Kaila Imada

Anime is one of Japan’s most iconic cultural exports and a global phenomenon that continues to grow in popularity to this day. In fact, ‘Japanimation’ has become so well-known that anime T-shirts featuring beloved characters – once seen as niche fan gear – have earned their place in mainstream fashion, rivalling band tees in style and collectability. Today, rare vintage pieces can sell for hundreds of thousands of yen, drawing collectors and fashion-forward fans from around the world.  Below we highlight some of our favourite shops in Nakano, Harajuku and Sangenjaya that specialise in the coolest anime T-shirts, including the most coveted vintage finds. Happy shopping! RECOMMENDED: the best vintage shops for designer labels in Tokyo

Tokyo is renowend for its fashion, with glitzy department stores and stunning flagships from leading Japanese and international brands. But Tokyo also caters to your more specific fashion needs, especially if you're looking to add a new denim item to your wardrobe. Japan's love for denim started when the textile was introduced to the country at the end of World War II. Since then, Japan has made this American staple its own, perfecting it with precise attention to quality and detail. Today, Japanese denim is praised for its fabric, quailty of dyes and the use of the best materials in everything from the cotton to the buttons and rivets. It's also worth noting that Japanese denim usually starts off raw and then softens and fades as you wear and wash it. This is in contrast to pre-washed and distressed denim, which is treated to get that well-worn look. This guide lets you in on Tokyo’s best Japanese denim shops, all of which deal in top-quality, carefully crafted domestic wear and pay the utmost attention to detail in everything from manufacturing to presentation. Just so you know you're getting the real deal, some of these brands hail from Kojima in Okayama prefecture, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of Japanese denim.  RECOMMENDED: The best souvenirs that are made in or inspired by Tokyo

Thirsty? Of course you are, but thankfully we’ve got just the tonic. Our cities are packed with brilliant, innovative and downright wacky bars, where crafty mixologists are shaking, mixing and stirring cocktails and bartenders are carefully pouring moreish wines. But the best ones? Only locals can tell us that, so that’s why we’ve called on Time Out’s international network of writers and editors to tell us all about their favourite spot for a drink in their city. Below is a varied menu of vibes and flavours, from a classy little wine place in Madrid to a speakeasy in Manila, a sultry cocktail joint in Edinburgh to a no-fuss institution in London. Read on for Time Out’s fresh roundup of the best bars in the world’s best cities. Recommended:🌇 The best rooftop bars in the world✨ The best cities in the world for nightlife🍕 The best pizzas in the world🍝 The best cities in the world for food Liv Kelly is the writer for Time Out Travel, based in London. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

In an era of fast fashion and fleeting trends, classic pieces like a well-fitting pair of jeans, a crisp white tee and clean, minimalist sneakers offer enduring style and versatility throughout the seasons. If you’re looking to invest in essential pieces that truly last, Tokyo has got you covered. Renowned for craftsmanship and attention to detail, many Japanese brands with boutiques in the capital specialise in creating highquality, elevated basics that not only stand the test of time, but often improve with wear. Here are some of our favourites. RECOMMENDED: The best flagship stores you need to visit 

When June rolls around, we officially enter summer – and start bracing ourselves for Tokyo’s hot, humid days ahead. While quick fixes like ice cream or kakigori are nice, it’s also great to have longer-lasting options that won’t melt into a puddle in our hands.  Leave it to Japan to come up with some wacky and wild inventions to help keep you cool and presentable throughout the unbearably hot and humid season. From icy-cool shirt sprays to tingly face and hair wipes, these handy products will help you survive the scorching summer heat. Plus, you can easily pick them up at your local drugstore, konbini or even at popular shops like Don Quijote. RECOMMENDED: These fun indoor activities are inside air-conditioned spaces

It’s become a well-known fact that you should wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, whether rain or shine, winter or summer. But now that summer is finally here, sunscreen is one of those must-have items that we’ll be reapplying and carrying around with us all season long.  As Japan is renowned for its skincare and cosmetics, it's no surprise that the country’s makeup makers have come up with some pretty great sunblocks catering to a variety of skin types. From lightweight gel formulas that are ideal for hot weather to convenient spray-on protection, we’ve rounded up some of the most popular and affordable sunscreens you can find at your average Japanese drugstore.  RECOMMENDED: 11 essential items to survive the Tokyo summer 

Japan's traditional summer treat, kakigori (shaved ice with syrup), has been making a strong comeback over the last few years: specialist shops have been popping up all over town, regularly attracting queues that border on the ridiculous.  The trend shows absolutely no signs of slowing down, and this once summer-only dessert is now served year-round. These shops and cafés are also constantly churning out new and creative flavours to keep the hype going – think tiramisu, avocado and even corn and tomatoes.  This guide points the way to Tokyo's very best shaved ice shops and cafés, many of them open throughout the year. RECOMMENDED: Want more? Cool down with Tokyo's best ice cream

Standing out with its signature 330-metre tall tower, cutting-edge architecture and ethos of sustainability and wellness, the expansive Azabudai Hills complex has become a pivotal landmark and lifestyle hub in central Tokyo. If you’re looking for a hip new place to dine and catch up with friends, or rejuvenate in a lush urban oasis, Azabudai Hills is the place to be – and it’s got plenty more too, including public art, sleek galleries and educational facilities. Read on for our selection of the best places to shop, dine and see in Azabudai Hills.

タイムアウト東京 > Things To Do >東京近郊の美しいひまわりスポット、ベスト7 夏の花といえば、何といってもヒマワリだろう。東京近郊には広大なヒマワリ畑がいくつもある。一面に咲き誇る花の中を散策したり、モチーフにした料理を堪能したり、ヒマワリをテーマにした迷路で遊んだりできる。 ベストシーズンは7月から8月末までだが、遅咲きの品種なら9月になっても鑑賞できる。この記事では、タイムアウト東京編集部が選んだ、この夏訪れたいベストヒマワリスポットを紹介する。 関連記事『東京、7月に開催される花火大会4選』

Tokyo takes its desserts seriously, especially in summer when all we think about is where to cool down with the best ice cream, kakigori and other frozen treats. From coffee soft-serve and cereal-infused ice cream to guilt-free goodness and intense matcha delights, there's really something for everyone in our super-cool list of the best ice cold treats in Tokyo. RECOMMENDED: Japanese ice cream flavours you need to try

タイムアウト東京 > レストラン＆カフェ >東京、ベストアイスクリーム18選 東京は「甘いもの」に事欠かない街だ。夏はかき氷にアイスクリーム、ソフトクリームなど、冷たいスイーツが酷暑で火照った体をクールダウンしてくれる。 ここでは、タイムアウト東京の英語版編集部が厳選した18のアイスクリームショップを紹介する。コーヒーテイストのソフトクリームやシリアルが入ったアイス、濃厚な抹茶アイスなど、とびきりクールなアイスクリームの中から、お気に入りがきっと見つかるだろう。 関連記事『東京、いま注目のかき氷5選』

Osaka makes history in 2025 as the first Japanese city to host the World Expo twice. It last staged the event in 1970, which holds the record as the best-attended Expo of the 20th century. With big plans in place, Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan is sure to be just as memorable. World Expos have been taking place since 1851 and now occur every five years for up to six months at a time. These large-scale events bring together innovations from around the world and are often the first places to see new technology. Over the years, the likes of elevators, electric cars and the first mobile phone have been unveiled at Expos. You can discover the innovations and culture of each participating country at its own pavilion during the event. Expo 2025 is Osaka’s second and Japan’s third World Expo, following the Aichi Expo in 2005. It takes place from April 13 to October 13 2025 on Yumeshima Island in Osaka Bay. World-renowned architect Sou Fujimoto is responsible for bringing the Expo 2025 site to life with a stunning master design. Fujimoto includes plenty of nature by incorporating green spaces throughout the site as well as ample seating and shaded rest areas. The venue’s showpiece is the 20-metre high, two-kilometre round Grand Ring. Visitors can walk inside as well as on top of this giant wooden structure, which affords breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Expo site and Osaka Bay.

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.

The folks at Barista HK are true java heads. From the moment the beans start sprouting on the tree to when the time comes to perfect each and every brew in-store, the team at Barista HK are experts in all things coffee and are keen to share its knowledge with other avid drinkers. The staff physically sift through the raw coffee beans by hand before roasting them on-site, so every bean is as perfect as can be. For those interested in learning the basic steps towards creating a great cup of coffee, there are also workshops on how to best discern your morning brew.

The doughnut craze has made a comeback in Tokyo over the past few years, with new specialist bakeries popping up all over the city. Leading the trend is I’m donut?, a unique doughnut shop known for its pillowy-soft treats made with Japanese ingredients. The brand has recently gone global, opening locations in New York City and Seoul – and now it’s launched a fully gluten-free shop in Shibuya. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima I’m donut? Gluten-Free is located across the street from the I’m donut? Shibuya store and operates as a takeaway stand. You’ll still get to enjoy I’m donut?’s signature ‘nama’ (fresh) doughnuts – but at the new shop these are made entirely gluten-free using Japanese rice flour instead of wheat. The dough also incorporates ingredients like pumpkin, which helps create a moist and slightly sweet doughnut. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima‘I’m Free’ original doughnut The gluten-free shop offers eight different doughnuts, including the signature ‘I’m Free’ original (¥356), which is lightly coated in brown sugar, and the cacao (¥388) – both of which are vegan-friendly. The original flavour was one of our favourites and was light, moist and just as delicious as the brand’s regular creations. Honestly, it was hard to even tell it was gluten-free – it was that good. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaPistachio doughnut Additionally there are four cream-based doughnuts filled with a decadent cream or custard made from rice flour. The cream doughnuts come in four flavours: custard (¥529), pistach

Most people head to Okinawa for its pristine beaches and relaxing resorts, but now there’s an exciting new reason to visit this tropical paradise. A jungle-inspired theme park has just opened on Okinawa’s main island, and it’s pretty incredible. Junglia Okinawa is a sprawling tropical amusement park featuring 22 attractions, a rejuvenating spa, 15 dining spots and retail outlets – all set within the lush Yanbaru National Park in northern Okinawa. We got a sneak peek at Okinawa’s newest theme park ahead of its grand opening on July 25 – here are some of the highlights.  Photo: Hirota Aotsukaスカイ フェニックス Big thrills await There’s no shortage of adrenaline-pumping fun at Junglia, where you can cross an 84-metre-long sky trek suspension bridge, soar on the giant four-person Titan’s Swing, launch yourself into the air as a human arrow, and navigate a rugged jungle course in an off-road buggy. If you’re after a more laid-back experience, there’s still plenty to enjoy. For instance, you can hop aboard the Tam Tam Tram for a scenic ride through the park, take part in the family-friendly Treasure Fight laser tag game, or sit back and enjoy the daily fireworks show. Photo: Hirota Aotsukaファインディング ダイナソーズ Expect lots of dinosaurs A major highlight at Junglia is the variety of fun, dinosaur-themed activities you can dive into. Don’t miss the Dinosaur Safari – an epic jungle adventure where you’ll come face to face with everything from a towering Brachiosaurus to a roaring T-Rex. For some

Tokyo is paradise for Pokémon enthusiasts, offering everything from immersive Pokémon Centers to themed cafés serving up Pokémon-inspired food and drinks. If you’re in town this summer, you can even have a sleepover with your favourite Pokémon at Grand Hyatt Tokyo.  But the excitement doesn’t stop there – Pokémon fans are in for a major treat, as Tokyo is set to welcome its first-ever permanent outdoor Pokémon attraction in spring 2026. PokéPark Kanto will take over an expansive 26,000sqm space at Yomiuriland in the western suburbs and will feature a Pokémon Center, Trainers' Market, Gym, Pokémon Mart, Sedge Town area, and a ‘Pokémon Forest’ home to over 600 Pokémon.   ©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. That last one looks set to be one of the park’s highlights. The lush Pokémon Forest will feature a mix of terrains from hilly paths and tall grassy areas to tunnels and rocky trails. Here, you'll be able to observe a wide variety of Pokémon in the wild. ©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. Another exciting area is Sedge Town, home to a Pokémon Center, Poké Market, Gym and Trainers’ Market, where you can shop for exclusive merchandise. You’ll also be able to catch a Pokémon parade here, along with two other attractions. At the heart of the town, the Primarina Fountain serves as a gathering spot for Pokémon trainers visiting the grounds. ©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. The grand opening of PokéPark Kanto is set for spring 20

Roppongi Hills has gone into complete Doraemon mode again for its Summer Station 2025 festival. You’ll find plenty of photo opportunities featuring the beloved blue cat-robot around the shopping centre – mainly around the Roppongi Hills Roku Roku Plaza and at the adjacent TV Asahi building. This year, the Summer Station festival runs until Sunday August 17. Photo: Kaila Imada You can’t miss the massive squad of Doraemon that's currently occupying Roppongi Hills Roku Roku Plaza. Here, you'll find many Doraemon in all sorts of silly poses. Take a walk around Roppongi Hills and you’ll find even more Doraemon statues scattered about. Photo: Kaila Imada Be sure to visit TV Asahi, where the lobby features even more Doraemon figures – including a rare yellow Doraemon, which shows what the beloved character looked like before he turned blue Photo: Kaila Imada There’s also a fun photo spot where you can sit in a director’s chair, along with Doraemon statues and framed photos from the upcoming ‘Doraemon Birthday Special', set to be released on September 6, just after Doraemon’s birthday on September 3. Don't forget to stop by TV Asahi's Summer Fes Garden Cafe where you can enjoy Doraemon-themed treats like a cute burger, fun pizza and a refreshing blue parfait. For more information, visit the website. This article was published on August 9 2022 and updated on July 28 2025. More from Time Out Tokyo Film adaptation of cult indie game ‘The Exit 8’ due for release in late August Thi

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 150,000 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 mid-July to mid-August, with full bloom expected on July 23 for 2025. 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 31. The sunflower-inspired treats on offer include doughnuts shaped as the bright yellow flower, a sunflower parfait, sunflower lemon squash float 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 25 2025. More from Time Out Tokyo This exhibition of Japanese art at Haneda Airpor

While dozens of countries have gathered at Expo 2025 in Osaka to showcase their innovative technologies and sustainable solutions for a better future, another exciting highlight at the mega-event is the remarkable gastronomic collaborations on show. One such project is The Art of Tasting Portugal supported by VisitPortugal, which showcases the culinary creativity of Portuguese chefs on a global stage.  As part of the lead-up to the Expo, a special dinner brought together culinary visionaries from two Michelin-starred restaurants: Portuguese chef Vasco Coelho Santos of Euskalduna in Porto and Yuji Fujita, executive chef of Chi-Fu in Osaka. Photo: Chizu Takaoka The chefs crafted a menu highlighting the appreciation of seasonal ingredients shared by the two countries. Chef Vasco presented refined takes on Portuguese classics such as seafood rice, beef tongue and his signature Portuguese French toast – the perfect sweet ending and one of our favourite dishes of the night. Meanwhile, chef Fujita showcased his twist of Japanese and Chinese cuisine with dishes including Ise lobster and lamb chops. The menu was complemented by a curated pairing of Portuguese wines and Japanese sake, highlighting the growing interest in Portuguese wines in Japan. Chef Vasco is a key figure in contemporary Portuguese cuisine, known for blending tradition with innovation across multiple acclaimed restaurants, including his very own Euskalduna Studio which renewed its Michelin star in 2025. In 2024, he

While spring may be the best time to see cherry blossoms, tulips and wisteria, summer is when himawari (sunflowers) get their time to shine. You’ll find a number of sprawling fields in and around Greater Tokyo, where you can stroll through rows and rows of yellow sunflowers, eat sunflower-themed food, and even enjoy a sunflower maze.  The best time to see the flowers is from July through to the end of August, but some late blooming varieties will still be around in September. Here are our top sunflower spots to check out this summer.  大ケヤキに向かってお辞儀をしているように見えますよね！暑い日が続いた1週間、きれいに咲き揃い楽しませてくれた‘ハイブリッドサンフラワー’もいよいよ終わりが近づいてきました。場所によっては顔をあげている花も残っています◎ pic.twitter.com/BiD5zdrQxE — 国営昭和記念公園 (@showakinenpark) August 8, 2023 Showa Kinen Park, Tokyo This massive park in Tachikawa is where you can enjoy a unique hybrid species of sunflowers known as ​​Asteraceae. The park also has a flourishing section of Sunfinity sunflowers, which were not planted this year. Currently, the flowers have yet to bloom, but you can keep up with the flowering status here.  Photo: Kiyose Sunflower Festival Ishii Farm Kiyose, Tokyo Featuring 100,000 bright yellow himawari, the Kiyose Sunflower Festival takes place from July 26 to August 3 on the outskirts of Tokyo. This expansive sunflower field, roughly 24,000 square meters in size, is used every summer by local farmers to grow sunflowers as a natural fertiliser for agricultural produce. Take in the spectacular scenery of

While Tokyo is great to explore any time of day, it truly comes alive at night – it’s a 24-hour city through and through, as we explored in our latest 24 Hours in Tokyo issue. The capital is widely praised for its safety, stunning night views and affordability, making it a top-tier choice for travellers worldwide.  The folks over at UK-based travel booking site Travelbag seem to agree, as they’ve just listed Tokyo as one of the top destinations for evening tourism in their ranking of the most beautiful cities come sundown. Responding to growing interest in nighttime tourism, Travelbag compiled the ranking by evaluating factors such as Instagram hashtag volume, light pollution levels, safety after dark, and the number of late-night venues across cities worldwide. Photo: Fabrizio Chiagano/UnsplashUndated stock photo of Shinjuku Kabukicho On their list of the ten most beautiful long-haul cities (as seen from the UK, presumably) at night, Tokyo came in at number two, trailing only New York City. According to the survey, Tokyo is a great place to spend an evening thanks to its lively alleyways like Shinjuku’s Golden Gai, a plethora of local izakaya, and a stunning cityscape that blends futuristic lights with traditional aesthetics. Tokyo was also praised for its plethora of options when it comes to hanging out at night, with nearly 1,000 venues open late into the evening. Additionally, the city scored a respectable 75 out of 100 for its nighttime safety. Photo: Sean Pavone/Drea

The 2025 list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars has just been unveiled – and this year, Tokyo finally sees some fresh faces making their debut on the prestigious list. Announced at an award ceremony in Macau on July 15, this year’s ranking features 20 brand-new entries spanning 23 locales across Asia. Photo: Four SeasonsVirtù at the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi The honour of Tokyo’s highest ranking bar goes to Hiroyasu Kayama's Bar Benfiddich in Shinjuku, which claimed ninth place. Another recurring name on the list is Virtù at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, coming in at No 18.  Photo: Punch Room Tokyo Joining these familiar favourites are two Tokyo bars making their debut on this year’s list. Sitting at No 36 is Punch Room Tokyo, located inside The Tokyo Edition, Ginza. This bar is renowned for its punch cocktails reimagined with Japanese spirits and flavours and served in elegant bowls for sharing.  Photo: Keisuke TanigawaBar Libre Additionally, Bar Libre in Ikebukuro just made the cut, securing the No 49 spot. A fixture in the city for 14 years, the bar continues to attract discerning imbibers with its unpretentious atmosphere and inventive cocktails crafted with Japanese ingredients. The only other bars in Japan to make the list were Kumamoto's Yakoboku (No 25) and Lamp Bar (No 46) in Nara. Together, these bars continue to fly the flag for Japan’s top-tier cocktail culture beyond Tokyo. To see the full list of Asia’s 50 best bars, visit the website. More from T

Tokyo’s summer festival season is in full swing, and this upcoming long weekend perfectly encapsulates the city’s vibrant energy. What makes the Marine Day weekend especially exciting is the variety of traditional events on offer, including a number of Bon Odori festivities happening across the city. Bon Odori is a lively summer dance held during the Obon period to honour ancestors – a tradition that’s been around for over 500 years. People gather around a yagura stage, dancing in circles to the rhythm of the music. It’s a festive, feel-good way to spend a summer night – and the perfect chance to show off your best dance moves. Here are three Bon Odori festivals you can join this weekend. Photo: Shota Nagao Sendagaya Bon Odori Festival, July 18-19 To kick things off, stop by the Sendagaya Bon Odori Festival taking place at Hato no Mori Hachiman Shrine. You can expect food stalls set up by local businesses, as well as games and activities for children. Plus, of course, the requisite communal dancing.  Not familiar with the moves? No worries. Drop by around 4pm to learn the choreography, and you can join in one of the Bon Odori dances happening at 5.30pm, 7pm and 7.50pm (5.30pm, 6.45pm and 8pm on Saturday). 画像提供：大盆踊り会実行委員会 Daibon, July 19 Get ready to get your groove on at Daibon, a modern rendition of the traditional Bon Odori festival held at Hachiman Shrine in Nakano ward’s Yamatocho. Here, the customary Bon Odori festivities are fused with a line-up of DJs and contempor

While Tokyo remains one of Japan’s hottest destinations – not least thanks to its top-tier airports and affordability – another city is gaining attention for its exceptional liveability. This year, Osaka was ranked as the seventh most livable city in the world according to the Economist’s annual Global Liveability Index, which examines a total of 173 cities worldwide. While Tokyo has made this ranking in the past, Osaka is the only city in Asia to crack the top ten this year. Osaka is tied for seventh place with Auckland, New Zealand, just behind Copenhagen (No 1), Vienna (No 2), Zurich (No 3), Melbourne (No 4), Geneva (No 5) and Sydney (No 6). Rounding out the top ten are Adelaide and Vancouver. This year’s report evaluated over 30 qualitative and quantitative factors across five main categories: stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure. Osaka earned a score of 96 on the global index, compared to 98 for top-ranked Copenhagen. The Kansai city received full marks for stability, healthcare, and education. It scored 86.8 for culture and environment, and 96.4 for infrastructure.  Here’s a full look at the top ten cities and their total index score:  1. Copenhagen, Denmark (98.0)2. Vienna, Austria (97.1)2. Zurich, Switzerland (97.1)4. Melbourne, Australia (97.0)5. Geneva, Switzerland (96.8)6. Sydney, Australia (96.6)7. Osaka, Japan (96.0)7. Auckland, New Zealand (96.0)9. Adelaide, Australia (95.9)10. Vancouver, Canada (95.8) With its high score

Following Tokyo’s strong showing in Asia's 50 Best Restaurants earlier this year, which included nine local entries, the highly anticipated World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list has just added several more notches to the city’s culinary belt. This year’s rankings were announced at a ceremony in Turin, Italy on June 19 and include three restaurants in Tokyo and one in Osaka.  Taking the top spot this year is Maido in Lima, Peru. It’s run by Lima-born chef Mitsuharu ‘Micha’ Tsumura, known for his innovative take on Nikkei cuisine which blends the ingredients of his home city with the culinary techniques of Japan, where he has his roots. Maido was followed by Asador Etxebarri in Atxondo, Spain, Mexico City’s Quintonil, Madrid’s Diverxo and Alchemist in Copenhagen.  Photo: Four Seasons MarunouchiSézanne Tokyo’s highest ranking restaurant is Sézanne, which took the seventh spot, just behind Bangkok’s Gaggan. Helmed by British chef Daniel Calvert, Sézanne continues to impress with its meticulous technique-driven cuisine highlighting seasonal ingredients sourced from across Japan. Photo: Keisuke TanigawaFlorilège Elsewhere on this year’s list, Tokyo’s Narisawa re-entered the list in 21st place while Osaka’s La Cime came in at 44. Florilège, which has relocated to Azabudai Hills, also secured a spot on the list, coming in at 36. Check out the full list of the World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025. More from Time Out Tokyo These are the most affordable destinations to visit across Jap