Shota Nagao

Cherry blossom season is undoubtedly the highlight of spring in Tokyo, or Japan for that matter. Whether you hit the blooming dates on-the-mark, or happen to be here just before or after the full bloom, there are still lots of sakura-inspired events, cherry blossom sweets and hanami (cherry blossom viewing) happenings around the city. So really, if you're in Tokyo in March or early April, you can still revel in all the pink festivities. RECOMMENDED: The best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo

With the weather warming up, we're not far away from Tokyo's cherry blossom season, with the flowers expected to start blooming from mid-March. Hanami (cherry blossom-viewing) picnics are one of the most popular ways to enjoy the flowers during the daytime, but there are plenty of opportunities to admire the pink blossoms in the evening, too. Many parks, gardens, temples, shrines and streets in Tokyo have special illuminations and light-up events when the sakura trees are in full bloom – so you can still admire these pink blossoms in the dark. Here are some of the best places in Tokyo to see spectacular cherry blossom illuminations in the evening.  RECOMMENDED: Best places to see cherry blossoms in Tokyo

Want to feast in one of the world’s best food cities without breaking the bank? No worries – Tokyo’s got you covered. While life in the capital may not be getting any cheaper, the city hasn't lost the appetite for quality food at a great prices. Tokyoites love to eat out – a lot – and this makes Tokyo one of the best cities in the world for a great meal at a low price. Whether you’re feeling like a comforting bowl of ramen, soba, some sushi or even a fresh pizza, we’ve scoured Tokyo to pick out the top restaurants where you can get your fix, whatever you might be craving. Plus, many of these meals can easily cost you less than ¥1,200 (including tax), so you can eat a big meal and save some cash. RECOMMENDED: the best Tokyo ramen of 2025

One of the larger islands in the Seto Inland Sea, Shodoshima draws in visitors from across Japan and abroad with its temperate weather and breathtaking views. The island is famous for its relaxing, Mediterranean-like atmosphere, tranquil beaches and delicious seafood, as well as its abundance of avant-garde art installations, a result of Shodoshima’s long-time role as co-host of the Setouchi Triennale art festival. Also the set for the live-action adaptation of Studio Ghibli’s classic Kiki's Delivery Service and Japan's olive production capital, it’s a destination filled to the brim with sights to explore. Now, for the first time in 34 years, a new seaside resort hotel has opened its doors on this nature-filled island. Edit x Seven Setouchi Shodoshima, which celebrated its grand opening on March 5, is the perfect base from which to explore Shodoshima and the surrounding islands of Naoshima, Teshima and Inujima. Centred on the concept of luxury ‘self-hospitality’, the Edit x Seven brand focuses on providing high-quality service while offering more privacy and flexibility than a traditional hotel. In line with this concept, its newest offering brings a slice of luxurious style to the island. Here are five reasons to check it out.

Located just a quick train ride to the west and away from the hustle and bustle of Japan’s capital, Yamanashi prefecture is a favourite escape for Tokyoites seeking fresh air and open landscapes. Home to Mt Fuji and the scenic Fuji Five Lakes area, the region offers everything from hot spring bathing and seasonal fruit picking to lakeside cycling and autumn foliage viewing. The local food scene is equally enticing, with hearty hoto noodles, premium Koshu wine and farm-fresh produce forming the backbone of Yamanashi’s culinary identity. With so much to see and taste, the last thing you want while travelling is decision fatigue over where to eat. That’s where Yamanashi’s ‘Food Diversity’ certification programme comes in. This prefectural initiative makes it easier for visitors with specific dietary needs – including halal/Muslim, vegan and vegetarian requirements – to find suitable dining options. Restaurants certified under the programme clearly indicate the types of meals they offer, helping travellers dine with confidence. Here are three accredited venues to add to your itinerary.

Valentine’s Day can be a trying time for everyone. What’s more, here in Japan we must face the ordeal twice with Valentine’s Day on February 14 as well as White Day on March 14. For those wondering, White Day is a day marked in Japan as well as neighbouring Asian countries where the men who have received gifts on V-Day must return the gesture (it is typically the women who give men chocolates on February 14). For some, Valentine’s Day is a welcome excuse to eat lavish chocolates and go for ironic outings with your pals, but for others it’s a distressing day that they wish they could avoid altogether.  Still a little stung from your most recent break-up? Too busy for romance? Perhaps you just have a low tolerance for capitalist nonsense. If you're trying to dodge the potential strike of cupid's arrow this season, we've got you covered. Here's a roundup of the most unromantic places in the city, where you'll be able to hide from all those saccharin-sweet couples.  RECOMMENDED: See how Japan celebrates Valentine's Day

The winter-blooming plum – or ume – flowers may not be as spectacular as cherry blossoms, which bloom about a month later and are the symbol of spring in Japan. But the white and pink ume blossoms are still a sight to behold. And they are beloved for their pleasant fragrance that fills the air from early February to mid-March. Plum trees can, of course, be found all over the city, but the parks, shrines, temples and gardens listed here rank among the top ume-viewing spots, many of which have been popular since the 1600s. Some of these Tokyo attractions are even celebrating the occasion with dedicated plum blossom festivals filled with street food stalls and Japanese cultural performances.  RECOMMENDED: Winter cherry blossoms are also blooming around the same time in Tokyo and you can catch them here.

Following his 2022 album Untidy Soul, Samm Henshaw has enjoyed a steady rise to the summit of the contemporary soul scene. The South London native’s long-awaited new record It Could Be Worse – featuring the already much-praised singles ‘Get Back’ and ‘Float’ – arrived as a vinyl exclusive in December 2025, and now Henshaw is gearing up for a world tour that kicks off right here in Tokyo on January 27. The authentic, timeless soul sound of It Could Be Worse brings Henshaw’s artistry to new heights. ‘I feel like I’ve been living to arrive at this work,’ he told us recently. He also spoke about the album’s striking cover and the meaning behind its title, the documentary that influenced him during production, and the one song he kept listening to while making the record. Photo courtesy of Origami PRODUCTIONSThe cover of ‘It Could Be Worse’ The cover photo of you bleeding from the head, along with the title It Could Be Worse, produces a pretty unsettling effect. What inspired the cover and the title? I wanted the album title and the artwork to work together. When listeners hear the title and see the cover, I want them to feel like detectives. Almost like stepping into a crime scene and trying to deduce what happened – listening to the album as they unravel it. With the title It Could Be Worse and the single cover, along with the songs included, I hope listeners will imagine their own stories. The lead single ‘Float’ reminded me of the first time I heard Marvin Gaye’s ‘Mercy Merc

In collaboration with Ginza Information Management (GIM), we released a brand new edition of our ‘31 Things To Do in Ginza’ guide map at the end of 2025. The eighth edition highlights 31 brilliant venues, ranging from long-established restaurants and shops to art galleries and fancy bars. You’ll also find information on free outdoor resting spots and temporary emergency accommodation in the event of a natural disaster, along with accessibility information for those in need of wheelchair-accessible toilets and lifts. Here’s a small sample of the spots we feature in Tokyo’s ritziest district.

We know Tokyo has some of the most spectacular illuminations,from the ever-popular Keyakizaka Illumination to the OTT display at Yomiuri Land. But the rest of Japan is full of similarly bright ideas worth catching the shinkansen for. Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi displays five million lights shaped like flowers, while Mie prefecture boasts one of the largest illuminations in Japan. Read on for a list of the best illuminations in Japan. RECOMMENDED: Prefer to stay in the city? Explore these illuminations and light displays in Tokyo

The new year is here! If, like us, you're feeling very done with 2025, then kickstart 2026 with some of the best events happening in Tokyo. If you feel like doing something energetic, head to one of Tokyo's many ice-skating rinks, and then take in the twinkly festive illuminations around town. Whatever you do, don't let the Tokyo winter beat you.

The days may be getting shorter and colder, but even so, Tokyo doesn't turn into a dark and desolate place at this time of year. In fact, from autumn to winter in the city, millions of colourful LED lights are wrapped around trees and buildings, turning Tokyo into a sparkling wonderland. Illuminations, as they’re usually known here, are big in Japan, but Tokyo’s are some of the biggest and the best. We've listed our top picks of where to admire these light displays, which are, of course, best enjoyed in good company. So layer up, grab your scarf, and head out to see Tokyo at its brightest and festive best. It’s gonna be lit. RECOMMENDED: the most beautiful winter destinations across Japan

Marunouchi’s gorgeous Cotton Club live jazz hall is hosting Millennial Jazz, an annual music event on March 19, with a special spotlight on next-generation artists reshaping the contemporary jazz scene. Founded to bring jazz to new listeners while giving longtime fans a reason to rediscover the genre in all its variety, Millennial Jazz showcases young musicians who are reimagining jazz classics with fresh sensibilities and bold improvisation, transcending genre boundaries and pushing Japanese jazz forward into a new era. The line-up features producer and vocalist Akira Wada, pianist Shota Watanabe, saxophonist Ryo Konishi, bassist Keisuke Furuki and drummer Akira Kudo. Vocalist Sara Yoshida of Mononkvl will also be making a guest appearance.The event has two sessions at 6pm and 8.30pm (doors open 5pm and 7.45pm respectively). Tickets are available via Ticket Pia and Lawson Ticket.

Coffee specialists from across the nation are gathering at Ginza’s Mitsukoshi department store this February for a stimulating showcase of contemporary coffee culture. Being held over eight days in the Mitsukoshi New Building’s 7th-floor event space, the festival features 33 carefully selected cafés, from entrants on the bleeding edge of Japan’s ever-evolving coffee culture to long-established coffee houses.Enjoy tastings at regional favourites like Mel Coffee Roasters from Osaka and Coffee County representing Fukuoka, as well as innovative brewers such as Philocoffea, which is credited for the revolutionary 4:6 method – an intuitive formula for dividing the hot water used to brew a cup of coffee – and compare coffees made with different roasts, bean types and brewing techniques.The venue will also include a ‘coffee counter bar’ where you can take in artisanal showcases. In addition to daily demonstrations of the Japanese-style Nel drip method, you can enjoy the brewing of Italian espressos and lattes right before your eyes. At the espresso counter, Barista Maestro-certified International Espresso Italiano Championship finalist Chihiro Yokoyama will be taking centre stage (or counter in this case), inviting you to enjoy a freshly brewed cup while observing the master’s brewing techniques up close. Before heading over, be sure to purchase a tasting ticket set (from ¥2,500) via Asoview to avoid queues and the off chance it's sold out. (Physical tickets are exchanged in the Ginz

Shibuya’s UltraSuperNew Kura gallery is hosting an exhibition of paintings that offer a firsthand account of the Eaton Fire, which devastated Los Angeles County in early 2025. The works, by Altadena resident Alejandro M Lopez, evoke the trauma, melancholy and ultimately hope in the rebirth of nature amidst the razing of neighbourhoods and wildlife. All of the works were painted within the fire zone and aim to spark dialogue around how climate change directly impacts people’s lives. ‘The climate crisis must not remain the story of loss that I experienced,’ says Lopez, ‘but instead become one of redemption, rebirth and change.’ To that end, the works give form to the often hard-to-articulate realities of climate change in a way words alone cannot. The exhibition runs at UltraSuperNew Kura from February 7 to 27. Visits are by appointment only on weekdays, while walk-ins are welcome on Saturdays. In addition to the exhibition, the gallery will host two related talks. A climate talk with Chris Russell and Alejandro M Lopez takes place on February 11 from 7pm to 8.30pm, followed by a talk with Maya Sobchuk, entitled ‘On the Space Between War and Peace’, on February 25 from 6.30pm to 9pm. The exhibition is closed on Sunday & Monday. Reserve a spot on the official website.

Ota ward’s Ikegami Baien (plum garden) makes the most of the hilly landscape surrounding Ikegami Honmonji temple, flourishing like a curtain of fragrant red and white blossoms every February. The garden of 370 plum trees in 30 varieties can be admired from a hillside observation deck or from the garden’s three traditional tea rooms. Special evening illuminations take place in the plum garden from mid-February to early March. Keep your eyes peeled for the official 2026 schedule, which should be released shortly.

This hidden gem, located in the maze of little alleys that make up Sangenjaya’s Sankaku Chitai, offers handmade hot dogs at a surprisingly affordable price point. Opened in 2014, the eatery makes its sausages in-house, which is why it’s able to keep costs low. While there are ten hot dogs and eight sauces to choose from, their most popular offering is the original Plain Hot Dog (¥980) filled with their homemade sauerkraut and topped with generous amounts of ketchup and mustard. If you’re looking to spice things up, order the Chilli Dog (¥950) or Chilli Cheese Dog (¥980) topped with their homemade chilli con carne sauce. A separate drink order is required when dining in.

Otaguro Park in Suginami's residential district of Minami-Ogikubo is a popular spot for admiring colourful autumn leaves, especially after sunset. At night, the main path leading to the Japanese garden – lined with century-old ginkgo trees – glows in vibrant yellow, while the garden’s fiery red maples are illuminated and mirrored on the still pond, creating picture-perfect photo ops.

Sagamiko Resort Mori Mori has gone all out for its winter illuminations, featuring over six million dazzling LEDs. This year, there's an entire area dedicated to Tamagotchi – Japan's beloved digital pets from outer space. Expect to see Mametchi, along with his sidekick Kuchipatchi and other pocketable pets such as Memechi. You can hop on the park’s Mametchi and Kuchipatchi themed Rainbow Chairlift and sail over colourful stripes before reaching the top of a hill, where you'll find a series of illumination art walls showcasing the whole Tamagotchi family. Keep wandering and you might stumble upon a mysterious UFO beaming with colour – maybe a hint at where these pocketable pets really came from. To wrap up the night, take in the dazzling lights and sweeping mountaintop views from the Ferris wheel or hop on the Tamagotchi Starry Sky Pedal for stunning panoramas and a light leg workout. While you’re there, indulge in Tamagotchi-themed meals and snacks. Enjoy a hearty Tamagotchi Poka Poka Star Ramen or the voluminous Mametchi's Omurice Curry Doria Plate. Prefer something sweet? Then check out Furawatchi's flower crepe or the Memechi mango sundae.

The annual Tokyo Art Book Fair (TABF) at the Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo in Kiyosumi returns this December at a larger scale than ever before, taking place over two weekends for the first time: December 11 to 14 and December 19 to 21. In this fifteenth instalment, expect a total of 560-odd publishers, galleries and artists from Japan and abroad taking part, with each weekend featuring a different line-up of exhibitors. At TABF, you’ll be able to flip through zines, chat with artists and browse quirky goods made for bibliophiles with an eye for design. The Guest Country programme, which has become a regular element of the book fair, is putting the spotlight on Italian publishers this year, with three exhibitions: YES YES YES: Revolutionary Press in Italy 1966-1977, showcasing underground newspapers and magazines, and Out of the Grid: Italian Zines 1978-2006, highlighting the evolution of zine culture. The programme also includes Marchette, exploring ties between corporations and publishing in Italian design, along with a showcase by Corraini, the publisher behind picture books by Bruno Munari, Enzo Mari and Ettore Sottsass. Aside from the pop-up booths where publishers, galleries and independent creatives will be showcasing their latest projects, the programme also includes a series of workshops and open-panel discussions to look forward to. General admission is ¥1,200 per person and advance tickets (¥1,000 plus a ¥165 booking fee) will be available online from November 2

Make the trek to Musashi-Kyuryo National Government Park – also known as Shrinrin Park – in Saitama this October for a Halloween-themed illumination, held on weekends and public holidays until October 26. Over half a million lights will glow in spooky purples, while Halloween decorations and artworks like Jack-o’-Lanterns and ghosts add to the eerie atmosphere. Dress up in your favourite costume and enjoy a child-friendly castle-themed illumination show, or munch on Jack-o’-Lantern meat pizza at the central restaurant. The botanical garden is also hosting the ‘Momiji Magic de Show’, a dazzling display of cascading LEDs featuring a talking maple tree. Although it’s a bit of a trek from central Tokyo, you can reach Shinrinkoen Station in about an hour via the Tobu Tojo Line from Ikebukuro. On event days, a special night shuttle bus runs between the station and the park from 5pm to 8.30pm. The event will be cancelled in the event of rain. Be sure to check the park's announcement page for the latest updates before heading out.

The Sawara Grand Festival is held twice a year – in July and October – in the picturesque canal city of Sawara in northern Chiba. Regarded as one of the three largest float festivals in the Kanto region, the festival was recognised by UNESCO as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property in 2016. The autumn version of the Sawara Grand Festival takes place from October 10 to 12, centred around Suwa Shrine and the town's carefully preserved historical district. Expect to see fourteen magnificent floats adorned with meticulously crafted ornaments and likenesses of ancient warriors on top during the three-day fest. For fans of traditional festivals, this is a truly immersive experience – complete with dancers in period costume, the rhythmic sounds of Sawara bayashi festival music, and a cityscape that feels like it’s been frozen in time for the 300 years the festival has been held for. While Sawara is located a stone’s throw away from Narita, getting to the city from central Tokyo by train is a bit more difficult. The journey takes approximately two hours, involving a transfer from the Sobu Line Rapid Service at Narita to the Narita Line to Sawara Station. However, easier and faster direct-route bus options are available from Bus Terminal Tokyo Yaesu, stop no. 14 (Choshi Sawara Route). Tip: While you're there, check the Sawara Festival Digital Map for real-time mikoshi float locations.

Everyone loves Chiikawa right now. Get your fill of the mischievous characters created by Japanese illustrator Nagano in Shibuya, where the franchise’s official ramen shop returns for a limited time. Located on the basement floor of Shibuya Parco, it deals in ramen of the pork variety, hence the buta (pig) in the name. The ramen is served in three sizes: Chiikawa (mini), Hachiware (small) and Usagi (large). Each bowl will come with a novelty sticker, featuring either Chiikawa, Hachiware or Usagi depending on the bowl you ordered. As for drinks, the Shisa Mandarin Soda is a must-try, named after the hard-working lion dog and ramen shop assistant in the Chiikawa universe. Each drink comes with a novelty character card, which you can draw at random from a selection of 10 characters. Visitors who grab a bite of the ramen are also allowed exclusive access to the adjacent merch shop, complete with limited-edition goods – think T-shirts, ramen bowls, beer jugs and towels featuring the adorable Chiikawa.

Positioned right in between Jimbocho, Kudanshita and Suidobashi, Echo Records is a niche second-hand record store with a psychedelic edge. The store specialises in used vinyl ranging from American pre-war blues and jazz to psychedelic rock of the ’60s and ’70s. Owner Takeshi Dooka runs the shop from behind a bar counter, serving cheap pints and homemade coffee – the perfect companions whether you’re sinking into the sofa to listen to your latest find on the shop’s custom speakers or taking a break from digging through stacks of records. Dooka, who still plays in a band from time to time, first opened the shop in western Tokyo in 2020, when live gigs were scarce during the height of the pandemic. Seeing musicians rally together to support each other inspired him to pursue his longstanding interest in records and collecting. On a trip to London, Birmingham and other English cities, he hauled back a beefy stash of vinyl in tote bags and carry-ons. Since then, Echo Records has built a loyal following thanks to its distinctive curation, encouraging shoppers to dig with purpose and discover the right record, rather than simply browse through an A-to-Z index. The amicable owner is always on hand to share stories about his finds, recommend hidden gems, or pour you a beer while the turntable spins. You'll also find a small vintage clothing shop on the first floor.

Visitors heading to Japan may soon need to complete an extra step of (digital) paperwork before boarding their flight. The Japanese government approved a bill last week that will introduce a new pre-travel screening system called the Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA). The new system, which the government hopes to implement during fiscal 2028 (April 2028–March 2029), will apply to travellers from countries that currently enjoy visa-free entry to Japan for short stays. Before getting on that plane for Japan, visitors will need to submit basic personal and travel information online to receive approval. Airlines may deny boarding to passengers who haven’t obtained the authorisation in advance. JESTA is expected to work similarly to the equivalent ESTA system used by the United States, allowing immigration authorities to screen passengers before arrival. Does this mean less time spent in the airport immigration queue (aka a faster route to your hotel bed)? We’re not sure. The government says its move is aimed at reducing overstays and strengthening border controls as inbound tourism continues to surge. JESTA will require travellers to pay an application fee, but the government has not yet indicated a specific number. For comparison, the US charges about ¥6,000 per ESTA application. The changes may also hurt Japan residents’ wallets, as the newly approved bill proposes to raise the upper limit of fees at immigration, including for changing residency status, r

One of the most mysterious monsters in the Pokémon universe is taking over one of Tokyo’s most important underground arteries – the purple Hanzomon Line. The serendipitous collaboration, running from March 2 to March 15, reminds us of the Oedo Line x Ed Sheeran collaboration last year and plays on the coincidence that the line’s signature colour closely matches Ditto’s own lilac hue. The collab also riffs on the similar sounds of ‘Hanzomon’ and Ditto’s Japanese name, Metamon. Expect to see Ditto taking shape on the subway in the form of hanging train handles, pillars on the train platforms and even the Hanzomon line roundel in select stations and trainsets. 半蔵門線乗ったらめっちゃ可愛いメタモンの吊り革見つけました✨ pic.twitter.com/bHVb9DeO8W — ハスカップ07 (@haskap1017) March 2, 2026 If you’re hoping to catch the collaboration trains, keep an eye out for the newest 18000-series trainsets, easily recognisable by their sleek purple livery. Only two of these trains feature the special Ditto-themed interiors, complete with character ads and customised train handles. Three stations on the line – Shibuya, Hanzomon and Oshiage (Skytree-mae) – are decked out with Ditto-themed decorations celebrating the amorphous Pokémon. For a smooth photo op away from the worst crowds, we recommend heading to either Hanzomon or Oshiage instead of the always busy Shibuya. View this post on Instagram A post shared by ポケモン公式 (@pokemon_jpn) The collaboration coincides with the launch o

Parents and young art seekers, rejoice: five museums in Tokyo are accessible for free to anyone aged 18 or under from now until April 5. Thanks go to the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture, which is bringing back its ‘Welcome Youth’ programme that grants free access to the latest exhibitions and several paid facilities. Created for young people to encounter art more easily and broaden their horizons of creative expression, Welcome Youth 2026 is offering free entrance to the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, Edo-Tokyo Open-Air Architectural Museum, Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo and Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. The exhibitions that can be viewed during the period are as follows: Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum: Garden admission. Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum: 100 Years of Showa and the Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectural Museum. Tokyo Photographic Art Museum: Yebisu International Festival for Art & Alternative Visions 2026. Tokyo Photographic Art Museum: APA Award 2026: The 54th Annual Japan Advertising Photographers’ Association Open Exhibition; W. Eugene Smith and New York: The Loft Era; TOP Collection: Don’t think. Feel. (upcoming). Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo: Sol LeWitt: Open Structure; Mission∞Infinity | Space + Quantum + Art; Multiple Self-portraits Special Feature Nakanishi Natsuyuki Ikeuchi Akiko: Arc and Catenary (MOT Collection 30th Anniversary Exhibit); Tokyo Contemporary Art Award 2024–2026 E

One of the world’s biggest photography trade shows is back in Yokohama. CP+ 2026 is taking over Pacifico Yokohama from February 26 to March 1, drawing industry insiders and shutterbugs from around the world. Photo: Shota Nagao   Photo: Shota Nagao Photo: Shota Nagao Walking the exhibition floor feels like stepping into a playground for camera enthusiasts. Visitors move between massive booths from manufacturers like Fujifilm, Nikon, Canon and Sony, all packed with demo units, portrait setups and hands-on shooting stations where you can try everything from entry-level mirrorless cameras to high-spec telephoto lenses that normally cost an arm and a leg. There’s even a gigantic Plarail miniature train set area to test out your skills and gear. Photo: Shota Nagao But CP+ isn’t only about the latest and greatest gear. Many booths double as elaborate photo sets, from staged portrait studios to even a Back to the Future-inspired DeLorean set designed for testing lenses in realistic conditions. Throughout the day, photographers gather around small stages for live talks and demonstrations by professionals and creators. Photo: Shota Nagao   Photo: Shota Nagao Though you can’t buy any equipment on site, the show does offer a clear snapshot of where photography is heading, given how much of the R&D action in the field takes place locally in Japan. The event also features a photo book market in the main hall, as well as a zine market scheduled for February 28 and March 1 in the

Pizza Slice deserves plenty of credit for helping to elevate Tokyo’s New York-style pizza-by-the-slice culture. Now the pioneering pie shop is teaming up with modern Nepalese curry restaurant Adicurry in Futakotamagawa for a dream pop-up featuring curry and pizza. A casual sister shop of Adi in Nakameguro, Adicurry currently shares the floor with Pizza Slice at the ‘P.’ food court in Futakotamagawa, leading us to suspect the unlikely friendship was born there. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaPizza Slice The pop-up, aptly named ‘Curry Pizza’ and coming off a successful run in Seoul last year, is taking place on March 7 and 8 at Pizza Slice Cat Street. Get there for a rare fusion of authentic spices and NY-style slices, and expect to also find a limited-edition collaboration T-shirt drop. A reception party takes place at the venue the night before, on March 6, from 6pm to 10.30pm. More from Time Out Tokyo Here's the official Japan cherry blossom forecast for 2026 – updated Feb 19 Starbucks Japan unveils its 2026 cherry blossom collection Discovering 3 of Jimbocho’s best stationery shops with Hobonichi Calling all the monsters: Kawaii Monster is back in Harajuku The stunning Dior Bamboo Pavilion in Daikayama is now open Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.    

After the wildly popular Gacha Gacha Exhibition in Marunouchi last July, Tokyo’s gacha enthusiasts were left with a gaping hole in their souls. But now the painful wait is finally over for all you capsule toy geeks out there: the Roppongi Museum is hosting a new and even larger iteration of the exhibit in cooperation with the Japan Gachagacha Association. Photo: Shota Nagao The new iteration of the display showcases over 400 capsule toy series from 13 manufacturers, alongside around 200 machines selling everything from rare finds to previously unreleased items. Photo: Shota NagaoCup no Fuchiko series Expect to see everything from anthropomorphic seals, cats and the cotton-ball looking shima enaga bird to miniatures of everyday items, including arcade machines, portapotties, record players and even a Sukiya teishoku meal. We had our eyes set on the ‘Cup no Fuchiko’ series by manga artist Katsuki Tanaka, featuring a tiny girl who likes to hang on the fuchi (rim) of cups. Photo: Shota Nagao Photo: Shota Nagao Photo: Shota Nagao Photo: Shota Nagao Photo: Shota Nagao To mark Gacha Gacha Day – the day when the first capsule toy machine was imported to Japan from the United States, natch – the coveted Gacha Gacha Exhibition Grand Prize will be awarded on February 17, with the winner decided by visitor votes. Cast your ballot for your favourite toy and help make gacha history. Photo: Shota Nagao The exhibition runs until March 2 and tickets are currently on sale via A

Tokyo’s traditional bathhouses going through a tough time is hardly news – ownership succession issues, rising energy costs, ageing facilities and declining usage mean that more and more sento are going out of business. Even so, some public baths are finding ways to stay relevant. Koganeyu in Kinshicho is one such example: having reinvented the sento experience with features like a DJ booth and an in-house taproom serving craft beer, it’s successfully adapting tradition for a new generation.   Photo: Kanazawa Yokujo Co., Ltd. Now Koganeyu is taking its winning concept to the other side of town. Set to open at the end of May on the former site of Kanazawa-yu – a charming neighbourhood sento in Higashi Shinjuku that closed in June last year – Koganeyu’s first branch bathhouse is aiming to deliver an elevated public bath experience. While it’s built around the core sento offering, the facility will incorporate novel ventures, from a beer bar pouring exclusive brews to a significantly expanded sauna and cold plunge area. Rather than being subjected to a complete overhaul, the 50-year-old bathhouse is being carefully renovated to preserve its original tile mural and distinctive sloped ceiling, maintaining a sense of familiarity for long-time patrons while introducing newcomers to the depth of sento culture.   Branding is being handled by artist Michiko Takahashi, who also worked on Koganeyu’s original location, while architect Yuko Nagayama, known for her work on the Women’s Pav

Umaibo, Japan’s long-selling cylindrical corn puff snack – arguably the epitome of cheap dagashi treats – just fetched a staggering ¥1,150,000 at auction, turning the humble candy store staple into a high-art talking point. You read that right – the tasteful (sorry) piece, titled ‘Umaibo: Contemporary Art Flavour’, was created by New York-based Japanese contemporary artist Tomokazu Matsuyama in collaboration with the snack’s maker Yaokin and first unveiled as part of his 2025 solo exhibition ‘Tomokazu Matsuyama: First Last’ at Azabudai Hills Gallery. Originally released as a limited run of 50 sticks priced at a cool ¥100,000 each, Matsuyama’s work reimagines the ubiquitous hollowed-out snack as an item of high art. And as much as we wanted to taste the extra-special nibble when it was first unveiled, it was quick to sell out (and way too expensive). Photo: Matsuyama Studio, LLC Encased in a clear acrylic box with exclusive line art on the packaging, the piece challenges perceptions of value, consumer culture, and what everyday objects can mean when reframed as art. Photo: Matsuyama Studio, LLC Now that one has sold for over 10 times its original price, we’re thinking maybe we should have splurged on a contemporary-art-flavoured Umaibo back in 2025 after all. More from Time Out TokyoAoyama’s beloved Apéro wine bar is back Here's the official Japan cherry blossom forecast for 2026 – updated Jan 22BTS announce Tokyo dates for their comeback tour – here's how to get tickets G

Apéro Aoyama Winebar & Table is a pioneer of Tokyo’s natural wine bar scene and a long-time haunt for those seeking French apéro culture in the capital. Its closure a year ago was thus much lamented, but founder Guillaume Dupérier wasn’t about to give up – he was just preparing to come back stronger. Apéro made its official comeback on December 13, reimagined as a refined space where speciality wines and thoughtfully crafted organic dishes invite guests on a ‘journey of taste’. The new location in Minami Aoyama is just a quick hop away from the previous one and features a beautiful minimalist interior in which natural materials are used to express the terroir of the wine on offer. The space feels intimate and unhurried, with soft washi paper lamps and floral arrangements adding a touch of Japanese charm to the French aesthetics. Since opening his bar in 2014, Dupérier has prioritised creating a space where guests can experience France’s ‘apéro culture’ – enjoying drinks and small bites while chatting before dinner. He has travelled extensively throughout his native France to source wines from producers he knows personally, and across Japan to gather organic ingredients for his dishes.   Photo: Tomomi Nakamura     Over its previous 10-year run, the bar attracted attention from local wine lovers as a place to experience a slice of Paris in Tokyo. Following the renovation, Apéro has retained its fundamental concept while evolving into a more refined venue built around the them

The Takanawa Gateway City complex is gearing up to celebrate its grand opening on March 28, and all sorts of exciting events are taking place to hype up the completion of this long-awaited city within the city. Along with an immersive, experimental projection mapping event, the celebrations include a mini-series of DJ gigs within JR Takanawa Gateway Station for seven consecutive days from February 5. 画像提供：東日本旅客鉄道株式会社「TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY」PR事務局 Titled Ekinaka DJ Winter ’26, the programme is a sequel to last year’s Ekinaka Friday series, which ran every Friday in spring and summer for a total of ten days. For the 2026 edition, expect to see performances by eight high-flying artists including house music collective CYK, leading DJs Shinichi Osawa and DJ Kaori, as well as the internationally recognised Shingo Nakamura, who’s made his mark on labels like Anjunadeep and Monstercat Silk. EKINAKA FRIDAYScene from a previously held event in 2025 Beyond the impressive line-up, the draw here is the unique location, which allows you to enjoy live spins with a drink in hand while watching the trains pass directly below. The station – designed by starchitect Kengo Kuma – exudes a futuristic vibe with an airy interior that has no equal among other Yamanote line stations. Just be sure to arrive early, as admission may be restricted depending on how crowded it gets. Note that the gig venue is located outside the ticket gates, on the third-floor terrace area, right by the South ticket gat

In Ueno, pandas have long been more than an insanely popular zoo attraction – they’re practically the neighbourhood’s unofficial mascots. From souvenir shops selling panda plushies and post boxes featuring panda faces to life-size statues scattered around Ueno and nearby Okachimachi, everything seems to revolve around these clumsy and lovable bamboo-eating furballs. Photo: Teerawat Winyarat/DreamstimeMini pandas at Okachimachi Panda Square Unfortunately, the neighbourhood, Tokyo – and Japan as a whole – will soon be hit with a significant loss. The Asahi Shimbun reports that the two pandas at Ueno Zoo, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, are set to be returned to China later this month with no replacement in sight. Born at the zoo in 2021, the duo are the last remaining pandas in Japan; their parents, Li Li and Xin Xin, were returned to China in 2024. Originally set for February 2026, the return date for Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei has been brought forward by a month. The move comes against the backdrop of diplomatic tensions between Japan and China, which were heightened following Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s recent remarks on Taiwan. The PM said that a Chinese naval blockade of Taiwan would threaten Japan’s ‘survival’ – suggesting that Japan could become involved in a potential China-Taiwan conflict. Given the strained relations, the chances of new panda loans appear slim. Once Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei depart, Japan will be without pandas for the first time since 1972, when China gifted Uen

For emerging songwriters in Japan, navigating international waters can be a difficult task. The domestic music market differs in significant ways from the global, while language barriers can also make going big outside Japan feel hopeless. Launching this year, the Tokyo Sound Continuum programme aims to bridge this gap. Funded by Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs through the Japan Creator Support Fund, the initiative is designed to foster a ‘Japan-based international creative ecosystem’. The programme functions as an audition of sorts for Japanese songwriters and track makers, offering selected participants the opportunity to create music together with world-class producers such as Mark Pitts, Jason ‘J.LBS’ Pounds and Akil ‘WorldwideFresh’ King, among others. All are active at the forefront of the global music market, particularly within hip-hop, R&B and pop. 画像提供：TOKYO SOUND CONTINUUMJason “J.LBS” Pounds Tokyo Sound Continuum goes beyond one-off songwriting camps, offering sustained support across the entire production process, from initial creation and contract signing to global outreach. The programme is structured in stages over three years, beginning with an international co-writing camp in Tokyo this March, followed by two more planned in either North or South America. The initiative targets artists with the ambition to test their music on the global stage, engage in serious collaborative projects with top-tier overseas creators, and kickstart a sustainable music ca