Kaila Imada

Tokyo isn’t short of brilliant cherry blossom spots, but there are also incredible sakura destinations just outside the city that are perfect for pleasant day trips. Not only are these lesser-known areas beautiful, they also tend to be less crowded than some of the cherry blossom hotspots around Tokyo. From sakura with the backdrop of Mt Fuji to traditional gardens full of pink flowers, these cherry blossom retreats are definitely worth the excursion. RECOMMENDED: The greatest cherry blossom trees of Japan and where to see them

タイムアウト東京 > ショッピング＆スタイル > 海外出身のクリエーターがおすすめする東京近郊のチェーン店 海外の価値観を持ち併せ、東京で生活するクリエーターたちは、東京ローカルのヴェニューをどのように見ているのだろうか？デザイナー、イラストレーター、バーテンダーの3人におすすめのチェーン店について聞いてみた。  

Nothing elicits more excitement in Japan than cherry blossom season. These delicate pink flowers bloom for just two weeks annually, so everyone clears their schedule for hanami picnics and long strolls in the parks. A single cherry tree along an otherwise drab, unremarkable road is enough to transform the street and stop pedestrians in their tracks for photos. Still, it’s worth going the extra mile to seek stunning settings that enhance the blossoms’ beauty. We’ve already got a list of the best places in Tokyo for sakura spotting, but there are just as many trees to see in other prefectures, too. Here are the top sites and festivals to check out in Japan, even after Tokyo’s blooms fade. Note: the dates in this feature may change depending on weather conditions. See the latest flowering forecast here. RECOMMENDED: The greatest cherry blossom trees of Japan

Sure, sushi omakase is a Tokyo essential – but the city’s latest must-book experience swaps nigiri and hand rolls for meticulously plated sweets, turning dessert into a multi-course affair. Welcome to the world of dessert omakase, where skipping straight to dessert isn’t just allowed – it’s the whole point. An entire meal of just sweets may sound indulgent, but these esteemed establishments strike the balance perfectly. Their creations are never overly sweet, often showcasing fresh, seasonal fruit and letting the peak produce take centre stage. Some even weave in savoury elements to offset the sweetness and keep the experience dynamic. Curious to experience a dessert omakase for yourself? We’ve rounded up some of Tokyo’s best, from a wallet-friendly cheesecake spectacular to Michelin Guide-recognised establishments. RECOMMENDED: Get your caffeine fix at Tokyo’s best coffee shops

With spring just around the corner, our great city is finally shaking off winter – which means the 2026 Tokyo sakura season is nearly here. According to this year's forecast, cherry blossoms are expected to start blooming on March 19 and will potentially reach full bloom by March 28.  You can find cherry blossoms in many places across Tokyo, from the city's best parks including Shinjuku Gyoen and Ueno Park, to pretty suburban streets in Nakameguro, Shibuya and Kunitachi. So with cameras at the ready, save these top places in Tokyo for the most beautiful spring blooms. RECOMMENDED: Looking to go further? Check out these amazing cherry blossom destinations across Japan

タイムアウト東京 > Things To Do > 東京近郊、日帰りで行ける絶景桜スポット9選 都内にも見事な桜の名所は多いが、一歩足を延ばせば、日帰り旅行に最適な絶景の桜スポットが待っている。こうした穴場エリアは桜の美しさはもちろん、都心の混雑を避けてゆったりと楽しめるのも魅力的だ。 富士山を背景に咲き誇る絶景から、ピンク色に染まる情緒あふれる日本庭園まで、わざわざ訪れる価値のある至高の「桜リトリート」を紹介する。 関連記事『関東近郊、美しい早咲き桜の名所6選』

Tenugui might be a centuries-old Japanese staple, but Kamawanu’s designs feel anything but traditional. For spring, the Tokyo-based brand is rolling out a fresh line-up of hand-dyed cotton cloths that are equal parts practical and decorative. Use them as breezy scarves, wrap them around gifts, drape them over shelves and tables, or hang them as wall art for an instant seasonal refresh.  If you’re shopping around Tokyo, drop by one of Kamawanu’s many Tokyo stores to browse the full range. Alongside rows of colourful tenugui, you’ll find original apparel, eco bags, scarves and thoughtfully curated ceramics and tableware from select artisans across Japan. Can’t make it in person? The full collection is also available online. From playful florals to understated graphic patterns, Kamawanu’s spring collection offers plenty of ways to add a subtle pop of colour and texture to your home or wardrobe. Here are a few standout designs and ideas for how to use them this season.

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

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.

まだ東京を訪れたことがないのなら、きっとあなたの行ってみたい場所リストの上位に挙がっているはずだ。決してひいき目で言っているわけではない。 タイムアウトが調査している毎年恒例の「ベストシティ」調査でも、東京は再び、世界で最も住みやすく、訪れる価値のある都市の一つに選ばれ、今回は第10位にランクインしている。 今年のランキングは、世界150都市にわたる2万4000人以上の人々から得られた知見と、タイムアウトが擁する100人以上の都市のエキスパートによる投票を基に集計。最終ランキングに入った50都市は、数千件に及ぶアンケート回答に加え、世界各地に広がるタイムアウトの編集者、ライター、現地寄稿者の意見を組み合わせて選出された。 この調査では、優れた食、ナイトライフ、ミュージアム、ショッピングといった都市生活の定番の魅力を分析するだけでなく、現在それぞれの都市で暮らすことが実際にどのように感じられるのかについても探っている。回答者には、幸福度や生活の質といった全体的な満足度から、恋愛のしやすさ、地域のコミュニティーで他の人とつながりやすいかどうかまで、さまざまな点について尋ねた。 東京は今年、ランキングを大きく伸ばし、昨年の31位から第10位へと躍進。この順位の上昇には、相次ぐ刺激的な新店のオープンから、我々のお気に入りのローカルな街が昨年「世界で最もクールな街」に選ばれたことまで、さまざまな要因がある。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima 新しい観光スポットや施設といえば、東京には最近、世界で初めてとなるポケモンの屋外常設施設「ポケパーク カントー」がオープンした。また、原宿の象徴的存在だった「KAWAII MONSTER CAFE」も、よりアトラクション性が高い「Kawaii Monster Land」として華々しく復活している。 Photo: Kisa Toyoshima もちろん、昨年のハイライトの一つは、神保町が「世界で最もクールな街」に選ばれたことだ。歴史ある大学街であり、本好きにとっての楽園でもあるこのエリアは、居心地のよいカフェや名物カレー店、そして現代のスピード感あふれるデジタル生活からひと息つける、ゆったりとした空気感によって、地元の人々にも旅行者にも愛されている。 この調査で、東京はタイムアウトのスタッフの間でも人気があり、ロンドンと並んでスタッフが選ぶ2026年のトップ都市になった。また、東京はZ世代の住民からの評価も特に高く、30歳未満の91％が「東京にいると幸せを感じる」と回答。さらに、82％が「東京の人々は全体的に前向きだ」と答えている。 さらに、日本の都市の中では、東京だけではなく大阪もトップ50入りを果たし、第39位にランクインした。 関連記事 『Tokyo ranks among the world’s 10 best cities for 2026（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』 『大阪・中津が「世界で最もクールな街 2025」ランキングで8位に』 『世界の「最高の映画館100選」に東京エリアから3館がランクイン』 『2026年版「世界のコーヒーショップ ベスト100」、日本から2店がランクイン』 『海外出身のクリエーターがおすすめする東京近郊のチェーン店』 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  

If you’re already putting together a list of cherry blossom destinations to visit this year, you’ll want to add this gorgeous castle in Niigata to your list. Takada Castle Site Park in Joetsu, Niigata prefecture is home to roughly 4,000 sakura trees, which are illuminated at night along with 3,000 bonbori lanterns during the annual sakura festival.  Photo: Niigata Prefecture Tourism Association This year, the event is celebrating its 101st year with festivities taking place between Friday April 3 and Sunday April 19.  Photo: Niigata Prefecture Tourism Association The park has long been regarded as one of Japan's top evening hanami spots, with one of the highlights being the 300m Sakura Road, just south of the castle. Here, you can stroll under a boulevard of blooming cherry blossom trees and see the bonbori lanterns illuminated after sunset. Photo: Niigata Prefecture Tourism Association Aside from the cluster of blossoms near the castle, the inner and outer moats that surround the grounds and nearby Aota River are lined with even more sakura trees. It’s quite a sight to behold, especially with the reflection of the lit-up trees on the water.  Photo: Kyukamura Association For more information on the Takada Castle Site Park Sakura Festival, visit the website. This article was originally published on March 14 2022 and updated on March 16 2026. More from Time Out Tokyo Tokyo lands seven spots on the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2026 list3 of the world’s 100 greatest movie

It’s probably common knowledge by now that Tokyo serves some of the world’s best pizza – especially when it comes to authentic Naples-style pies like those found in Italy. Year after year, the capital continues to prove its credentials, regularly ranking among the top cities in the annual 50 Top Pizza lists. This year, Tokyo claimed seven spots on the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific 2026 ranking, announced at the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Tokyo on March 9. The selection includes a number of familiar names alongside several new entries. And Tokyo isn’t the only Japanese city with standout pizza – restaurants in Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka and Hokkaido also made the prestigious ranking. Photo: Mandarin Oriental Tokyo Claiming the top spot this year – and ending The Pizza Bar on 38th’s three-year streak – is RistoPizza by Napoli Sta’ Ca’, which was crowned No 1. The Pizza Bar on 38th at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo didn’t fall far, coming in at No 2. Rounding up the top three is a tie between Hong Kong's Fiata and Gigi's in Sydney, Australia. Photo: Pizza Marumo Additional Tokyo pizzerias on the list are La Tripletta (No 17), Pizza Strada (No 21), L'Insieme (No 23) and Massimottavio (No 32). Making its debut on the list is Pizza Marumo at No 35.  Beyond Tokyo, the other Japanese restaurants included in the ranking are Nagoya's Pizzeria Braceria Cesari!! (No 8), Osaka's Pizzeria da Tigre (No 19), Kyoto's Pizzeria da Ciro (No 36) and Hokkaido's Toncini (No 49). There’s more excitement

Now that we’re just days from sakura season, updates are coming in on a weekly basis – giving those dreaming of cherry blossoms and warmer days something to look forward to. On March 12, the Japan Meteorological Corporation released its eighth 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. As for Tokyo, the forecast hasn’t changed much since the last update, with cherry blossoms still expected to start flowering on March 19, and full bloom predicted for March 27. Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation For other popular destinations, Kyoto is expected to see initial bloom by March 23, reaching full bloom by April 1. Sapporo is predicted to start flowering from April 25, with full bloom by April 28, while Fukuoka is expected to see flowers by March 20, reaching peak bloom by March 29. We'll continue to keep you posted as the forecast changes. The next update from the JMC is scheduled for next week on March 19. In the meantime, you can already enjoy numerous cherry blossom events and fes

If you have yet to visit Tokyo, there’s a good chance it’s high on your list of destinations. The capital continues to captivate travellers from around the world – and we’re not just being biased saying that. In Time Out’s annual Best Cities survey, Tokyo once again ranks among the world’s top places to live in and explore, this time coming in at No 10.  This year’s list was shaped by insights from more than 24,000 people across 150 cities worldwide, alongside the votes of over 100 Time Out city experts. The 50 cities that made the final ranking were selected using thousands of survey responses combined with input from our global network of editors, writers and local contributors.  Along with analysing your typical lifestyle perks like great food, nightlife, museums and shopping, the survey also explored what it truly feels like to live in each and every one of these cities today. Respondents were asked about everything from happiness and overall quality of life to finding love and how easy it is to connect with others in the community. Tokyo made a big leap in the rankings this year, climbing to tenth place from No 31 last year. The jump reflects a number of factors, from the wave of exciting new openings across the city to our favourite local haunt being crowned the world’s coolest neighbourhood last year. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Speaking of new attractions and facilities, Tokyo has recently welcomed the world’s first permanent open-air Pokémon theme park, while Harajuku’s

From the world’s first Pokémon theme park to life-changing doughnuts, Japan goes viral for plenty of things. But recently, nothing has captured hearts quite like Punch, the seven-month-old Japanese macaque who’s taken the world by storm. If you’re on social media, you’ve probably seen him pop up on your feed – or even on the news in recent weeks. Wondering how the monkey rose to fame? Here’s a quick recap of Punch’s major moments so far. Ichikawa City Zoo has released new photos of Punch as a baby, showing him cuddling with his small orangutan plushie. pic.twitter.com/Ch9ei3PxRs — Complex (@Complex) February 24, 2026 July 2025-January 2026 Punch was born on July 26 2025 at Ichikawa City Zoo – a lesser-known zoo located just over an hour by train from central Tokyo. Unfortunately, Punch was abandoned by his mother immediately after his birth, and zookeepers stepped in to raise him. They eventually gave him a plush orangutan toy from Ikea that would later become a hot commodity due to Punch’s growing popularity.  In mid-January, Punch was introduced to the zoo's Saruyama, or 'Monkey Mountain', enclosure, home to approximately 60 other macaques.  ～お知らせ～現在、サル山の中にぬいぐるみを持った子ザルがいます。2025年7月26日に生まれ、放置されていたところから人工哺育で育ち、今年の1月19日から群れで過ごしています。名前は「パンチ」という男の子です！パンチの成長を暖かく見守ってください！#市川市動植物園 #ニホンザル#パンチ pic.twitter.com/jNpFSH0LOV — 市川市動植物園（公式） (@ichikawa_zoo) February 5, 2026 Early February 2026 The zoo shared a photo of Punch clinging to his plush toy at the beginning of the month.

Despite Italy being a remarkably diverse country when it comes to cuisine, opportunities to sample its more distinctive regional specialities beyond the usual staples are relatively rare in Tokyo. That’s where Le Pristine Tokyo comes in. Located within Hotel Toranomon Hills, the esteemed restaurant is the Tokyo outpost of the Michelin-starred Le Pristine in Antwerp, helmed by acclaimed chef-restaurateur Sergio Herman.  From March, the restaurant has launched its ‘Italian Regions’ series, celebrating the country’s diverse culinary landscape. Each instalment invites diners to ‘travel’ across Italy via a menu spotlighting different regions, reinterpreted with Chef Herman’s signature touch, seasonal Japanese ingredients and subtle nods to his hometown of Zeeland. For March and April, the series spotlights Lazio and Abruzzo, two central Italian regions home to major destinations such as Rome and the Tyrrhenian coast. Known for ingredients like sheep’s milk cheeses, cured pork, artichokes and lamb, these regions provide the foundation for Le Pristine Tokyo’s six-course dinner menu.  Photo: Hotel Toranomon Hills Highlights from the menu include Carciofi Alla Romana, a tender artichoke served with ricotta cream, mint and bottarga (dried mullet roe) from Nagasaki. Photo: Hotel Toranomon Hills There’s also Sergio’s Carbonara, a refined twist on the classic pasta, featuring squid woven through the noodles, guanciale, and a delicate squid foam infused with kuruma ebi essence. Photo:

この10年で、日本はコーヒーのレベルを大きく引き上げてきた。とりわけ東京は、カフェやロースターの街として今や世界的に名を知られ、さらにはおまかせ形式のテイスティングコースという新しいコーヒー体験のカテゴリーさえ切り開いている。 その高まり続ける評価は、いまや国際的にも認められたといえよう。「The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops（世界のコーヒーショップ ベスト100）」の第2回ランキングでは、日本からも2店がランクインした。 このランキングは、2026年2月中旬に開催された「CoffeeFest Madrid 2026」で発表されたもの。コーヒーの品質、バリスタ技術、接客、革新性、雰囲気、サステナビリティ、フードやペストリー、そして全体の一貫性などの基準で、世界各地のカフェを評価している。最終的ランキングは、専門家パネルによる評価（70％）と一般投票（30％）を組み合わせて決まった。 日本から選ばれたのは、大阪の「ULT Coffee Roasters」（24位）と、東京の「KOFFEE MAMEYA Kakeru」（28位）2店だ。 この投稿をInstagramで見る ULT Coffee Roasters(@ultcoffee.exp)がシェアした投稿 大阪の「ULT Coffee Roasters」は、2023年の「ワールド・バリスタ・チャンピオン」であるボラン・ウム（Boram Um）により創業。コーヒー競技会で使用されるものと同等の、希少で厳選されたスペシャルティビーンズをコーヒー愛好家に提供している。 Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaKoffee Mameya Kakeru 一方の「KOFFEE MAMEYA Kakeru」は、コーヒーのテイスティングコースを提供する先駆的な店の一つとして、東京のコーヒーファンにとって必訪のスポットとなっている。ここでは、コールドブリュー、ミルクブリュー、フィルターコーヒー、エスプレッソなど、さまざまなスタイルで抽出された異なる焙煎（ばいせん）のコーヒーが味わえる。 また、好みの豆を選んで1杯ずつ注文することも可能で、軽やかでフルーティーなシングルオリジンから、深みのある力強いブレンドまで、幅広い選択肢が用意されている。 「The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops」全リストは、公式ウェブサイトで確認できる。 関連記事 『Japan lands two spots on The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list for 2026（原文）』 『イタリアのコーヒー王者が世界初の旗艦店「Vannelli Coffee」を表参道にオープン』 『東京、中国発のスペシャルティコーヒーショップ3選』 『東京、世界で活躍するトップバリスタ5人』 『モロッコ発、銀座に降臨したコーヒーの宮殿「Bacha Coffee」が日本初上陸』 『東京、2025年にオープンしたベストカフェ10選』 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  

Maybe you’ve already had your fill of this season’s pretty Starbucks sakura merch, but don’t put your credit card away just yet – Starbucks Japan is gearing up to drop a second sakura collection on March 4 (online pre-sale from 8pm on March 3).  While the first collection leaned into soft pastels and pinks, this second series swaps them for gorgeous blue hues inspired by the clear skies framing the blossoms during the spring season. Beyond mugs and tumblers, you’ll also find a cute coaster and a handy shoulder bag made to carry your bottle or smartphone. Photo: Starbucks Japan Here’s a closer look at the second sakura collection: Sakura 2026 3-Way Stainless Steel Tumbler Stanley Shiny Airy Blue Gradient, 414ml (¥5,200) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel To Go Bottle Airy Blue, 473ml (¥5,550) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel Bottle, Shell White, 355ml (¥4,750) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel Bottle, Glitter Airy Blue, 444ml (¥4,950) Sakura 2026 Strap Cup Shape Stainless Steel Bottle, Airy Blue, 355ml (¥5,000) Sakura 2026 Stanley Shiny Stainless Steel Bottle, Airy Blue Gradient, 473ml (¥5,700) Sakura 2026 Tumbler White, 473ml (¥2,450) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel Mug with Lid, 355ml (¥4,000) Sakura 2026 Mug Medal Airy Blue, 355ml (¥2,850) Sakura 2026 Glass Tumbler, Airy Blue, 473ml (¥3,500) Sakura 2026 Bottle Shoulder Bag Metallic Pink (¥2,950) Sakura 2026 Coaster Airy Blue (¥2,000) Sakura 2026 Starbucks Mini Cup Gift, Airy Blue (with drink ticket) (¥1,150) Sakura 2026 Heat-resistant Glass M

Over the past decade, Japan has seriously stepped up its coffee game. Tokyo in particular is now globally renowned for its cafés and roasters, even pioneering a new category of coffee experience with omakase-style tasting courses. That growing reputation has now been recognised internationally, with two Japanese coffee spots included in the second edition of The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops list.  Announced at CoffeeFest Madrid 2026, The World’s 100 Best Coffee Shops evaluated cafés across the globe based on criteria including coffee quality, barista expertise, customer service, innovation, ambience, sustainability practices, food and pastry offerings, and overall consistency. Expert panel evaluations (70 percent) and public votes (30 percent) were combined to determine the final ranking. The two cafés that made the cut from Japan were Ult Coffee in Osaka (No 24) and Tokyo’s Koffee Mameya Kakeru (No 28).  View this post on Instagram A post shared by ULT Coffee Roasters (@ultcoffee.exp) Osaka’s Ult Coffee was founded by the 2023 World Barista Champion, Boram Um, and offers coffee drinkers rare and meticulously sourced speciality beans on par with what's used at coffee competitions.  Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaKoffee Mameya Kakeru Koffee Mameya Kakeru has become a must-visit for coffee fans in the capital as one of the first spots to offer coffee tasting courses. Here, guests can sample various roasts prepared in different styles, including cold brew, milk brew

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

The most beautiful time of year is nearly here, with Tokyo soon set to turn a frenzy of pink for cherry blossom season. To mark the arrival of spring blooms, Starbucks and Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo have unveiled their annual cherry blossom collection of merchandise and seasonal drinks, available from February 18. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect this season. 2/18(水) ✨新登場✨ 〜一挙ご紹介〜桜の繊細な印象と上品なきらめき感に、春の訪れが一層待ち遠しくなるデザインのグッズたちが登場です🌸春の訪れを知らせる、この季節ならではのフードも🍴気になるものは見つかりましたか？😊 pic.twitter.com/w23xkP2jfZ — スターバックス コーヒー (@Starbucks_J) February 12, 2026 Starbucks has yet to release an official photo of its full sakura collection together, but you can now view the entire line-up online. The items will be available in stores from February 18, with online pre-orders opening at 8pm on February 16.  Sakura 2026 Handy Stainless Steel Bottle Pink Beige, 500ml (¥5,600) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel To-go Bottle, Pink Beige & Gold, 473ml (¥5,550) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel Bottle Glitter Pink Beige 355ml, (¥4,750) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel Bottle, Metallic Light Pink, 473ml (¥4,950) Sakura 2026 Stanley Shiny Pink Gradient Stainless Steel Bottle, 473ml (¥6,400) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel Logo Bottle Matte Pink 473ml, (¥4,950, online only) Sakura 2026 Stainless Steel Bottle, Metallic Pink, 473ml (¥5,150, online only) Sakura 2026 Color Changing Bottle, 473ml (¥3,450) Sakura 2026 3-Way Stainless Steel Tumbler, Stanley Shiny Pink Gradient, 414ml (¥5,200) Sakura 2026 3-Way