Shota Nagao

For the past eight years, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities in order to create our definitive annual ranking. The places where stuff like nightlife, art, culture, and affordable food and drink can be found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play. So, what are the neighbourhoods that fit the bill this year? To find out, we asked our network of writers and editors across a breadth of cities to nominate the vibiest district in their hometown right now. We then ranked every neighbourhood against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.  On our list this year, you’ll find everything from homely, village-like enclaves with tight-knit communities to revitalised city-centre hubs and formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts. Many are underrated spots that sit in the shadow of their commercialised counterparts; others have become unexpected culinary hotspots or magnets for the city’s artists, writers and activists. What they all have in common is a DIY spirit – and an unshakeable proclivity f

Halloween has come a long way from its origins in ancient Celtic harvest festivals. These days it's more about looking as OTT as possible, a custom that was popularised in the US in the early 1900s. In Japan, too, there is none of the doom and gloom of the holiday's historical association with death, which may have something to do with the fact that the local celebration first made waves at Tokyo Disneyland. We're looking forward to a series of Halloween events on October 31, as well as the days leading up to it. Whatever you decide, don't let your costume go to waste – dress up for some of Tokyo's most spectacular Halloween parties. RECOMMENDED: 6 best Halloween events at theme parks in Japan

Celebrated in Tokyo since the latter part of the Edo era, the Tori no Ichi festival is a sure sign that winter is just around the corner. Observed in order to pray for wealth and good fortune for the year ahead, it is held every November on the days of the rooster (tori, one of the twelve signs of the Chinese zodiac). There are usually two or three of these days in a typical year. In 2025, it’s on November 12 and 24. Said to have originated at Asakusa's Otori Shrine and the nearby Juzaisan Chokokuji temple, the festival is now held at rooster-related shrines and temples all over Tokyo. These are our picks of the most visit-worthy Tori no Ichi events in the capital, all of which have a warm atmosphere and countless stalls selling traditional kumade (a colourfully decorated, traditional bamboo rake), which are an essential part of any Tori no Ichi celebration. RECOMMENDED: The best parks, gardens and streets to see the autumn leaves in Tokyo

Japan embraces Halloween like nowhere else, turning October into a month-long opportunity to feast on pumpkin treats and dress up like your favourite characters. Costume parties, parades and Halloween-themed afternoon teas are just some of the great ways to celebrate this holiday. You could also visit theme parks around Japan, most of which are putting on special decorations and events befitting the season of ghosts, ghouls and zombies. From Disneyland and Sanrio Puroland in Tokyo to Osaka’s Universal Studios Japan, here are the theme parks where you can get into the spooky spirit with Halloween-inspired treats, attractions and events this autumn. RECOMMENDED: 12 most beautiful autumn destinations in Japan

Autumn in Japan is the time of year when people flock to scenic destinations across the country just to see the leaves turn brilliant shades of vermillion, auburn and gold. Tokyo has its fair share of ideal spots for autumn leaves, but Ibaraki prefecture, just northeast of the capital, boasts activities that put a new spin on seeing the seasonal foliage. Ibaraki prefecture is so easily accessible from Tokyo, it's ideal for a quick weekend getaway. The best time to head up is from mid-to-late November, if you want to catch the autumn leaves at their peak. The picturesque Ryujin Lake area in Ibaraki prefecture is about two-and-a-half hours by car from central Tokyo. Alternatively, you can take the Hitachi Limited Express train up to Mito Station, then transfer to Hitachi-Ota Station and from there, hop onto a bus for Ryujin Dam; the entire journey takes roughly three hours from Tokyo Station. Here are just a few of the exciting things you can do in and around Ibaraki's Ryujin Lake. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful autumn destinations in Japan

Tokyo is one photogenic city, and you’d want a proper camera to capture the best moments. Thankfully, the city is chock-full of amazing electronics and camera stores, where you can score a bargain on used equipment or splurge on the latest model. If you’re hoping to save, we highly recommend browsing the second-hand selection at many of Tokyo’s camera shops. Like most preloved items in Japan, second-hand cameras and equipment usually remain in great condition, and you can get them at a decent marked-down price.  Don’t feel intimidated when you walk into these camera stores; there are options for both casual and professional shutterbugs. Plus, your choices in Tokyo are endless as Japan is home to some of the world’s most renowned camera brands including Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm, Ricoh and Panasonic.  To help you find your ideal camera and photography accessories, here are a few of our favourite new and used camera shops.  RECOMMENDED: The best flagship stores in Tokyo

Travel in Japan has never been more accessible. While challenges remain, major cities such as Tokyo are now dotted with ‘barrier-free’ toilets, elevators and accessible stations, with many more remote areas following suit. Yet accessibility in tourism is more than just a compliance checklist; it’s about creating opportunities, shifting perspectives and designing experiences that truly include everyone. That is the goal of Accessible Adventure Customized Tours, an initiative by the Ise-Shima National Park Council for the Promotion of Eco-Tourism. Member guides from the council offer guided nature tours within Ise Shima National Park, highlighting the natural beauty of the area through activities such as kayaking and snorkelling, adapted to cater to adventurers of all ages and abilities. For a small taste of their repertoire, read on for our picks of the best experiences wheelchair users can have in Ise Shima.

If you’re looking for a different autumn experience around Tokyo and Japan, go seek out fields of susuki pampas grass instead of the usual red maple and yellow ginkgo trees. This tall plant is green in summer, but then it turns into shimmering shades of gold and silver when autumn rolls around. Because of this, pampas grass fields have become an Instagram hit of late, especially the one at Sengokuhara in Hakone. Here we’ve rounded up the top spots in Japan where you can frolic through fields of breezy pampas grass. RECOMMENDED: Looking for more things to do this season? Here are the most beautiful autumn destinations across Japan

タイムアウト東京 > Things To Do > 神保町でしかできない18のこと 東京の知識人が何世代にもわたって集ってきた地、神保町。ここは歴史ある大学街であり、ビブリオマニアにとっての楽園だ。約130軒の古書店があり、そのほとんどが低層のやや年季の入った雑居ビルに入居し、昔ながらの喫茶店やカレー店と建物を共有している。 新しい学生たちが絶え間なく流入することで、エネルギッシュな底流が生まれており、過去と現在が鮮やかに息づいている街でもある。路地裏には、新しいタイプの親密なミュージックバー、本格的なインドカレー店、クールなカフェ、独立系書店が次々と登場し、デジタル生活の不安や絶え間ないペースに対する理想的な癒やしのように感じられる場所に、新たな層を加えている。 「タイムアウト」は「世界で最もクールな街ランキング」の2025年度版では、この神保町が第1位に選ばれるという快挙を成し遂げた。ここでは、そんな神保町の中で、英語編集部がセレクトした訪れてほしい場所を紹介しよう。これが神保町の究極ガイドだ。 関連記事『神保町が2025年「世界で最もクールな街」ランキング第1位に選出』

The hangout of choice for generations of Tokyo intellectuals, Jimbocho is a historic university enclave and a bibliophile nirvana that enjoys a charmed existence just a quick stroll away from the city’s most high-powered business districts. It’s home to some 130 second-hand bookstores, most of them housed in low, slightly antiquated mixed-use buildings they share with old-school coffeeshops and curry houses. While this is a neighbourhood where the past vividly informs the present, the steady influx of new student cohorts lends Jimbocho an energetic undercurrent – one that’s now surging. In the backstreets, a new breed of intimate music clubs, authentic Indian curry spots, cool cafés and indie booksellers are adding fresh layers to a place that feels like the ideal remedy to the anxieties and relentless pace of digital life. We’ve just released our annual ranking of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, and Tokyo’s Jimbocho takes the number one spot. Of course, there are incredible things to discover all over this city, but if you’re looking for one essential stop, make it here. From hidden bars to manga-themed hotel rooms, pizza toast to listening bars, this is your ultimate guide to Jimbocho. RECOMMENDED: your ultimate round-the-clock guide to the capital

It might seem like the grass is greener in other prefectures – think of the temple-lined hills of Kamakura or the majestic Mt Fuji – but there are plenty of hidden pockets of nature in Tokyo. The city was once a vast, sprawling landscape of trees and fields before it became a business playground filled with suited salarymen and deluxe department stores, but you can still find some quiet nature spots, even close to bustling train stations.  Here are some of the best nature escapes in Tokyo, from lush valleys to hiking trails.  RECOMMENDED: 9 best discount train deals and rail passes for short trips from Tokyo

Mt Fuji, Japan’s iconic mountain, remains wildly popular among visitors to Japan, whether they choose to admire the peak by crowding a convenience store parking lot or ascending the majestic volcano itself. While there are endless options to take in stunning views of Mt Fuji, it’s much harder these days to come by a place where you can have the vista all to yourself – not to mention getting to enjoy it from the comfort of your room.

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.

A Japan-first exhibition celebrating the visionary artistry of cinema legend Jean-Luc Godard has taken over the iconic Ohjo Building in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho. Until August 31, the castle-shaped landmark in the heart of Kabukicho is hosting an immersive multi-screen installation that reinterprets The Image Book, the final feature-length work by the late French master. Structured into five chapters, the film took four years to create and reflects on more than a century of history, war, religion and art, weaving together quotes from classic films, literature and artworks. The exhibition deconstructs and reassembles this complex work, freeing it from the linear constraints of the cinema screen. Curated by Fabrice Aragno, filmmaker and longtime collaborator of Godard, the critically acclaimed show offers a rare window into the director’s creative world, inviting visitors to wander through fragments of image and sound and step inside the mind of one of cinema’s most influential figures. Tickets are available for purchase on-site or through the official website.

Held in the Tokyo Node creative complex on the upper floors of the Toranomon Station Tower, the Design Ah! exhibition by national broadcaster NHK transforms its acclaimed educational TV programme (of the same name) into a vivid hands-on experience. Suitable for visitors of all ages, the exhibition reimagines everyday actions like walking or eating through a design lens, fostering curiosity, creative thinking, and a sharper awareness of the world around us. While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to try out the interactive gesture screen, where visitors are invited to use gestures to interact with subjects in a video in an immersive and responsive way. With immersive 360-degree audiovisual installations, visual puzzles and interactive zones, the show offers a playful yet thought-provoking way to explore how design influences daily life.

The sleek designer toilets that took Tokyo by storm in 2018 – and later even inspired the film Perfect Days – will host a unique photography exhibit this summer, showcasing works by world-famous B&W photographer Daido Moriyama from July 19 to September 23. The main exhibition space, where Moriyama’s photographs of the designer toilets are displayed, will be the Hatagaya Public Toilet. Miles Pennington/UTokyo DLX Design Lab designed this toilet specifically with multifunctionality in mind. Envisioned to be used as an exhibition space or a pop-up kiosk – in addition to its primary function, of course – the toilet will now play the role of a photo gallery. Moreover, don’t miss this opportunity to check out the 10 other designer toilets in Shibuya ward, which for the duration of the event will all feature toilet paper adorned with imprints of Daido Moriyama’s photographs. Participating public toilets include: Sasazuka Greenway, Hatagaya Toilet, Nanago Dori Park, Nishihara Itchome Park, Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park, Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park, Jingu-Dori Park, Nabeshima Shoto Park, Ebisu Park, Ebisu East Park and Hiroo Higashi Park. 

Heralding the arrival of the summer farming season, the Narita Gion Festival has been a key celebration of Naritasan Shinshoji Temple in the Chiba prefecture city of Narita for over 300 years. Taking place near Narita International Airport, this event is held annually to pray for prosperity and a good harvest while seeking the blessing of the temple’s main deity, Fudo Myoo.  On all three days, ten beautifully carved and decorated floats plus one mikoshi (portable shrine) will be taken on a vibrant parade on the city streets, including the area surrounding JR Narita Station and the main road leading to Naritasan Shinshoji. The festivities begin on Friday July 4 with an opening dance ritual at Naritasan Main Hall at 1.30pm to pray for the safe proceedings of the festival. From there, the floats will begin their procession around town, with each having its own designated route.  The festival highlights include a large-scale traditional dance performance involving all the floats, set to happen in front of JR Narita Station on Saturday July 5 at 9am. This event effectively kicks off the festival’s second-day festivities.  Be sure to stay until the evening on the last day, Sunday July 6, as the festival will reach its climax with floats reconvening on the Omotesando road for an energetic race up the town’s main thoroughfare towards Naritasan Shinshoji. For this night procession, the floats will be illuminated with lanterns, giving them an even more awe-inspiring and mystical appear

If you’re craving familiar and comforting flavours after endlessly eating Japanese food, you’ll find them right here. Bringing a slice of Harlem to Kichijoji, The Dap’s Famous Hood Joint conjures up authentic New York-style sandwiches. Owner Yoshikazu Miyamoto honed his skills in East Harlem by working at Hajji’s Deli and offers a menu featuring the standout Authentic Chopped Cheese Sandwich (¥1,150) – a hearty mix of grilled ground beef, cheddar cheese, onions and fresh veggies on toasted bread. Other favourites include the monstrous Kichijoji Fat Boy Sandwich (¥2,800), the Philly Wheelie Cheese Steak (¥1,350) and the B-Side Chicken Over Rice (¥1,100). As for drinks, you can’t go wrong with their cool and creamy frozen piña coladas, which come in alcoholic and non-alcoholic varieties (from ¥600).  The shop’s standout feature is its brick staircase seating, which leads seamlessly up to the barbershop next door. Miyamoto took inspiration from the red bleachers in Times Square, aiming to recreate that casual, communal vibe. Because the restaurant floor sits level with the street, dining here almost feels like eating outside. The brown brick steps evoke the stoops of New York brownstones, adding to the distinctly urban aesthetic. And with the Chuo Line cutting diagonally across Inokashira Street just out front, Miyamoto says the view reminds him of a typical NYC street scene. In that scenario, is Inokashira Park Kichijoji’s version of Central Park?

It’s getting warmer, which means outdoor music festival season is in full swing. Ebisu’s Yebisu Garden Place is hosting its second annual outdoor jazz festival for three consecutive days this May, featuring a host of live performances by renowned artists from Japan and abroad.   While many of the scheduled performances are paid, expect to see free shows by domestic artists such as Bossa Nova specialist Lisa Ono and jazz pianist Tadataka Unno, bassist and singer Tendre, as well as the Grace Aimi, Yancy & Zack Auslander trio. Highlights from the list of paid performances include R&B artists Kona Rose with David Bryant, alternative rock band Luby Spark, and experimental soul band Wonk at the Blue Note Place, managed by legendary jazz club Blue Note. Coinciding with the 130th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between Japan and Brazil, the event will also feature a traditional pagode samba party hosted by celebrated former soccer player Ruy Ramos and his daughter Fabiana. The father-daughter duo will be performing on stage as a percussionist and singer, respectively. Standing tickets (¥3,900) are now available to purchase online via Eplus. Check the event timetable for more details.

Regarded as one of the greatest photographers of the 20th century, Robert Capa’s impactful photographs capture the essence of humanity when it is the most unseen – amidst the sufferings of war. Capa was present, eighty years ago, in the combat zones of World War II, risking his life to capture photographs that serve as tangible and reliable records of the conflicts. His work covers the political turmoil of Europe in the 1930s, the Spanish Civil War, the bombing of China by Japanese forces, the Allied counter-offensive against Germany in North Africa, the Normandy landings and more.  This exhibition will showcase 140 of Capa’s most compelling war-themed prints, highlighting the profound human tenderness of soldiers and civilians enduring the hardships of conflict. The exhibition is closed on Mondays (except May 5) as well as May 7.

If you want to witness the breathtaking moment when the sun sets perfectly atop Mt Fuji – a phenomenon popularly known as ‘Diamond Fuji’ – without leaving Tokyo, your best bet is to head to one of the city’s observatories (or invest in a high-rise apartment). For most of us, that means jostling for space at a packed viewing deck. This November, however, Sunshine 60 in Ikebukuro is offering a rare chance to experience Diamond Fuji from the skyscraper’s 61st-storey rooftop, which will be open to a lucky few visitors from November 13 to 17. These special rooftop sessions are not to be missed – especially since the city has been suffering from a serious dearth of elevated open-air lookouts since the indefinite 2024 closure of Roppongi Hills’ beloved outdoor sky deck. Photo: Sunshine City Co., Ltd. Tickets go on sale at 12 noon on October 31 via the Sunshine 60 Observatory’s official website and cost ¥6,000 per person (plus a separate observatory admission fee). Limited to just 12 guests per day, each two-hour session (3.15pm–5.15pm) offers panoramic 360-degree city views and the chance to see the sun align with Mt Fuji’s peak around 4.20pm, causing it to gleam brilliantly like a diamond. Visit the Sunshine City complex’s official website for more details. More news The amazing illuminations at Ashikaga Flower Park are here until February 2026 Winter music festival Snow Machine to return to Hakuba in March 2026 Winter is coming: Mt Fuji sees its first snowfall of the season Comb

While major Tokyo-area music festivals like Ultra Japan and Summer Sonic take place in the sweltering summer months, one festival is all about bringing the party to the snow. The winter music event Snow Machine will make a return to Nagano’s Hakuba in March 2026, combining mountain sports and live performances in one alpine celebration. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Snow Machine (@snowmachinefest) The multi-day music event, which made an impressive debut in 2020, is set to return in 2026 for a five-day celebration from March 3 to 8. It’s taking place at the ski resorts of Hakuba, famed for its powder snow and consistent snowfall. Festivalgoers can carve through fresh powder and catch live sets at on-mountain stages by day, then head to the main arena at night for high-energy performances and après-ski parties. Hakuba is about three hours from Tokyo: take the Hokuriku shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano (host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics), followed by a one-hour bus ride to the resort area. Expect a wave of talented artists on the line-up, including several prominent DJs from Australia’s music scene, who’ll be bringing a mix of genres from EDM to hip-hop. The list of performers currently includes Hannah Laing, Cyril, Gorgon City, Bag Raiders, Steve Aoki, Hiroko Yamamura and CYK Tokyo – just to name a few. There are two ways to experience Snow Machine, depending on how far you want to dive into the slopes, the beats, or your

Come autumn and through winter, one of the highlights of visiting Japan is seeing all the mesmerising illuminations lighting up the country’s parks and city streets. While most flowers are dormant during these cold months – and not to mention, the naked branches – many parks tend to go all out with their light displays, turning their somewhat barren gardens into magical fairytale lands to make up for the lack of flora. One of the most stunning park illuminations near Tokyo has to be the Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi prefecture. Known for its colourful wisteria in spring, the park transforms into a dazzling wonderland of illuminations in October. Photo: Ashikaga Flower Resort Co., Ltd. Now in its 24th year, the Flower Garden of Lights: Flower Fantasy 2025 event sees the park decked out in over five million LED bulbs, draped into show-stopping formations on cherry blossom trees, rose bushes and even the park's famous ofuji, or great wisteria tree. Photo: Ashikaga Flower Resort Co., Ltd. The park also features an illuminated rose garden called the Rose Garden of Light. On the observation deck, the experience is enhanced with the scent of roses, allowing visitors to enjoy a truly immersive combination of light and fragrance. Photo: Ashikaga Flower Resort Co., Ltd. Making a comeback this year is the park's popular Flower Castle. This jaw-dropping installation features a colourful mix of flowers, lights and rainbow LED fireworks bursting behind a gl

Japan sees plenty of music festivals in the summertime. From Fuji Rock to Ultra, the hotter months always equate to moshing in scantily-clad crowds, with partygoers trying to cram as many music events as possible before the end of the season. While outdoor concerts usually seem like a faraway dream during the freezing winter, it's not hard to distract yourself with the fresh powder on the slopes of northern Japan. In Nagano, however, it looks as though you won’t have to swap out one seasonal pursuit for the other.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Snow Machine (@snowmachinefest) Snow Machine, the winter music festival that made an impressive debut in 2019, is set to return in 2026 for a five-day celebration from March 3 to 8 at the ski resorts of Hakuba. Festivalgoers can carve through fresh powder by day and catch live sets at on-mountain stages with breathtaking alpine views, then head to the main arena at night for high-energy performances and après-ski parties. Swap your neon tank tops for equally bold snowsuits and ride the ski lift to stages perched high in the mountains. Hakuba is about three hours from Tokyo — take the shinkansen from Tokyo Station to Nagano (host city of the 1998 Winter Olympics), followed by a one-hour bus ride to the resort area. Many of the acts will be coming from Australia to perform a variety of genres ranging from indie pop to EDM, and will be joined by a handful of local up-and-coming artists. The lineup of

Three-day weekends are lovely on their own, but the next national holiday falling on Monday November 3 comes with one extra perk. Established in 1945, this day is earmarked as Japan’s Culture Day to celebrate and appreciate the arts. It's a time when events, exhibitions and museum visits become a communal affair, with friends and families spending quality time together, revelling in the rich cultural tapestry of the nation. As such, in the spirit of this holiday, many museums and local galleries in Tokyo – and across Japan – have graciously waived their entry fees on this day. In this guide, we highlight the most prominent institutions participating in this complimentary admission day, along with the exhibitions you won’t want to miss.  Photo: The National Museum of Western Art The National Museum of Western Art Established in 1959, Japan's National Museum of Western Art has a vast permanent collection spanning pre-18th-century works to early 20th-century French paintings. There are works by the great masters, including Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso, tracing Western art's evolution from the Renaissance to modern expression. On November 3, two special exhibitions will be on view: Two Flemish Paintings from Tokyo and Bruges Reunited and Black Lines Speak: Dürer’s “Three Great Books” Woodcuts. Note that only the latter exhibition offers free admission. Entry to the permanent collection is free on Culture Day. Tokyo National Museum  Japan’s oldest and largest museum houses over

The Sakura Citizen Fireworks Festival, which usually takes place in the summertime, is being held later this year on Saturday October 25, due to construction work at the usual Sakura Furusato Square venue. Instead, you’ll be able to see a total of around 5,500 shells of fireworks launched simultaneously from 11 locations in Sakura. While much smaller than the usual 20,000-odd fireworks show, the display is being touted as a ‘decentralised event’ where everyone can enjoy the launches without crowds or from the comfort of their home. The show starts at 7pm, with roughly 500 shells launched from each of the 11 sites over 20 minutes. While the specific locations are undisclosed, check the launch map on the city’s official website for a rough idea of where the fireworks will launch. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 千葉県佐倉市観光協会 (@sakura_tourism) The event will be held city-wide in Sakura, Chiba, which takes about one hour to reach from Tokyo Station: take the JR Sobu line rapid service to Funabashi and then switch to the Keisei Main line for Keisei-Sakura Station. Visit the Sakura city website for more information. More from Time Out Tokyo Kenchoji Temple in Kamakura is hosting a relaxing sound art event at the end of October A new burger joint from the team behind I’m Donut? has opened in Shibuya 10 films to catch at the 2025 Tokyo International Film Festival In photos: T3 Photo Festival Tokyo returns for a city-wide exhibition 3 Tokyo bars nam

From fields of colourful tulips to a sea of blue nemophila, the sprawling Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki has something to see every season. In summer, the park starts growing kochia, or summer cypress. These fluffy little bushes look like something out of a Dr Seuss book. Scaled up for 2025, there are now approximately 40,000 kochia bushes growing at the park’s Miharashi no Oka Hill area, covering roughly 2.3 hectares. Photo: Fukamiyoga/DreamstimeA stock photo of Hitachi Seaside Park in summer During summer, the bushes are in a fresh, vibrant green colour, but come autumn, they'll turn brilliant red.  Photo: Banky405/Dreamstime These 'fur balls' have already started to change colour. The best time to see them in their full red glory is from mid-October. Later into the month, they'll start to take on a dusty golden hue. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 国営ひたち海浜公園【公式】 (@hitachikaihin) Currently, the green bushes have just started to turn red and will be at peak viewing from October 18 to October 26. You can keep tabs on this year’s kochia colours forecast via Hitachi Seaside Park’s website. The kochia plants changing colour coincides with the annual Kochia Carnival, which is also showcasing gorgeous red and pink cosmos flowers on the lower sections of Miharashi no Oka Hill. The carnival runs until October 31. The park is roughly two hours from Tokyo Station. See the park’s website for information on how to get there. This article was publis

One of Japan’s largest urban photography festivals has returned to Tokyo. Now in its seventh year and running until October 27, T3 Photo Festival Tokyo is being held at multiple venues across Yaesu, Nihonbashi, Kyobashi and Ginza. This year’s edition features works by photographic legend Stephen Shore, internationally acclaimed contemporary photographers Melissa Schriek and Stephen Gill, and a retrospective on the history of Japanese women photographers through photo books that include works by Mayumi Suzuki, among many others.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshimaスティーブン・ショアの代表作『Uncommon Places』（1973〜1981年） The festival transforms the city itself into an exhibition space, inviting passersby to stop and engage with photography in everyday urban settings. One of the main pillars of the festival is the ‘City as Garden’ exhibition, featuring works by three photographers across three office venues. For example, Tokyo Midtown Yaesu is showcasing print works by Stephen Shore, a leading figure in the ‘New Color’ photography movement in the United States and noted for his vivid depictions of everyday American life.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshimaスティーブン・ショア『Greeting from Amarillo, “Tall in Texas"』（1973〜1981年） Shore’s work includes his experimental postcard-based 1971 series Greeting from Amarillo,“Tall in Texas”, in which the format of postcards is elevated into an art form, and his American Surfaces series released the following year, considered a precursor to today’s casual travel snapshots. Photo: Kis

「東京国立近代美術館」が、子どもたちの大切なぬいぐるみを対象にした「ぬいぐるみお泊り会2025　秋のお泊り会」を開催する。お気に入りのクマやウサギ、ディズニーキャラクターのぬいぐるみが、持ち主に代わって美術館に宿泊して作品を鑑賞したり、映画『ナイト ミュージアム』のように夜の館内を探検したりできるチャンスだ。 画像提供：東京国立近代美術館ぬいぐるみお泊り会2025 夏のお泊り会の様子 これは、子どもたちが美術館やアートへの親しみを育むことを目的としたユニークな企画。内容は、全国から応募されたぬいぐるみの中から選ばれた20体が、2025年11月7日（金）〜9日（日）の期間に「特別ゲスト」として館内に迎えられる。ぬいぐるみたちは美術館の所蔵作品が並ぶ「MOMATコレクション」の展示室内を探検し、絵画や彫刻の名作とともに写真撮影を楽しみ、夜を過ごす。 画像提供：東京国立近代美術館ぬいぐるみお泊り会2025 夏のお泊り会の様子 イベント終了後には、プロのフォトグラファーが撮影した、ぬいぐるみの写真をまとめた1冊のアルバムが持ち主のもとに郵送される。大切なぬいぐるみが自分の元を離れ、美術館で過ごした夜の様子がのぞき見られる、心温まる記念になるだろう。 画像提供：東京国立近代美術館ぬいぐるみお泊り会2025 夏のお泊り会の様子 この取り組みは、Adobe Foundationの支援によって実施され、子どもたちが美術館やアートに親しむ機会を増やすことを目的としている。応募期間は10月14日（火）〜28日（火）。対象は中学生以下の子どもたちのぬいぐるみで、サイズは10〜100センチメートルの範囲に限られる。応募多数の場合は抽選で20体が選ばれる。 画像提供：東京国立近代美術館ぬいぐるみお泊り会2025 夏のお泊り会の様子 選ばれたぬいぐるみは、持ち主が直接美術館へ持参する必要があり、約1週間の「お泊まり」を経て返却される。詳細は、美術館の公式ウェブサイトで確認してほしい。 関連記事 『都市空間が展覧会場に、「T3 PHOTO FESTIVAL TOKYO」が開催中』 『秋の建長寺で「心と脳がととのう」夜間拝観イベントが開催』 『軽井沢の重要文化財「旧三笠ホテル」が5年半の修理を経てリニューアルオープン』 『豪華絢爛、ヴァン クリーフ＆アーペルの軌跡をたどる展覧会が開幕』 『日常を拡張し物語を掘り起こす、「笹本晃 ラボラトリー」展が開幕』 東京の最新情報をタイムアウト東京のメールマガジンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら 

Osaka’s six-month-long world exposition is nearing its closing date, with only five days left until the final day. And it’s going out with a bang – or quite a few bangs, actually. The organisers, in a bid to show appreciation for all visitors as well as the entire staff, who together helped realise a largely successful Expo, are hosting a daily fireworks show from the southern side of the Grand Ring. View this post on Instagram A post shared by JapanFireworksExpo (@jfp_hanabi) The display, which is expected to last around 5 minutes per session, will begin daily at 6.35pm. Be sure to secure a spot on the roof of the Grand Ring for the best view. What’s more, the displays on Wednesday October 8 as well as from October 11 to 13 will be larger in scale than on the other days. For more information, visit the Expo’s official news blog. And if you’d like to reserve special paid seating (such as viewing from a cruise), check out this dedicated site. More from Time Out Osaka Kyoto to increase hotel tax by up to 900 percent, making it Japan’s highest Kyoto's lesser-known giant lantern float parade returns this month Your first look at teamLab’s stunning new Kyoto museum, its largest in Japan Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is lighting up with lanterns this October This psychedelic train restaurant in Kyoto offers immersive art and kawaii dining

If your child has ever wished their favourite teddy bear, bunny or Disney plushie could have a ‘night at the museum’ adventure, now’s their chance. The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo has announced an open call for anyone wanting to send off their beloved plushie for a week to adventure among real artworks. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 東京国立近代美術館｜The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (@momat_museum) Here’s how it works: The museum will select 20 stuffed animals from an applicant pool that regularly reaches 1,000, adopting them as ‘special guests’ for an overnight adventure that lasts from November 7–9 to 11–16. They’ll roam the MOMAT Collection Gallery, pose for playful snapshots with paintings and sculptures, and spend the night in the museum’s hallowed halls. After the sleepover, a professional photographer compiles the photos of each plushie into a keepsake album and mails it to the soft toy’s owner, turning an ordinary stuffed animal into a certified art critic. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 東京国立近代美術館｜The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (@momat_museum) This playful initiative is part of a broader program, supported by the Adobe Foundation, aimed at giving kids more chances to explore museums and experience art. Applications will be taken from October 14 to October 28 and, again, only 20 lucky plushies will be selected for the autumn sleepover. If your child’s favourite stuffed friend ma

The first ever Pokémon manhole covers were installed in Kagoshima prefecture in 2018, and the project has now expanded to 37 prefectures (and counting) across Japan. These Pokémon manhole covers, also known as Poké Lids, are location specific, meaning each area has a unique set of Pokémon featured on the covers. While most of these Poke Lids were installed outside Tokyo, you can still find some in the city and nearby in Yokohama. Here’s where you can spot them all. Photo: Youka Nagase The only Poké Lids you’ll find in central Tokyo are at Ueno Park. There’s one with Wynaut and Tyrunt in front of The National Museum of Nature and Science, near the massive whale statue. Photo: Youka Nagase Walk towards the Tokyo National Museum and you’ll see another one with Baltoy and Bronzor. Photo: Youka Nagase The Pokémon manhole covers at Yokohama are dedicated to Pikachu, like this one outside Sakuragicho Station. You’ll see the yellow electric mouse featured together with his friends across Yokohama. Photo: Youka Nagase Just a five-minute walk away, Nippon Maru Memorial Park is home to a Poké Lid with Psyduck and Machop. Photo: Youka Nagase This one with Victini and Munchlax is located adjacent to Yokohama Pukarisanbashi Pier. Photo: Youka Nagase There’s one with Pikachu and Raichu near the Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse. Photo: Youka Nagase The one at the entrance of Yokohama Marine Tower features Pelipper. Photo: Youka Nagase Machida may seem a little too far for those i