Lim Chee Wah

ทงคัตสึ ถือเป็นอาหารญี่ปุ่นยอดนิยมที่หลายคนคุ้นเคย ด้วยศิลปะการทานที่เราสามารถเลือกทานได้ตามใจชอบ ตั้งแต่การเลือกส่วนของหมู ซอส และเครื่องปรุงต่างๆ แต่ในต้นตำรับอย่างประเทศญี่ปุ่น ได้พาให้เมนูหมูชุบแป้งทอดที่เหมือนจะธรรมดา ให้กลายเป็นเมนูที่ซับซ้อนและมีมิติมากยิ่งขึ้น โดยในญี่ปุ่นมักเลือกใช้เนื้อหมูหลากหลายสายพันธุ์ที่คัดสรรมาเป็นอย่างดี เพื่อตอบโจทย์คนรักทงคัตสึที่มีความชอบแตกต่างกัน มีทั้งหมูเกรดพรีเมียมไขมันน้อย ไขมันเยอะ ไปจนถึงหมูที่มีรสชาติหวานเฉพาะตัว ทานคู่กับเครื่องเคียงที่เติมได้ไม่อั้นอย่างกะหล่ำปลีสดหั่นฝอย ข้าวญี่ปุ่นเรียงเม็ด และซุปมิโสะรสเข้มข้น หรือบางร้านก็มีเครื่องเคียงพิเศษที่หาไม่ได้จากร้านอื่น!

This is Osaka’s moment. With the Osaka Expo putting the city in the global spotlight, 2025 is the perfect time to visit this vibrant Kansai hub. In response, the city has rolled out a host of exciting new hotel openings to cater to the growing wave of visitors. Whether you're seeking a nature escape just outside the city, a design-forward stay for digital nomads, or a luxurious suite with jaw-dropping skyline views, these are the standout new places to book in Osaka this year. RECOMMENDED: 8 reasons why Osaka is so hot right now

Osaka is famous for its food, but its cultural scene is just as vibrant. As the heart of the Kansai region, the city is packed with museums and galleries presenting a diverse array of exhibitions year-round – from contemporary installations and immersive digital art to thought-provoking commentary and timeless traditional works. With so much to explore, we’re here to help you focus on the most exciting and worthwhile shows. Browse our curated list below and get ready to be inspired by Osaka’s dynamic art world. RECOMMENDED: The 15 best museums in Osaka

One of the most iconic summer festivals in Tokyo, Bon Odori is a communal dance performed in public spaces. It's a Buddhist custom that dates back 500 years, held as part of the Obon period, where locals honour the spirits of their ancestors. Bon Odori festivals are always a fun, joyous affair. A makeshift stage known as a yagura will be set up in the middle, acting as the focal point of the event. It houses the lead dancers and musicians who set the pace and choreography for the dance while participants gather around it and dance along in circles. It's a perfect way to spend a summer evening and soak up the good vibes. So put on a yukata and come join us at one of Tokyo's most exciting Bon Odori festivals this summer. RECOMMENDED: 10 best fireworks festivals in and near Tokyo this summer

Omakase? In this economy? We know it’s hard to believe, but there are plenty of fine dining restaurants in Tokyo where you can treat yourself to a seasonal course dinner for less than ¥10,000. The word ‘omakase’ typically comes up at high-end Japanese restaurants where in lieu of ordering from a menu, diners entrust the chef to serve a selection of recommended dishes and seasonal specials. While it's true that these gastronomic affairs are generally reserved for a special occasion splurge, they don’t have to break the bank. Nor are they strictly limited to Japanese cuisine.  Omakase dining is all about the joy of anticipating what the chef might serve, marvelling at the near-choreographed way they work in the open kitchen, and savouring the best ingredients of the season. It’s a culture that chefs across Tokyo hold dearly, with many incorporating omakase into their restaurants regardless of whether they’re serving Spanish tapas or charcoal-grilled yakitori.  With so many restaurants offering their own interpretation of omakase dining, the line between omakase courses and tasting menus are sometimes blurred. However, it’s the integrity and intimacy of these tailored dining experiences that define them, rather than the terms used to label them. Want to treat yourself on a budget? Here are Tokyo’s best omakase courses and tasting menus for under ¥10,000. Looking for something quick and simple but still delicious? Try one of these 22 best ramen in Tokyo

The longest stretch of public holidays in Japan, the annual Golden Week happens at the end of April through early May. It's made up of four special days: Showa Day (April 29), Constitution Day (May 3), Greenery Day (May 4) and Children’s Day (May 5). Greenery Day was originally gazetted as a celebration of Emperor Showa's (1901 to 1989) birthday. It was later renamed Greenery Day, and as its name suggests, this is a day to appreciate nature and relish in the great outdoors. Better yet, on this day, many of Tokyo's top nature attractions, such as parks and gardens including a zoo and an aquarium, will be offering free entry. So slap on some sunscreen – we're going out to these lush green attractions in Tokyo on Sunday May 4 2025. It's one of the best days of the year to explore Tokyo for free. Recommended: Looking to pack in more over the holidays? Here are the best events in Tokyo during Golden Week 2025.

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

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 

Capella gained widespread attention when its Bangkok property was named the world’s best hotel in 2024. Earlier this year, the group opened the first urban hotel of its sister brand Patina in Osaka. Located just a minute's walk from the city’s most treasured landmark – Osaka Castle – Patina feels like an entirely different proposition. Where Capella leans into contemporary luxury, Patina embraces a more understated, quiet luxury. Patina Osaka is designed around the concept of wellness. Its 221 elegantly appointed rooms and suites – some offering unobstructed views of Osaka Castle – feature natural materials such as wood, stone and washi paper to create a calming, grounding atmosphere. Beyond the typical hotel amenities of a fitness centre and indoor pool, the entire fourth floor is dedicated to Patina Wellness, a sanctuary in the heart of the city offering health-tech treatments including hyperbaric oxygen and hydrogen therapy, cryotherapy, a far-infrared sauna and full-body LED therapy. Art, design and music are also central to the hotel’s holistic approach, with local and international creatives contributing to some of its signature experiences. Osaka-born graphic artist Verdy has been tapped to design a range of exclusive merchandise, while American sound designer Devon Turnbull (Ojas) created the hotel’s Listening Room, a luxurious reimagining of Japan’s listening bar culture.  Rounding out Patina Osaka’s offerings is the hotel’s main restaurant, P72, whose menu is inform

Located in the revitalised Sakai Port area, Dorsett by Agora Sakai may seem an out-of-the-way option for those unfamiliar with Osaka prefecture’s geography, but this new bayside hotel is surprisingly well positioned. Just a five-minute walk from Sakai Station, it offers quick access to downtown Osaka, with shopping and nightlife hubs like Namba and Shinsaibashi reachable in just 10 minutes by train. Even better, if you're visiting for the Osaka Expo, the hotel offers direct ferry services to the venue. The hotel features 321 bright and airy rooms and suites with large windows overlooking either the city skyline or the harbour. Some rooms can sleep up to three people with an additional sofa bed, while others come with separate seating areas or walk-in showers. Facilities include a compact but functional fitness room, self-service laundry, free Wi-Fi and a relaxing space to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Every day from 4pm to 9pm, the Refresh Lounge welcomes guests free of charge with a selection of around 20 different teas. And to start the day, the breakfast buffet caters to all appetites with a spread of both Japanese and Western dishes. Sakai, which sits adjacent to Osaka City, is best known for its traditional knife-making craft and its ancient keyhole-shaped Kofun tombs, which have been designated a Unesco World Heritage Site.

With its striking colour palette of dusty pink and royal blue, the Basement Hotel Osaka Honmachi is clearly designed for the new generation of travellers – those who see travel as a lifestyle that blends work and social connection. There’s a youthfulness in its design, featuring playful signages inspired by Morse code, unconventional materials like wire mesh, and fun, graphic decorations. Conveniently located by Hommachi Station, the hotel offers 119 rooms across 14 floors. They may be compact (15.5–16.5 sqm in size), but they’re comfortable and fitted with all the mod-cons you’d need, including free Wi-Fi, a TV, separate bathroom and toilet, a humidifying air purifier and an in-room safe. Some rooms come with sofas, while others feature picture windows with wide views of the city. The life of the hotel revolves around the spacious lounge on the 14th floor, which serves breakfast and transitions into a café after 2 pm. There’s a variety of seating arrangements, from dining and communal tables to sofas and desks suited for remote working.  More interestingly, its Social Hour programme is free for guests, offering sweets and pastries from 2pm to 5pm, and then evening cocktails right after, with alcoholic and soft drinks plus snacks until 10pm, all with no extra charge. There are even free daily workshops at around 4pm, where guests can take part in short activities such as coffee hand-drip sessions right after checking in.

If you’re looking to escape the city without travelling far, the new Komorebi no Yado Meitokuan offers a serene retreat. Set in the lush Meiji-no-Mori Minoh Quasi-National Park in Osaka’s Minoh City, the ryokan is just 40 minutes by train from central Osaka. This natural park is well-known for its breathtaking waterfall and vibrant autumn foliage. The historical Minoh Waterfall Trail was once home to dozens of traditional inns, most of which have since disappeared. Komorebi no Yado Meitokuan is one of the few carrying on that legacy, having thoughtfully renovated a former ryokan building. While the wooden property retains the nostalgic charm of Taisho-era romanticism, it’s been upgraded for modern comfort. The inn has just three rooms – a traditional tatami room, a twin and a double – thus ensuring a quiet, intimate stay. Each room looks out onto either the forested mountains or a gently flowing stream, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature’s sights, sounds and scents. Every experience here is classically Japanese. For meals, you can opt for a private sushi kaiseki, with a chef preparing each dish right in front of you. Or take a relaxing 8-minute stroll to its sister ryokan, Otowa Sansou, and enjoy seasonal multi-course kaiseki or traditional counter-style sushi. Additional cultural experiences include tea ceremonies in the on-site teahouse, kimono dressing, bonsai workshops and guided hikes into the national park – all curated to help you appreciate Japan’s rich cultur

If you’re looking to escape the city without travelling far, the new Komorebi no Yado Meitokuan offers a serene retreat. Set in the lush Meiji-no-Mori Minoh Quasi-National Park in Osaka’s Minoh City, the ryokan is just 40 minutes by train from central Osaka. This natural park is well-known for its breathtaking waterfall and vibrant autumn foliage. The historical Minoh Waterfall Trail was once home to dozens of traditional inns, most of which have since disappeared. Komorebi no Yado Meitokuan is one of the few carrying on that legacy, having thoughtfully renovated a former ryokan building. While the wooden property retains the nostalgic charm of Taisho-era romanticism, it’s been upgraded for modern comfort. The inn has just three rooms – a traditional tatami room, a twin and a double – thus ensuring a quiet, intimate stay. Each room looks out onto either the forested mountains or a gently flowing stream, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature’s sights, sounds and scents. Every experience here is classically Japanese. For meals, you can opt for a private sushi kaiseki, with a chef preparing each dish right in front of you. Or take a relaxing 8-minute stroll to its sister ryokan, Otowa Sansou, and enjoy seasonal multi-course kaiseki or traditional counter-style sushi. Additional cultural experiences include tea ceremonies in the on-site teahouse, kimono dressing, bonsai workshops and guided hikes into the national park – all curated to help you appreciate Japan’s rich cultur

Osaka’s latest luxury hotel surely knows how to capitalise on its sky-high perch. Occupying the upper levels of the brand-new Grand Green Osaka multipurpose complex’s South Building, spanning floors 31 to 38, Waldorf Astoria Osaka’s 252 generously-sized rooms and suites are perfectly positioned to capture the city’s dynamic skyline. Nearly every facet of the hotel celebrates the view – from the breathtaking 30th-floor indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Osaka Bay, to the brand’s iconic Peacock Alley lounge, where you can unwind with afternoon tea or evening cocktails while taking in sweeping vistas of the Kansai region. As is typical of Waldorf Astoria worldwide, this Osaka property carries the hotel’s signature Art Deco opulence. Here, it’s refined with Japanese sensibilities under the direction of renowned Hong Kong-based designer Andre Fu. Japanese artisanal touches such as kumiko screens, painted washi panels and shoji lampshades are tastefully woven into the interiors, grounding the hotel firmly in the spirit of Osaka. Matching its prestigious pedigree, Waldorf Astoria Osaka boasts sumptuous, state-of-the-art amenities. The hotel features a 24-hour fitness centre, spa, sauna and four dining venues including the aforementioned lounge, while rooms come with espresso machines and spa-inspired bathrooms, among other indulgences. Conveniently located adjacent to JR Osaka Station, the hotel offers direct access to not only the city but also to nearby destinat

Osaka’s latest luxury hotel surely knows how to capitalise on its sky-high perch. Occupying the upper levels of the brand-new Grand Green Osaka multipurpose complex’s South Building, spanning floors 31 to 38, Waldorf Astoria Osaka’s 252 generously-sized rooms and suites are perfectly positioned to capture the city’s dynamic skyline. Nearly every facet of the hotel celebrates the view – from the breathtaking 30th-floor indoor pool with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Osaka Bay, to the brand’s iconic Peacock Alley lounge, where you can unwind with afternoon tea or evening cocktails while taking in sweeping vistas of the Kansai region. As is typical of Waldorf Astoria worldwide, this Osaka property carries the hotel’s signature Art Deco opulence. Here, it’s refined with Japanese sensibilities under the direction of renowned Hong Kong-based designer Andre Fu. Japanese artisanal touches such as kumiko screens, painted washi panels and shoji lampshades are tastefully woven into the interiors, grounding the hotel firmly in the spirit of Osaka. Matching its prestigious pedigree, Waldorf Astoria Osaka boasts sumptuous, state-of-the-art amenities. The hotel features a 24-hour fitness centre, spa, sauna and four dining venues including the aforementioned lounge, while rooms come with espresso machines and spa-inspired bathrooms, among other indulgences. Conveniently located adjacent to JR Osaka Station, the hotel offers direct access to not only the city but also to nearby destinat

K-pop legend G-Dragon’s travelling exhibition ‘Übermensch’ is coming to Osaka for just over two weeks. Billed as an experiential media art show that utilises cutting-edge digital technology – think voice interaction, holograms, media walls and the like – this multisensory exhibition will immerse you in G-Dragon’s creative universe. The wildly popular exhibition debuted in Seoul this March and has since toured Taiwan and Tokyo, enjoying great success at every stop. Tickets for the Taiwan exhibition sold out within 20 minutes, while the Tokyo leg attracted around 10,000 visitors on its opening day alone. The title ‘Übermensch’, meaning ‘superman’, is a philosophical concept coined by Friedrich Nietzsche. Inspired by this idea, the exhibition explores themes of self-expression, personal transformation and artistic transcendence. The Osaka show will offer a new immersive experience distinct from Tokyo’s. You can still enjoy the special highball drinks that proved popular in Tokyo, as well as the special Dragon Bike exhibit, which doubles as a photo spot and is now a Japan-exclusive feature. Additionally, a shuttle bus called the Übermensch Express will between Umeda Station and the ATC (Asia-Pacific Trade Center) Hall, where the exhibition is held. Tickets are available online via Trip.com.

World-renowned luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton is charting its rich history and unveiling its storied archives in a milestone exhibition that coincides with the ongoing Osaka Expo and commemorates the maison’s 170th anniversary. Held at the Nakanoshima Museum of Art through September 17, this immersive showcase also explores the brand’s long-standing cultural dialogue with Japan. Curated by renowned fashion historian Florence Muller and designed by Shohei Shigematsu OMA, Visionary Journeys weaves an engaging narrative using more than 1,000 items – including archival pieces, sketches, artworks, trunks, bags and multimedia installations – alongside 200-plus traditional Japanese crafts. As you enter the exhibition, you are greeted by the breathtaking Trunk Hemisphere, an impressive installation constructed from 138 of Louis Vuitton’s iconic trunks. From there, the journey unfolds across 12 thematic sections, beginning with 'Asnières', which traces the brand’s origins and key milestones since its founding in 1854, followed by 'Origins', where you’ll see cornerstone designs like the flat-topped trunks and the classic Steamer Bag. Louis Vuitton’s travel heritage is evident throughout, particularly in the 'Expeditions' section, which features the brand’s then-innovative travel gear, including zinc-lined trunks and foldable desks. One of the exhibition’s standout sections is 'Louis Vuitton and Japan', as it delves into the country's influence on the maison's designs. Here, the lab

One of the most prolific artists of our time, Yayoi Kusama has created a strikingly diverse body of work spanning painting, sculpture, performance art and fashion. Yet across all mediums, her art is consistently defined by themes of obsessive repetition and proliferation, expressions she has described as a form of ‘self-therapy’ born from her hallucinations. What sets Kusama apart is her ability to continually reinvent these signature motifs in imaginative ways. Her work always feels fresh, even as it remains instantly recognisable. This thematic continuity is on display in the small but curated exhibition now showing at Espace Louis Vuitton Osaka until January 2026. Titled ‘Infinity – Selected Works From The Collection’, the showcase brings together pieces from her early career through to her most recent creations. There are dots and infinity nets, two of her most recognisable signatures, but you’ll also see how these elements have evolved over the years, reinterpreted with new forms such as stars, cells and pure abstractions. The clear highlight of the exhibition is the Infinity Room, which transforms her repetitive motifs into a physical, immersive experience. ‘Infinity Mirror Room – Phalli’s Field (or Floor Show)’ (1965/2013) is one of the earliest works in her widely celebrated ‘Infinity Mirror Room’ series. Stepping into this endless world of polka dots is a wildly visual, if slightly disorienting, experience, but it’s a uniquely Kusama moment. The artist describes it a

These are troubled times we live in – unpredictable and deeply anxiety-inducing. Just as we begin to move past the shock of a global pandemic, new uncertainties emerge: natural disasters, political unrest and rapidly evolving technologies that blur the line between fact and misinformation. It often feels as though we are living in a constant state of emergency, with no resolution in sight. In moments like these, however, art offers a means of coping, and a way to imagine something beyond the chaos. Using today’s volatile climate as a starting point, 'Prolonged Emergencies' brings together thought-provoking works by eight artists to explore how we could begin to make sense of this ‘new normal’. This is not an exhibition that sugar-coats, and there are no answers here. Instead, through a tightly curated collection of video art, photography, immersive and mixed media installations, you’ll encounter a range of perspectives and narratives on the present and possible futures. Highlights include Kiyoshi Takahashi’s powerful Free Watermelon Bar Stand and FWB Sign Banner in Sapporo; Ishu Han’s poignant reflection on displacement, I carry a home, and a home relocates me; and Ayoung Kim’s dystopian Delivery Dancer’s Sphere, which imagines a future wrought by an AI-enabled gig economy.

Following its successful debut in 2024, Marriott International’s Luxury Dining Series returns with an expanded line-up of cities and culinary talents. Last year’s series began at the Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, and the 2025 edition will once again kick off in Japan – this time at St. Regis Osaka. The choice aptly reflects Osaka’s rising global profile, not only as the host of the 2025 World Expo but also as one of Japan’s most dynamic culinary destinations. Taking place over the weekend of July 11-13, the event will be hosted across St. Regis Osaka’s restaurants and signature bar, with a programme featuring guest chefs and collaborations from both Japan and abroad. The weekend opens with a four-hands teppanyaki dinner at Wajo. Head chef Takato Kitano will team up with Yuki Ode, master teppan chef from the Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, for a special menu celebrating Japan’s exemplary produce, particularly seafood and heirloom vegetables. In contrast, the hotel’s other restaurants will highlight two of the most distinctive cross-cultural cuisines originating in Japan: Italian fare by way of Japanese, and the longstanding dialogue between French techniques and Japanese flavours. At La Veduta, head chef Michiaki Yoshida will collaborate with chef Agustin Balbi from Ando in Hong Kong – a Michelin-starred restaurant and a familiar name on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list – to create an Italian-Japanese multicourse menu. Meanwhile, Brasserie Régine will host an elaborate French-Japanese tasting menu

Halloween is a big deal in Japan, and theme parks across the country are jumping on the bandwagon with spooky events designed to lure thrill-seekers. Attractions like Osaka’s Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo Disney Resort will surely transform their beloved characters into zombies, skeletons and other eerie creatures of the night. But if you prefer a more uniquely Japanese take on Halloween, Toei Kyoto Studio Park has just the thing. From September 13 to November 30, the park will host the Kaikai Yokai Festival, an atmospheric spook fest inspired by Japanese folklore. Photo: Toei Kyoto Studio Park According to the festival’s backstory, yokai, or supernatural creatures from old myths, once roamed the country. But as modernisation has erased their old haunts, the yokai have taken refuge in Toei Kyoto Studio Park, a nostalgic theme park (and occasional filming location for period dramas) that is a meticulous recreation of an Edo-period (1603–1868) small town. Photo: Toei Kyoto Studio Park At the festival, you'll find yokai roaming the streets – feel free to interact and take photos with them. There's a dedicated exhibition exploring yokai lore, an artisanal market featuring artworks and souvenirs inspired by these mythical creatures, old-school ghost story sessions that bring classic tales to life, and many more engaging activities. Photo: Toei Kyoto Studio Park The festival’s highlight, however, is the Uzumasa Yokai Parade, a modern-day reenactment of the Hyakki Yagyo le

「食を通じて旅をする」というのは陳腐な表現かもしれないが、それでも真理といえるだろう。食事は、その土地の文化・歴史・人とのつながりを実感できると同時に、心踊る体験を提供する。だからこそ料理は旅の体験と切り離せない。 世界各地にホテル＆リゾートを擁するマリオット・インターナショナルが、バンコクやジャカルタを含むアジア太平洋地域7都市で展開しているダイニングイベント「ラグジュアリー ダイニング シリーズ」。今回は2025年7月11～13日に、ホテル「セント レジス 大阪（The St. Regis Osaka）」で開催された。「忘れられた味（Forgotten Flavors）」をテーマに、同ホテルのシェフたちが国内外の料理の専門家たちとチームを組み、食を探求する。 メニューは「忘れられた味」という言葉を自由に解釈。食の分野ではインスピレーション源が通常比較的自由に扱われるが、同イベントでは日本の、そしてさらに世界のダイナミックな食の風景について興味深い洞察を提供していた。2回のディナー、関東・関西の違いを強調したランチ、異文化交流のアフタヌーンティーとゲストバーテンダーによるホテルバーでの体験を得て、5つの印象的な発見があったので紹介したい。 1. 食の世界が均一化される中で忘れがちな食材の起源 セント レジス 大阪のイタリア料理「ラ ベデュータ」のシャンデリアの下で、シェフの吉田道昭は、ミシュランの星を獲得した香港の名店「アンドー（Andō）」のシェフ、アグスティン・バルビ（Agustin Balbi）とタッグを組む。そこで日本の高品質な食材をたたえる、イタリアと日本をミックスさせたテイスティングメニューを表現した。 クリーミーなボタンエビが、イタリアの古典的なアクアパッツァを思わせるシソ風味のトマトスープで登場。シーアスパラガスの塩味、ゆっくりとローストされたトマトと「南高梅」をブレンドしたうまみで味付けされていた。 Photo: St. Regis OsakaBotan ebi shrimp in shiso-spiced tomato water 次は、トウモロコシのパンナコッタに蒸したカニを乗せ、キャビアをトッピングした上品な一品。料理は手間のかかる工程で作られている。トウモロコシは塩に包まれて焼かれ、キャビアはコンブで燻製（くんせい）。それぞれの自然な風味を際立たせるためだ。 付け合わせの食材を調味料として活用する独創的な手法は、従来の塩やこしょうの代わりとして絶妙なものだった。一方、ワインのペアリングも調和がとれており、全てがジューシーで生き生きとした味わい。かつ、風味が濃縮されていた。 Photo: St. Regis OsakaCorn baked in salt crust しかし最も目立ったのは、料理にトマトが繰り返し登場したこと。シェフのバルビは、至る所で用いられているトマトを、前菜のトウモロコシとともに、南米が起源であることを思い出させてくれた。たとえ現在トマトが全世界で料理の基盤となっていても、だ。イタリア料理にトマトが使われていなかったり、世界中のストリートマーケットでトウモロコシが売られていないことを想像したりするのは難しいだろう。 今回使用されたトマトとトウモロコシは日本の農場で収穫されたものであるが、食材が元来どこから来たのかを忘れず、その文化的な影響を認識することの大切さを学んだ。明らかに、その方が食品の価値は高まる。 2. 日本の食材は多様な世界の料理を表現する最適な素材 日本が世界有数の高品質な農産

約150のパビリオン、ステーション、展示スペースが8つのゾーンに点在し、2キロメートルの周長を誇る「大屋根リング」で結ばれた「2025年国際博覧会」（以下、大阪・関西万博）。ここでは探検すべきものが膨大にある。しかし、大阪・関西万博はそれだけではない。恒久的な施設に加え、毎月、多くの期間限定イベントが開催されているのだ。 ここでは、8月に開催される期間限定のイベントを厳選して紹介したい。 1. 月面重力体験 Photo: JAXAMoon Gravity Experience at JAXA Exhibition Booth 月の重力は地球の6分の1であるため、月面ではあらゆる動きが地球とは全く異なる感覚になる。その感覚の違いを実際に体験できるのが、宇宙航空研究開発機構（JAXA）の常設展示ブースにあるユニークなアトラクション「月面重力体験」だ。 特別に作成された没入型空間では、月面風景が巨大な曲面上のLEDスクリーンに投影される。投げたり、跳ねたり、持ち上げたりする動作を行うと、宇宙飛行士のアバターによってスクリーン上に動作が反映され、月面の重力下ではどのように変化するかが体験できる。 ジャンプの高さや投げの距離は、実際の月面での状態反映するように調整されている。実際の測定データやスポーツの世界記録と比較すれば、地球と月の重力差についてより深く理解できるだろう。 この体験型展示は、複雑な物理学をより楽しく、直感的に、興味深い学習体験に変えていく。また、あらゆる年齢層と身体能力を持つ参加者に加え、車椅子利用者を含む全ての人を対象に設計。これまでは土・日曜・祝日限定で実施されていたが、この夏は2025年8月31日（日）まで毎日開催しているので、詳細は常設展示のXを確認してほしい。 2. 晴れ風 ACTION 特別共催 未来につなぐ希望の花火 Photo: Harekaze Action 「Japan Fireworks Expo」では、大阪・関西万博で定期的に展示会を開催し、日本の最も象徴的な花火大会の一部を紹介している。8月のイベントは、今年中止されたものに新たな活路を見いだすだけでなく、日本の伝統的な夏の文化を守る重要性を啓発する役割を果たし、これまでで最も特別なものとなるだろう。 キリンビールが日本の花火文化の支援と保存を目的として設立した「晴れ風ACTION」と共同で開催されるイベント「晴れ風 ACTION 特別共催 未来につなぐ希望の花火」では、今年中止された花火大会で打ち上げられる予定だった花火玉を集め、8月23日（土）に一夜限りのショーとして打ち上げる。中止となった大会には、1948年から続く兵庫県の「猪名川花火大会」や福島県の「双葉花火」、大阪の「高石シーサイドフェスティバル」などが含まれている。 同イベントは、全国の花火大会主催者が直面する存続の危機に対する認識を高め、無形文化遺産である花火大会を保存するために啓発していくことを目的としている。公式な開始時間はまだ発表されていないが、花火は日没直後の見込みだ。 3. リバティ150周年記念展覧会「I Am. We Are. Liberty.」 Photo: Liberty‘I Am. We Are. Liberty’ at Osaka Expo イギリスで最も象徴的なブランドの一つである「リバティ（Liberty）」は、豊かで鮮やかなデザインで知られ、デビッド・ボウイ（David Bowie）やビートルズなど、世界的な著名人に愛用されてきた。同ブランドは今年創業1

With around 150 pavilions, stations and exhibition spaces spread across eight zones and connected by the 2km-circumference Grand Ring, there’s a staggering amount to explore at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. But that’s not all. In addition to these permanent features, the Expo also hosts a wide variety of exclusive, one-off events each month. If you’re visiting in August, here are three you’ll want to add to your list. Photo: JAXAMoon Gravity Experience at JAXA Exhibition Booth Moon Gravity Experience at JAXA Exhibition Booth Until August 31, 10am-9pm With lunar gravity being one-sixth of Earth’s, every movement will feel very different on the Moon. And you can experience that physically with this unique attraction at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) permanent exhibit booth. In a specially created immersive space, where the moonscape is projected onto a massive curved LED screen, you’ll perform movements such as throwing, jumping and lifting, and have them mirrored on the screen by an astronaut avatar. You’ll find out how these actions would be like under moon gravity, as your jump height and throw distance will be adjusted to reflect the reality on the moon. You’ll also get to compare them with real-life measurements and sports world records to gain a better understanding of the gravity difference between Earth and the Moon. This hands-on exhibit makes learning complex physics fun, intuitive and engaging. It’s also inclusive, designed for participants of all

It may be a cliché to say that when we eat, we travel, but it’s nonetheless true. Food offers a tangible, and often joyful, way to connect with a place’s culture, history and people. That’s why cuisine is so often inseparable from the experience of travel. At the recent Luxury Dining Series at St. Regis Osaka – part of Marriott International’s regional dining event spanning key Asian cities including Bangkok and Jakarta – the hotel’s chefs teamed up with culinary luminaries from Japan and abroad to explore the theme ‘Forgotten Flavours’. While the menus took liberal approaches to interpreting the term ‘forgotten’ – sources of inspiration are usually treated rather loosely in food – the event offered fascinating insight into Japan’s, and by extension the world’s, dynamic food landscape. After attending two four-hand dinners, one standout lunch highlighting Kanto vs. Kansai differences, a cross-cultural afternoon tea and a bar guest shift – all over the weekend of July 11-13 – here’s what I discovered. Photo: St. Regis OsakaBotan ebi shrimp in shiso-spiced tomato water 1. As the food world becomes more homogenous, we often forget the origins of ingredients Under the statement chandeliers at La Veduta, St. Regis Osaka’s Italian restaurant, head chef Michiaki Yoshida teamed up with chef Agustin Balbi from the Michelin-starred Ando in Hong Kong to present an Italian-Japanese tasting menu that celebrated Japan’s quality produce.  Here, creamy botan ebi shrimp was served in shiso

夏といえば、日本の各所で夜空を彩る壮大な花火大会が催される。江戸時代にさかのぼる日本の夏の伝統行事は、多くの人々がその楽しさを味わっている一方で、全国の花火大会が抱える現代の課題に気づいていない。 全国で5895万人の来場者を集め、約2兆4,000億円の経済効果を生み出すにもかかわらず、毎年花火大会の中止が増加している。キリンビールが日本の花火文化の支援と保存を目的として設立した「晴れ風ACTION」が発行する「全国花火大会白書2025」によると、インフレによる物価高騰、警備体制の強化、人員や資金不足などにより、花火大会は存続の危機に直面している。 Photo: Inagawa FireworksThe Inagawa Fireworks in 2024 これらの問題を浮き彫りにしつつ、日本の花火の美しさをアピールするため、「晴れ風ACTION」は今年中止された花火大会から打ち上げられる予定だった花火玉を集め、「2025年国際博覧会」（以下、大阪・関西万博）での特別イベントとして打ち上げる。中止となった大会には、1948年から続く兵庫県の「猪名川花火大会」や福島県の「双葉花火大会」、大阪の「高石シーサイドフェスティバル」などが含まれている。 Photo: Harekaze Action 「晴れ風ACTION特別共催 未来につなぐ希望の花火」と題する同イベントは、2025年8月23日（土）に実施。花火は、大阪・関西万博会場の南端に位置する夢洲南側護岸から打ち上げる予定だ。大阪・関西万博で開催中の、日本を代表する花火大会の一部が紹介されている「Japan Fireworks Expo」と協働して行われる。 チケットは必要なく、当日は大阪・関西万博の一般入場券で入場できる。公式な開始時間はまだ発表されていないが、花火は日没直後、おそらく19時30分から20時ごろから開始される見込みだ。最新情報は、Japan Fireworks Expoの公式ウェブサイトを確認してほしい。 関連記事 『夜の大阪・関西万博でしかできない7のこと』 『大阪・関西万博で相撲の祭典「SUMO EXPO」が開催』 『大阪初、坂本龍一の大規模展覧会が「グラングリーン大阪」で開催』 『国内最大級、「チームラボ バイオヴォルテックス 京都」が10月7日にオープン』 『世界中の美食家が注目、マッシモ・ボットゥーラの特別レストランがホテルニューオータニ大阪に登場』

At this time of year, towns and cities across Japan will be setting off grand displays of fireworks to light up the night sky. This is an age-old Japanese summer tradition dating back to the Edo period (1603–1868) – and one that many people enjoy without realising the modern challenges faced by fireworks festivals across the country. Despite attracting a staggering 58.95 million visitors and generating an economic ripple effect of nearly ¥2.4 trillion nationwide, an increasing number of firework displays are being cancelled each year. According to the Japan Fireworks White Paper 2025 published by Harekaze Action, an initiative by Kirin to support and preserve Japan’s fireworks culture, pyrotechnic festivals are under threat due to rising costs from inflation, increasing security demands, staffing shortages and a lack of both funding and successors. Photo: Harekaze Action To highlight these issues while promoting the beauty of Japanese fireworks, Harekaze Action is collecting unused shells from fireworks events that were cancelled this year and launching them in a one-off event at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. These include Hyogo’s Inagawa Fireworks Festival, whose origins date back to 1948, the Futaba Fireworks Festival in Fukushima, and the Takaishi Seaside Festival in Osaka, among others. Titled ‘Harekaze Action: Fireworks of Hope for the Future’, the event will take place on Saturday August 23. The fireworks will be launched from the southern seawall of Yumeshima, the

Since opening in 2017, Ginza Six has consistently showcased large-scale art installations in its lofty atrium. The current exhibition by contemporary Japanese artist Kenji Yanobe might just be the shopping centre’s cutest yet. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima The Big Cat Bang features a host of astronaut cats scattered throughout the premises. But the pièce de résistance is the showstopping centrepiece suspended from the atrium ceiling, built around a rocket in homage to Taro Okamoto’s ‘Tower of the Sun’, the iconic symbol of the 1970 Osaka Expo. Photo: Ginza Six On display since April 2024, the exhibition is now in its final leg, set to end on September 7 (with the atrium piece on view until September 6). So if you haven’t seen it yet, now is the time, as Ginza Six has planned a few special events for its last hurrah. Photo: Ginza SixShip’s Cat Cosmo Red by Kenji Yanobe At Ginza Six’s main entrance on Chuo Street, you’ll find a new sculpture titled ‘Ship’s Cat Cosmo Red’. This astronaut cat strikes a pose as if it’s about to launch into space.  Photo: Ginza SixYou can get a 'Ship's Cat (Muse)' for ¥49,500 If you want to own an astronaut cat yourself – and really, who wouldn’t – make sure to visit the Big Cat Bang: The Final pop-up shop on the fourth floor between September 3 and 7. You can pick up a ‘Ship’s Cat (Muse)’ mascot figure for ¥49,500.  Photo: Ginza SixEach blind capsule toy contains one of these figurines For something more affordable, opt for the blind capsule toy

Spend enough time in Osaka and you’ll start noticing him everywhere – the same seated figure with a pointy head, round belly and a mischievous smile peeking through narrow eyes. If you haven’t been properly introduced, meet Billiken, the unofficial mascot of Osaka. True to Japan’s knack for adopting foreign ideas and making them its own, Billiken wasn’t originally Japanese. He was created by American artist Florence Pretz in 1908, but was wholeheartedly embraced by Osaka as a symbol of happiness, prosperity and good fortune. That’s why you often see people rubbing his feet. Photo: Uniqlo So if you are looking for a souvenir (and a lucky charm) that’s uniquely Osaka, check out the Uniqlo Osaka Festival running throughout August. For this special occasion, all 62 Uniqlo outlets in Osaka are carrying a capsule collection of four UTme! graphic T-shirts featuring colourful illustrations of Billiken. These limited-edition designs are available only in Osaka. Photo: UniqloThe two designs voted by Uniqlo Osaka staff Two of the designs were chosen by Uniqlo staff from Billiken Creators Osaka, an art project that invites the city’s creatives to reimagine Billiken in their respective styles. The other two T-shirts are original illustrations by artists Koji Toyoda and Urata Spancall, created exclusively for this Osaka event and not available anywhere else. Photo: UniqloVariations of Koji Toyoda's design exclusive to the Uniqlo Shinsaibashi and Uniqlo Namba City stores Known for his

Expo 2025, Osaka, Kansai, Japan is the place to explore the world as well as the latest advancements in science and technology. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to experience Japanese culture, as the Expo hosts regular Japan-specific events ranging from a monthly fireworks showcase to an upcoming sumo special. The national sport of Japan, sumo is more than just a battle of physical strength; it’s also a competition of mind, technique and discipline. Moreover, the sport is filled with rites and rituals that are deeply symbolic. And for two special days in early August, you’ll get to experience all that at the Expo. Photo: The Expo Grand Sumo Tournament The Expo Grand Sumo Tournament Sunday August 3, 9am-3pm, at Expo Exhibition Center Wasse The official Grand Sumo Tournament is making an exclusive stop at the Expo to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Japan Sumo Association. This majestic spectacle will bring together 200 sumo wrestlers from the association, including the highest ranked Yokozuna athletes. For this one-day special, you get to witness not only authentic sumo matches but also events not typically seen at a regular tournament. There will be sumo chants, taiko drum performances, public sumo practices with children, sumo technique demonstrations as well as the sacred ring-entering ceremony. The highlight, however, will be the sumo matches: the third division (Makushita) and below grapples at noon, and the top division (Makunouchi) at 2pm. Note that you’ll need

This summer, several of Tokyo’s most prestigious museums will be extending their opening hours on Friday. Dubbed the Summer Night Museum 2025, the event sees six art and cultural institutions – Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum and Tokyo Shibuya Koen-dori Gallery – opening until 8pm or 9pm on Fridays from August 14 to September 26.  That’s not all. You can also expect reduced admission fees after 5pm (or free for students in certain cases), plus a host of evening programmes and activities to help you make the most of the long summer days. The museum shops and restaurants, likewise, will open late on those Fridays. Photo: 東京都美術館東京都美術館 Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Friday opening hours extended until 8pm Enjoy ¥200 discount to the exhibition ‘The Whispering Land: Artists in Correspondence with Nature’ after 5pm (students get in for free) on July 26 as well as August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. There will also be 5 percent discount at the museum restaurants after 5.30pm every Friday during the event period.  Photo: supplied Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum Friday opening hours extended to 9pm from July 19 to August 30 Adults can enter the ‘Takehisa Yumeji: Taisho Romanticism and the New World’ exhibition for ¥1,120 instead of ¥1,400 after 5pm on July 19 and 26 as well as August 2, 9, 16 and 23. It’s free for students, however, and ¥560 for se

Kyoto’s immense popularity has brought big crowds, and understandably so, as the ancient capital is home to some of Japan’s most enchanting temples and Zen gardens. But if you’re looking to experience a different side of the city – lesser-known but no less charming attractions with fewer crowds – check out the Kyoto Summer Special Openings 2025. Running now through September 30, this seasonal programme is your key to a more hidden, tranquil Kyoto. Launched in 1975, the annual Summer Special offers a rare chance to step inside some of the city’s most treasured cultural landmarks that are normally closed to the public. This year’s theme, ‘Waterscapes to Visit in Summer and Modern Architecture Masterpieces of Kyoto’, brings together sacred temples and historical residences. Better still, all the featured sites are easily accessible by public transport from Kyoto Station. As a little taster, here are five highlights from this year’s programme. Photo: Higashi Honganji Temple Higashi Honganji Temple: Goei-do-mon Gate Just five minutes on foot from Kyoto Station, the majestic Higashi Honganji Temple’s Goei-do (Founder’s Hall) is one of the largest wooden structures in the world. Its Goei-do-mon Gate, at 27 metres high, is the tallest wooden temple gate in Japan. The gate’s second storey is now open to the public for a limited time. From here, you can look out at a sweeping view of Kyoto and its eastern mountains, as well as admire a collection of sacred Buddhist statues. Photo: N