Neil Armstrong

In the past few decades, Japanese food has spread across the world faster than a blitz of Dragon Ball Z and has arguably done more for Japan's soft power than any dozen doe-eyed anime characters. Injecting previously unknown flavours into Western cuisine, the adoption and adaptation of Japanese food across Asia has been more subtle. No stranger to a rice-centric diet and seafood dishes, Filipinos have eagerly embraced many familiar flavours, along with the more exotic, of Japanese cuisine. There’s a huge array of Japanese restaurants throughout Manila, from the upper echelon of fine dining to many mall-based eateries. And it's not a stretch to say that many of the Japanese dishes in the city are on par with what you'd find in Japan.  Of all the different types of Japanese dishes, tempura is the most popular in the Philippines. The crunch, the warm, firm inside of shrimp or crab, along with the choice of innumerable dips and sauces, sweet or savoury, make it a versatile offering. But whatever your preference for Japanese food fare, you'll find some spectacular eateries in Manila. RECOMMENDED: The 9 best things to do in Manila

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