Kaila Imada

When it comes to quintessential eats in Tokyo, ramen and sushi are obvious choices. However, we think the fun and convenient onigiri rice ball deserves a spot on your must-eat list, too. The onigiri is often dismissed as a quick grab-and-go snack that you get at your local konbini, a little fill-me-up for when you're rushed for time. But there are now an increasing number of specialists around Tokyo crafting rice balls with top-quality grains and a plethora of unique and gourmet fillings. Plus, many of these onigiri spots are proper restaurants, where you can sit down and enjoy made-to-order rice balls like a proper and balanced meal, complete with a selection of sides including pickles, karaage fried chicken and miso soup.  RECOMMENDED: The best cheap eats in Tokyo for ¥1,200 or less

Travel down to the Kanagawa coast and you’ll run into the small but beautiful Enoshima. The hilly island lies off the Shonan coast in western Kanagawa, and it’s connected to the mainland by a bridge open to both vehicles and pedestrians. Enoshima is one of the most popular islands nearest to Tokyo. Here you’ll find a number of cultural monuments, quaint cafés and sightseeing attractions – more than enough to fuel a day trip. When the weather’s clear, you can even see Mt Fuji in the distance. Getting here: The Enoshima-Kamakura Freepass includes a round-trip ticket on the Odakyu line from Shinjuku to Katase-Enoshima Station, which takes about 80 minutes one way. You also get unlimited rides on the Enoden line between Fujisawa and Kamakura stations for a bit of extended sightseeing in the area. The pass costs ¥1,640 for adults and ¥430 for children. It's a 12-minute walk from Katase-Enoshima Station to the island.RECOMMENDED: Explore Kawagoe, Saitama’s Little Edo

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

While Japanese convenience stores are consistently praised for their incredible selection of hot food, snacks and drinks, you can also pick up some peculiar energy boosters and vitamin supplements to get you through the day. You’ll find these unique Japanese beverages in tiny glass bottles at your local konbini, often displayed in their special refrigerator. As the wide selection is overwhelming – especially if you can’t read the Japanese labels – we’ve picked out some of the most popular tonics to help you with your daily vitamin intake. Some of these mighty drinks can even help prevent fatigue, especially if jet lag is getting to you. Note: the information in this article is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Nutritional drinks are designed to supplement a balanced diet and should not be viewed as a replacement for medication or professional healthcare advice. Individual results may vary, and the claims made by and about these products may not have been evaluated by regulatory authorities. Always consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating new supplements into your routine. RECOMMENDED: 10 things you must eat in Tokyo 

Sure, Japan is popular for spring cherry blossoms and colourful autumn foliage, but don’t pass up the winter season. Come the cooler months, Japan has many magical spots boasting some of the country’s best scenery. Whether you prefer to spend your time at a sprawling ski resort, a snowy onsen town or to catch a stunning ice festival, there’s so much to see when the weather cools down. And don’t worry about the cold – you can always warm up after an outdoor excursion by dipping into a hot spring or slurping up a hearty bowl of ramen. If you’re looking for a new place to explore this winter, add these gorgeous destinations to your itinerary. RECOMMENDED: The best hot spring getaways in Japan

タイムアウト東京 > レストラン＆カフェ >東京、ロースタリーカフェ13選 東京には素晴らしいコーヒー文化があり、それはさらに急速な成長を見せている。地元のカフェやレトロな喫茶店のほか、最近では独自に調達した豆を焙煎（ばいせん）とブレンドをする、独立したスモールバッチのロースターも増えてきた。 近所のカフェでコーヒーを飲むのはこれまで以上に満足感が高くなっている。店内で一杯飲んだ後、その場で焙煎されたばかりの豆を持って帰ることもできるからだ。散歩中にコーヒーが飲みたくなったら、ここで紹介するロースターに立ち寄って、それぞれの店でとっておきのローストやブレンドを味わってほしい。 関連記事『東京、ベストカフェ50』

タイムアウト東京 > レストラン＆カフェ >東京べストカフェ50 コーヒーが日本に伝わったのは江戸時代と言われている。当初は、その味と香りがなかなか受け入れられなかったそうだが、明治時代の終わり頃から喫茶店も多く登場し、日本にもコーヒー文化が根付いてきた。そして今もなお、時代の移り変わりとともに日本のコーヒー、カフェ文化は独自の進化を遂げている。 特集では、カフェの歴史に名を残す老舗やコーヒー専門店、テーマを持ったカフェなど、星の数ほどある東京のカフェのなかから厳選した50軒を紹介する。一人じっくりとコーヒーに向き合いたいときはもちろん、友人との会話を楽しむ場や、街散策の休憩スポットとしてもぜひ足を運んでみてほしい。  関連記事『東京、ブックカフェ25選』『東京、癒やしのパークサイドカフェ12選』

Aside from the ever-popular cherry blossom season, autumn in Japan is easily one of the best times to travel the country. The changing autumn colours, locally known as koyo, is highly anticipated, with annual forecasts predicting when the leaves will change from green to stunning shades of yellow, gold and red.  Thankfully, there is ample time to enjoy this seasonal spectacle as temperatures vary throughout the country. This means you’ll be able to catch the leaves anytime from the end of October through to December. From the temples of Kyoto to the mountains in Hokkaido, keep these gorgeous destinations in your list if you want to see the best of Japanese autumn. RECOMMENDED: The best times to see autumn leaves in Japan, according to official forecast

Tokyo has a thriving café scene with trendy coffee roasters and tea shops constantly popping up around the city. Plus, the city’s cafés are often housed in gorgeous spaces – some of which are designed by top architects and designers – that make them worth a visit just for the sleek interiors alone. So the next time you’re on the hunt for caffeine, swap your Starbucks run for one of these beautiful cafés in the capital. RECOMMENDED: The 50 best cafés in Tokyo

While Tokyo is home to many outstanding and unique bars, sometimes the evening calls for a calm and sober atmosphere, where you can relax over coffee, tea and even some dessert. Unfortunately in Tokyo, most cafés tend to close early between 5pm and 7pm. However, that doesn’t mean the only iced tea you can get after dinner is of the long island variety. There are a handful of cafés that stay open late into the night, making them the perfect spot for one last latte, nightcap or even a quiet place to tuck into a slice of cake.  For late-night hangouts that don’t involve alcohol, check out these cafés which are open until at least 10pm. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful cafés in Tokyo

If you've been on the hunt through the city's best coffee shops and cafés for the tastiest doughnuts, you may have been looking in the wrong place. Here are ten specialist shops where you can embrace the sugary ring and try varieties from deep-fried delights covered in gourmet toppings to dietary-specific options made from soy milk, millet powder and other organic ingredients. RECOMMENDED: 10 best cafés in Tokyo for matcha desserts

Autumn in Japan is the time of year when people flock to scenic destinations across the country just to see the leaves turn brilliant shades of vermillion, auburn and gold. Tokyo has its fair share of ideal spots for autumn leaves, but Ibaraki prefecture, just northeast of the capital, boasts activities that put a new spin on seeing the seasonal foliage. Ibaraki prefecture is so easily accessible from Tokyo, it's ideal for a quick weekend getaway. The best time to head up is from mid-to-late November, if you want to catch the autumn leaves at their peak. The picturesque Ryujin Lake area in Ibaraki prefecture is about two-and-a-half hours by car from central Tokyo. Alternatively, you can take the Hitachi Limited Express train up to Mito Station, then transfer to Hitachi-Ota Station and from there, hop onto a bus for Ryujin Dam; the entire journey takes roughly three hours from Tokyo Station. Here are just a few of the exciting things you can do in and around Ibaraki's Ryujin Lake. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful autumn destinations in Japan

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

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 (¥2,180), a fresh take on the classic Old Fashioned. Got a sweet tooth? Order the Hoji Cha cocktail (¥1,870), 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.

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.

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.

Tucked away inside Hong Kong’s trendy PMQ compound, Café Life is continuously bustling with customers looking for a great cup on the go or some of its decadent homemade baked goods. Perfecting the coffee one cup at a time, each batch of beans is made to order and roasted with a compact in-house roasting machine in the corner of the shop. Its coffee beans are picked from the best terroirs around the world, such as Tanzania, Costa Rica and Columbia, giving customers a wide array of premium choices. 

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 2025, the restaurant will be running from January 24 to February 25.  【レストランかまくら村2025⛄】＠長野県飯山市◆開催日：2025/1/24～2/28◆予約受付日（各日10:00開始）・飯山旅々。宿泊プラン　2024/11/1（詳細は順次掲載）・日帰り各種プラン　Web先行申込 2024/12/20　電話受付　2025/1/16詳しくはHPへ☟https://t.co/46sXqsobAx pic.twitter.com/kFIpe9tNes — 信州いいやま観光局【公式】 (@iiyama_kanko) October 8, 2024 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 miso, 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 during a ski trip to one of the surrounding snow resorts.  Lunch at Kamakura Village costs ¥6,000 per

One of Japan’s most popular winter destinations is Ginzan Onsen in Yamagata prefecture. The former silver mine is a postcard-perfect winter escape, home to numerous ryokan (traditional Japanese inns), which flank the river that runs through the town. It's especially breathtaking when snow collects on the rooftops of buildings and streets in the winter months. If you’re visiting Ginzan Onsen this winter, take note of this major change, as the town will be introducing a new system to tackle the issue of overtourism. From December 23 until the end of March 2025, Ginzan Onsen will be limiting the number of day trippers by requiring visitors to have a ticket. This new measure has been in development for some time, as the town has been working to address the challenges of managing large crowds during peak season, with pedestrians disregarding traffic rules and visitors competing for prime photo spots. With this new ticketing system, visitors who are not staying overnight will be required to take a paid shuttle bus to Ginzan Onsen from the Taisho Romakan visitor centre. This bus ride cost ​¥1,150 per person.  From 9am to 4pm, there will be no limit on the number of visitors to Ginzan Onsen. However, between 5pm and 8pm, access will be restricted to a maximum of 100 visitors per hour, and a shuttle bus reservation is mandatory. No day visitors will be allowed in from 8pm to 9am the following morning, with access limited to local residents and hotel or restaurant guests. To get a shut

This year, two of Tokyo’s most popular nightlife districts – Shibuya and Shinjuku – started cracking down on party gatherings and public drinking over Halloween to tackle rowdy behaviour. Additionally, Shibuya has taken a firmer stance by expanding on existing measures to ban public drinking all year round. With that in mind, Shibuya will not be hosting any celebrations to ring in the 2025 New Year, either. As reported by the Asahi Shimbun, Shibuya ward has stated that it will not be hosting an official New Year's Eve countdown at the Scramble Crossing due to safety concerns. This is not surprising, as Shibuya had previously suspended New Year's Eve festivities in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ever since then, the ward has not hosted any new year celebrations, claiming that large gatherings in the area could become a safety issue. New Year’s Eve celebrations around Shibuya Crossing started back in 2016. In 2018, a whopping total of 120,000 people were reported to have gathered around the world-famous landmark to ring in the new year. So far, there’s no news whether Shinjuku will be following suit. But if we hear anything, we’ll keep you posted. More from Time Out Tokyo  The best times to see autumn leaves in Japan this year, according to official forecast You can now get Akita inu and Hachiko marshmallows in Tokyo Shibuya Sky is celebrating Christmas with mirror balls and rooftop light shows The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo kicks off regional dining event celebrating craft and tr

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka has been on the top of everyone’s travel list ever since the theme park introduced the Super Nintendo World back in 2021. Last year, USJ teased that the must-visit attraction would be opening a dedicated Donkey Kong section in 2024. Now, we finally have an official confirmation that Donkey Kong Country will finally open on Wednesday December 11. So, what can you expect from this new extension? When you first walk through the dedicated tunnel from Super Nintendo World, you'll be welcomed by a distinctive jungle beat as you enter Donkey Kong Country. This new area is filled with lush greenery, plenty of bananas, and some exciting new games and facilities, including a ride that lets you race through the jungle on a minecart. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Wander through the jungle and you'll discover iconic spots such as Donkey Kong's house, which is filled with bananas (of course), as well as the elusive Golden Temple from the hidden level in the video game ‘Donkey Kong Returns’. Photo: Kisa Toyoshimaライド・アトラクション「ドンキーコングのクレイジー・トロッコ」 The highlight of the new zone is the Donkey Kong's Crazy Mine Cart ride, which is essentially a real-life version of the Mine Cart Coaster from the games. On the ride, you'll get to race through the jungle with Donkey and Diddy Kong while shooting barrel cannons, jumping over broken rails and much more. Of course, the new zone wouldn't be complete without a chance to meet Donkey Kong. Donkey Kong Country has a meet and

It’s almost impossible to choose between cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. While Japan’s two most spectacular seasonal attractions have a lot to offer respectively, who says you can’t enjoy them both at the same time? The Obara district in Toyota, Aiichi prefecture is home to the breathtaking ​​Obara Shikizakura Four-Season Cherry Blossom Festival, where pink sakura bloom in autumn, just as the surrounding trees turn red for the season. Now you may be wondering how it's possible that cherry blossoms can bloom outside of the usual spring flowering season. Well, these cherry trees are of a unique species known as Shikizakura. They bloom twice a year – first in spring and again in autumn. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 【豊田のおでかけ&観光】ツーリズムとよた (@tourismtoyota) Over 10,000 of these rare sakura trees grow in the district. They typically flower from early to late November, which coincides perfectly with the autumn leaves season. This year, the festival takes place from November 16 to December 1, and it's free.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by 【豊田のおでかけ&観光】ツーリズムとよた (@tourismtoyota) The festival spans the Obara district, and the few venues where you can catch the pink blossoms and the red leaves at the same time include the Obara Fureai Park and Senmi Shikizakura-no-Sato. To make the most of your visit, plan a walking excursion thr

If you can’t get enough of Hachiko, Japan’s most loyal dog, you’ll want to check out these adorable new confectionery that just hit the stands. Celebrating the Akita inu breed of dogs – which is what Hachiko is – these marshmallows created by Japanese lifestyle brand Felissimo are inspired by Akita inu pups. There’s even a special version that looks like Hachiko. Photo: FelissimoAkita inu marshmallows The Akita inu marshmallows come in three colours and fur patterns, and they are filled with chocolate paste. You can enjoy these sweet treats as-is or use them as decorative toppings for baked goods, snacks and desserts. They even come packaged in a cute box, making it a perfect souvenir from Japan. Photo: FelissimoHachiko marshmallow The Hachiko marshmallows, on the other hand, feature the famous pup's face with different expressions and even include his signature folded left ear. These dessert bites are filled with the same chocolate filling and come packaged in a box with an illustration of Hachiko. Photo: HachifullThe Hachifull store in Shibuya Scramble Square These too-cute-to-eat marshmallows are available in packs of nine at ¥1,944. You can purchase them online as well as at selected shops in Akita and Tokyo. You’ll find both versions of the marshmallows at JR Akita Station and Akita Airport. In Tokyo, you can pick up a box (or three) of the Hachiko marshmallows at the Hachifull store in Shibuya Scramble Square.  For more details, visit the website. More from Time

While Mt Fuji is gorgeous to admire at any time of year, it's especially stunning in autumn and winter, once its iconic peak gets a pristine white snowcap. This year, however, it seems like Mt Fuji's first snowfall has been delayed due to the warmer temperatures. According to Japan Today, as of October 29, Mt Fuji has remained snowless – breaking the record for the longest time the mountain's remained bare since record-keeping began in 1894. The previous known record was October 26, which was documented back in 1955 and 2016. On average, Mt Fuji tends to receive its first snowfall around October 2, with snow first detected on October 5 last year. According to the report, the delay could be attested to this year's higher than usual temperatures, which continued well into September and October. We’ll be keeping our eye on Mt Fuji to see when the first snowfall arrives. In the meantime, you can still enjoy spectacular views of the iconic volcano from these scenic spots in Yamanashi, Kanagawa and Shizuoka. More from Time Out Tokyo Here’s the official 2024 autumn leaves forecast for Japan Gakugeidaigaku is one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods in 2024 These Kyoto attractions are hosting Naked digital art experiences in autumn Uniqlo opens a new global flagship store in Shinjuku Revised cycling traffic law to go into effect on November 1 Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.

Exciting news for shoppers – fast fashion retailer Uniqlo is opening a brand new global flagship store in Shinjuku on Friday October 25. The new store is taking over the former Bicqlo space, which was a collaboration between electronics retailer Bic Camera and Uniqlo, closed in 2022. The new Uniqlo will be the brand’s fifth store in Shinjuku and the 16th global flagship store worldwide. It boasts a massive 4,000sqm sales area spread out over three floors, making it the largest Uniqlo in the area. The new shopping hub will offer more than clothing; here you’ll also find Uniqlo Coffee, Uniqlo Flower and other brands under the Fast Retailing group.  Here’s what you can expect from the new Uniqlo global flagship store in Shinjuku. Photo: Kaoru Hoshino外観 Starting on the ground floor, you'll come across men’s and women’s fashion that will change with the seasons. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaPLST The second floor carries the full womenswear collection, along with other Fast Retailing brands including PLST and Comptoir des Cotonniers. Photo: Kisa Toyoshimaユニクロコーヒー The second floor will also house Uniqlo Coffee and a small café space, where you can enjoy drinks along with snacks from long-established Shinjuku confectionaries including Shinjuku Nakamuraya and Oiwake Dango Honpo Shinjuku. Photo: Kisa Toyoshimaユニクロフラワー There's also a corner for Uniqlo Flower, where you can pick up fresh bouquets starting at ¥390. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaUTme! Head up to the third floor and you'll find t

Tokyo is a bike-friendly city, with cycling being one of the most common forms of transportation to get around the capital. While most cyclists in Tokyo (and across Japan) tend to be responsible and courteous, the country is starting to crack down on cycling offences starting next month. As reported by The Japan Times, cyclists could be fined or given jail time for using mobile phones while riding a bike or cycling under the influence of alcohol. These new laws, which will go into effect on November 1 2024, are part of Japan's revised traffic statute, as the country is serious about tackling the increasing traffic violations. Under the revised law, cyclists using their phones to call or text while riding could be fined up to ¥100,000 or given jail time of up to six months. If they are the cause of an accident, they can be fined up to ¥300,000 and be given a prison term of up to one year.  On the other hand, cycling while under the influence of alcohol (having a breath alcohol concentration of 0.15 milligrams per litre or more) will be fined ¥500,000 or given a prison sentence of up to three years. According to the report, if the offender is riding someone else’s bike, the bicycle owner will also be subjected to the same penalties. The people or establishment which supplied the offender's alcohol could also face up to ¥300,000 fine and up to two years of jail time.  The revised traffic law will also introduce a new ‘blue ticket’ system. This gives offending cyclists the option

It’s that time of year again – the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2025 has just been announced and we have good news. Tokyo continues to live up to its reputation by holding the highest total number of Michelin stars in the world. Moreover, our beloved city goes on to add 13 restaurants to the one-star list while two Michelin favourites are promoted with additional stars.  Photo: Four Seasons MarunouchiSézanne The most exciting news from the 18th edition of the 2025 Michelin Guide is the promotion of Sézanne, which is newly awarded with three Michelin stars. The modern French restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi is helmed by executive chef Daniel Calvert, who led the restaurant to receive its first Michelin star in 2022. Having earned and maintained its two-star status for the last two years, the restaurant is now a distinguished three-star dining experience, bringing Tokyo’s three-star restaurant count to a total of 12. 天ぷら元吉 Along with Sézanne, Tokyo's Tempura Motoyoshi is also promoted this year, going from one star to two. Led by chef Kazuhito Motoyoshi, the restaurant is known for its exceptional and innovative take on the classic Japanese dish. With this newly awarded two-star status, Tokyo now has a total of 26 two-star restaurants in the guide. Additionally in the 2025 guide, 13 restaurants in Tokyo have received one Michelin star. Overall, Tokyo now has a total of 132 one-Michelin-star establishments. Here are the new restaurants that made the list: Pr

From fields of colourful tulips to a sea of blue nemophila, the sprawling Hitachi Seaside Park in Ibaraki has something to see every season. In summer, the park starts growing kochia, or summer cypress. These fluffy little bushes look like something out of a Dr Seuss book.  Currently, there are approximately 33,000 kochia bushes growing at the park’s Miharashi no Oka Hill area, covering roughly 1.9 hectares. Photo: Fukamiyoga/DreamstimeA stock photo of Hitachi Seaside Park in summer During summer, the bushes are in a fresh, vibrant green colour, but come autumn, they'll turn brilliant red.  Photo: Banky405/Dreamstime These 'fur balls' have already started to change colour. The best time to see them in their full red glory is in mid-October. Later into the month, they'll start to take on a dusty golden hue. #みはらしの丘 では #コキア が、10月18日に「#紅葉見頃」を迎えます。秋の澄んだ空気の中、真っ赤に染まったコキアが丘一面を鮮やかに彩ります。 写真撮影やお散歩を楽しみながら、ゆっくりとお過ごしください✨#hitachiseasidepark #ひたち海浜公園 pic.twitter.com/sZBThBIRKW — 国営ひたち海浜公園【公式】 (@HitachiKaihin) October 17, 2024 Currently, most of the bushes have started to turn red and will be at peak viewing until October 26. You can keep tabs on this year’s kochia colours forecast via Hitachi Seaside Park’s website. The park is roughly two hours from Tokyo Station. See the park’s website for information on how to get there. This article was published on August 18 2022 and updated on October 18 2024.  More from Time Out Tokyo The best times to see autumn leaves in Japa

One of the most stunning sights you can witness in Japan is the unique cloud formation known as unkai or ‘sea of clouds’. This natural phenomenon usually appears in Japan's mountainous regions from early morning in spring and autumn. As it may be hard to time your travel to catch this rare occurrence, some places in Japan are recreating this stunning sight at more convenient locations. Along with the sea of clouds installation at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, you’ll now be able to see this mystical scene at Kumamoto Castle in Kyushu. おはようございます。挨拶遅れてしまいましたが、雲上の熊本城の準備で寝不足という訳ではありません。決して寝坊なんかじゃありせん。大天守 pic.twitter.com/b5ijdw677D — 熊本城【公式】 (@kumamoto_castle) October 3, 2024 The unkai installation at Kumamoto Castle is now running for a limited time until Monday November 4. The ‘clouds’ are actually white mist, created using water taken from the castle's old well. 【開催まで残り9日】毎日似たような投稿でごめんなさい！けど、皆様に来てもらいたいのです！！！日本最大級の人工雲海に包まれて皆様をお待ちしております。#秋のくまもとお城まつり #雲上の熊本城 #雲海 pic.twitter.com/hB2GFeHUoI — 熊本城【公式】 (@kumamoto_castle) October 2, 2024 This installation is the largest artificial sea of clouds display in Japan. It’s on show throughout the day between 9.10am and 8.30pm. With an entry ticket into the castle, you'll also be able to observe the clouds’ formation from a special observation path. Additionally, the sea of clouds is lit up with beautiful blue lights after sundown, giving the castle an otherworldly look. For more information on Kumamoto Castle, visit the website. More from