Shota Nagao

Tokyo’s sweltering, at times dangerous heat is one reason to stay in your hotel room or at home this summer. But what if you could create special memories in the comfort of a properly air-conditioned indoor space? Here are four ways to make the most of the hottest months in shaded, temperature-controlled environments.

Summer in Tokyo may be a time of scorching heat, but it’s also one of the city’s most vibrant seasons with fireworks, traditional festivals and dancing in the streets. These lively events undoubtedly help make the city's steamy nights a little more bearable. The celebrations usually start around Tanabata (July 7) and continue with events dedicated to everything from sunflowers to Awa Odori dances. We've put together a list of all the major summer festivals happening in Tokyo from July through September 2026. Now's your turn to experience the magic of summer and fill up on delicious matsuri food. RECOMMENDED: Don't miss the best fireworks festivals in and near Tokyo

Summer is finally here, along with the scorching heat you’re probably not a fan of. But don’t let the weather scare you: from dancing at Bon Odori festivals to cooling off in a pool or spending a day at the beach, there are plenty of ways to experience the Tokyo summer without ending up a sweaty wreck. One excellent option is to only go out at night, when all manner of exciting seasonal events take place across the city. These are our favourites.

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

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 Itabashi Fireworks Festival (August 1) 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

From Shogun and shokunin to city pop and Pokémon, Japan’s already Godzilla-sized global cultural footprint is still growing – not least thanks to a hungry new generation of artists and artisans who aren’t content with competing domestically, instead setting their sights on capturing the hearts and feeds of the world from the get-go. Here are a few names you’re bound to hear more about very soon.

Alongside Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf was one of the artists who helped define the New York art scene in the 1980s, captivating audiences with a psychedelic world full of anthropomorphic, organic forms. His distinctive character-based visual language, with hyper-vibrant, expressive cartoon faces, has been recognised as a precursor to many trends in 21st-century pop art. Scharf’s work can now be viewed in Tokyo, with Nanzuka Underground in Harajuku hosting the artist’s solo exhibition ‘Shimishimikao!’ until Saturday June 27. The exhibition centres on a new series of the same name, inspired by the Rorschach-esque phenomenon of seeing faces in blobs. The show also features works from the series Moodz, composed of expressive circular faces, and Dire Headlines, which incorporates newspaper clippings, among other works spanning Scharf’s nearly five-decades-long career. We spoke with Scharf during his visit to Tokyo to open the exhibition, quizzing the street art legend about the inspiration behind his new series and about how he stays driven after half a century at the forefront of the contemporary scene. First, what’s the meaning behind the title of the exhibition, ‘Shimishimikao!’? I love creating new words when I’m coming up with titles for my artwork and exhibitions. This new series is all about blobs, and when I heard the Japanese word for ‘blob’, shimi, I really liked the sound of it.   Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaKenny Scharf   Shimmy, in English, is the d

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: 12 best summer destinations in Japan

Located by the ocean only 45 minutes from Fukuoka Airport, Seven x Seven Itoshima is a retreat set against the backdrop of the tranquil natural environment in Itoshima, the Fukuoka region’s most in-demand beach destination. Newly renovated and reopened on April 1 2026, the hotel has been reborn as an even more elevated and relaxing getaway where guests can feel close to the surrounding mountains and sea through food, wellness offerings and activities. Reimagined with a ‘Sunset Beach Club’ theme, the hotel has updated its dining experiences, added a new sauna and pool, and much more. Here are three reasons why a stay at Seven x Seven Itoshima makes the most sense for your next visit to Kyushu.

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

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

Head over to Harumi Wharf Park this summer for a spectacular bon odori dance celebration by the bay. The full-fledged summer spectacle by the waterfront is happening over two days, on July 11 and 12, with plenty of authentic bon odori songs to dance the night away. Expect to also see an impressive line-up of food and ennichi game stalls, with over 48 booths selling delicious matsuri grub such as yakisoba, wagyu offal stew, kebabs, gelato and more. While the festival itself starts from 4pm, dancing begins later in the evening, running from 6.30pm to 8.30pm daily.

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 10 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 11 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 12, 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 app

Exploring the themes of transformation and passage, Franco-Guinean-Senegalese artist Ousmane Bâ returns to Ultrasupernew Kura Gallery in Higashi from May 23 to June 19 with ‘Dugg ci dox’. This Wolof phrase, meaning ‘to dive in water’, is the main theme in Bâ’s works. They feature silhouette figures taking a plunge into the water, forever suspended between two worlds. The artist’s introspective works focus on all those who dive, such as the Ama divers in Japan and the divers he saw in Senegal. These beings in transformation, ready to dive into one’s dreams, fears and memories, resurface anew, carrying a different energy and vision. 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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

日本のスマートフォン市場では「iPhone」が圧倒的な存在感を誇っているが、「Google Pixel」も着実にシェアを伸ばしている。そんな中、「Google Pixel 11」シリーズの発表に合わせ、アメリカ国外初の直営店「Google Store 表参道」が2026年8月13日にオープンした。 表参道の商業施設「東急プラザ表参道『オモカド』」内に位置し、近隣には「Apple」や「Samsung Galaxy」の店舗も並ぶ。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima8月12日に発表された最新モデル、「Google Pixel 11」シリーズ Photo: Kisa Toyoshimaちょうちんにインスパイアされた店舗デザイン 3フロアにわたる広々とした店内は、温かみのあるモダンなデザイン。Googleのスマートフォンを実際に試して購入できるだけでなく、Google製品や機能の使い方を学べるワークショップ、最新AI技術を体験できるスタジオ、さらにGoogle Pixelの修理・サポートカウンターまで備えている。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima1階の体験スペース 1階では、最新のGoogleデバイスに触れてみよう。スマートフォンの重さや、カメラやさまざまな機能を試せるのが魅力だ。 中でも注目したいのが、「Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold」。本のように開閉できるフォルダブルスマートフォンで、実際に手に取ってその使い心地を確かめられる。 スマートフォンケースがずらりと並ぶ壁面とともに、フロアでひときわ目を引くのが「California Dreaming: Landscape of Colors 2026」と題したインスタレーション。リサイクル素材から作られたハイビスカスの花を使い、砂や黒曜石、オリーブの木など、Google Pixelのカラーウェイの着想源となったカリフォルニアの風景を表現している。 Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaNano Bananaで作るプリントシール 階段を上って2階へ向かうと、そこに広がるのが「Pixel Studio」。ここでは、Googleの最新AI技術を遊びながら体験できる。 例えば、同社の最新画像生成・編集モデル「Nano Banana」を使えば、自分の写真を浮世絵風にしたり、秋葉原を思わせる8ビットの世界に変身させたり、原宿っぽい「LEGO」のフィギュアに仕立てたりができる。「Gemini Photo Booths」は、いわばハイテク版プリントシール。AIによって加工された写真だけでなく、自分自身を主人公にした動画まで生成してくれる。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima自分のアバターも生成できる ほかにも、「Google Pixel 11」を使って自撮りして、自分だけのオリジナルアバターを作れる「Avatar Station」も登場。完成したアバターは、IDカードとして持ち帰ることができる。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshimaバーチャル空間を歩き回れる「Project Genie」 そして、今回のAI体験の中でも特にグラフィックの迫力が際立つのが「Project Genie」だ。ジョイスティックを操作すると、その動きに合わせてAIがリアルタイムで環境を生成し、実際にその世界を歩き回れる。 まずは、どんな環境を作りたいのか、そして自分がどんなキャラクターになりたいのかをプロンプトで入力。すると、AIがその場で世界を生成してくれる。実験的

While iPhones may reign supreme in the Japanese smartphone market, it’s undeniable that Google Pixels are gaining a foothold in the country. Among this momentum and the launch of the Google Pixel 11 series on August 12, Google is making a bet and establishing its physical presence in Tokyo with the opening of Google Store Omotesando, located inside the Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Omokado shopping complex. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaThe latest Pixel 11 series phones announced on August 12 Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaThe store facade is inspired by traditional Japanese paper lanterns Sandwiched between the nearby Apple and Samsung Galaxy stores, the Google flagship opened its doors to the public on August 13. The spacious, warm and modern store spans three floors, combining direct retail – a first for Google phones in Japan – with workshops for learning how to use various Google devices and features, a ‘studio’ to play around and immerse yourself in the latest AI technologies, as well as a hardware repair booth for Pixel devices. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaFirst floor product experience space On the first floor, you can experience the full line-up of the latest Google devices first hand and get a feel for the smartphones, including how heavy they are, while trying out the Pixel’s camera and software. One of the highlights is the Pixel 11 Pro Fold – which you can hold in your hand and open like a book (something iPhone folks will have to wait for). Along with the massive wall of smartphone cases,

Starbucks appears to be big on cafés set in prestigious Tokyo-area parks. The Seattle-born coffee empire already operates locations in spots like Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden and Ueno Park, and now Yokohama has welcomed a green-space ‘Sutaba’ of its own. Opened on August 10, Starbucks Coffee Yokohama Umi-no-Koen is housed inside a registered cultural property in Marine Park – just a 30-minute train ride south of the city centre, near Hakkeijima Sea Paradise. Originally constructed during the Meiji era (1868-1912), the former No.1 building of the Nagahama Quarantine Station served as an inspection and holding facility for first-class passengers arriving in Japan by sea. In more recent times, it had been used as a quarantine museum, exhibiting valuable historical artefacts and lab equipment, before eventually being relocated to its current site in March 2025. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaExterior view of Starbucks Coffee Yokohama Umi-no-Koen The facility has ties to medical scientist Hideyo Noguchi, who you may recognise from the old ¥1,000 banknote. In 1899, he worked in Nagahama as an assistant medical officer and made an important contribution by detecting a plague bacillus aboard the America Maru, a passenger ship that had docked at the port. Former break rooms, dining halls, sunrooms and detention rooms have all been incorporated to become one airy café space, preserving and making use of many of the building’s original fittings, including wallpaper dating from the Taisho era

The Japanese capital has just knocked Bangkok, last year’s winner, off the top spot to lead Time Out’s 2026 ranking of the best cities in the world for Gen Z. An achievement for sure, and one that comes soon after our favourite part of Tokyo – Jimbocho – ranked No 1 in the world’s coolest neighbourhoods list in 2025. Let’s dive in and see just why the Japanese capital keeps cooking in these rankings. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaJimbocho book town Our massive annual city survey asked thousands of under-30s across the globe about their life in their hometowns, and Tokyo took the top place thanks to standout scores for happiness, with 100 percent (!) of Gen Z people we spoke to agreeing that they find joy in everyday experiences. Tokyo’s nightlife also secured some good favour among under-30s, with 89 percent of respondents rating its quality (though only 33 percent would describe it as affordable). Photo: Sakosshu Taro/PixtaMiyashita Park, a popular hangout among Gen Z youth And the receipts back it up – Tokyo’s winning formula combines unmatched accessibility with great walkability and transportation, a decent supply of accommodation and endless options for nightlife. As a Gen-Z living in Tokyo, I find that the city’s ample green spaces and 24-hour indoor facilities for sports and amusement – like Spo-cha and hot spring bath LaQua – make Tokyo great for exercise and social well-being. For more, check out the full list of the world’s best cities for Gen Z to live in. More from Ti

While there are a host of fireworks festivals still happening in Tokyo proper this year, you should also check out these three events in nearby Saitama, especially if you’re looking for a quintessential Japanese summer experience but minus the crowd. Photo: denkei/PixtaKumagaya Fireworks Kumagaya Fireworks Festival The largest of the fireworks festivals happening in Saitama this August, the Kumagaya Fireworks Festival will be held on the banks of the Arakawa river near Kumagaya Station on Saturday August 8 at 7pm. Roughly an hour and ten minutes from Shinjuku Station, the spacious rugby fields by the river will be open from 4pm for free public viewing. During the two-hour-long programme, expect to see 10,000 fireworks launched from the opposite side of the river, including multiple varieties of quintessential summer starmines. Paid seats with uninterrupted views are currently on sale via Ticket Pia. Photo: terkey/PixtaStock photo of fireworks Saitama City Fireworks at Omagi Park The second venue, located just seven minutes on foot from the nearby Higashi-Urawa Station (and under 50 minutes by train from Shinjuku Station), Omagi Park will host a fireworks display on Saturday August 8 at 7.30pm. Details of this year's event are yet to be announced. However, to give you an idea of what to expect, last year saw over 2,500 shells of fireworks being launched over fifty minutes. Photo: Tachibana Shashinkan/PixtaStock photo of starmines Saitama City Fireworks at Iwatsuki Cultur

Whether you’re a performative male final boss living off matcha lattes from a milk jug or a serious aficionado with a taste for ceremonial-grade matcha, we know you could benefit from a place or two where you can slowly appreciate tea culture in a listening café-style setting. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaSummer Studios Enter Summer Studios in Ebisu. Opened in late June, the multitasking café lets you pair organic Kagoshima matcha with an ‘endless summer’ atmosphere, complete with feel-good tunes played through hi-fi speakers on weekdays and live DJ sets on weekends. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaSummer Studios Menu highlights include the strawberry matcha (¥1,250), which strikes a balance between the strawberry’s sweetness and the matcha’s bright accents, avoiding being overwhelmingly sweet. Or opt for the tropical mango matcha (¥1,250) for the full summer experience. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaStrawberry Matcha (¥1,250) If you’re after something a little sweeter with a touch of spice, try the matcha craft cola (¥980), which gives you the perfect kick to get through a sweltering summer day. While you're there, don't forget to pick up one of the café's original matcha powders, such as the ceremonial-grade organic matcha (¥5,500) or the organic matcha (¥4,000). Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaCeremonial-grade Organic Matcha (¥5,500) & the Organic Matcha (¥4,000) On weekdays, the carefully curated playlist gives the space a relaxed, beachside atmosphere, while weekend DJ sets bring a more upbeat energy

On July 28 2026, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck central Kumamoto prefecture, registering a maximum seismic intensity of 7 on the Japanese earthquake scale. The disaster came 10 years after the devastating 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, dealing another heavy blow to a region that had only recently shifted its focus from recovery to long-term reconstruction. One of Kumamoto city's most recognisable landmarks, Kumamoto Castle, had reopened its restored main keep in 2021, and full restoration was scheduled for completion by fiscal 2052. However, the latest earthquake has caused fresh damage, including cracks in the earthen walls of the main keep and the collapse of sections of the castle's stone ramparts, delaying reconstruction efforts once again. The affected areas continue to experience frequent aftershocks alongside intense summer heat, with forecasts indicating record-breaking 40-plus degree temperatures across Kumamoto through the first week of August. Meanwhile, some communities are facing power outages, road blockages that isolate villages, and water shortages, making the rapid restoration of essential services increasingly urgent. Following the 2016 earthquake, disaster-related deaths ultimately exceeded the number of direct fatalities caused by the tremor, highlighting the importance of sustained support well beyond the immediate aftermath. If you'd like to help those affected by the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake, here are several organisations and initiatives currently accept

Known for its flavour-loaded hot dogs, an eclectic neon-pink atmosphere and an impressive menu with items named after Hollywood superstars, Pink’s is a Los Angeles cultural institution. Thriving since its opening back in 1939, the LA legend is now set to travel across the Pacific, with Tokyo getting a proper bite of SoCal glizzy goodness later this year. 画像提供：株式会社サンパークHot Dog The first Pink’s location in Japan is slated to open in Tokyo by the end of 2026. It’ll offer approximately 15 types of hot dogs, as well as hamburgers, side dishes, desserts and drinks. The newcomer can expect some tough competition, though: hot dogs may be an American staple, but Tokyo is no slouch with its array of old-school street carts and specialist joints. 画像提供：株式会社サンパークPink’s Hot Dogs The family-owned Pink’s will offer its authentic American-style hot dog in a variety of lengths, from 9 inches to a foot long. Customers can freely customise their dogs with a wide variety of toppings such as chilli, cheese, bacon and jalapeños – to go with Pink’s signature sausages, famed for giving off that satisfying ‘snap’ as you chew. 画像提供：株式会社サンパークHamburger 画像提供：株式会社サンパークMenu line-up While details such as location and time of opening are unannounced as of yet, expect the first Tokyo shop to recreate the nostalgic atmosphere of Pink’s roadside flagship on the intersection of La Brea Avenue and Melrose Avenue, with some tweaks here and there to accommodate the local palate. Here’s to hoping the dogs won

Living in Tokyo, we're lucky to have access to many beaches just outside the city, and there’s no better way to spend a summer weekend than basking in the sun by the sea. And in Japan, the best way to hit the beach in style is at an umi no ie (beach house). These often temporary surf-side hangouts are a highlight of the summer season, providing all the essentials you need to enjoy a day on the beach. You can get meals and cocktails, as well as rent your own deck chairs and parasols to upgrade your experience. Some beach houses are even equipped with luxurious lounges while others offer water activities. Here are our picks of the best beach houses near Tokyo this summer. 画像提供：海の家オアシス Oasis Tucked between a lush forest and the sandy beaches of Hayama, Beach House Oasis is a mainstay in the industry where you can enjoy food, music and the sea to your heart’s content. The venue will be packed with live music performances spanning various genres, including appearances by singer-songwriter Sonoko Inoue (Aug 14), rock and reggae band Youth of Roots hailing from Yokohama (Jul 23), rapper Coma-Chi along with Pushim and dancehall reggae band Home Grown on (Aug 5) and spins by former NHK radio host Peter Barakan (Aug 21), among others. If you’re feeling hungry, try their charcoal-grilled Jamaican jerk chicken served with local Hayama-grown veggies, gaprao rice, and speciality karabashi curry rice, which is only available on Fridays and Sundays. When: Until August 30Where: Morito Beac

Summer means fireworks in Japan, and there are plenty of spectacular displays to enjoy in and around Tokyo. One of the most impressive fireworks festivals is at Kawaguchiko, the largest of the Fuji Five Lakes, in Yamanashi prefecture. The Kawaguchiko Kojo Matsuri summer festival takes place on Wednesday August 5 from 7.45pm, with fireworks launched from the middle of the lake between the eastern shore and Kawaguchiko-ohashi Bridge, as well as Yagizaki Park. Gigantic starmines and musical starmines will not only be reflected on the water’s surface but also synchronised to music. The whole show will be 55 minutes long.  Photo: G photo/Photo-AC For an up-close view, head to Oike Park or either one of these two shores – Funatsuhama and Hirahama near Rinsaku Park. At both venues, dozens of food stalls will line the street, selling typical festival grub. Pro tip: if it’s a clear night, make a beeline for the other side of the lake, around Nagasaki Park or Oishi Park. Here you’ll have an uninterrupted view of the fireworks, with the towering silhouette of Mt Fuji in the background. Photo: Fujikawaguchiko Tourist Information You can reach Kawaguchiko in about one hour and 40 minutes by highway bus from Shinjuku Station. Alternatively, take the JR Chuo Line Limited Express from Shinjuku to Otsuki Station and change to the Fujikyuko Line for Kawaguchiko, which takes around two hours and ten minutes in total. Note that the festival will be cancelled in case of stormy weather. This a

春は桜やチューリップ、フジの花が注目される季節だが、夏になると主役の座を奪うのが「ヒマワリ」だ。東京近郊には、黄色一色に染まる広大なヒマワリ畑が数多くあり、花の中を散策したり、ヒマワリをテーマにしたグルメを味わったり、ヒマワリ迷路を巡ったりできる。見頃は7月から8月末にかけてで、遅咲きの品種なら9月まで楽しめるスポットもある。本記事では、2026年夏に訪れたいヒマワリの名所を紹介する。 Photo: Kiyose Sunflower Festival 石井ファーム（東京都清瀬市） 約10万本の鮮やかなヒマワリが咲き誇る「清瀬ひまわりフェスティバル」は、東京郊外の清瀬市で7月26日（日）まで開催されている。 約2万4000平方メートルの広大なヒマワリ畑は、毎年、農作物の肥料となる緑肥用のヒマワリを地元農家が育てているもの。背の高いヒマワリが一面に広がる壮大な景色を望めるほか、会場では地元野菜や切り花の販売も行われ、地域農業を応援しながら夏の絶景を堪能できる。 Photo: Seibu Landscape Co., Ltd. あけぼの山農業公園（千葉県柏市） 柏市にある自然豊かな「あけぼの山農業公園」では、約8万本の満開のヒマワリが観賞できる。入園料・駐車場ともに無料で、風鈴や絵本などオリジナルグッズも販売される予定。ヒマワリは7月末に刈り取られるため、見頃の時期を逃さず訪れてほしい。 Photo: Seibu Landscape Co., Ltd.Sunflowers at Yokosuka Soleil Hill, Kanagawa 長井海の手公園 ソレイユの丘（神奈川県横須賀市） 毎年美しいヒマワリ畑が広がる、横須賀にある「長井海の手公園 ソレイユの丘」。7月中旬から8月にかけて約10万本のヒマワリが咲き、晴れた日には相模湾越しに富士山も望める。8月30日（日）までは、ヒマワリを使ったフードやドリンクも登場。見頃のピークは8月上旬ごろだ。 View this post on Instagram A post shared by 【公式】成田ゆめ牧場 (@yumebokujo) 成田ゆめ牧場（千葉県成田市） 2種類のヒマワリを栽培する「成田ゆめ牧場」では、約10万本の花が咲く夏ならではの景色が楽しめる。 見頃は7月中旬から8月末まで。今年はヒマワリエリアへは無料で入れるが、牧場への入場料（1,600円、土・日曜・祝日1,800円、子ども半額）が必要だ。牧場体験やワークショップができるのもうれしい。 View this post on Instagram A post shared by @遠藤ファーム　◼️環境保全循環型農業◼️花を肥料に育てる野菜とハチミツの販売🌻ファーマーネイチャー(自然派)撮影の運営 (@endo_farm) 遠藤ファーム（埼玉県） 群馬県との県境を流れる利根川沿いに位置する「遠藤ファーム」では、美しいヒマワリ畑と養蜂の魅力に触れられる。 見頃の時期には、10カ所の畑に約100万本のヒマワリが咲き誇る。ヒマワリを使った迷路も登場し、入場は無料。帰りには、ヒマワリから採れた蜂蜜の購入もできる。 View this post on Instagram A post shared by あけのひまわりフェスティバル【公式】 (@akeno.himawari.festival) あけのひま

While spring brings an array of colourful blooms including cherry blossoms, tulips and wisteria, summer is the time for hydrangeas and bright yellow sunflowers. To welcome this season’s flowers, Yokosuka Soleil Hill at Nagai Seaside Park is hosting a Sunflower Festival boasting approximately 100,000 sunflowers from mid-July to the end of August. Photo: Seibu Landscape Co. The sprawling yellow sunflower field stretches over 5,000sqm and has sweeping views of the blue sea. On clear days, you might even spot Mt Fuji in the distance over Sagami Bay.  Photo: Seibu Landscape Co. The sunflowers are best enjoyed from late July to late August, with peak blooms expected in early August this year. At first glance, the sunflowers may all look the same, but you’ll be able to spot four varieties growing here: Sunrich, Sunfinity, Sensation and SunBelievable. Aside from strolling the flower fields, there is also a special food menu available until August 30. The sunflower-inspired treats on offer include doughnuts shaped as the bright yellow flower, a sunflower mango shake, sunflower mango lassi, sunflower-shaped pizza and more.  Photo: Seibu Landscape Co. Entry is free, but if you’re driving there, parking is ¥1,700 per vehicle. Yokosuka Soleil Hill is located roughly two hours from central Tokyo by train and bus. For more information, visit the park website. This article was originally published on July 1 2021 and updated on July 16 2026. More from Time Out Tokyo 7 best places to s