Lim Chee Wah

Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are synonymous with Japan. Mention spring and, chances are, you'll imagine trees bursting with delicate blooms of white and pink lining the rivers and dotting the parks everywhere in Tokyo. There's a ritual of sorts (known as hanami) that locals adhere to when enjoying this fleeting season, which lasts only for a couple of weeks at most. However, rest assured, even after the flowers have withered, you'll still find the essence of the season in the city's many food and drink offerings, from sakura-flavoured lattes to pretty desserts featuring the beautiful petals.  Here we've pulled together a guide to help you make the most of the sakura season – yes, Instagram inspiration included. Plus, we've also compiled a list of sakura facts that will make you seem like an expert in no time. ALSO SEE: The official Japan cherry blossom forecast for 2025

Everyone knows what great pizza means to them. It could have a paper-thin, crispy base or one so doughy it’s comparable to a pillow; it could be an abundance of vegetables and cured meats or simply a great, classic margherita (for the purists). Some of us even crave a bit of pizza-induced controversy (fans of a white base or those who opt for a pineapple topping, we’re looking at you).  But no matter your preference, whether it’s socially acceptable or totally unhinged to everybody else, you’ll find your perfect pizza pie somewhere in the world, and somewhere on this list, too. That’s because we’ve asked our travel writers and international editorial staff about their absolute favourite spots for when they’re craving a pizza, from Cape Town to Lisbon, Buenos Aires to Miami. We hope you’re hungry – don your napkin and read on for the world’s very best pizzas.  RECOMMENDED:🥪The best sandwiches in the world🥩The best steaks in the world🍝The best cities in the world for food This list was edited by Liv Kelly, a writer for Time Out Travel. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now🌎 The best things to do in the

With an abundance of art shows happening this season, it'll be hard to catch all of the latest installations before they disappear. Nonetheless, we've got a list of the top art exhibitions taking place in some of Tokyo's most popular museums and galleries to help you figure out where to start. For a full day of art excursions, you should also check out Tokyo's best street art and outdoor sculptures, or fill your Instagram feed at teamLab Borderless or the newly updated teamLab Planets. Note that some museums and galleries require making reservations in advance to prevent overcrowding at the venues.  RECOMMENDED: Escape the city with the best art day trips from Tokyo

タイムアウト東京 > レストラン＆カフェ >東京、手頃価格のミシュランレストラン15選 ミシュランの星を獲得したレストランの数は、東京が世界最多と言われるように、美食の街だ。2024年版のミシュランガイドブックにその名を刻むことができた星付きレストランは183軒。この数には、「本格的な料理を手ごろな価格で提供する」という理由でビブグルマンを与えられた店を含んでいない。 ここでは、予算を気にせずに、良質な食事を楽しめる東京のミシュラン星付きレストランやビブグルマンレストランを紹介する。 関連記事『東京、1万円以下のおまかせコース9選』

2025 is set to be a momentous year when it comes to travel. Citywide celebrations and milestone anniversaries will be taking place in Amsterdam and Rome, sparkling new cultural centres are flinging open their doors in Rotterdam, New York and Abu Dhabi, and there are fresh chances to see some wonderful wildlife in Australia, Singapore and Greenland – but that’s just the beginning. Read on for our roundup of the 25 coolest, weirdest and most adventurous new things to do across the world in 2025, no matter your whereabouts or budget. RECOMMENDED:🇬🇧 The best things to do in the UK in 2025🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🎪 The world’s best music festivals for 2025🌃 The best cities in the world right now  

There's no way to travel all of Asia in one lifetime, but you can damn well bet that we're going to try. From bustling city destinations to wild island paradises, there's so much on the regional travel menu that we'd gladly spend our annual leave on in 2025 – and if you're having a hard time choosing, then you're in the right place. We talked to our Time Out editors and travel contributors in Asia to suss out what's on their radar for the coming year. These destinations are emerging hotspots: long overlooked or previously hard to get to, but now on the map for travellers searching for alternatives to well-trodden destinations like Bali, Tokyo, and Bangkok. Many on the list have become better-connected too – all the more reason to buy that plane ticket in 2025. And it goes without saying: they all have spectacular natural attractions, rich culture, and fantastic dining scenes to satisfy the pickiest of travellers. Here's Time Out's list of the best places to visit in Asia in 2025.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Asia newsletter for the best travel inspiration straight to your inbox. READ MORE: The most spectacular places to visit in Asia and The most gorgeous islands in Asia 

Kyoto is a very special place, but in recent years, its timeless charm can feel overshadowed by the growing crowds of tourists flocking to the ancient capital’s Unesco World Heritage temples and other historical attractions. Still, no matter how packed things get, there’s a way to experience the harmonious, meditative spirit Kyoto is renowned for – by splurging on a hotel that embodies this unique city’s Zen philosophy. Despite being located just across from the perennially popular Nijo Castle, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto has managed to create a bubble of serenity in the heart of the city. This is accomplished through thoughtful design by André Fu, one of the region’s leading names in hotel interiors, known for his work on luxury properties like The Upper House Hong Kong and Andaz Singapore. The four-storey, low-rise hotel is built around a gorgeous Japanese garden, which serves as the focal point and calming heart of the property. Photo: Hotel The Mitsui KyotoThe Kajiimiya Gate at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto Hotel The Mitsui is also steeped in history. The 250-year-old grounds on which it stands were once the residence of the affluent Mitsui family. The beautiful Kajiimiya Gate at the hotel entrance was originally built in 1703 and previously graced the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds. Relocated to this site in 1935, it’s now a registered Tangible Cultural Property. Photo: Hotel The Mitsui KyotoHotel The Mitsui Kyoto's gorgeous Japanese garden Upon entering the hotel through the afo

The highest peak in Japan standing at 3,776m, Mt Fuji is beloved for its elegant, perfectly symmetrical shape. It's the icon of Japan, and whether you're in Tokyo for a short time or you've lived here for decades, a clear view of the mountain never gets old. While it’s possible to get a glimpse of the mountain in the capital when the weather is clear, you're better off travelling out of the city to get the perfect view. Admire Mt Fuji's beauty from these nine scenic spots in Yamanashi, Kanagawa and Shizuoka, all of which are easily reachable from Tokyo as a day trip. Just try to get there early in the morning or in the late afternoon as the midday clouds tend to block the view. RECOMMENDED: Best day trips from Tokyo

As one of Asia's most dynamic cities, Hong Kong is surrounded by a wealth of vibrant neighbourhoods just waiting to be explored. According to Time Out's annual ranking, curated by a global team of on-the-ground experts, these destinations promise a taste of local life with unique cultural experiences, exciting local flavours, and everything in between. While Kowloon City was named the coolest neighbourhood in Hong Kong, there are many more gems around Asia just a few hours away from the city. Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure. RECOMMENDED: ✨ Kowloon City: your ultimate neighbourhood guide😋 The best Thai restaurants in Kowloon City    

In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is what makes a neighbourhood truly cool. From formerly overlooked sub

Since 1923, Tsukiji Market has drawn crowds with its vibrant mix of street eats, colourful vendors, bustling market vibe and kitchenware shopping galore. While the inner wholesale fish market moved to Toyosu in November 2018, the outer market hasn’t gone anywhere – it’s still an exciting, fun-filled place for shopping and dining. Home to over 300 shops and restaurants, Tsukiji Market is a dense grid of lanes and interlinked alleyways just south of Tsukiji Station. Some require a little legwork to find, but you’ll be rewarded with excellent sushi, kaisendon, soba noodles, curry, sake and more. We’ve trawled the market to pull together our favourite restaurants and food stalls – so be sure to save time in between shopping to have lunch, and maybe breakfast and dinner, too.  RECOMMENDED: Best street food and snacks at Tsukiji Market

Udatsu once again proves that fat and char together create the best flavour – and it really doesn’t matter if the fat comes from premium wagyu or a delicate cut of tuna. This is not something we expect to enjoy at a sushi restaurant, but it pretty much sums up Udatsu’s take on the most iconic of all Japanese culinary traditions – textbook perfect sushi that still manages to sneak in a few surprises to make it exciting for the modern palate. Head chef Hisashi Udatsu’s background has something to do with his contemporary approach to sushi. Udatsu comes from a family of butchers but picked up the sushi trade by choice, and so he is not strictly bound by heritage rules. It’s clear that there’s still a great deal of respect for tradition: that beautiful slice of fish, gleaming as if it has just been hauled off the sea; the perfectly formed shari (vinegared rice) that’s still warm to the touch; the bare whisper of seasoning that teases your palate but never detracts your attention away from the seafood. Those alone would have been enough to make good sushi – but Udatsu brings in another element to elevate his food further, using ingredients or techniques not usually seen in sushi. These creative executions seem neither gimmicky nor out of left field, as they are informed by modern cooking and the current food trends. In other words, they make sense. It’s that sticky dashi jelly on ishidai (striped beakfish) that makes you lick your lips in delight. The use of red hot charcoal to li

This upscale omakase sushi restaurant near Ginza leverages its parent company's wholesale seafood business and direct connections with 150 fishing ports across Japan to secure some of the freshest and rarest seafood at great prices. As a result, you can enjoy quality seafood or a fraction of the cost you'd expect to pay - ¥22,800 for the 17-piece Issekisancho course and ¥26,800 for the 22-piece Yatagarasu course. The restaurant's excellent connections ensures that, even at these prices, it serves highly prized fish rarely found elsewhere. The selection changes with the seasons, but past highlights include the exquisite sakura masu (cherry salmon), known for its rich fat content, the supremely creamy shiroebitei (white shrimp), hailed as the 'diamond of Toyama', and kuromutsu (gnomefish or bluefish), deep-sea member of the seabass family known for its clean, delicate flavour. With seating for just eight diners, Sushi Yatagrarau's intimate setting allows for an elevated experience where every aspect, from the precise cut of the fish to the elegant shape of the sushi, is executed with care. More importantly, this commitment to perfection begins with the preparation of the fish, with the ikijime method used to kill the fish humanely and quickly after it is caught, preserving its flavour and ensuring the highest quality for every bite.

Nestled in a standalone double-storey building with lightly tan earthen walls that blend harmoniously into the Meiji Park surroundings, natuRe Tokyo is a sustainability-focused restaurant that effortlessly combines French, Japanese and Hawaiian influences in its menu. While this fusion of three distinctive cuisines may seem unconventional at first, it’s rooted in the creative director and chef Nae Ogawa’s intriguing background. Early in her career, French-trained Japanese chef Ogawa honed her skills at some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants, including the two-Michelin-starred Narisawa in Tokyo. At natuRe Waikiki in Hawaii, where she serves as executive chef, she has crafted a widely acclaimed menu that celebrates sustainable and locally sourced produce through French cooking techniques. Earlier this year, Ogawa brought her cross-cultural sensibility back to her homeland with the opening of natuRe Tokyo. This sister restaurant has the same culinary DNA as its Waikiki counterpart, substituting Japanese ingredients for Hawaiian ones to maintain the focus on local sourcing. Yet, traces of Hawaiian flavours occasionally make their way into the dishes, adding a subtle twist to the menu. In Tokyo, the restaurant demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by embracing imperfect ingredients that vendors might otherwise discard due to their appearance. Though there’s a varied selection of à la carte dishes, the standout is the nine-course signature menu, offered at an acce

Tonkatsu is often celebrated for its golden brown crust, but Narikura’s unique approach has resulted in pork cutlets with a much lighter, almost pale colour instead. Don’t let that unusual appearance fool you, though – this is still textbook tonkatsu. The meat is surprisingly tender and glistens with its juices while the panko crumb coating is crisp and fluffy without any traces of oil.  It took chef Seizo Mitani years of experimentation to perfect his low-heat frying method that gave rise to his signature blonde tonkatsu. And because precise timing is crucial in this painstaking process, the restaurant is by reservations only. There are several seatings a day and everyone is served at the same time in each session. In other words, don’t be late. There are only two options on the menu – the ¥6,500 two-piece and the ¥8,000 three-piece set meals. Granted, the price is unusually high for tonkatsu, but that’s to be expected as Narikura uses top-shelf Japanese pork, namely Tokyo-X and Iwachu-buta. Plus, the portions are big: expect 175g to 200g of meat (which is a lot!) alongside appetisers, pork miso soup, rice and a small dessert.  Depending on your meal, you’ll choose two or three different cuts from a selection of six including fatty bara katsu, tenderloin, rib roast, chateaubriand, mille-feuille and cheese mille-feuille (some cuts require a ¥100 top-up). On some days, you can also add on side dishes such as deep-fried shrimp and stewed pork belly. While the bright, clean and

Hidden in a basement just a minute’s walk from Shibuya Station, Ishinohana is Shibuya’s answer to the high-end, Japanese-style cocktail bars of Ginza, but with a more relaxed vibe and far more inventive drinks. Seasonal cocktails are the speciality here, as owner-bartender Shinobu Ishigaki wields an array of fresh fruit and herbs when creating his distinctive concoctions: a gin and tonic is enlivened with kumquat, a margherita gets an injection of housemade cassis confiture, and a highball features dill and green apple syrup, for example. In fact, Ishinohana is so serious about its fruit that the menu indicates the provenance of its selections. The menu, however, covers more grounds than just fruity concoctions. Aside from providing an enticing list of coffee cocktails and monthly recommendations, Shinobu can shake up many variations of three classic cocktails – old fashioned, negroni and bloody mary – reimagined with local ingredients and creative twists. The Japanese Old Fashioned, for instance, mixes shiitake-infused whisky with maple syrup and umami bitters while the Rose Negroni sings with beautiful floral notes thanks to the use of rosewater and rose petal-infused gin.  If you’re a fan of these Japan-inspired cocktails, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There’s also a sake martini accented with housemade chamomile cordial, an original cocktail called Oribe made with gin, matcha, milk, wasanbon (fine-grained Japanese sugar) and gold powder, and even a pisco sour with hints of

This cosy cocktail den hidden in the Toranomon Hills Business Tower has one of the most interesting bar concepts in Tokyo. The plant-filled, wood-accented interior is reminiscent of a plush safari lodge and hints at the bar’s botanical leanings. While the menu features drinks made with fruit and herbs, the hero here is the cacao. Led by acclaimed bartender Shuzo Nagumo, Memento Mori celebrates cacao in its various forms – not just the final product that we are all too familiar with, ie, chocolate. The best way to savour this concept is with the Bean to Glass signature cocktail course, which comes with the option of having three, four or five items. The course starts with Memento Mori’s house cocktail, the Cacao Pulp Fizz, served in an eye-catching cacao pod no less. As its name suggests, this refreshing, effervescent, vodka-based cocktail is made with cacao fruit, which surprisingly tastes like mangosteen, along with vinegar made from said pulp and some passion fruit for hits of acidity.  The second drink marries the fruit of the season with a cacao nib-infused spirit. On our visit, we had a peach number that used cognac flavoured with cacao nibs and blue cheese. It was a bold combination that mixes sweet and savoury notes, but made for a lip-smacking delight. For the third item on the course, you get to choose between a cacao wine or a tasting flight of three cacao spirits. The former is a luscious Californian merlot steeped with cacao nibs and dried fruit while the latter c

Two of Japan’s most storied traditions – noh theatre and kaiseki cuisine – can be impenetrable and intimidating for the uninitiated. And that’s not just because of the language barrier: the formalities that rule both are laden with unspoken protocols. Suigian, an innovative dinner theatre hidden under the Fukutoku Shrine in Nihonbashi, seeks to make these Japanese performing and culinary art forms more approachable. Granted, dinner theatres, especially of the cultural kind, don’t always enjoy a favourable reputation – they are often associated with subpar food and tacky performances. Suigian, however, feels like a labour of love and there’s a sense of genuinity in everything it does. So much so that you’re advised not to eat during the noh part of the performances as a sign of respect (drinking, however, is fine, as the restaurant claims that it's only here you can enjoy noh over drinks). The evening shows, which start at 7pm, offer a crash course to traditional Japanese theatre. The programme changes monthly, featuring varied snippets of Geisha dance, kyogen (comic theatre), court music, kagura (ritual ceremonial dance) and, of course, noh. Notably, the noh segments are actual 15-to-20-minute acts adapted from renowned noh texts and performed by seasoned noh practitioners. You’ll get an explanation sheet with summaries of the evening’s show in English to help you connect with the craft unfolding on stage. Likewise, Suigian’s beautiful space, though contemporary in design, is

This newly opened Royal Park Hotel has the enviable Ginza address, but without the bank-breaking price tag commonly associated with this ritzy district. For visitors, the hotel is a central and convenient stay; it’s near Higashi-Ginza Station, which offers easy train access to major destinations in Tokyo including Asakusa as well as Narita and Haneda international airports. Moreover, a direct bus from Narita airport stops right across the road from the hotel. The Royal Park Hotel Ginza 6-chome exudes a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere, with a retro aesthetic expressed through vibrant colours – a style the hotel calls ‘Ginza Pop’. The sunny yellow and green shades at the reception and lobby are a nod to the abundance of ginkgo and willow trees surrounding the hotel. The rooms, meanwhile, are bedecked in either a red-orange hue or muted green, colours associated with the Kabukiza theatre just around the corner. Regardless of whether you’re going for a compact unit or a spacious corner suite, the accommodations at the hotel are well-appointed. Thoughtful features include the smart TV, which is connected to the hotel’s public amenities such as coin-operated washing machines and the communal sento bath, offering real-time information on whether they are available or occupied. Better yet, the gender-separated bath in the basement, which is reserved for staying guests, has no restrictions against tattoos. For food and drink, the Ginza Lamp-Tei restaurant on the ground floor serves a

Originating in Mayfair, London, Gentlemen’s Tonic offers traditional barbershop services with a modern styling. This is the award-winning establishment’s first foray into Malaysia (they have outlets in Hong Kong, New Delhi, Dubai and several other locations around the world), and their new space at Publika is handsome, especially with the dark wood interior and chrome gold finishing. Grooming remains the key service offered here and that includes haircuts, razor head shaves, scalp treatments, beard design, wet shaves and more. Granted, the brand targets the middle-to-high end of the market with cuts starting from RM115 and shaves from RM75. But what you’re paying for is the pampering experience and also the attention to detail, from the way your barber styles your hair down to the design of the chairs and mood lighting. What really sets Gentlemen’s Tonic apart from the pack is their wide-ranging menu that also offers facials, manicures and pedicures, and even massages, making this a one-stop centre for all your male grooming and pampering needs. Haircuts from RM115.

One of the most popular ramen restaurants in Ueno, Kamo to Negi specialises in duck noodles. Its simple recipe of just Japanese duck and leek – as its name suggests – simmered over low heat for two days, produces a beautifully clear stock that’s light yet flavourful. Add in a custom blend of three different types of soy sauce and you get a soup that sings with the meaty sweetness of duck without being gamey. Kamo to Negi also takes pride in not using any chemical additives in its ramen, while the excellent house-made noodles are springy and firm to the bite. A regular bowl of ramen here will only set you back ¥980. But we recommend you upgrade to a bowl with extra slices of duck meat (¥1,260), or go the whole hog with the special (¥1,480), which comes with wonton, onsen egg, bamboo shoots and additional slices of duck. On the menu are also duck tsukemen (dipping noodles) and a comforting oyakodon side dish featuring a deliciously runny egg and duck meat mixture served over piping hot rice. This branch in the newly opened Eato Lumine food hall on level B1 of JR Shinjuku Station (inside the ticket gates near the west exit) has 14 counter seats. And yes, it’s just as popular as the Ueno store. So be ready to queue – fortunately the line moves along briskly.

Sushi Azabu is rather uncommon in that this restaurant is a foreign import – from the United States – rather than a domestic outfit with overseas locations, as is the case with many Japanese sushi establishments. Nevertheless, this beautifully designed eatery brings with it an impressive pedigree: its sister restaurants in Manhattan, New York and Miami Beach, Florida were previously proud owners of a Michelin star each. Sushi Azabu has the classic wood-dominated interior of a high-end sushi restaurant. But here the design feels fresh and modern, largely thanks to the bold strokes of contemporary calligraphy artist Rintaro Hashiguchi, whose artwork stretches across the entire wall behind the L-shaped counter. Despite its address in swanky Azabudai Hills, Sushi Azabu’s menu is surprisingly affordable. The restaurant sources its seafood from Toyosu Market, as any reputable food operator would, and turns it into multi-course omakase meals. Lunch offers the best deal: about 14 items including nigiri sushi as well as the restaurant’s signature sesame tofu served on a sizzling hot plate, all for just ¥4,800. Dinner is, of course, more sumptuous. For ¥9,800, you’ll get to enjoy around 17 items featuring premium seasonal fish and seafood, the likes of fatty tuna, uni and more. Online reservation is highly recommended to secure a spot at the 19-seat counter.

In the salaryman enclave of Shinbashi – think cheap and cheerful izakaya sandwiched between ramen joints and casual standing eateries – lies a new sushi restaurant that looks more suited for the glitz of neighbouring Ginza. While Sushi Restaurant Issekisancho may have the polish of a classy, upmarket sushi counter, its prices are friendlier on the wallet. The restaurant is one of a trio of sushi businesses under its namesake Issekisancho group, which established its own wholesale venture to procure most of its seafood directly from fishermen, thus driving down the cost. Plus, Issekisancho’s close connection with Yamayuki, one of Toyosu Market’s biggest tuna brokers, means it has access to some of the best tuna around. At Issekisancho you can enjoy an omakase sushi meal for just ¥9,800, which gets you eight pieces of nigiri as well as eight dishes including a light and jiggly sea cucumber chawanmushi that tastes of the ocean, and a buttery, foie gras-like monkfish liver that’s been stewed in a sweet-savoury mixture of soy sauce, sake and mirin. There’s also the more sumptuous Issekisancho full-course dinner at ¥13,000, where you get five extra pieces of nigiri sushi in addition to the aforementioned dishes. The offerings at Issekisancho are classic Edo-mae, or exemplary of Tokyo-style sushi. The shari (sushi rice) is made up of two strains of Niigata rice: the sushi-grade emi no kizuna is folded with shinnosuke, which brings some stickiness and a hint of sweetness to the mixtu

It all began with the giant cat in Shinjuku in 2021, and since then, 3D billboards showcasing a variety of characters and stars – including Yayoi Kusama for her 2022 Louis Vuitton collaboration – have popped up across Tokyo and Osaka. Now, even Doraemon is joining the trend, making a 3D appearance on two mega-screens – one in Shinjuku and another in Osaka’s Umeda. Photo: ShogakukanShogaku Ichinensei's 100th anniversary issue For a limited two-week period, Doraemon stars in a 30-second ad celebrating the 100th anniversary of Shogaku Ichinensei, a long-standing Japanese publication for first-grade elementary school students. This special May/June issue is set to hit newsstands on April 11. In the ad, Doraemon’s appearance will be soundtracked by the song ‘Bokutachi no Start’, created exclusively for the publication’s centenary celebration and performed by singer-songwriter Sayaka Yamamoto. Photo: ©︎Fujiko Pro, Shogakukan, TV Asahi, Shinei, ADK So, keep an eye out for the 3D Doraemon on the Cross Shinjuku Vision billboard opposite Shinjuku Station’s east exit in Tokyo, and the Dip Vision billboard in front of Osaka’s Umeda Station, between March 31 and April 13. The world-famous blue cat robot will appear twice every hour from 7am to 1am in Tokyo, and 7am to 11pm in Osaka. Do note that during certain times of day, the ad will be displayed in silent mode. More from Time Out Tokyo It's official – the 2025 cherry blossom season in Tokyo has now begun 9 Tokyo restaurants named

For some time now, tourists seeking convenience and savings have been able to choose from 24-, 48- and 72-hour Tokyo Subway Tickets, which offer unlimited rides on both the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. Now, the newly launched Tokyo City Pass takes things a step further by combining these transport day passes with access to some of the city’s top attractions. © teamLabteamLab Planets, Existence in the Flow Creates Vortices What’s included in the Tokyo City Pass With the Tokyo City Pass, your one-, two- or three-day Tokyo Subway Ticket is bundled with admission to one of five popular attractions of your choice. The available attractions are Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, teamLab Planets, Art Aquarium Museum Ginza and Tokyo City View. More will be added in the future. No matter which of the aforementioned venues you choose, your Tokyo City Pass also includes a variety of classic Tokyo and Japanese experiences. You’ll receive a one-hour trial ticket for Red Tokyo Tower, an amusement centre where you can enjoy VR and video games. Additionally, you can partake in an incense experience at the iconic Sensoji Temple and enjoy a rejuvenating soak at Kotobukiyu Ueno bathhouse. That’s not all. You’ll also get to ride on the Big-O, the ring-shaped Ferris wheel at Tokyo Dome City. Its gondolas are even equipped with karaoke, allowing you to sing your heart out while taking in stunning aerial views of the city. Photo: Bennymarty/DreamstimeHamarikyu Garden Additional benefits with the

One of the world’s most trusted food authorities, the Michelin Guide recently released its 2025 edition for Kyoto and Osaka, featuring an unprecedented 469 restaurant recommendations. This includes three new two-star restaurants, ten new one-star restaurants, and nine new Bib Gourmands.  There’s a lot to take in, so we’ve summarised the key highlights from the 16th edition of the Michelin Kyoto Osaka guide. Osaka Total count: Three three-star restaurants, 11 two-star restaurants, 65 one-star restaurants, and 59 Bib Gourmand restaurants Osaka’s Oimatsu Hisano is one of only three restaurants newly awarded two stars in the 2025 Michelin Kyoto Osaka guide, a much-deserved upgrade from its previous one-star rating. Chef-owner Masamitsu Hisano offers a creative take on Japan’s finest seasonal ingredients, with unconventional highlights like sashimi served with a fish-broth dip instead of the usual soy sauce, alongside dishes showcasing rare vegetables and fruit. Photo: MilpaMilpa Of the four Osaka restaurants awarded a new Michelin star this year, Milpa stands out as the first in Japan to receive a star for Mexican cuisine. Led by chef Willy Monroy, the restaurant serves modern Mexican dishes rooted in indigenous ingredients and elevated with a touch of Japanese influence. You can of course also taste Chef Monroy’s food at the newly opened Time Out Market Osaka, where he runs Saboten Taqueria. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaKushiage 001の「串揚げセット」 While at the Market, be sure to stop by A

This spring, if you find yourself worn out from temple-hopping in Kyoto – or craving a change of scenery from the cherry blossoms and the crowds – head over to the Kyoto Kameoka Balloon Festival that’s happening over the April 4-6 weekend. Don’t worry, it’s just a short trip from the city. The festival takes place at Hozugawa Waterfront Park, which is less than 10 minutes’ walk from JR Kameoka Station, just four stops from Kyoto Station on the San-In Line. As a hot air balloon event, the festival naturally offers (tethered) hot air balloon rides. Unfortunately, these tickets are all booked out. But don’t worry – there’s still plenty to see and do at this exciting festival. One of the highlights is the balloon competition flight, held every morning from 6am to 8am, where 21 hot air balloons take to the sky. The teams will be competing based on their skills and the gracefulness of their balloons’ flight. These massive, colourful balloons are truly breathtaking as they fill the sky.  Photo: Kyoto Kameoka Balloon Festival For something more interactive, check out the daily hot air balloon class (10am-10:30am), where you can learn about the history, principles and mechanics of hot air balloons, and even try setting up a balloon and operating the burner. There will also be a market on site offering local and regional food. Photo: Kyoto Kameoka Balloon Festival For a truly jaw-dropping experience, be sure to catch the balloon showcase on Saturday April 5 at 7pm. Watch

Hurray, now that spring is finally here – this year’s cherry blossom season is off to a good start. If you prefer a leisurely cherry blossom experience with more elbow room, this list is for you. We’ve rounded up a few of the more spacious and less crowded (only relatively, to be honest) cherry blossom sites around Tokyo for you to enjoy. Photo: Picture Cells/PixtaKanda River cherry blossoms Kanda River The Kanda River is one of the lesser-known sakura spots in Tokyo. It has similar views to the Meguro River in Nakameguro, but minus the crowds. While several stations are within walking distance from the river, a good access point is Edogawabashi Station, whose Exit 1A leads you directly to the start of the sakura stretch. Double your blossom viewing with a stop by the pristine and scenic Higo-Hosokawa Garden, which is also along the Kanda River.  Photo: Lim Chee Wah Aoyama Cemetery Located in the upscale neighbourhood of Aoyama, this cemetery has been around since 1874. It’s where many of Tokyo’s most significant personalities were laid to rest. The site also has a lot of sakura trees, and it’s especially beautiful in spring. Since this is a cemetery, it sees less crowds and has a more quiet and subdued atmosphere.  Photo: Lim Chee WahKoishikawa Botanical Gardens Koishikawa Botanical Garden Run by the University of Tokyo, this botanical garden is out of the way and hence sees less tourist traffic. However, it has a huge sakura section, with some of the tallest and bigg

When it comes to cherry blossoms, tourists often flock to popular destinations like Tokyo and Kyoto. Meanwhile, Okayama prefecture offers a calmer alternative, particularly if you're looking to combine cherry blossom viewing with art at nearby Naoshima island. With the city of Okayama serving as a major gateway to Naoshima, the prefecture is an ideal base for both nature and art. According to the latest cherry blossom forecast (as of March 21), Okayama's cherry blossoms are expected to flower on March 31 and reach full bloom on April 7. To help plan your itinerary, here are five of the prefecture's most popular cherry blossom spots. Photo: Takashi Matsuo/Okayama TourismCherry blossoms at Okayama Korakuen Okayama Korakuen Renowned as one of the country’s three most beautiful Japanese gardens, Okayama Korakuen is a must-see spot for cherry blossoms in Okayama city. The garden features around 280 sakura trees, and among them, one tree stands out. Set by a tranquil pond, the yaebeni-shidare has delicate double-layered petals blooming on graceful, weeping branches. Photo: Adoplex/Okayama TourismCherry blossoms at Asahikawa Sakuramichi Asahikawa Sakuramichi Nearby Korakuen is Asahikawa Sakuramichi, where you'll find around 250 somei-yoshino cherry trees lining a 1km stretch on the east bank of Asahikawa River. The Okayama Sakura Carnival (March 28-April 6, 10am-9pm) held here is the liveliest cherry blossom festival in Okayama city, as it features a variety of food and drink st

2025年4月13日（日）に開幕される「大阪・関西万博」まで、あと1カ月を切り、続々と詳細が発表されてきている。パナソニック（Panasonic）は、開幕に先駆けてパビリオンを完成させた最初の出展者の一つで、内覧会からはその壮観さがうかがえる。 Photo: PanasonicAn exhibit inside the Land of Nomo 「ノモの国」と名付けられた、パナソニックのパビリオン。特筆すべきは、サステナブルに建設されていることだ。同パビリオンには、主に使用済みの家電製品から回収された97.1トンの鉄や1.2トンの銅に加え、約9200台ものドラム式洗濯機のガラスなど、リサイクル材料が用いられている。また、屋外には、アートブランド「ヘラルボニー」とのコラボレーション作品として、アーティストの輪島楓がデザインした「ガラス型ペロブスカイト太陽電池」のプロトタイプを展示する。 Photo: PanasonicAn exhibit inside the Land of Nomo パビリオンは、2つのエリアで構成される。一つは、ワクワクする体験を通じて子どもたちが常識や思い込みから解き放たれ、自身に秘められた力を解き放つ、約30分間の非日常体験ができる「Unlock体験エリア」。そして、もう一つは未来社会のアイデアを具現化した展示エリア「大地」だ。 Photo: PanasonicWaterfall = Mist installation 同パビリオンの目玉は、やはり「Unlock体験エリア」だろう。同エリアでは、光・映像・音・空気に関する最先端技術が融合し、没入感のある多感覚的な空間が作り出されている。中でも見どころは、粒径6マイクロメートルの極微細なミストによる、幅7メートル×高さ3.5 メートルものホログラムのようなスクリーン「滝」と、幅1.3メートルのミストの輪が天井から降り注ぐ「ボルテックスリング」。まるでSF映画から飛び出してきたような感動的な様相を呈している。 Photo: PanasonicVortex Rings made of mist さらに、「Unlock体験エリア」では、来場者の反応や行動データを、「ノモの国」のために独自開発した感性モデルで分析。「性格的な強み4パターン」と、「強みを発揮する環境8パターン」に分類し、一人一人の秘めた力や可能性をストーリーとして、「蝶」のモチーフとともに描き出すという。 また、直接会場を訪れられない人のためにも、場所を問わず体験できるいくつかのコンテンツを公開予定。歌手の大原櫻子がテーマソング『夢は翼』を歌うオリジナルアニメや、閉幕後も子どもたちとつながり続けるための「（仮称）オンライン次世代共創プラットフォーム」などをチェックしてみてほしい。 「ノモの国」の詳細や、大阪万博のチケットの予約方法については、公式ウェブサイトを確認しよう。 関連記事 『大阪・関西万博ガイド』 『大阪・関西万博のイベントに期待すべきこと、「地球共感覚」に込められた願い』 『大阪・関西万博のオランダパビリオンで体験できること』 『タイムアウトマーケット大阪でしかできない8のこと』 『Photo of the Day - タイムアウトマーケット大阪プレオープニングパーティー』 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

With less than a month to go until the opening of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan on April 13, we are now getting detailed glimpses of what awaits us at this grand world fair. Panasonic is one of the first exhibitors to complete its pavilion ahead of the opening, and from the previews, it looks spectacular. Photo: PanasonicAn exhibit inside the Land of Nomo Named ‘The Land of Nomo’, Panasonic’s pavilion perfectly embodies the Expo’s theme, ‘Designing Future Society for Our Lives’. More importantly, the construction is guided by the principles of sustainability. The striking structure is primarily built from recycled materials salvaged from used home appliances. In total, the Land of Nomo has repurposed 97.1 short tons of recycled steel and 1.2 tons of copper, as well as reused glass from approximately 9,200 drum-type washing machines. Outside, you’ll find an early model of a glass-type perovskite solar cell, reimagined as an installation by artist Kaede Wajima. Photo: Panasonic Holding pride of place inside the pavilion is the interactive ‘Unlock Experience Area’, designed primarily to inspire children by stimulating their senses and igniting their imagination. This is complemented by ‘Daichi’, an exhibition exploring new and innovative ideas for building a better society. Photo: PanasonicWaterfall = Mist installation We expect the ‘Unlock Experience Area’ to be the pavilion’s main draw. Here, cutting-edge technology involving light, video, sound and air converges to cre

With the unusually high temperatures this year, Mt. Fuji has broken the record for being the longest without its snowcap. So, it's safe to say that we might also be looking at a delayed autumn. According to the official autumn leaves forecast released by the Japan Meteorological Corporation, this seems to be the case. In fact, in the latest forecast dated October 30, the dates have been pushed back even further. Now, the autumn leaves are predicted to arrive a few days to more than two weeks later than usual. However, it’s important to note that this could very well change depending on weather conditions. Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation Red momiji leaves forecast The leaves in Hokkaido will be the earliest to turn, with Sapporo projected to see red momiji at their most vibrant around November 8. That’s about 11 days later than usual. The best time to see red leaves in Nagano is around November 28 and Kanazawa around December 4. You can expect to see momiji turn full red in Tokyo sometime around December 5, Osaka December 8 and Kyoto December 16. Further south in Kyushu, the momiji leaves are predicted to turn red only around December 13 in Fukuoka and December 18 in Kagoshima.  Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation Yellow ginkgo leaves forecast For yellow ginkgo trees, you might want to be in Sapporo around November 6, Aomori around November 9, Kanazawa around November 15 and Nagano around November 20. In Tokyo and Osaka, the ginkgo trees are expected to turn su

Another weekend, another long list of events to help you make the most of your time in Tokyo. Over the next few days, the city is hosting some really unique festivals, and here are three that are worth going for. Foodies can sample different styles of ramen all in one place while anime and manga fans should check out a cosplay Halloween parade in Ikebukuro. For those who like a bit of everything, Koenji Fes has markets, live performances, mascot appearances as well as pro-wrestling matches right outside the station. Photo: Ramen Data BankTsunatori Monogatari's spicy miso ramen with char siu pork Tokyo Ramen Festa Until November 4 Komazawa Olympic Park is hosting a ramen festival with over a dozen booths serving Japanese noodles from different prefectures. You can go for a simple shoyu (soy sauce) or shio (salt) ramen, or a bowl with rich tonkotsu pork broth, or one topped generously with beef. Be warned though: some stalls are expected to have up to two hours wait time, as they are exclusive to the festival or have won the Ramen Grand Prix in recent years. The event is split into three parts, each with a different set of vendors. The ramen restaurants that are participating in the first part (October 24 to 27) include Katsuryu from Ibaraki prefecture with its rich paitan (cloudy white chicken broth) ramen topped with uni, and Kaga Miso Menyūkai from Ishikawa prefecture, whose signature miso ramen is a voluminous bowl topped with seared pork belly. In short, you’ll find ever

Good food is more than just good cooking. It’s about experiencing in tangible form someone’s vision – be it that of a chef, bartender, producer or farmer. That was our major takeaway when we attended the spectacular Luxury Group Dining Series at the Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo over the last weekend of September. The prestigious Tokyo hotel hosted the launch, and served as the first stop, of the multi-city dining programme. Over the course of two months, the Luxury Group Dining Series is set to bring together 55 culinary and beverage talents to showcase not just their craft but also their unique food and drink ideas at 23 restaurants and bars across six regional destinations.  In Tokyo, we got to hear from dedicated farmers who are behind some of Japan’s finest ingredients. We then tasted exemplary dishes from chefs who took inspiration from the farmers’ produce and sought to champion them. We also sipped cocktails that were like spirited narratives of Japan’s past. Over this illuminating weekend, we realised that food at its finest is a harmonious blend of many tastes: that of terroir, passion, technique and certainly culture. Here are the five main events that made up the Tokyo chapter of Marriott International’s Luxury Group Dining Series. Photo: The Ritz Carlton, TokyoHeritage by Kei Kobayashi Chateau Haut-Brion menu with wine pairing at Heritage by Kei Kobayashi This dinner was all about honouring traditions. Kei Kobayashi is easily one of the world’s most prolific Japanese che

新しい都市へ旅行する際、滞在日数がよほど長くない限り、どこからスタートすればいいのか少し迷うものだろう。そこでタイムアウトの出番だ。 我々は毎年、「世界で最もクールな街」を選び、ランキングを発表している。今年も世界中の旅行ライターと編集者のネットワークに呼びかけ、食べ物や飲み物、芸術や文化、ストリートライフ、コミュニティ意識などの住みやすさの指標に基づいて、それぞれの都市の中で最も活気がありにぎやかで、楽しい街について意見を求めた。 2024年のリストには、ブダペストの歴史的な宮殿地区からシンガポールの繁華街であるオーチャードまで、38の異なる地区が選ばれている。東京からは「学芸大学」が第15位にランクイン。東京で今、最もクールなネイバーフッドエリアであり、そして世界で最もエキサイティングな地域の一つとして浮上した。 Photo: イデア/PixtaAn undated stock photo of Gakugeidaigaku 正確に言うと学芸大学は実際の地区名ではなく、正式には目黒区鷹番として知られるエリアに停車する東急東横線の駅名だ。かつて大学街だったこのエリアの魅力は、同じ東横線でわずか数駅のところにある自由が丘や中目黒の影に隠れていて、それほど目立たっていない。 前述の2つ地区には大勢の人が集まるが、クールな若者やクリエーターたちは、学芸大学の過度に商業的過ぎず、落ち着いた雰囲気をたたえたこの街の良さを知っている。ここでは、家族経営の食料品店や銭湯といった昔ながらの施設と、クリエーティブなレストラン、カフェ、バーと共存しているのも大きな魅力の一つだ。 画像提供：WR 学芸大学で、タイムアウト東京英語編集部のお気に入りのスポットは、おいしいコーヒーの「WR」 、ふわふわのドーナツの「ヒグマドーナツ」、完璧な歯ごたえのうどんの「讃岐饂飩 恩家」、たい焼きの「目黒ひいらぎ」、炭火で焼いた焼き鳥店「焼鳥やおや ハナレ」、日本のクラフトビールの「アナザーエイトコーナー」などだ。 しかし、最近は「ガクダイ パーク ストリート（GAKUDAI PARK STREET）」として高架下がリニューアルするなど、毎月のように刺激的な新しいベンチャーが出現している。ほかの人々が追いつく前に、この街をチェックしてみる価値はあるだろう。 「世界で最もクールな街 2024」第1位はマルセイユのノートル・ダム・デュ・モント Notre Dame du Mont, credit: Marseille Tourism, Massimo Municchi また、ランキング上位に入った街も際立った魅力を秘めたエリアばかり。ここからは、今年のトップ3を見てみよう。 2024年の「世界で最もクールな街」となったのはフランスの都市、マルセイユのノートル・ダム・デュ・モント。同市6区にある反骨精神にあふれクリエーティブでリラックスしたこの場所は、かつては芸術家の街として知られた。今でもその名残は、多くのギャラリーや壁画に見られる。 タイムアウトマルセイユのライター、アリシア・ドリーはこの街について次のように語っている。 「ノートル・ダム・デュ・モントとは教会にちなんで命名されましたが、決して神聖な場所ではありません。この街はカラフルな袋小路、落書きだらけの路地、プラタナスの並木道、ジュリアン広場から続く曲がりくねった階段などが合わさり出来上がっています」 「地下鉄駅周辺のロディ通りのテラスで日向ぼっこをするのはパンクスや彼らの犬、カラフルなローブを着た女性、アルコール