Here are the 11 biggest Japanese trends that defined Tokyo this year
From low-alcohol drinks and vegan food to glamping and hip dining halls, here’s what we’ve loved in the city this year
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These parfaits and smoothies at Ginza Cozy Corner are made with very special mikan
Available only in December, these desserts showcase the Beni Madonna variety of Japan’s favourite winter citrus
The anime-famous arcade Silk Hat Ikebukuro is closing next month
The arcade on Sunshine 60 Street has appeared in anime, but will close forever on January 11 2021
Japan plans to extend the Go to Travel campaign until June 2021
The domestic tourism subsidy could stretch beyond the original January end-date
Here are the best saunas in Japan for 2020 as ranked by Saunachelin
The annual list features 11 venues from Tokyo to Hokkaido, selected by specialist sauna design firm TTNE
Tokyu lines will end trains earlier from March 2021
The Meguro Line, Toyoko Line and more will see last trains departing up to 30 minutes earlier due to coronavirus
This new Covid-19 testing centre in Shinbashi offers PCR tests for just ¥2,900
From December 4, you can get saliva tests and certificates at the new Covid-19 Coronavirus PCR Test Centre Shinbashi
Approved: Japan will provide free Covid-19 vaccination for the whole country
However, it is unclear if foreign residents are eligible
Studio Ghibli releases two glow-in-the-dark Princess Mononoke tote bags with LL Bean
The bags feature the almighty Great Forest Spirit from the hit Studio Ghibli anime
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Christmas and New Year in Tokyo
8 amazing ways to celebrate Christmas in Tokyo
Stuck in the city for the holidays? Get into the Christmas spirit with some retail therapy, elaborate cakes and more
Christmas markets in Tokyo
Ditch the department stores and head to these Christmas markets for gift shopping and festive food
7 best Christmas cakes in Tokyo
Strawberry shortcakes, chocolate yule logs and other seasonal creations you’d want on your holiday table
Tokyo Q&A: How does Japan celebrate Christmas?
With KFC fried chicken buckets, strawberry shortcakes and romantic dinner dates – not necessarily in that order
What to expect as Japan reopens
Here's your first look inside USJ's new Nintendo themed park
Can't wait for February 2021
Everything to know about Japan’s re-entry rules for foreign residents
Re-entry confirmation letters no longer necessary, but you’ll need a negative Covid-19 test before entering the country
Where to get a Covid-19 PCR test and travel certificate in Tokyo
These medical centres in Tokyo (and Osaka) offer testing and certificates for international travel
The new Haruki Murakami Library at Tokyo's Waseda University will open in 2021
The Waseda International House of Literature is a public library designed by Kengo Kuma to house Murakami’s archive
Foreign residents in Japan can now get this JR East rail pass for unlimited 3-day travel
Travel through Tokyo, Nagano, Niigata and Tohoku with this rail pass – available to non-Japanese passport holders
Japan could reopen to all tourists from spring 2021
Here’s how Japan is planning to reopen its borders ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games
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Japan travel inspo
The most beautiful autumn destinations in Japan
Leaf Tokyo for these lakes, temples and forests, where you'll find some of Japan's most spectacular autumn foliage
The best places to go glamping in Japan
Want to go camping without roughing it? These comfy tents and domes let you enjoy a luxurious time in nature
The most beautiful places in Japan
Venture beyond Tokyo – add these breathtaking temples, landmarks and hiking trails to your Japan bucket list
The best national parks in Japan
See the real Japan in the peaceful rolling hills of Hokkaido, a Nagano nature reserve dotted with volcanoes, and more
Here are some of the best Unesco World Heritage Sites in Japan
From Okinawa to Mt Fuji, these nature and historical attractions are essential stops on any trip through Japan
Best places to see and cuddle animals in Japan
Meet bunnies on Okunoshima, bow to the deer in Nara, see snow monkeys in onsen, plus more wildlife and animal parks
Autumn in Tokyo
10 ways to still have an amazing autumn in Tokyo
This gorgeous season is the best time for the great outdoors – here are the top ten things to do in Tokyo this autumn
Best Mont Blanc cakes in Tokyo
Autumn in Tokyo means indulging in a chestnut dessert and these confectioneries make the best Mont Blancs in the city
5 ways to enjoy the autumn leaves in Ibaraki prefecture
Canoe on a lake flanked by autumn foliage, bungee jump off one of Japan’s longest suspension bridges, and more
Japan autumn leaves 2020 forecast
For Tokyo, expect red maple leaves and yellow ginkgo to peak around mid-November
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#DreamNowTravelLater: New issue on Japan travel inspiration out now
In this digital-only edition: discover Japan’s most beautiful places, glamping sites, road trips, novelty trains and more
Special issue out now: join the green revolution for a better future
Inside this digital-only edition: Tokyo goes green, Japanese ice cream flavours, botanical gardens, virtual museum tours and food documentaries
New release: 88 things to do in Tokyo guide map
Read it now
Time Out Tokyo magazine
Read the digital edition of Time Out Tokyo magazines for free – or download the PDF version for later
The best of Tokyo, straight to your home
You can now ride Japan’s most famous roller coasters online
Press play for an adrenaline rush
There's more to Tochigi prefecture than Nikko, as this tourism video shows
Incredible food, scenic glamping sites, hot spring baths and a bamboo forest are just some of the highlights
Japanese cities have started live-streaming their tourist spots on Facebook
Now you can tour the country from home with these virtual sightseeing trips in Shizuoka, Okinawa and more
Read past issues of One Piece manga in English for free – if you live outside Japan
The manga series is celebrating its 1000th chapter by releasing a free batch of previous issues online every week
Essential Japanese cookbooks for every home chef
Learn Japanese home recipes and sushi techniques and discover the secrets to Tokyo's world-famous cuisine with these cookbooks
Marie Kondo has an eight-week home tidying challenge for you – and it’s free
Improve your emotional well-being by organising your living space in this step-by-step programme
What to watch next
The best Japanese films and series coming to Netflix in December
See the original ‘Godzilla’, plus a heartwarming show about a young transgender fashion designer and more
The best documentaries about Japanese food
Learn about the history, flavours and techniques of Japanese cooking with Anthony Bourdain, David Chang, Niki Nakayama, Jiro Ono and more
Best Japanese movies and series with English subtitles on Netflix
Locally produced, binge-worthy titles to add to your watch list
The best Japanese horror films
Forget the Hollywood remakes – Japan produces some of the best and most original horror movies around
Escape the city
Where to see iconic Japanese scenery without leaving Greater Tokyo
Explore versions of Himeji Castle, Kyoto’s famous torii gate tunnel, a Japanese old town and more in and around Tokyo
Best nature escapes in Tokyo
Venture into the great outdoors without leaving Tokyo, from a bamboo forest and nature parks to lush river valleys and more
Best outdoor adventure parks near Tokyo
Get out and about – escape the city for these family-friendly adventure parks, playgrounds and outdoor attractions
Breweries, wineries and distilleries worth a day trip from Tokyo
Breweries, wineries and distilleries worth a day trip from Tokyo
Best day and weekend hikes in and around Tokyo
Swap the concrete jungle for a lush green one and go trekking through these mountain trails.
Kanto vs Kansai: the food edition
The culinary differences between Tokyo and Osaka go beyond okonomiyaki and monjayaki – here are some of the big ones