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  • Things to do
  • City Life

Tokyo has seen a lot of cold and rainy weather over the last couple of days, so we’re looking at the spring cherry blossom predictions to cheer ourselves up. The Japan Meteorological Corporation recently released its seventh update for the 2024 sakura forecast, giving us a better idea of when to schedule this year’s hanami (blossom viewing) outings. The latest report predicts that in most destinations across Japan, cherry blossoms will bloom generally around the same time as the past few years, although some areas may see blossoms a few days early. Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation This past autumn's warmer-than-average temperatures caused a delay in the crucial cold period for Japan's cherry blossom trees, pushing bud development back by about a week. However, this delay is anticipated to be offset by the warmer temperatures projected for the rest of March, which will expedite the growth stage.  For Tokyo, the cherry blossoms are predicted to start flowering on March 23 (that’s just two weeks away!), reaching full bloom by March 30. Photo: Sanga Park/DreamstimeRanden Tram in Kyoto during cherry blossom season In Kyoto, the first blossoms are expected on March 23, three days sooner than usual, with peak bloom hitting around April 1. Osaka will likely see its first flowers around March 25, with full bloom predicted for April 2. The northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido will be the last to see cherry blossoms. For Sapporo, the start of the sakura season will begin on Ma

  • Travel
  • Transport & Travel

As international tourism bounces back to pre-pandemic levels, some of Japan’s most visited cities are grappling with the challenges of overtourism. In Kyoto's historical Gion district specifically, the influx of tourists vying for a glimpse of the local maiko and geiko (Kyoto's geishas) has overwhelmed the narrow alleyways, much to the distress of local businesses and residents. In recent years, however, locals have observed visitors abusing this privilege by taking photos of geiko and maiko, as well as private residences, without consent. To protect the privacy and safety of its residents, the Kyoto government prohibited photography in certain locales in 2019 and imposed a ¥10,000 fine for those who violated these guidelines.  Despite these efforts, the issue of tourists flooding residential areas and causing disturbances persists, prompting the local government to enhance its strategies against unruly tourist behaviours. Starting April 2024, multilingual signs will be installed beside private roads in Gion to warn trespassers of a ¥10,000 penalty for unauthorised entry. According to Japan Times, Gion official Isokazu Ota expressed that the decision to tighten these rules was difficult but necessary. In the report, Ota was quoted as saying, ‘We will ask tourists to refrain from entering narrow private streets from April onwards. We don't want to enforce this, but we are left with no choice.’ This forthcoming ban, which will come into effect as early as next month, is part of

  • Things to do

As one of the largest metropolitan cities in the world, Tokyo has so much more to offer than our curated list of 101 best things to do in the city. With so many events happening every weekend and so many things to discover around each corner, Tokyo still induces a sense of fomo in us who live here – what more for visitors who only have a few days to cram in all the biggest hits the city has to offer. So if you’re short on time, check out our 24-hour guide to Tokyo. Otherwise, take this feature as your tried-and-tested itinerary as we reveal to you the Time Out Tokyo editorial team’s personal favourite restaurants, bars and things to do in Tokyo. You’re welcome. Now go out there and explore. RECOMMENDED: Useful travel tips for visiting Tokyo

  • Things to do

With winter now behind us, our great city is finally starting to transition into spring. In other words, the 2024 Tokyo sakura season will soon be upon us. According to this year's forecast, cherry blossoms are expected to start blooming on March 24 and reach full bloom by March 31.  You can find cherry blossoms in many places across Tokyo, from the city's best parks including Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park, to pretty suburban streets in Nakameguro, Shibuya and Kunitachi. So with cameras at the ready, save these top places in Tokyo for the most beautiful spring blooms. RECOMMENDED: Looking to go further? Check out these amazing cherry blossom destinations across Japan

  • Things to do

We get it: Tokyo can be overwhelming. If you've been up to one of Tokyo's observatories, you'll know the city seems to go on forever, and to make things more confusing, there isn't a discernible centre for Tokyo. So where do one even start exploring? We say, start with this ultimate checklist, where we have compiled the best things to see, do and eat in one of the world's greatest cities. Whether you're into Tokyo's traditional Japanese gardens, sensational art scene or world-famous restaurants that would make any chef weak in the knees, there's always something going on in the city. So get out there and enjoy them. RECOMMENDED: The best free things to do in Tokyo // window._pt_lt = new Date().getTime(); window._pt_sp_2 = []; _pt_sp_2.push(“setAccount,41659789"); var _protocol =((“https:” == document.location.protocol) ? ” https://” : ” http://“); (function() { var atag = document.createElement(“script”); atag.type = “text/javascript”; atag.async = true; atag.src = _protocol + “js.ptengine.jp/41659789.js”; var s = document.getElementsByTagName(“script”)[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(atag, s); })(); //

  • Things to do

Akihabara is widely known as Tokyo's 'electric town'; it's also the hub of the city's otaku (geek) culture. Many visit this vibrant, energetic neighbourhood to shop at one of its highly specialised, multi-level shopping complexes, whether it's for high-tech electronics and gaming gadgets, or manga and anime merchandise. There are huge arcade centres where you could lose the whole day just playing games and winning prizes from the claw machines.  However, there's much more to Akihabara than electronics stores and pop culture. You'll find beautiful shrines, excellent restaurants and stylish bars that make this neighbourhood worth exploring deeper. Here are the places we recommend for a perfect day out in Akihabara. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Tokyo

  • Restaurants

Let’s face it: restaurant reservation culture has gotten out of hand. Sure, it’s always good to consider booking things for a special occasion, but no one should have to subscribe to a newsletter, set five automated reminders, and crouch over their laptop waiting for the minute an online reservation system opens just to have a nice meal. For some, the song and dance of getting a reservation five months in advance at a restaurant like Noma is the whole part of the dining experience. On the downside, however, such competitive booking systems also leave little wiggle room for spontaneity and flexibility. If you prefer to play by ear and see where your appetite takes you, don’t let the six-months-early crew intimidate you. Even in Tokyo’s peak seasons, there are plenty of good restaurants and bars that don’t take reservations. Instead, they cater exclusively to walk-in brunch enthusiasts, café hoppers, dinner dates and cocktail aficionados. Although, with their popularity, you most likely have to wait a while, depending on the time you show up. But the point is that everyone has a fighting chance at getting a seat, regardless of how (dis)organised you are. RECOMMENDED: The best cheap eats in Tokyo

  • Travel

It’s no secret that Japan has a stunning amount of beauty. From the lavender fields of Furano in Hokkaido down to the crystal clear beaches of Okinawa, this small country is filled with gorgeous nature, contemporary museums, mountainside temples and of course, those pretty springtime cherry blossoms and colourful autumn leaves. With so much to see, it's impossible to do Japan justice with just one visit. This explains why people miss Japan more than any other country in the world. So this extraordinary island archipelago definitely calls for repeats visits – how else are you going to see all these 24 beautiful sight in Japan? Recommended: The most beautiful festivals in Japan 

  • Restaurants

Tokyo's food scene is legendary and we have the Michelin stars to prove it. However, there are countless restaurants worth visiting besides those bestowed with a star, or three. Here's where we come in, to point you in the direction of the best restaurants in the metropolis, and in this case, in one of Tokyo's swankiest neighbourhoods – Ginza. This being Ginza, the premier shopping destination in Tokyo, most of the restaurants here do come with a price tag to match its princely locale. But, remember that lunchtime usually offers much more reasonable rates while still maintaining similar stellar quality. Whether you're looking for some fantastic sushi, melt-in-the-mouth slices of wagyu, a quirky take on ramen, or even some comforting omurice, start eating through this list. RECOMMENDED: Check out the best restaurants in Shibuya

  • Things to do

We will always recommend maximising your time in Tokyo, but when you’re on a tight schedule, you’ve got to work with what you have. One of the great things about this city is that there’s always something to do at any hour of the day, so you can still get the full experience if you’re only here for 24 hours. Don’t bother booking that capsule hotel – there’s far too much to see with this jam-packed itinerary. From Tsukiji market restaurants to art exhibitions and late-night karaoke to a crack-of-dawn shrine visit, here is the best way for you to spend a full day (and night) in Tokyo. RECOMMENDED: 9 useful travel tips for visiting Tokyo