Lim Chee Wah

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 

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

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

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.

The world-conquering ramen may have the reputation of being a pragmatic comfort food, but over at Ginza Hachigou, it’s elevated into a refined, elegant dish. Owner-chef Yasushi Matsumura’s training has much to do with this; once you realise he’s worked more than 30 years in French cuisine, you’ll see how this bowl of ramen came into being. Ginza Hachigou’s ramen soup is like consommé: a clear liquid gold that’s light yet complex and full of flavour. It’s made by boiling down Nagoya Cochin chicken, duck, scallop, dried tomatoes and shiitake mushrooms, konbu (seaweed), an heirloom green onion from Kyoto and surprisingly, cured ham. Where your standard bowl of ramen calls for tare, a sauce concentrate that acts like a seasoning, Matsumura eschews that for a sprinkling of French sea salt to round out the flavours. And it’s just phenomenal.  The bowl of noodles is then topped with strands of bamboo shoots, slivers of green onion and slices of chashu pork, and finished with a fresh crack of black pepper. Those fatty pork pieces are cooked so perfectly that the fat just coats your palette with a sweet, creamy, savoury goodness. Better yet, this Bib Gourmand-rated ramen will only set you back ¥1,200; throw in an extra ¥200 and you’ll get a perfect boiled egg with a gooey yolk. The interior of this discreet and unusually calm noodle shop in Higashi-Ginza looks just as refined as its sophisticated ramen. The tiny space seats only six diners along a counter that overlooks a surprisingly

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.

Summertime is festival time in Tokyo. And while many associate the season with Bon Odori, that’s not the only celebration happening around this time of year. Kicking off the festive summer season is Tanabata, a traditional Japanese festival with origins in Chinese folklore. According to legend, deity couple Orihime and Hikoboshi are separated by the Milky Way, and they are only able to meet once a year: on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. Tanabata, or the Star Festival, celebrates the day of their reunion. As Japan has largely dropped the lunar dating system in favour of the Gregorian calendar, Tanabata is commonly celebrated on July 7, which falls on a Monday this year. However, some regions in the country still honour the lunar date, so you’ll find some Tanabata festivities being held in August. The Star Festival is associated with grand, colourful streamers decorating streets, shopping malls and temples. Another popular custom is to write your wishes on strips of paper and hang them on bamboo trees.  Tanabata is one of the most joyous and colourful traditional celebrations in Tokyo – and it offers great photo opportunities. So if you’re in the city this July 4-6 weekend, put any of these three Star Festivals on your to-do list. Photo: Zojoji TempleZojoji Tanabata Festival Zojoji Tanabata Festival July 6-7 Zojoji's version of the celebration features a beautiful candle light-up on Saturday and Sunday from 6pm to 9pm. Hundreds of washi paper lanterns are arrange

Kyoto is more than just temples. It may come as a surprise that Japan’s ancient capital is also home to the country’s oldest public botanical garden. Fresh off its 100th anniversary last year, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens is now opening its doors after dark for a one-of-a-kind multimedia experience. Photo: Kyoto Botanical GardensKyoto Botanical Gardens When Light Cycles Kyoto debuted last year, it was a hit despite being held for just two months. Building on that success, the night event is now operating year-round, running until March 31 2026. The best part? The entire event takes place inside the botanical garden’s covered conservatory, making it enjoyable regardless of the weather. Produced by the Montreal-based multimedia studio Moment Factory, Light Cycles Kyoto is an immersive sensory experience that uses light and sound not only to reveal the relationships plants have with nature, but also to create a new way for us to appreciate them. Photo: Light Cycles Kyoto'Light Will Find You' The experience is designed as a journey through four zones. You start with ‘Light Will Find You’, inspired by komorebi, that peaceful, magical moment when sunlight filters through tree canopies. Here, the same phenomenon is recreated using artificial light to cast dappled patterns that break up the darkness of night. Photo: Light Cycles Kyoto The second zone, ‘Memory of Water’, pays tribute to the vital element. Moment Factory uses light waves and the sounds of thunder and rain to empha

Summer in Japan can be swelteringly hot and humid, which is why it’s always a good idea to head out in the late afternoon or evening instead. And come July, you’ll have a good reason to. Naked, one of Japan’s renowned digital art outfits, is once again transforming Kyoto’s iconic World Heritage Site, Nijo Castle, into a magical nighttime attraction. This year’s theme puts a contemporary spin on the classic Japanese tradition of noryo, the art of enjoying the evening cool. Photo: NAKED Usually closed after dark, the castle grounds will be opened at night especially for this limited-time event, running from July 25 to August 24. Here’s what you can expect at the Naked meets Nijo-jo Castle 2025: A Summer Flow of Light event. Photo: NAKED Relax at a summer festival-inspired space This year, Naked is introducing a new section called ‘Kawato no Niwa’, located near the Karamon Gate and the Ninomaru Palace drop-off area. Here you’ll find light displays inspired by traditional riverside dining and night-blooming flowers, along with food stalls serving shaved ice and sake. Photo: NAKED You can also partake in classic summer activities such as a bow-and-arrow shooting game, or set off bamboo-leaf boats on the water to trigger special digital effects. Photo: NAKED Enjoy the vibrant illuminations and digital art displays To set the scene at the entrance, the Higashi Otemon Gate will be illuminated for the evening, complete with handmade Kojima lanterns. Naked’s signature handheld

Osaka is famous for many things: its amazing street food, its family-friendly amusement parks, and this year, as the host of the World Expo. But few people realise that Osaka is also a city of water. Nestled by the bay and threaded with rivers and canals, the city’s waterways are a lesser-known attraction. This summer, you can discover this quieter, more romantic side of Osaka with a sunset cruise aboard the Himawari.The Himawari is an elegant houseboat, inspired by the steamships that plied Osaka’s rivers during the Meiji era (1868–1912). It features a classic wooden interior, has an open deck to enjoy the breeze and city views, and is decorated with lanterns to create a festive, old-timey atmosphere.  Photo: Osaka Suijo Bus Available only on Fridays and Saturdays from August 1 to September 13, the Himawari Summer Beer Cruise offers a leisurely 90-minute journey along one of the city's main rivers. You’ll watch the cityscape shift from golden to sparkling as buildings light up around you. Along the way, you’ll also catch Osaka’s newest attraction – the Osaka River Fantasy, a riverside water and light show with projection mapping. Osaka Suijo Bus On board, you get to enjoy all this with a cold one in hand, as the cruise includes unlimited drinks ranging from draft beer, wine and highballs to non-alcoholic options. Your drink is paired with an ‘Evening Refreshment Petit Hors d’Oeuvres Set’, specially prepared for the cruise by Le Clos de Mariage, a well-regarded French res

A Kyoto headliner, the annual Gion Festival is Japan’s most iconic celebration, with a history dating back to the year 869. Held every July for a full month, this grand affair honours Yasaka Shrine with an elaborate line-up of traditional events. The festival’s crowning moments, however, are the Yamaboko processions on July 17 (Saki Matsuri, or the first procession) and July 24 (Ato Matsuri, or the second procession). On these two days, the streets of central Kyoto come alive with majestic floats, live music and an electric atmosphere. Photo: Pia Corporation The enormous Yamaboko floats are a major reason why the Gion Festival is so beloved. Some reach up to 25 metres in height and weigh as much as 12 tonnes, yet they are still pulled by hand. Lavishly decorated with tapestries and embroidery, the floats are often referred to as moving art museums. Saki Matsuri is the larger of the two processions, featuring 23 floats compared to 11 in Ato Matsuri. While the processions are free, public events, those wishing to enjoy the spectacle in comfort can book paid seats at a prime viewing spot. Photo: Kyoto City Tourism Association July 17 procession The first and grandest procession begins at the Shijo-Karasuma intersection. The paid viewing area on Oike Street offers regular seats starting at ¥4,600. At the other end of the scale, premium options are priced at ¥120,000 for a front-row seat without shade and ¥150,000 for second- and third-row tiered seating with parasols. These p

If you’re visiting Osaka, chances are you’ll find yourself in Dotonbori. And why wouldn’t you? It’s arguably the most famous district in the city, renowned worldwide as Osaka’s hub for nightlife and entertainment. There are art attractions, over-the-top store signs, the iconic Glico man (of course!), and a seemingly endless array of restaurants, bars and street food. With so much going on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the choices and the sensory overload Dotonbori brings. If you want to soak it all in – but in a more contained way – consider stopping by Dotonbori Yatai Mura, a food hall that opened just last year and serves as a one-stop spot capturing the essence of Dotonbori. Photo: Dotonbori Yatai Mura With a prime location by the Dotonbori Canal, this food hall draws its inspiration from Japanese festivals, creating a vibrant, celebratory atmosphere. The space is spread across two floors. On the first floor, you’ll find stalls offering a wide selection of classic Osaka dishes and street food. There’s kushikatsu (deep-fried skewers of meat and vegetables), tempura, grilled seafood such as king crab and scallops, yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), sashimi rice bowls, ramen and stir-fried udon. Photo: Dotonbori Yatai Mura Recently, the selection has expanded with the opening of Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki Chitose and Unagi no Hasegawa, both well-established local restaurants. They’ve opened offshoots here, serving Osaka staples like takoyaki (octopus balls), okonomiyaki

Fireworks are an essential Japanese summer tradition, with pyrotechnic festivals held across the country from July to September. Among them, the Nagaoka Fireworks Festival in Niigata prefecture is considered one of Japan’s top three. It’s renowned not only for launching some of the largest shells and fireworks, but also for its grand finale, which spans an impressive two kilometres along the riverbank, making it one of the widest fireworks displays in the world. Photo: Nagaoka Fireworks Festival Now held annually on August 2 and 3, this roughly two-hour-long spectacle was first launched in 1946 to commemorate the lives lost in the World War II air raids the previous year. The festival’s signature five-minute-long Reconstruction Phoenix Fireworks, synchronised with Ayaka Hirahara’s song ‘Jupiter’, were introduced in 2005 and have since become an annual highlight. Serving as the emotional centrepiece of the event, the segment was created as a symbol of recovery for the Chuetsu area following the devastating 2004 Niigata Earthquake. Nagaoka is an immensely meaningful and symbolic fireworks display, and this year more so than ever – 2025 marks both the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the 20th anniversary of the Reconstruction Phoenix Fireworks. With this in mind, the festival is expected to draw particularly large crowds. Photo: Kaedeenari/DreamstimeThe crowd at Nagaoka Fireworks Festival Attending in person requires careful planning. While there are b

You can’t go wrong with black – and if that’s your go-to colour and style, you’ll be glad to hear that a pop-up store dedicated entirely to black apparel is coming to Parco Shinsaibashi in Osaka. From T-shirts and button-downs to trousers, shorts and more, everything here comes in varying shades of black. Photo: #000T#000T store in Tokyo Open for just over three weeks from June 18 to July 13, the Macqlo Shinsaibashi Parco Pop-Up Store brings together two unique retailers from Tokyo, both specialising in black garments. #000T curates only black T-shirts from Japan and around the world. It first opened in Kabukicho and later reincarnated at Miyashita Park, where it shares space with this pop-up’s other collaborator, Macqlo. Photo: Macqlo Macqlo focuses on black garments that deliver high functionality. Think stretch, water-repellent, quick-drying and durable fabrics, all in black. Since its launch, the brand has gained a strong following among men in their 30s and 40s who want a stylish yet easy-to-maintain wardrobe. Photo: Macqlo This pop-up, which marks #000T’s first appearance in the Kansai region, will offer over 40 styles of curated black T-shirts alongside Macqlo’s functional black apparel. While they may look similar at first glance, what sets these pieces apart are the materials, cut, silhouette and construction. In short, these are your fashionable blacks. Brands to look out for include Mizuno, Red Card, Veja, Anatomica, Aton, Nigel Cabourn, Sunspel and more. Ph

Anyone who’s been to a fireworks festival in Japan will know just how breathtaking it can be. With a variety of explosion patterns synchronised to music and displays that typically last around an hour, it’s one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in the country. If you haven’t had the chance yet, don’t worry. Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan is giving you an opportunity to check this quintessential Japanese experience off your list. Photo: Japan Fireworks Expo So, try to time your Osaka Expo visit to coincide with the Japan Fireworks Expo, a monthly programme showcasing a fireworks festival from a different part of Japan. Each show lasts around five to ten minutes and spotlights a fireworks producer central to that festival. This means every display is completely one of a kind, created especially for that night, and tells a unique story rooted in history, tradition and local spirit. The organisers, the Japan Fireworks Project, hope the event will not only introduce the world to Japan’s distinctive fireworks culture, but also help preserve this art form while highlighting the charm of some of the country’s lesser-known regions. Photo: Japan Fireworks ExpoThe Futaba Fireworks showcase on May 31 In April, the Japan Fireworks Expo featured the Ise Shrine Dedication National Fireworks Festival from Mie prefecture, and last month, it was Futaba Fireworks from Fukushima, a prefecture in the Tohoku region that is still recovering from the devastating 2011 earthquake.

With remote work and digital nomadism growing in popularity, the world is your workstation. But finding a quiet spot to work isn’t always as easy as it sounds. Co-working spaces can be expensive, and often require a membership. Cafés may be noisy, and staff might shoot you a judging look if you linger too long over the cheapest item on the menu. Photo: Self-CafeSelf-Cafe – Shinsaibashi Tokyu Building outlet Osaka has a solution for you. Enter Self-Cafe: unmanned cafés with multiple locations across the city, offering high-speed wi-fi, ample power outlets and the freedom to stay as long as you like – all for the price of just one drink, starting from as low as ¥420. Most locations are even open 24 hours, while the few that aren’t stay open till as late as 2am. Photo: Self-CafeSelf-Cafe – Tanimachi 9-chome outlet With no staff and most patrons there to focus, Self-Cafe is a quiet, low-distraction environment that makes it easy to concentrate. Furthermore, its no-time-limit policy makes it convenient not just for getting work done, but also for taking a break to charge your phone before heading back out to explore Osaka. Photo: Self-CafeSelf-Cafe – Minami-Morimachi outlet There’s no need for a membership or reservation – just buy a drink from the vending machine, which offers more than just coffee. Options include jasmine tea, matcha latte, hot chocolate and hot water. Payment is easy, as the machines accept cash, transport IC cards, credit cards, QR codes and other contac

Kyoto is one of Japan’s most visited cities, and that popularity has increasingly led to overcrowding. In response, city officials have been exploring various solutions, including the recent introduction of dedicated sightseeing buses for tourists. This month, a new initiative aims to increase Kyoto’s nighttime attractions and, in turn, help redistribute tourist activity beyond the usual hotspots and daytime rush. Photo: Kyoto Night MarketHigashi Honganji temple The inaugural Kyoto Night Market is set to take place on Sunday June 8 at the Ohigashi-san Plaza in front of Higashi Honganji. This stately Buddhist temple is one of Kyoto’s most easily accessible heritage sites, as it’s located in the city centre, less than 10 minutes’ walk from Kyoto Station. From 3pm to 10pm, the square will be decorated with lanterns and host around 70 booths offering traditional Japanese arts and crafts, local produce, street food and craft beer. But there’s more to this event than just eating and shopping – you can easily make a night of it. Photo: Kyoto Night MarketNinja shows by Koka Ninja Village Modern-day ninjas from Shiga prefecture’s Koka Ninja Village theme park will be putting on performances, while students from Kyoto’s Doshisha University will be offering rickshaw rides. The night market will also feature classic festival booths with retro games such as goldfish scooping and yo-yo fishing, all run by elementary school kids. This effort aims to instil entrepreneurial spirit in loca

With permanent spaces in major cities across Japan including Tokyo and Osaka, it’s about time teamLab opened one in Kyoto. So, good news: the world-famous art collective is finally launching a permanent museum right in the heart of the ancient capital come autumn. Called teamLab Biovortex Kyoto, this immersive art space is part of a new creative hub within the Kyoto Station Southeast Area Project. While details are still scarce, we do know the museum will showcase all-new artworks including some never before seen in Japan. The pieces are made of materials you wouldn’t normally expect in conventional art, and in typical teamLab fashion, you can literally step into the installations. Here are four artworks teamLab recently revealed for the new museum. Photo: teamLab, Massless Amorphous Sculpture © teamLab (Reference image)Massless Amorphous Sculpture Massless Amorphous Sculpture At first glance, this piece looks like a floating mass of soap bubbles. It’s certainly no typical sculpture, being neither solid nor gaseous. According to teamLab, this ‘Higher Order Sculpture’ is made of ‘energy, movement and balance’. It interacts with the people around it: it can wrap around a viewer and even reconfigure itself if it gets pulled apart. Despite looking delicate, it holds its shape surprisingly well, as long as the environment is right. Photo: teamLab, Massless Suns and Dark Suns © teamLab (Reference image)Massless Suns and Dark Suns Massless Suns and Dark Suns This endless field o