Kaila Imada

We get it: when winter rolls around, there’s not a lot of motivation to leave the comfort of your cosy indoor space. However, frolicking around in the snow can be a lot of fun when you’re surrounded by a gorgeous winter wonderland. From the snowy streets of Hokkaido to the famous snow corridor in Toyama, here are some of the best ice and snow festivals happening in Japan this 2026 season. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful winter destinations in Japan

Waiting patiently for this year’s spring cherry blossoms to appear? You can get a glimpse of spring long before the season rolls around. In Japan, you’ll find beautiful varieties of winter sakura trees that bloom from as early as January through to March. Kawazu-zakura is one of the most common winter cherry blossom varieties, and is a tree native to Shizuoka prefecture. These pretty pink flowers usually bloom between February and March. Plus, they have a longer lifespan than their spring cousins and usually last around a month. Other varieties include the vibrant pink kanhi-zakura trees commonly found in Okinawa, and atami-zakura which are indigineous to the coastal city of Atami. If you’re planning on blossom hopping outside of Tokyo, here are some of the best parks, rivers and scenic spots around Japan to capture these impressive winter blossoms. RECOMMENDED: Where to see winter cherry blossoms in Tokyo 

Hot springs, or onsen, are a big deal in Japan. Not to be confused with sento, which are usually public baths using heated tap water, onsen are comprised of volcanic spring water that's full of natural minerals, giving health benefits like clearer skin, detoxification and better blood circulation, among others. As winter descends, these onsen resorts become desirable destinations for day trips and weekend breaks, so we've rounded up a few of the best. If you're a first-timer, be sure to check out our onsen etiquette guide. RECOMMENDED: Best super sento in Tokyo with multiple baths, saunas, cafés and more

Looking for a delicious way to ring in the new year? Treat yourself to a well-deserved New Year's Eve or New Year's Day lunch or dinner with your friends and loved ones. Tokyo’s top hotels have outdone themselves with lavish multi-course meals and buffets to mark the changing of the year. Can’t decide? In order of price, here are our top picks for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day feasts in Tokyo. RECOMMENDED: The best illuminations and light-ups in Tokyo

With Christmas just around the corner, Tokyo is in full holiday mode. The capital does a brilliant job of decorating the city with illuminations and towering Christmas trees as well as offering festive activities to get you into the holiday spirit. Moreover, as Christmas Day isn’t a public holiday in Japan, stores and restaurants are still open for business – it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate with a festive lunch, dinner or even a last-minute shopping spree.  If you’ve already tried celebrating Christmas the Japanese way – feasting on KFC chicken and strawberry shortcakes – we’ve got a few more things you can add to your list.  RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful winter destinations in Japan

If you're staying in Tokyo this Christmas and find yourself craving a traditional Christmas dinner, you're in luck. Christmas in Tokyo isn't all about KFC buckets – you can treat yourself to a special sit-down meal at some of Tokyo's most luxurious hotels and restaurants. With menus featuring premium steak, lobster, caviar and more, these sumptuous meals are a perfect Christmas present from you to you. Here are some of the places in Tokyo where you can enjoy an indulgent Christmas dinner. RECOMMENDED: The most dazzling Christmas trees in Tokyo 

There’s no better way to explore Tokyo than on foot. And when you’re wearing OAO shoes, the very act of walking through the capital turns into an aesthetically pleasing experience, no matter the scenery. Each pair of these handcrafted shoes blends architectural elements with the beauty of contemporary art, resulting in footwear that looks as good as it feels. Based in Tokyo and Kyoto, OAO draws inspiration from the balance between urban cityscapes and nature, finding harmony in clean design, sculptural form and sustainable materials. But style isn’t the only element that makes this footwear brand special. Their kicks are built for real life, with cushioning, breathability and support that make every step smooth and comfortable. Think of these shoes as wearable design objects you can comfortably spend the day in. OAO proves you don’t have to choose between art and practicality – you can have both.

There's no doubt Tokyo is home to some of the best illuminations in winter, and more than a few of these seasonal events lean into the year-end festivities with colourful Christmas trees as their main focus. If you're looking for the most majestic displays, we've done the work for you with this list of the best Christmas trees in and around Tokyo this year, ranging from traditional installations to interactive pieces. Note: most Christmas trees are on display until December 25. RECOMMENDED: The most festive Christmas markets in Tokyo

Japan’s remarkable snow conditions make it one of the best places around the world to go skiing and snowboarding. After all, there’s hardly much to complain about when you’ve got endless powder, friendly locals, great food and relaxing onsen to look forward to. Even if you can’t make it during the winter, many ski resorts stay open through spring and there is still plenty of snow to plow through. Can’t decide on a location? Here are some of the top ski resorts and mountain villages you should check out around the country. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful winter destinations in Japan

Discover the charm of Kamawanu tenugui this winter – these versatile hand-dyed cotton cloths bring warmth and style to everything from home décor to seasonal gifting. With patterns to suit every taste, they’re perfect for wrapping presents, adding a decorative touch to your home, or even spicing up your wardrobe. Each season, the long-established, Tokyo-based brand releases fresh designs that make it easy to find something for everyone. Kamawanu’s Asakusa store is a great place to explore the full collection, with shelves stocked not only with tenugui but also clothing, kokeshi dolls and eco bags, as well as beautiful ceramics and other tableware essentials from artisans across Japan. Even if you’re not visiting Japan, you can always shop the collection online. This winter, Kamawanu is rolling out a range of classic seasonal motifs alongside fresh new designs. Here are some of our favourite picks and tips on how to weave the cloths into your holiday routine.

タイムアウト東京 > Things to Do> 幡ヶ谷でしかできない16のこと 渋谷区の中でも下町的な空気が残り、地元の人々のつながりが色濃いローカル感あふれる街・幡ヶ谷。駅周辺は再開発を免れ、今も4つの商店街が活気を残すほか、裏路地には個豊かな飲食店やカフェ、ギャラリーが点在している。 近年は若い感性を持つオーナーによる新店舗も増え、知る人ぞ知るクリエーティブな街として注目されている。散歩しながら気になる店をホッピングできるのも魅力の一つだ。 また、明治期に玉川上水の水を引くための新水路が整備されたことにより築かれた高い土手が街に独特の起伏を生んだ。坂道沿いにユニークな店が肩を並べる景色はここにしかないだろう。  今回は、Time Out Tokyo（タイムアウト東京）の読者やフードライター、編集部の英語・日本語チーム、さらに地元の人々からも情報を集め、多角的に幡ヶ谷の魅力をまとめた。きっと訪れてみたくなるはずだ。  関連記事『世界で最もクールな20の街』

If you really want to experience local life at its most authentic when exploring a new city, the best thing you can do is take to the streets. And no, not that one major thoroughfare with the samey high street megastores and generic coffee shops. We’re talking about the neighbourhood backstreets and lively avenues that locals love; the places packed with independent shops and creative people, where a brand-new hi-fi listening bar will share the space with an old-school grocer or a centuries-old pub.  This year, to create our annual ranking of the world’s coolest streets, we asked our global network of local editors and experts to nominate the street that epitomises the very best of their city. Time Out’s global travel team then narrowed down the list and ranked each street against criteria including food, drink, culture, fun and community spirit.  From Saturday samba sessions in Rio de Janeiro to a shapeshifting shopping street in Osaka, every avenue, alleyway and side street on this year’s ranking is unique to its hometown. Walking their length is like taking a stroll through the city in miniature, getting a taste of what makes life there brilliant – from food and culture to shopping and nightlife.  Did your favourite street make the list? Read on to find out. RECOMMENDED: 🏘️ The world’s coolest neighbourhoods in 2025🌆 The world’s best cities in 2025 Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for the latest travel news and the best stuff happening a

Osaka has recently emerged as a magnet for luxury hospitality, with the Four Seasons among the latest prestigious names to open in the vibrant metropolis. Stepping into the ground floor lobby automatically screams luxury, as you’re faced with stylish interiors courtesy of Japanese design house Curiosity. The serene ambiance is elevated by exquisite stonework, soaring lattice partitions, an amber-lacquered elevator area, and a captivating water feature that reflects the changing seasons. Enhancing the sense of refinement are carefully curated artworks thoughtfully placed throughout the hotel, including a striking Urushi sculpture by Genta Ishizuka in the lobby and a graceful piece by Ayako Ueda sitting near the pool. Located in the central Dojima district, the Four Seasons Hotel Osaka comprises 175 guest rooms, a gorgeous indoor pool, a public bath and a 24/7 fitness centre with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline. The hotel also offers a modern take on the traditional ryokan experience through its exclusive Gensui floor, which features 21 Japanese-style guest rooms adorned with refined tatami flooring, futon-style sleeping platforms, and amenities such as cotton yukata robes. Those staying on this floor also have access to the Sabo tea lounge, where you can enjoy tea, bento breakfasts, and sake and wine served in the evenings. The hotel's Western-style rooms are nothing short of stunning, accented with natural wood and stone interiors, crisp white linens and

Since opening its doors in 2023, Tokyo Confidential has established itself as a standout in Tokyo’s cocktail scene. The stylish space doesn’t feel like a typical Japanese cocktail bar – not that there’s anything wrong with Tokyo’s more genteel drinking dens – as it offers a more casual and relaxed environment for you to just drop in without fussing over reservations and strict bar rules. At times, the bar doesn’t even feel like Tokyo at all – until you take in the unobstructed view of Tokyo Tower from the open-air terrace. The bar has a cosy living room vibe, and coupled with its hospitality and welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to lose track of time here. Furthermore, the bar’s slogan of ‘pull up, fess up’ means you can drop in whenever you please to escape life’s pressures. The folks behind Tokyo Confidential have some serious street cred. Founder Holly Graham, for instance, was ranked in the top 10 of Bar World 100, a list of the globe's most influential figures in the bar industry. Head bartender Wakana Murata, on the other hand, was on the opening team of Tokyo Edition’s much-lauded Gold Bar. Plus, the bar’s food menu is supervised by chef Daniel Calvert of the three Michelin-starred Sézanne.  Tokyo Confidential’s centrepiece is a gorgeous bar counter made from a 300-year-old piece of reclaimed wood from a shrine. It’s the perfect spot to start exploring the bar’s drinks menu, where you’ll find a selection of signature cocktails including low- and no-ABV options. To keep t

When one thinks of Ginza bars, prim and prissy spaces affixed with a pricey drink list often come to mind. You can imagine how glad we were to have found Mixology Salon, which is bucking that stereotype with a relaxed attitude that also extends towards its inspired Japanese-take on cocktails. Easily accessible on the 13th floor of Ginza Six, this unpretentious space is clean and minimal yet welcoming. In fact, it looks more like a modern tea bar than an alcoholic one – and there’s a good reason for that. Specialising in what they call ‘teatails’, Mixology Salon’s signature cocktails are all made with its house blend of tea-infused spirits. You’ll find a wide range here, from hojicha-infused bourbon and soba cha vodka to oolong tea-flavoured rum and sencha gin. For first-timers, we recommend you go for a teatail course, where you can choose between three to five drinks made with a particular tea in mind. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with the Green Tea Fashioned, a fresh take on the classic Old Fashioned. Got a sweet tooth? Order the Hoji Cha cocktail, which is a mix of buckwheat tea-infused vodka and pineapple and finished with a surprising hint of miso. Note: ¥800 table charge applies per person. Price exclusive of consumption tax.

Terunari puts a creative spin on kaiseki by incorporating French influences that shine through in each and every dish. French- trained chef Kanichi Tokumoto runs the kitchen, working under chef Akihiko Murata of Terunari’s Michelin-starred sister restaurant Suzunari. Chef Tokumoto doesn’t stress over hyper-seasonality and instead works with whatever the kitchen is given, not necessarily just with what’s in season. You can look forward to unique reinterpretations of classic Japanese dishes, such as a crisp monaka (wafer sandwich, usually sweet) filled with chicken liver pâté, and chawanmushi egg custard made more substantial with beef tendon and a hint of wasabi. The more classic kaiseki- style dishes range from sardines simmered with ume plum and ginger to tuna served with red konjac, and aji (mackerel) layered with cucumber and a savoury miso tartar which packs an umami punch. Seasonality is expressed through the details: decorations include seasonal leaves and twigs, while the colours are bright and vibrant, making them not just appetising but photogenic too. The meal ends with a shime (loosely translated as ‘coming to a close’), where you’re served Terunari’s signature rice dish, a combination of sweet pork marinated in shoyu and mirin, and steamed with a perfectly plump tomato and fresh basil inside a Japanese claypot. Once cooked, the rice is mixed up at your table and topped with a good dose of cheese, turning it into a Japanese risotto of sorts. For fans of kaiseki,

Run by a charming husband-and-wife duo for the past eight years, Kudan Otsuka is classic kaiseki at its best. The quaint space is situated across the street from Yasukuni Shrine, whose calm surrounds extend into the restaurant. To keep things fresh, the menu changes monthly, highlighting seasonal ingredients in a traditional yet original way. Expect wow-inducing dishes featuring unique ingredients you may have never seen or tried before. Our meal started with a deceivingly simple soup (or owan, which literally means bowl in Japanese). The clear broth was accented with a tender chunk of winter melon, silky smooth somen noodles, okura and junsai (watershield, whose leaves have a slimy coating). This was followed by a four- appetiser platter served on a beautiful fan-shaped plate: a sunomono salad was given a twist by replacing the conventional cucumber with figs inside a vinegar jelly; a traditional summer kaiseki coupling of daikon and octopus had been simmered in a flavourful soy broth until tender; a selection of summer vegetables fried karaage-style in an unbelievably light batter; and there was an inspired pairing of yuba (tofu skin) and raw shiro ebi (white shrimp) topped with wasabi for a light kick.

Commonly associated with sumo wrestlers looking to get a calorie-packed meal to bulk up for an upcoming match, and hungry diners seeking something warm during the cold months, nabe or Japanese-style hotpot also has a more refined side. Enter Negima, an unassuming restaurant in Kita-Ikebukuro, which specialises in Edo-style maguro (tuna) and negi (Welsh onion) nabe. Contrary to its big servings, the restaurant is tiny and only seats eight. Negima is inspired by nabe from the Edo era prior to the invention of refrigerators, when fresh produce especially fish couldn’t be kept for long. So folks back then had to use up the ingredients by dropping them all into a pot of flavourful dashi broth where everything would be cooked thoroughly. Nabe at Negima is served as a course meal. You start with an Edo-style tamagoyaki, or egg roll, which has been lightly seasoned with katsuo dashi and shoyu. Pair it with sake and you’re off to a good start. Next, you’ll be presented with a beautiful platter of nabe ingredients before they are cooked inside a light dashi broth along with wakame seaweed and fresh greens. You’ll be able to sample various cuts of tuna, including the haramo (belly) and kama toro (gill flesh); they are both equally tender and elevated to another level with just a sprinkle of hand-crushed pepper. The thick slices of negi are cooked until soft and make for a refreshing relief between mouthfuls of tuna. To finish, you get to savour all that flavourful broth that’s been si

The popular frames from the leading South Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster have finally opened up shop in Hong Kong with their very first flagship store. Fashionistas in the SAR can now get their hands on the very sunglasses worn by Korean pop stars to sleek frame styles you won't find anywhere else. The new flagship shop in Causeway Bay is themed after a train platform giving visitors a unique shopping experience similar to Seoul's ever-changing 'Quantum Project' concept stores. 

Celebrate more than 40 years of Agnès B as they open their brand new concept store in Causeway Bay's Fashion Walk. The Rue du Jour shop is named after the very first Agnès B Femme shop, which opened in Paris back in 1975. Get your hands on your favourite items from the Sport B, Voyage and Bijoux collections along with a bite to eat at the B Cafe and a colourful bouquet from B Fleuriste. 

Step into the brand new Adidas flagship store for all your go-to sporting needs from clothing and shoes to accessories. The new shop is also home to the all-new Adidas Training Academy where you can kick yourself into gear with your new sportswear while working up a sweat at one of the free training programmes followed by a visit to the Refresh Zone to freshen up in their shower facilities and vanity areas.

Get your daily jolt of caffeine with one of the blends from the experts at % Arabica. This coffee roaster takes pride in using beans from its own coffee farm in Hawaii, as well as sourcing high-grade speciality beans from around the world. The shop is also a global distributor of, and uses, a high-tech Japanese roasting machine – the Tornado King – that prepares the beans to precision at the touch of a button. With a flagship shop in Discovery Bay North Plaza, plus a couple of other outlets in Hong Kong, you can pick up your fresh beans with relative ease.

Tokyo’s got no shortage of stunning designer boutiques, but the new Dior concept store in Daikanyama might just take the cake. Officially opened on February 12, the Dior Bamboo Pavilion takes over an expansive 1,800sqm site, home to the luxury retailer’s ready-to-wear collections, leather goods, shoes, accessories, fine jewellery, a Zen garden and Café Dior. Weaving together Paris and Tokyo, the store is a space where visitors can enjoy Dior’s signature creations alongside works by Japanese artisans. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima The massive gold bamboo pavilion is a reinterpretation of Dior's Paris flagship store and is surrounded by a Zen garden designed by Japan's renowned 'plant hunter' Seijun Nishihata.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Inside the main boutique area, the store’s walls are constructed from delicate washi paper, while lanterns by Kyoto’s Kojima Shoten bearing Dior’s signature medallion take centre stage.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Here, shoppers can browse men's and women's ready-to-wear and accessories by Jonathan Anderson, as well as store-exclusive items like the Dior Book Tote. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima At Café Dior, you'll be in for a visual delight. The café is surrounded by immersive floral installations by artist Makoto Azuma, channelling Dior’s love for gardens.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Sitting over the space is also an incredible paper-cut chandelier by Ayumi Shibata which appears like it's raining down over the café. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima The menu at Café Dior h

While plum blossoms have started to bloom and we inch closer to spring, it’s still technically winter – and this past weekend’s weather proves it’s worth keeping your mitts and winter jackets out for a few more weeks. From the evening of Saturday February 7 through most of Sunday February 8, Tokyo experienced another rare snowfall, following a previous snow day in early January. It may be freezing cold, but a fresh blanket of snow somehow makes the city look even more beautiful and calm. If you slept in or missed most of the snowfall, we’ve scoured social media for some of the most stunning shots from the weekend. Enjoy! View this post on Instagram A post shared by SamAlive (@samalive) 数年前雪が積もった日の東京駅❄️ pic.twitter.com/SEFgxmN5GI — しふぉん | Shiho Kawahara (@shiifoncake) February 8, 2026 今日の雪と東京タワーと東京タワーから見る景色。 pic.twitter.com/suyvbneaK2 — towerup (@towerup_tw) February 8, 2026 2/8　深大寺門から深大寺へ深大寺の雪景色も格別でした。深大寺の林だった深大寺門前とつながる景色です。広報#深大寺　#神代植物公園 pic.twitter.com/PMfCiYu4W4 — 神代植物公園 【公式】 (@ParksJindai) February 8, 2026 View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wander in Japan 🇯🇵⛩️ (@wanderinjapan1) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jermaine (@jermsyd) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Yuji Shibasaki (@yuji_48photo) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Masaya Suzuki (@moonlightice) View t

You might have heard that the historic university enclave of Jimbocho was crowned the coolest neighbourhood in the world last year by Time Out Worldwide. Famous for its endless bookstores and cult curry spots, the area also happens to be home to some of Tokyo’s best stationery stores. And who better to guide us through them than the team at Jimbocho-based Hobonichi, known for products such as the bilingual Hobonichi Techo planners? With Hobonichi’s Asako Ogawa, Nami Annen and Naomi Yoshida leading the way, follow us on a dive into three of Jimbocho’s most interesting writing material dealers. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima The first stop on our visit is at Takeo Paper Trading, a sleek paper shop that’s also on our list of the best things to do in the neighbourhood. This incredible showroom stocks a whopping 2,700 varieties of paper, ranging from decorative sheets for artworks to sturdy stock for printing.  Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaPépet Alongside affordable A4-size sheets of paper, you’ll find a selection of playful paper-centric items including colourful mini memo blocks made from Takeo paper, ultra-thin 'onion skin' notebooks that live up to their name, and Pépet, a charming paper ‘pet’ whose distinctive texture and movement make it surprising – and fun – to play with.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Next on our stationery tour is Bumpodo, a store which has been around since 1887. Its iconic retro architecture alone makes it worth a visit, but step inside and you’ll find three floors of st

It might still be winter, but the arrival of the first sakura forecast gives those dreaming of cherry blossoms and warmer days something to look forward to. On February 5, the Japan Meteorological Corporation released its fourth cherry blossom forecast of 2026, giving us a good idea of when sakura season is expected to begin. The JMC forecast predicts the first flowering and full bloom dates of the popular somei yoshino variety of cherry blossoms for around 1,000 destinations across Japan. This highly anticipated forecast is based on temperature patterns from this past autumn and has been released slightly earlier than usual. The agency is also incorporating artificial intelligence to provide earlier dates, helping people plan their sakura trips more effectively. In Tokyo, the forecast has shifted by a couple days earlier with cherry blossoms now predicted to start flowering on March 20, with full bloom expected around March 28.   Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation As for other popular destinations, Kyoto is expected to see initial bloom by March 24, reaching full bloom by April 1. Sapporo is predicted to start flowering from April 26, with full bloom by April 29, while Fukuoka is expected to see flowers by March 21, reaching full bloom by March 30. We'll continue to keep you posted as the forecast changes. The next update from the JMC is scheduled for February 19. In the meantime, you can enjoy the early blooming plum and winter cherry blossoms around Tokyo.  For a cl

古書の街であり、歴史ある学生街でもある神保町が2025年、タイムアウトのランキング「世界で最もクールな街」で第1位に選ばれた。数え切れないほどの古書店やカルト的な人気を誇るカレー店を多く抱えるこのエリアは、実は東京で屈指の文房具の街でもある。 今回は、そんな神保町に拠点を置く「ほぼ日」のチームとタイムアウト東京英語編集部のメンバーが、文房具店にフォーカスして神保町をナビゲート。ほぼ日は、コピーライターの糸井重里が創業した企業で、人々が集う「場」をつくり、「いい時間」を提供するコンテンツを企画、編集、制作、販売している。世界中で愛されている「ほぼ日手帳」を生み出したことで知られているが、オリジナル文具も数多く手がけている。 今回は、ほぼ日の小川綾沙子、安念奈美、吉田直美とともに、神保町で注目すべき筆記具や紙製品を扱う3つのスポットを掘り下げる。 竹尾 見本帖本店 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima竹尾　見本帖本店 最初に訪れたのは、洗練された紙の専門店「竹尾 見本帖本店」。同店は神保町特集記事「神保町でしかできない18のこと」にも入っている美しいショールームで、装飾的なアート紙から丈夫な印刷用紙まで、なんと約2700種類もの紙をストックしている。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima「PÉPET」 手頃な価格のA4サイズの紙に加え、在庫限りの紙で作られたカラフルなブロックメモや、玉ねぎの薄皮のように軽く、しわ感のある紙の「Dressco オニオンスキンノートブック」、そして独特の質感と動きが驚くほど楽しい紙から生まれた手乗りペット「PÉPET（ペペット）」など、紙を主役にした遊び心あふれるアイテムも揃えている。 文房堂 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima文房堂 次に訪れたのは、1887年創業の老舗「文房堂」。印象的なレトロな看板建築を見るだけでも訪れる価値があるが、一歩足を踏み入れれば、3つのフロアに文房具や画材がぎっしりと並ぶ文具のパラダイスが広がる。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima文房堂 油絵具（えのぐ）や鉛筆から、マスキングテープ、グリーティングカードまで、あらゆるものが目に飛び込んでくるだろう。また、3階にカフェ、4階にはギャラリーがあり、アートを鑑賞しながらスイーツも楽しめる。なおカフェでは、人気過ぎてなかなか入手できない「スタイルズケイクス＆カンパニー」のケーキが食べられる。気になる人は公式Instagramをチェックしよう。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima「デュアルメタリック」 黒い紙にも白い紙にも美しく発色するぺんてるのゲルペン「デュアルメタリック」や、ブラックライトで光る水彩絵具、そして持ち歩けるように設計されたコンパクトな水彩パレットなど、ほぼ日チームのお気に入りアイテムも紹介してくれた。 TOBICHI東京 Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaTOBICHI 東京 最後に立ち寄ったのは、ほぼ日の直営店「TOBICHI東京」。ここは「ほぼ日手帳」を豊富なサイズとカラーバリエーションで揃えており、手帳をじっくり見るのに最適な場所だ。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshimaずらりと並ぶ「ほぼ日手帳」 カラフルなカバーやケース、ペンホルダー、ステッカーなどの遊び心あふれるアクセサリーで、自分だけの手帳にカスタマイズもできる。文房具以外に、柔らかいタオルや柄物の腹巻き、ほぼ日チームが厳選した食品など、こだわりの日用品も販売されている。 Ph

Tokyo’s cherry blossoms aren't expected to bloom before late March, but you can get a taste of the pink blooms from early February on the southernmost tip of the Izu Peninsula in Shizuoka prefecture. The town of Minami Izu has a sakura and rapeseed blossom festival that runs from February 1 until March 10. Photo: Minamiizu Town Tourism Association The pink spectacle takes place along the Aono River in the Shimogamo Onsen area and at the nearby Shimogamo Onsen Yu no Hana rest stop. About 800 Kawazu cherry blossom trees and plenty of yellow rape blossoms line the 4.2-km-long stretch along the Aono River. Kawazu cherry blossoms were first discovered in 1972 in Kawazu, a little town further north on the Izu Peninsula. Thanks to Izu’s warm climate, these cherry blossoms bloom earlier than any other sakura type around Japan. Photo: Minamiizu Town Tourism Association Between February 10 and 28, you can hop of a rickshaw which will take you on a 20-minute cherry blossom viewing course around the area (¥3,000 per person).  Photo: Minamiizu Town Tourism Association Make sure to stay until the evening, when the sakura between Kujobashi Bridge and Maeharabashi Bridge are beautifully lit up. Close to the roadside station Shimogamo Onsen Yu no Hana and at the Shiroganenoyu Bridge, you’ll also find illuminated sakura trees. The light-up takes place daily from 6pm to 9pm. Additionally, you can also catch a cherry blossom and bamboo light illumination on the evenings of February 20, 21

Planning a trip to Japan comes with no shortage of options. From brand-new facilities to seasonal attractions, the list can be tough to narrow down – especially for travellers seeking experiences that champion diversity, inclusion and sustainability alongside great design, culture and hospitality. Enter the Japan Travel Awards.  Now in their fifth year, the awards spotlight standout destinations and operators across the country, and in 2026 they’ve recognised 11 exceptional places and organisations that are setting new benchmarks for inclusive, responsible and welcoming tourism in Japan. The winners were selected by a panel of industry experts from 15 finalists, which were in turn chosen from a total of 206 entries. For a hefty serving of travel inspo, take a look at this year’s award-winning destinations and experiences below. Photo: Shiitake Creative Grand Prix Winner: Ryokan Ohana (Yanagawa, Fukuoka) Taking home the grand prize this year is Ryokan Ohana in Fukuoka. This incredible inn takes over a 400-year-old historic residence that's still run and maintained by the founding family. Its most distinctive feature is that it’s Japan’s only Nationally Designated Place of Scenic Beauty where guests can stay overnight – a rare chance to experience a cultural institution shaped by centuries of history and care. Beyond being a truly unique place to stay, the ryokan also stands out for its commitment to inclusivity and exceptional hospitality, offering an accessible heritage set

In Japan, winter is more of an experience than a season. There’s always something exciting happening somewhere in the country, whether that be amazing illuminations or frozen icicle displays. If you prefer to base your trips around eating, you won’t want to miss out on Restaurant Kamakura Village, a magical restaurant made up of more than 20 pop-up igloos. You’ll find the restaurant nestled in the snowy Japanese Alps in the small town of Iiyama in Nagano prefecture. The winter restaurant is set up annually, and is open for around a month. For 2026, the restaurant will be running from January 23 to March 1.  【Restaurant Kamakura Village 2026⛄】IIYAMA City, Nagano Pre, Japan◆Date：Jan 23, 2026～Mar 1, 2026 ◆Reservation (start at 10:00 on the website)　∟Accommodation plan Nov 4, 2025　∟Day trip plans Dec 19, 2025For more information ☞https://t.co/OnCMeedMsY pic.twitter.com/NwvQlmRcEy — 信州いいやま観光局【公式】 (@iiyama_kanko) November 11, 2025 Each igloo fits up to four people and you'll be treated to a hearty meal featuring the local delicacy noroshi nabe, a hot pot made with Shinshu miso, Miyuki pork and local veggies. You can choose to dine for lunch or dinner, or opt for a shorter snack plan where you can enjoy a warm cup of amazake (sweet sake) or soup inside the cosy little igloos. Be sure to visit the igloo behind a small red torii gate – inside you’ll find a frosty Shinto shrine. The grounds around the restaurant are also great for sledding, or you could pop in for a visit dur

Tokyo was abuzz with excitement when Swedish retail giant Ikea made its city-centre debut in 2020, opening convenient new locations in Harajuku and Shibuya, followed by a third outpost in Shinjuku the following year. However, in some unfortunate news, Ikea recently announced that it will be closing its Harajuku and Shinjuku stores for good this February.  Shoppers still have a few weeks to browse and dine at both locations, with the stores set to close on Sunday February 8, at 6pm. For customers using the in-store pickup service, the final collection date will be February 1. Returns and exchanges will be accepted until 5pm on February 8. Looking ahead, the retailer has confirmed that the Ikea Shibuya location will now act as the brand's hub for central Tokyo. Elsewhere in the region, shoppers can find bigger Ikea stores in Yokohama, Tachikawa and the Tokyo Bay area (Funabashi).  For more information, visit the website. More from Time Out Tokyo BTS announce Tokyo dates for their comeback tour – here’s how to get tickets Netflix’s ‘Squid Game’ is coming to life in Tokyo this January Disney has released its 2026 cherry blossom collectionHere's the official Japan cherry blossom forecast for 2026 – updated Jan 8Japan to lose all of its pandas by the end of JanuaryWant to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.

BTS are finally returning – and their comeback is set to be one of the biggest ever. The K-pop boy band has been on hiatus for nearly four years, beginning in 2022 when members started pursuing solo projects, followed by their mandatory military service in South Korea. Now, the group is scheduled to release a new studio album on March 20 – their first full-length release in six years – before embarking on a massive world tour through 34 cities across the globe. On January 14, the group finally announced dates for their highly anticipated tour, which kicks off in Goyang, South Korea in early April before heading to Tokyo for shows at Tokyo Dome on April 17 and 18. After Tokyo, the septet will head to North America, Europe, South America and other parts of Asia, with the tour running through March 2027.  Photo: Hybe Japan While securing tickets may be stressful, there are a few ways to prepare. For the Tokyo concerts, fans can enter the advance lottery via the BTS Japan Official Fanclub from 9pm on January 22. Alternatively, you can use the advance ticket raffle sign-up for BTS Global Official Fanclub Army Membership (Global/USA) holders from 1pm on February 13 to 11.59pm on February 23 – a particularly handy option as it’s English-friendly and open to non-Japanese residents.  If applying through the BTS Global Official Fanclub Army Membership, you'll be allowed to join the Lawson Ticket raffle after the initial sign-up period mentioned above. The Lawson Ticket raffle runs fr

What began as a binge-worthy thriller is stepping off the screen and into reality. From Friday January 16, Netflix’s global phenomenon Squid Game is becoming a real-world experience in Shibuya, where fans will get a chance to take part in the show’s intense games – minus the life-or-death stakes.  Photo: Shibuya Real Squid Game Office The experiential event has already toured cities worldwide, including Madrid, Seoul, London, Los Angeles and Sydney. Netflix Shibuya Real Squid Game will take over the third floor of Shibuya Fukuras with familiar games and immersive sets that fans can take part in. Photo: Shibuya Real Squid Game Office Just like in the series, visitors can scan their face to register as a player and enjoy six games from the show including 'Tug of War', 'Marble Game' and 'Red Light, Green Light'. Photo: Shibuya Real Squid Game Office Aside from the game rooms, you can also check out a special café featuring an exclusive menu, photo zones, and 'Yonghee's Playground' which has been converted into a shop where you can shop for special merch. Photo: Shibuya Real Squid Game Office Guests with VIP tickets can enjoy additional perks like having access to the VIP room from the show where you can enjoy a drink. Photo: Shibuya Real Squid Game Office Netflix Shibuya Real Squid Game takes place from January 16 to July 20 from 11am to 9.30pm daily. Tickets start at ¥3,900 on weekdays for adults and ¥3,300 for children, while weekends and holidays start at ¥4,100 for

2025年、東京は最も手頃な旅行先の一つに選ばれ、さらに神保町が「世界で最もクールな街」ランキングの第1位に輝いた。しかし、東京の魅力は雰囲気や文化、グルメだけではない。リピーターを生み、思わず人に勧めたくなる理由は、総合的な体験の質の高さにある。 世界的なブランドコンサルタント会社のSaffron Brand Consultantsによる「City Brand Barometer 2025, Tourism edition」というランキングが、まさにそれを裏付けている。この調査は、世界の主要観光都市が、前評判通りの体験を実際に提供できているかを分析したものだ。 2025年版では、111都市を「将来性（30％）」「体験（50％）」「実現度（20％）」の3つの軸で評価。グルメからインフラまで、世界の都市が観光の未来をどう描いているかを展望できる。その結果、首位はニューヨーク、東京は57.89点で第2位を獲得した。 Photo: Nicholas Doherty/Unsplash浅草寺 詳細を見ると、「体験」部門で東京はなんと世界第1位。世界レベルの文化施設やバラエティー豊かなグルメが高評価につながったという。さらに、物価が安いことと治安の良さも強みとなっている。 また、インターネット上での評判や、国際的な認知度、訪問意欲などを評価した「将来性」では第7位。交通インフラ、国際線のネットワーク、デジタル環境、ビザの取りやすさなどを反映した「利便性」では第12位だった。 Photo: Jezael Melgoza/Unsplash歌舞伎町 東京だけでなく、京都が第12位、大阪が第15位、横浜が第19位、福岡が第81位と、日本各地の観光地もランクイン。ただし、これらの都市が東京に続いて存在感を示すには、東京とは異なる独自性を打ち出す必要があると指摘されている。 Photo: Richard Tao/Unsplas大阪・道頓堀 完全版のレポートやほかの都市の順位が知りたければ、サフランの公式ウェブサイトでチェックしよう。 関連記事 『Tokyo ranks among the world’s top city brands for tourism（原文）』 『神保町が2025年「世界で最もクールな街」ランキング第1位に選出』 『2025年版「世界で最もクールなストリート」発表』 『異国情緒あふれる横浜郵船ビルが客船文化を伝えるホテルとして再生』 『2025年の「ベストシティ50」発表、東京は31位』 東京の最新情報をタイムアウト東京のメールマガジンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら