Shota Nagao

タイムアウト東京 > トラベル > 日本で乗るべき観光列車7選 日本の鉄道は定刻通りの運行やスピードの速さで有名だが、あえて「ゆっくり進むこと」を目的とした列車もある。鉄道ファンや運行会社から「ジョイフルトレイン」と呼ばれる観光列車は、地域文化や工芸にインスパイアされた凝った内装、地元の食材を生かした食事、そしてパノラマウインドーから眺める絶景などを通じて、移動そのものを旅の「目的地」へと変えてくれる。 超豪華な寝室を備えたクルーズトレインから、田んぼや海岸線を走り抜ける魅力的なローカル線まで、日本で乗るべき観光列車を紹介する。 関連記事 『レトロで上質な内装にも注目、新観光列車「GRAN 天空」が運行開始』 瑞風 Photo: West Japan Railway Company 最大定員はわずか34人、10両編成で運行されるJR西日本の「瑞風（みずかぜ）」は、高級ホテルのような品格をたたえた特別な寝台列車であり、時代を超越した優雅な客車で安らぎのひとときを提供する。客室車両は6両のみで、1車両を丸ごと使ったスイートルームも完備。オールインクルーシブのレストランやラウンジも備えており、世界でも類を見ないほど独占感を誇る列車といえるだろう。 旅は京都から始まる。瀬戸内海に沿って本州と四国が交差する倉敷へと向かい、さらに日本海側の松江や鳥取といった都市を巡る。この「せとうち・山陰」コースでは、途中駅で自然や文化を深く味わえるガイド付きツアーが用意されており、駅では専用の「瑞風バス」が待機。鉄道ではアクセスできない見どころへ案内してくれる。 唯一の難点は、乗車まで待たされることだ。「瑞風」は現在、2026年9月分まで完売している。10月以降の出発分については、現在オンラインで予約を受け付けている。 詳細情報 雪月花 Photo: Echigo Tokimeki RailwayHigh deck observatory in car 1 妙高山と日本海の息をのむような絶景を望む「雪月花」は、日本の雪国である新潟を駆け抜ける。地域鉄道会社である「えちごトキめき鉄道」が運行するこの豪華列車は、通常、土・日曜日・祝日に上越妙高駅と糸魚川駅の間を1日2往復しています。車体の両側には、国内最大級となる高さ24メートルの大きな窓が広がり、パノラマの景色を存分に楽しめる。 車両から内装材に至るまで「オール新潟産」にこだわり、鉄道デザインの第一人者である川西康之が設計を手がけた。外装の金色のアクセントに燕三条の金属加工が用いられ、内装に新潟産の木材が使われるなど、随所に地元の職人技が光る。 雪月花は2両編成で、それぞれ異なるデザインが特徴。1号車は、ラウンジスタイルの座席やテーブルに「越後杉」をふんだんに使用し、温かく居心地の良い雰囲気を醸し出す。前方には自由に行き来できる展望デッキを配置。一方、2号車は地元産のブナ材を贅沢に使用した、より洗練されたモダンな空間を作り出し、ゆったりとした座席配置の食堂車のような造りになっている。 提供される料理は地元の食材を使用した、フレンチ・和食・洋食・中華から選べ、それぞれ3段重ねの木製の弁当箱で供される。例えば和食の「漁港直送、漁師の豪快コース」では、能生（のう）漁港から直送された新鮮な海の幸や、紅ズワイガニのちらし寿司など、鮮度抜群の味覚を堪能できる。約3時間の旅路で、美しい海岸線や山々の景色を眺めながら、至福の食事が楽しめるだろう。 詳細情報 越乃Shu＊Kura Photo: East Japan Railway

Fireworks are an essential part of the summer festivities in Tokyo. All across the city, you can enjoy spectacular displays that light up Tokyo's warm summer nights, and that's not counting the other fireworks happening in nearby prefectures. In 2026, you can look forward to a particularly vibrant summer, as many of Tokyo's top fireworks festivals are confirmed to take place again this year. This includes the sensational Adachi Fireworks Festival (May 30) and the highly anticipated Sumida River Fireworks Festival (July 25). As mentioned, there are more equally impressive fireworks just outside Tokyo in Chiba, Shizuoka and Yamanashi. So dust off your yukata, arrive early to secure the best viewing spot, and enjoy the colourful fireworks while snacking on some tasty festival grub. RECOMMENDED: Best observation decks in Tokyo for incredible views of the city skyline

June brings with it the chance to get out in the fields and watch nature at play. Firefly (or hotaru in Japanese) season is upon us, and while it's true that Tokyo is rather limited in the field department these days, there are still some great spots to see these homegrown fireworks. Check out our top picks of hotaru-watching events in and around Tokyo. RECOMMENDED: 10 best summer destinations in Japan

What Tokyo lacks in space, it makes up for with ingenious high-rise solutions. So the next time you're looking to retreat from the crowds, look up – you might just find a secret garden tucked away on the roof of a shopping mall. Relax and unwind on a green patch or under a shade while taking in a bird's eye view of the cityscape. These rooftop gardens are free to enter, making them a worthwhile alternative to the city's observation decks if you're on a budget. RECOMMENDED: Prefer a view with a drink instead? Head to these rooftop bars and restaurants in Tokyo 

Japan’s railways are famous for their punctuality and speed, but some trains are designed to slow things down. The country’s countless scenic train services – known as Joyful Trains among rail enthusiasts and operators – turn the journey itself into a destination with elaborate interiors inspired by local culture and crafts, dining experiences showcasing regional produce, and breathtaking views through panoramic windows. From ultra-luxury sleeper services to charming regional lines passing through rice paddies and coastlines, read on for some of the best sightseeing trains to ride in Japan – and how to book them. RECOMMENDED: the best discount train deals and rail passes for short trips from Tokyo

As the weather warms up, bars, hotels and even department stores in Tokyo are opening their roofs and terraces to the public – and with this, the beer garden season officially begins. As we say every year, it just wouldn't be summer without an evening spent idly sipping frosty pints or cool cocktails out in the open air.  But how do you, the discerning drinker, find the most attractive deals among the myriad of beer events and festivals out there? Fret not; we’ve done the leg work for you, so go ahead and choose from our list below. Cheers! RECOMMENDED: Best rooftop bars and restaurants in Tokyo

Indulging in Tokyo's many food and drink festivals is one of the best ways to enjoy the cool spring weather. These gourmet events are poping up all around the city, with everything from beer gardens to meat festivals waiting to be enjoyed. Tokyo's food and drink festivals are also great places to try classic Japanese dishes like ramen, yakiniku and curry. And that's not to mention the opportunity to savour some of Tokyo's best brews. So, have we managed to whet your appetite? Good. Here are some of the most enticing food and drink events happening in Tokyo right now.  RECOMMENDED: the best regular and weekly markets in Tokyo

What a wonderful time to be in Tokyo! After recent weather fluctuations, the city’s cherry blossom season is now underway, with the Japan Meteorological Agency announcing the official start on Thursday March 19. Thanks to the recent warm weather, the city hit full bloom on Saturday March 28. While recent rain and wind have knocked some petals loose, many trees are still holding on to at least 50 percent of their blossoms, and sakura festivals and illuminations are still ongoing. To keep you up to date on how the blossoms are doing, we've done the legwork, visited different sakura spots in Tokyo, so you can check up on the blooming cycle before heading out. RECOMMENDED: Make this your best sakura season yet with our ultimate guide to cherry blossoms in Tokyo

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

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

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

Experience a slice of Paris in Tokyo at Paris Saint-Germain’s limited-time pop-up, taking over Shibuya from May 2 to May 5. Spanning multiple floors, the self-proclaimed 'Paris' is an immersive space packed with attractions, from a first-floor playground with retro Sega arcade games and a mini indoor one-on-one football pitch, to a second-floor café serving speciality coffee by La Brûlerie Belleville alongside fresh pastries from Maison Kayser. Among the highlights are displays of the club’s authentic trophies, as well as appearances by football legend Jay-Jay Okocha and PSG handball player Luc Abalo. Make your way up to the third floor for a gastronomy experience led by chefs from Paris’s Le Bistrot Paul Bert, offering a menu that blends French and Japanese flavours. The concept store is another key draw, stocked with official club merch and exclusive pieces created in collaboration with Japanese brands such as Edfice and artists including Nakakisan, BEY and French graphic artist Jean Jullien. With daily DJ sets from 6pm to 9pm, the pop-up delivers a lively, Parisian-inspired atmosphere right in the heart of Shibuya.

Marseille-based artists Barbara Penhouet and Bastien Marienne are bringing together a quietly evocative exhibition at UltraSuperNew Kura gallery from April 3 to May 8. Looking beyond surface-level appearances, the works feature scenes from Provence, Alpes and Cote d’Azur, transforming everyday moments into emotional landscapes by capturing fleeting sensations through layered impasto, bold use of light and delicate glazes. Their works convey distinct emotions across a variety of scenes – from the deep blues of the sea to the vibrant tones of the scrubland. Their works linger in that in-between where memory, presence and perception blurs, revealing the subtle vibrations of reality that often go unnoticed. Across 15 canvases, the artists explore themes of impermanence and inner stillness, creating compositions that feel both intimate and deceptively simple. The result is a meditative viewing experience – one that encourages you to slow down, sit with the moment, and sense the subtle presence of the unseen. Visits are by appointment only on weekdays, while walk-ins are welcome on Saturdays. The exhibition is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Reserve a spot on the official website.

Internationally recognised photographer and film director Mika Ninagawa is hosting a solo exhibition at the homey and intimate DDDArt art gallery in Shimokitazawa this spring. Much smaller in scale than the likes of her recent projects in Kyoto, at Expo 2025 and Tokyo Node, the exhibition takes a step back to revisit Ninagawa’s body of work, from her early career to her latest creations. Coinciding with the launch of her latest photo book with the same name, the exhibition brings the artist’s worldview to life in a physical space. As if the vibrant pages of the book were superimposed onto reality, the tatami-floored kominka folk house is reborn with shimmering crystal strands, red and pink paint splatters and super-saturated photo prints. Running until May 31, the exhibit is only a short stroll away from Shimokitazawa, where Ninagawa herself spent over a decade in her formative years. Why not take a detour towards Sangenjaya for a creative journey on your next visit to the area?

Step into a world of vibrant chrysanthemums this spring at this free collaborative exhibition between teamLab and Galaxy. Now in its fifth year, the interactive, immersive space at Galaxy Harajuku uses cutting-edge projection mapping to depict flowers caught in an endless cycle of birth and death. Reach out to touch them and they’ll wither; stand still beside them and they’ll bloom more quickly. Look down and you’ll see flowing currents of gold beneath your feet – traces shaped by your very presence. The movements of others create their own currents, which intertwine and form swirling vortices. The result is a constantly shifting environment where no two moments are ever the same. The Galaxy store also invites visitors to capture these fleeting scenes using the foldable smartphones available at the venue.

Head over to Komazawa Olympic Park during Golden Week to spend an entire day sampling some of Japan’s best gyoza. There will be 16 stalls offering more than 30 different styles of this quintessential Japanese dumpling. Enjoy grounded wagyu beef and the meaty keema curry gyoza from Tokyo's Tamagawa Meat, juicy Shinshu wasabi and miso dumplings from Nagano, tangy and succulent lemon gyoza from Kyoto, Hakata-style hitokuchi (bite-size) gyoza and much more. There will also be other dishes like fried rice to go with the gyoza, as well as craft beers from Hokkaido Brewing, Yatsugatake Beer and Kanagawa's Brimmer Brewing. There’s no entry fee, so you can just pay as you go. If you want to forgo the hassle of paying at each store, there is a package deal sold online for ¥4,500, which includes five ¥700 meal tickets, five ¥100 tickets, and one fast-pass ticket that lets you skip a queue.

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.

Manga meets the New York theatre world in autumn 2026, when Moyoco Anno’s Memoirs of Amorous Gentlemen will make its off-Broadway debut at The Night Egg, a new venue in Midtown Manhattan. Adapted from the manga of the same name, the production is set in early 20th-century Paris and follows Colette, a sharp-witted young woman working at an exclusive maison close brothel. As she documents the confessions and desires of the establishment’s eccentric clientele, Colette discovers a sense of agency through writing, transforming taboo and obsession into art while confronting the lingering emotional scars of a romance from her childhood past. First launched in 2020 as an effort to adapt the work into a Broadway musical – an unprecedented step for a manga – the project will feature music by Tony and Grammy Award-winner Duncan Sheik and choreography by the equally decorated Rob Ashford. Several rising creative talents are also involved, including Japanese-American playwright and screenwriter Leah Nanako Winkler and music director Or Matias. Tickets will go on sale later this summer. Additional details, including performance dates and casting, will be announced soon. More from Time Out Tokyo Registration for the 2026 Mt Fuji climbing season is happening now The mountaintop Unkai Terrace in Hokkaido opens out to a sea of clouds Satisfy your guilty cravings with these unhealthy yet gratifying convenience store treats Japanese film and TV giant Toei Company is launching video games on Stea

Having stood guard over the DiverCity Tokyo Plaza mall in Odaiba since 2017, Tokyo’s life-size Unicorn Gundam is being retired for good this August. The mega-robot leaves a near-decade legacy as the sole guardian of the shopping mall from seagulls and Gunpla scalpers. Leading to the iconic mecha’s departure at the end of August, the 19.7-metre statue is expected to get a fresh new look with red unicorn-themed decals. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaScene from a previously held event in 2023 When Gundam Factory Yokohama closed its doors two years ago, fans were delighted to learn that the life-size Gundam from that venue would reappear in Osaka for the 2025 Osaka Kansai Expo. In a similar fate to RX-78F00/E, there’s reason to hope the Odaiba Unicorn Gundam will appear again somewhere, in some form, in the near future. The announcement of the Odaiba Gundam’s departure was made at Gundam Conference Spring 2026 and came alongside a teaser of the ‘Gundam Landmark Project’, a brand new Gundam facility or attraction in Japan that’s expected to attract fans from across the globe. While no reason was given for the Unicorn Gundam’s sudden retirement, we hope the Gundam-less era in Tokyo is short-lived. More from Time Out Tokyo Unseasonably warm weather to continue in Tokyo this week A new sushi restaurant from the team behind Udatsu Sushi opens in Omotesando A brand new digital art space is coming to Ariake this June Satisfy your guilty cravings with these unhealthy yet gratifying convenience

Move over teamLab, a new digital art venue is coming to town. Hailing from Paris, Atelier des Lumières is unveiling its 10th international location at the newly opened entertainment complex Tokyo Dream Park in Ariake this June. Photo: Rêve des Lumières Much like the original venue in Paris, Rêve Des Lumières Tokyo will feature spaces with floor-to-ceiling projection mapping, infinity mirror rooms and cylindrical rooms that fully immerse visitors in a vortex of light, vividly bringing artworks to life. Photo: Rêve des Lumières The complex is divided into seven distinct zones, anchored by a sprawling 1,200sqm main gallery purpose-built for immersive digital exhibitions. Its debut programme is set to spotlight a reimagined presentation of Vincent van Gogh’s celebrated sunflower paintings, brought to life through cutting-edge visuals and sound. The equipment is state-of-the-art, too – and there’s a lot of it. With imagery provided by 106 high definition projectors and audio delivered through 63 synchronised speakers, visitors can look forward to an intensely cinematic sensory experience. Photo: Rêve des Lumières Rêve Des Lumières is set to open on June 12 on the eighth floor of Tokyo Dream Park. Tickets are now on sale via the official website. More from Time Out Tokyo Registration for the 2026 Mt Fuji climbing season is happening now The mountaintop Unkai Terrace in Hokkaido opens out to a sea of clouds Satisfy your guilty cravings with these unhealthy yet gratifying conve

Tokyo Streets X is back, and the hot photography and art show is as exciting a chance as any to immerse yourself in the world of Japan-based creatives. Born in 2023 as a space for emerging and established photographers in Tokyo to share their work, with a particular focus on street and documentary photography, it has quickly expanded to become a creative hub for interaction between photographers, visual artists and DJs from across Japan. The latest iteration began on April 21 and is taking place until April 26. Ahead of the exhibit’s opening, we took a look and talked to founder and curator Adam Benedicto about how Tokyo Streets X came to be – and where he plans to take it next. A view of Tokyo’s creative scene from its very centre Photo: Keisuke Tanigawa Talking with Adam, who grew up in West London’s vibrant and multicultural Ladbroke Grove, it was easy to see how he was inspired by his native neighbourhood in his decision to pick WPÜ Gallery as the festival’s home turf. The raw, warehouse-like space, complete with scaffolding from the now closed Commune in Shibuya, is reminiscent of the vibrant chaos that can be experienced at Portobello Market and Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s largest street party. Similar to how those street-level festivities are inclusive, eclectic and alive, Tokyo Streets X brings together the perfect mix of up-and-coming artists, musicians, DJs and an ever-growing audience for creative collaborations to happen organically. Photo: Keisuke Tanigawa

Move over, bagged salads, quinoa and kombucha – the new trend in town is ultra-caffeinated energy drinks, instant Jiro-style ramen and home-delivered fried chicken. That’s what culinary consumption looks like in Japan among many people in their 20s and 30s right now, at least if we are to believe the Mainichi. The newspaper recently reported that youths are ‘more likely to “melt away stress” at home by themselves’ than by engaging in more traditional decompression activities such as getting drunk and singing karaoke with friends. So instead of partying the night away, Gen Z and Alpha are eating their way to serenity. With convenience stores apparently the prime outlet for culpable culinary treats, we headed to a nearby konbini to see what the hype around guilty pleasures is all about. Here are some of the highlights of our junky journey. Photo: Keisuke TanigawaJiro-kei Tonkotsu soy sauce ramen by Chuka Soba Tomita Jiro-kei Tonkotsu soy sauce ramen by Chuka Soba Tomita - 7-Eleven (while supplies last) Born through an unexpected collaboration between 7-Eleven Japan and celebrated Chiba-based ramen shop Tomita, this tonkotsu (pork bone) shoyu ramen comes topped with a thick cut of braised pork and boasts an oiliness level to rival even the fattiest bowls in town. Garlic, bean sprouts and pork back fat abound, as the dish stays true to the Jiro style of ramen, famed for its rich flavours and voluminous servings. Photo: Keisuke TanigawaChocolate Sprinkles & Whipped Cream Sandwi

As one of the world’s great megacities, Tokyo’s identity has been shaped as much by the buildings that define its skyline as by its streets and neighbourhoods. From late-19th-century brick structures to bold postwar experiments and contemporary landmarks, the city’s architecture offers a fascinating lens through which to understand the capital’s history, culture and ethos of constant renewal. This May, design lovers are in for a treat as the Tokyo Architecture Festival returns from May 16 to 24 with its biggest programme yet. Spanning districts including Ueno, Marunouchi, Ginza, Shinagawa, Roppongi and Shibuya, the festival invites visitors to step inside some of the capital’s most significant structures, many of which are typically closed to the public. Photo: Tokyo Architecture Festival Executive CommitteeTokyo University of the Arts, Red Brick Building 1 This year, the number of buildings offering free entry without advance reservations has expanded to 70. Among the highlights is the Tokyo University of the Arts Red Brick Building No. 1, believed to be the oldest surviving brick building in Tokyo. Built in 1880, the structure opens its second floor to visitors, revealing original roof trusses, arched windows and traces of past earthquake damage. Photo: Tokyo Architecture Festival Executive CommitteeCanada Garden Another standout is the Canadian Embassy, designed by Japanese-Canadian architect Raymond Moriyama. Visitors can explore the serene Canada Garden, the Prince T

With sun, sea, sand and excellent movies, it’s no wonder that the Zushi Beach Film Festival is a popular fixture on the Golden Week calendar. This open-air cinema in Kanagawa prefecture is organised by Cinema Caravan, a collective of artists and creatives who plan community events around the world. Every year it brings this event to Zushi, with movie screenings on the beach plus food stalls, a bazaar and live entertainment. Photo: Zushi Beach Film Festival The 13-day festival is screening a variety of Japanese and international films; a few of them are in English with Japanese subtitles. Every day is a different movie and the show starts at a different time. You'll find the film schedule here. Here’s the line-up of English films: Friday April 24: ‘School of Rock’ (2003) follows a struggling musician who impersonates a substitute teacher at a prep school and turns his students into a rock band for a battle of the bands competition. Sunday April 26: ‘Hook’ (1991), adult Peter Pan, now a workaholic lawyer, must return to Neverland to rescue his children from Captain Hook and rediscover his lost sense of wonder. Tuesday April 28: 'Awakenings' (1990), Robin Williams is Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a researcher in 1969 Bronx who administers an experimental drug that temporarily awakens catatonic patients, with varying results. Tuesday May 5: 'All the Streets Are Silent: New York' (1987–1997) is a documentary by Jeremy Elkin that explores how hip-hop and skateboarding cultures intertwined

Many Tokyoites have fond memories of Ueno Zoo’s iconic suspended monorail, which linked the East and West sections of the zoo from 1957 until its stoppage in 2019. The animal-plastered train’s permanent closure in 2023 was met with dismay by locals and train enthusiasts, but now it sounds like the monorail is set to make a comeback of sorts. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has unveiled plans for a new transport system that broadly follows the route of the original monorail. Travelling 14 metres above ground, this people mover will offer sweeping views of the zoo and Shinobazu Pond through its wide windows, and even go above the pond during its 3.5-minute journey between two stations. Photo: Tokyo Metropolitan GovernmentFloor-to-ceiling windows line the walls What’s new about this 21-metre-long train is that it will incorporate an ‘energy-saving’ design somewhat similar to that of a roller coaster. While hardly fast – it’ll travel at around 20 kilometres per hour maximum – the train will only be motorised on the uphill portions of the track, running solely on kinetic energy on downhill sections. This set-up will allow it to descend by relying only on inertia and gravity. Construction on the new people mover is starting later this year, with the opening planned for fiscal year 2029 (April 2029–March 2030). More from Time Out Tokyo See the world’s most famous work of Japanese erotic art now in Kabukicho 10 art exhibitions to check out in and around Tokyo this spring 7 best p

The cherry blossom season in Tokyo – or Japan for that matter – revolves around the somei yoshino variety of sakura. This five-petal flower, whose colour ranges from the palest of pink to white, is the most common and popular sakura around. However, if you missed the chance to see them in full bloom, do not fret. There are, in fact, many species of cherry blossoms, and some of them bloom later in spring. Yaezakura, for instance, is an umbrella term for several types of sakura that have more than six petals. These white and vibrant pink flowers generally bloom from mid- to late-April. Among all the yaezakura, the kanzan, fugenzo and ichiyo cherry blossoms are the most common and you’ll find them in Tokyo. And the best part is, they usually reach peak bloom later in April, after the somei yoshino have all gone. So if you’re here in Tokyo in the latter half of April, we recommend you check out these less celebrated but equally beautiful late-blooming cherry blossoms at the following parks and gardens. Photo: Pixta Mukojima-Hyakkaen Gardens Constructed in the early 19th century, this park cultivates a wide range of seasonal flowers so that there’s always something in bloom at any time of year. Late blooming yaezakura of the fugenzo and kanzan varieties can be seen here from mid- to late-April. Be sure to visit the tea house in the park for a refreshing glass of amazake (a sweet rice drink) while admiring the beautiful blossoms. The park entry is ¥150. Photo: Lim Chee Wah Koga

Quem planeia viajar para o Japão poderá em breve ter de cumprir mais um passo de burocracia (digital) antes de embarcar. O governo japonês aprovou uma proposta que introduz um novo sistema de pré-avaliação chamado Japan Electronic System for Travel Authorization (JESTA). O novo sistema, que o governo pretende implementar durante o ano fiscal de 2028 (entre Abril de 2028 e Março de 2029), vai aplicar-se a viajantes de países que actualmente beneficiam de entrada sem visto para estadias curtas. Antes de embarcar para o Japão, será necessário submeter online informações pessoais básicas e dados da viagem para obter autorização. As companhias aéreas poderão recusar o embarque a passageiros que não tenham essa autorização previamente. Espera-se que o JESTA funcione de forma semelhante ao sistema ESTA dos Estados Unidos, permitindo às autoridades de imigração fazer uma triagem dos passageiros antes da chegada. Isto significa menos tempo nas filas da imigração (e chegar mais depressa ao hotel)? Ainda não é claro. O governo diz que a medida visa reduzir permanências ilegais e reforçar o controlo de fronteiras, numa altura em que o turismo continua a crescer. O JESTA implicará o pagamento de uma taxa de candidatura, embora ainda não tenha sido anunciado um valor concreto. Como referência, os EUA cobram 40 dólares por pedido de ESTA. As alterações poderão também ter impacto nos residentes no Japão, já que a proposta prevê aumentar o limite máximo das taxas de imigração, incluindo para

On March 28, Tokyo unveiled its newest attraction: a massive fountain show set against the city’s skyline. Installed as part of an effort to revitalise the waterfront area of Odaiba, which saw visitor numbers drop in the wake of the pandemic, the fountain is one of the biggest in the world, measuring up to 150 metres tall and 250 metres wide. Photo: Karin Minamishima Titled ‘Tokyo Aqua Symphony’, this is no ordinary fountain show: it unfolds above the open waters of Tokyo Bay, between Odaiba Marine Park and the Rainbow Bridge. The daily display runs for 10 minutes every hour between 11am and 9pm. Three programmes are played: the original composition ‘Sakura Fubuki’ with its powerful use of traditional Japanese instruments, as well as orchestral renditions of the Dragon Quest themes ‘Loto's Theme’ and ‘And Thus, into the Legend’. Photo: Karin MinamishimaSakura-shaped centre fountain illuminated in pink The daytime aquatic show transforms into an illuminated spectacle by nightfall. At its centre is a sakura-shaped ‘cherry blossom fountain’, a nod to the Somei Yoshino variety, Tokyo’s official flower. Using shifting water pressure, coloured lighting and varying water column sizes, the dynamic performance is truly a sight to behold. Given the sheer scale of the installation, you’ll have little trouble finding a spot to sit and take it all in. For the best views, we recommend heading to a vantage point within Odaiba Marine Park. More from Time Out Tokyo These new renderings sh

Prepare your ponchos and panniers: Harajuku J-fashion icon Sebastian Masuda has opened his first large-scale solo exhibition in years. ‘Kawaiitopia’, its name a portmanteau of kawaii and utopia, is now on view at Hyper Museum Hanno. The show is packed with psychedelic, candy-coloured installations and immersive rooms made for photo ops. The exhibition unfolds across six themed spaces presented in a loose chronology, tracing Masuda’s formative experiences and how he arrived at his understanding of kawaii after navigating personal conflicts. Visitors are invited to follow that journey and reflect on their own definition of kawaii, which Masuda frames not simply as ‘cuteness’, but as a personal universe of freedom and self-acceptance. Photo: Shota Nagao A standout is the artist’s signature work ‘Colorful Rebellion – Seventh Nightmare’, first conceived in New York 12 years ago and now reimagined in Japan for the first time. The installation features a stuffed teddy bear in a bedroom lined with neon-pink and yellow toys and trinkets, alongside a dramatic crater spilling plush dolls outward. It reads as a self-portrait shaped by the struggles and impulses that have defined Masuda’s life, from desire and delusion to fate, wounds and reality. Photo: Shota Nagao While it’s taking place a bit outside central Tokyo, the exhibition offers an approachable but deep dive into Harajuku kawaii while prompting a look at where the culture is headed next. Expect plenty of Instagram-worthy ph