト東京 > フード＆ドリンク > 東京のベストバー28選 クラフトビールのパブから日本酒専門店まで、タイムアウト東京が愛するバーを厳選して紹介。東京で今最も話題のヴェニューを集めた。 選定のポイントは、良質なドリンクを扱っていること。銀座の老舗や受賞歴がある店だけでなく、何度も通いたくなるようなカジュアルでリーズナブルな店も余さずリストアップしている。バーテンダーに季節のスペシャルカクテルを「お任せ」したい場合も、このリストはおすすめだ。 クールなインテリアデザインや個性的なメニューなど、それぞれ魅力ある店がそろう。ここで紹介する店は全て、タイムアウト東京スタッフの行きつけだ。友人に勧めるにも問題はないだろう。 ※新型コロナウイルスの影響により営業時間に変動があるため、訪れる際は必ず公式ウェブサイトを確認しよう 関連記事『東京のベストを選ぶ、Time Out Love Local Awardsノミネートが開始』『東京、隠れ家バー7選』『東京、眺めのいいレストラン6選』

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

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

Japan is synonymous with whisky, and for good reason – some of the best whisky in the world is made here. But if you’re tired of hunting down bank-breaking, hard-to-find bottles, or you’d just like to try something more tropical, Japan’s distillers have got you covered, too. In the past decade, cocktail lovers and spirit drinkers around the world have started to realise something bartenders here have known for a while: Japanese rum is outstanding. You don’t have to head to the Caribbean to find world-class rum. All you need is a tropical climate with sugarcane fields. Japan has plenty of islands with a long tradition of sugar cultivation, including one that’s been making cane spirits on and off since the 1800s. Meanwhile, new distilleries in Japan have been pushing the boundaries of what rum can be. Better still, top quality Japanese rum is actually affordable and readily available, often directly from the distilleries themselves – no need to spend weeks trawling bottle shops. Not sure where to start? Read on for our list of essential Japanese rums to try. RECOMMENDED: Japanify your martini with these Japanese craft gins

There’s nothing like a good book to truly get to know a city – and with a city as complex and rich in history and culture as Tokyo, there’s a lot to unearth. Tokyo is a book-lover’s paradise: commuters grip paperbacks on trains, the former publishing neighbourhood of Jimbocho is filled with shelves of tomes spilling out onto the streets, and you can even sleep in a library. Here we’ve picked books published between 1908 and 2021, written by local and international voices, that tell the story of Tokyo through their engaging narratives and characters.  RECOMMENDED: More, you say? Here are the best books set in Japan.

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

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

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

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

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

蔵前の街角にひっそりとたたずむ蒸留所。廃棄物から高品質なスピリッツを製造することで知られている。運営会社のThe Ethical Spirits & Co.は、コロナ禍で捨てられることになったビールの「バドワイザー」を蒸留してジンを作るなど、独自の取り組みを行う。 1階にある500リットルの銅製スチルの前には、カウンターショップが設置され、同社のスピリッツを全て購入できる。この店の実力を確かめたいなら、2階のバー＆レストラン「ステージ（Stage）」へ行こう。銅製の建具や磨き上げられたコンクリート、鉢植えなどで洗練された店内で、蒸留所の真価を確かめてみては。

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.  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 stuff.  Needless to say, the cocktails here are made to showcase both the company’s spirits and its sustainability ethos, like the mojito made

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

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

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 ¥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 ¥500) omelettes (from ¥1,130) and a surprisingly rich eggs benedict (¥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

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 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.

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

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

うれしいニュースが飛び込んできた。首相の岸田文雄が今年の夏から国境の規制を緩和することを発表したのだ。共同通信によると岸田は、2022年5月5日にロンドンで記者会見し、新型コロナウイルス対策について6月にも見直す方針を表明した。 さらに同日行われた記者会見で岸田は、「6月にはほかの先進7カ国（G7）並みに円滑な入国が可能となるよう、水際対策をさらに緩和する」と述べている。G7諸国（アメリカ、イギリス、イタリア、カナダ、ドイツ、フランス）は、ほぼ制限なく観光客が訪れることを許可している。 日経新聞によると、政府は大型連休明け2週間ほどの新型コロナウイルスの感染状況などを見極めて判断し、まずは旅行会社などが管理しやすい団体旅行から認める案がある。 詳細はまだ未定だが、日本への旅行を待ち望んでいる人には朗報だ。 関連記事  『日本への入国時手続きを簡素化、「ファストトラック」が実施中』 『海外旅行、隔離なしで入国できる国リスト』 『政府、アメリカやカナダなど106カ国の入国拒否解除』 『ディズニーがコロナ禍で変わった6のこと』 『アジアのベストバー50、東京からバー ベンフィディックなど4店が選出』 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

近畿日本鉄道は、大阪〜奈良〜京都を結ぶ新しい観光特急列車「あをによし」を2022年4月29日（金・祝）から運行を開始することを発表した。 Photo: Kintetsu Railway CoAn artist's impression of the train あおによしは、1960～70年代の特急車両12200系を改造したもので、4両1編成。窓側にはラウンジシートが設置され、景色を存分に眺められる。新型車両の写真はまだ公開されていないが、豪華な内装のイメージに期待が高まる。 Photo: Kintetsu Railway CoAn artist's impression of the train bar and restaurant 2両目には、軽食やドリンクを提供するバーやレストランが設置されるようだ。 Photo: Kintetsu Railway CoAn artist's impression of the train restaurant's 'salon seats' 4人までのグループで食事や会話ができる、「サロンシート」と呼ばれる席も用意されている。 あおによしは、大阪難波駅から近鉄奈良駅を経由し京都に向かう特急で、座席数は84席（全席事前予約制）。大阪難波〜京都駅間の乗車券は1人1,960円（座席料金、特急料金、特別車両料金込み）、子どもは半額と、人気3都市を巡る豪華列車としてはかなりリーズナブルな設定だ。 大阪から京都までの所要時間は約80分で、週6日運行を予定している。 関連記事  『日本初、フルコースで楽しむ餃子ビストロ店「SHE meguro」が目黒にオープン』 『赤坂の寺の境内に江戸前寿司「すし いわお」が誕生』 『東京、訪れるべき老舗レストラン8選』 『「くまボトル」が話題のコーヒーアンドバー ジーニーが蔵前にオープン』 『スターバックス、4月13日から主力商品やコーヒー豆価格引き上げ』 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 

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

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

世界から注目を浴びる「ジャパニーズウイスキー」は、新たな定義が2020年に設けられるなど目まぐるしい変化が続いているが、需要に答えるだけの十分な量がないという点だけは変わらない。この事実は、年々入手しにくくなっているサントリーの『山崎』など、シングルモルトの人気銘柄にことさら言えることだ。 こうした状況を受け、サントリーは2022年4月1日（金）入荷分から国内の31銘柄について、希望小売価格を最大28％値上げする方針を2021年11月に発表した。 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Whisky-collections (@whiskycollections) 31銘柄のうち、18は『山崎』『白州』『響』などのジャパニーズウイスキーで、残り13は『マッカラン』『グレンフィディック』『タラモア デュー』といったサントリーが販売を担う輸入銘柄。どれだけ値上がりするかはブランドごとに異なるが、基本的には古いほど上がり幅が大きくなる。 例えば、『山崎 12年』（700ミリリットル）は8,500円から1万円になって18％値上がりするが、希少な『白州 25年』は12万5,000円から16万円で28％値上されるといった具合だ。『山崎 12年』のミニチュアボトルでさえ、730円から21％上がって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エイジウイスキー であれば、『山崎』『白州』『知多』は7％以下の値上げでいずれも5,000円未満にとどまるのは、安く入手したい向きにとってありがたい話だろう。実際、こうした条件なら店頭在庫もあるはずだ。さらに、『サントリーウイスキーローヤル』と『サントリーウイスキー角瓶』は値上げの対象に含まれていない。なお、対象銘柄の詳細はこちらを参照してほしい。 もちろん値上がりしても希望小売価格なのだから、小売店によっては販売される可能性もなくはないが、多くはサントリーの価格に上乗せするはずだ。ちなみにこの改定価格は、すでにサントリーの銘柄が高騰している海外では適用されない。 原文はこちら 関連記事 『現存する日本最古のジャズ喫茶が、2023年にミュージアムとして再生』 『総工費400億のバブル期建築、アーティストインレジデンスを募集中』 『一度は行きたい絶景レストラン、太平洋を臨みイタリアンを堪能』 『おふろカフェの新施設が千葉の農園リゾートにオープン』 『アンビエント・ミュージックの創始者、ブライアン・イーノ日本初の大規模展覧会が開催』  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

年末といえば、さまざまな「ベスト」が発表される。その全てを把握することは難しいが、その中でも見逃せないのが「世界のベストバー50」だ。ミシュランガイド東京に続いて発表されたこのランキングは、世界中のバーがしのぎを削る名誉あるランキングである。 ロンドンからのライブ中継で発表された、トップ50を発表するイベントの様子 今年は、バー業界にとって厳しい一年であった。新型コロナウイルスの影響により、アルコールの販売が厳しく制限され、4月から6月までバーでの飲酒が事実上禁止された。しかし、東京の2つのバーが国際的に認められたことは喜ばしいことだ。 Photo: The SG ClubGuzzle, the ground-floor bar at The SG Club 18位にランクインしたのは、世界ナンバーワンバーテンダーの称号を持つ後閑信吾の手がけるザ・エスジー・クラブ。2019年から同リストに掲載されているが、一度でも訪れればその理由が分かることだろう。地下のラウンジから1階のカウンター、2階のシガーバーまで、ここでのドリンクは楽しく、意外性があり、味わい深いからだ。 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hiroyasu Kayama (@benfiddich_tokyo) 2020年にランキングに返り咲いた新宿のベンフィディックは、今年40位から32位にランクアップ。マスターが作りあげる妖しく美しいカクテルには、オーナーの鹿山博康が、自家栽培したハーブなどが使われていることで知られている。加山は、自分で材料を生産する方法があればそれを採用しており、それが彼のバーが感動を与え続ける理由だ。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima 76位には、初登場となるザ・ベルウッドがランクイン。コロナ禍にオープンしたバーの中でも最も優れた店の一つであり、100年前の東京で流行した「大正モダンな特殊喫茶（カフェー）」を現代のカクテルバーとして表現した一軒だ。酒だけでなく、料理も素晴らしく、モダンな寿司とカクテルのペアリングが楽しめる看板のない寿司店、べる寿司も人気が高い。 世界のベストバー50の公式ウェブサイトはこちら 関連記事 『サントリーウイスキー、2022年4月入荷分から28％値上げ』 『ハリー・ポッターの歴史に迫る大規模な展覧会が開催』 『代官山蔦屋書店に食べ飲み放題のコワーキングスペースが誕生』 『日本最古のビアホール、銀座ライオンビルが登録有形文化財に』 『渋谷にケーキ缶や腕時計が買える「プレゼント専用自販機」が登場』  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 

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.

緊急事態宣言の発令などにより、今年外食を思う存分楽しめたという人は少ないかもしれない。しかし東京には、世界のどの都市よりも多くミシュランの星を獲得したレストランがあり、「美食の街」との評判が高い。 2021年11月30日に『ミシュランガイド東京2022』が発表され、数々のレストランがその名声にふさわしいということを示す機会となった。 今回、星を獲得したレストランは合計203軒。2021年版の212軒からは減少したが、東京は引き続き食のシーンをリードしていると言って間違いないだろう。 View this post on Instagram A post shared by ジョエル・ロブション 公式／Joël Robuchon OA (@robuchon_tokyo) そして、東京のトップレストランは衰える気配がないということも頭に入れておきたい。今回、掲載された432軒中、三つ星を獲得したのは、2020年と同じ顔ぶれの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、ジョエル・ロブションは、『ミシュランガイド東京』が初めて発行された2008年以来、15年連続の獲得となった。 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Michihiro Haruta (@michi_crony) 二つ星には、41軒が選ばれた。伝統的な江戸前寿司を提供する日本橋蛎殻町すぎたが二つ星に昇格したほか、フランス料理のアサヒナガストロノーム、モダンフレンチレストランのクローニーが初掲載となった。 Photo: Lim Chee WahGinza Hachigo 一つ星は、21の新規レストランが加わり、合計150軒に。そのうち20軒は初掲載で、虎ノ門にある懐石料理店の空花などが挙げられる。中でも、タイムアウト東京では、ピブグルマン獲得時から注目していた革新的なラーメン店、銀座 八五がミシュランの一つ星を手にしたことはうれしいニュースだった。 View this post on Instagram A post shared by かつお食堂 (@katsuoshokudou) ビブグルマンといえば、今年は財布に優しいレストランが35軒も登場した。老舗の立喰い寿司 あきらや渋谷のかつお食堂なども掲載されている。今回、サステナブルな取り組みを評価するグリーンスターも14軒あった（昨年よりも8軒増加）。これは、地球と私たちの胃袋にとって良いニュースだ。 『ミシュランガイド東京 2022年』の全リストは、公式ウェブサイトからチェックしてみよう。なお、書籍のガイドは12月3日（金）に発売される。 関連記事 『日本最古のビアホール、銀座ライオンビルが登録有形文化財に』 『渋谷にケーキ缶や腕時計が買える「プレゼント専用自販機」が登場』 『上野の歴史を読み解く展示、東京都美術館で開催中』 『2024年、代々木公園の施設整備に伴いスケートボードパーク開設』 『下北沢駅高架下に新しい商業施設「ミカン下北」が開業』 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 

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 ジョエル・ロブション 公式／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

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