Kaila Imada

June brings with it the chance to get out in the fields and watch nature at play. Firefly (or hotaru in Japanese) season is upon us, and while it's true that Tokyo is rather limited in the field department these days, there are still some great spots to see these homegrown fireworks. Check out our top picks of hotaru-watching events in and around Tokyo. RECOMMENDED: 12 best summer destinations in Japan

Tokyo may not have a good beach for a spot of suntanning or a cooling dip in the ocean, but you don’t have to travel far to enjoy some sun, sea and sand. Besides popular seaside retreats like Kamakura and Enoshima – both of which can get super crowded during peak seasons – there are a host of other options. Sure, these beaches may be further away and will take you a little longer to get to, but we promise it will pay off with better views, softer sand and clearer water. From seaside escapes in Chiba to the sandy shores of Shizuoka, here are some of the best beaches near Tokyo – organised according to their distance from Tokyo, starting with the one closest to the city. RECOMMENDED: The best summer destinations around Japan

While you can see drag shows and go-go boys year-round, Tokyo Pride happens but once a year: the theme for 2026 is ‘A Future Opened Up by Diversity and Equality’. As always, you can look forward to the massive Pride Festival, which welcomed over 273,000 attendees last year, plus the Pride Parade and much more.Here’s the rundown of the main events for this year’s Pride month.

Just because the weather's bad outside doesn't mean you can't enjoy Tokyo. Whether you're interested in touring some of the city's best art exhibitions, sitting down for a cup of coffee, or browsing one of city's best museums, there are lots of things you can do indoors in Tokyo. Our list of incredible indoor activities proves that regardless of the weather outside, you can always have a good time in the city. RECOMMENDED: The 20 best museums to visit in Tokyo

タイムアウト東京>ホテル>東京、2万円前後で泊まれるホテル15選 東京のような大都市で、ホテルを決めるのは大変な作業だ。リーズナブルなホステルからユニークなホテルまで、価格帯や宿泊スタイルも考えなければならない。 ここでは、主にタイムアウト東京英語チームがおすすめする1人1泊2万円以下の中級ホテルに加え、ユニークなものをいくつか追加して紹介。銀座、渋谷、下北沢、浅草など、特に東京で人気のあるエリアからピックアップした。 ※料金は、2026年5月下旬に実施した検索に基づくものとなる。料金および空室状況は変更される可能性がある ※2023年の記事をアップデート 関連記事『東京、クールなラブホテル7選』

When the summer heat kicks in, few things feel more fitting than swapping in lighter, brighter accessories around the home and wardrobe. Kamawanu’s latest summer tenugui collection does exactly that, with a vibrant range of hand-dyed cotton cloths featuring seasonal colours and playful warm-weather motifs.  Traditionally used as everyday cloths, tenugui have evolved into one of Japan’s most versatile lifestyle staples. Use them as lightweight scarves, wrap them around gifts or lunch boxes, display them as wall art, or drape them over shelves and tables for an easy seasonal update. Stop by one of Kamawanu’s Tokyo shops to explore the full line-up, alongside original clothing, eco bags, scarves, ceramics and tableware sourced from artisans around Japan. Prefer to shop from home? The collection is also available online via Kamawanu’s official website.  From refreshing seasonal motifs to minimalist patterns in cool summer hues, these are some of the standout designs to pick up this season.

Is there a more satisfying bite than the salty, smoky hit of a really, really good burger? The answer is obviously: of course not. Restaurants all over the world are crafting and griddling their own take on the classic beef burger, with homemade sauces, whacky buns, and specialty meats elevating these patties to entirely new levels. We wanted to find out where, exactly, one can find the tastiest, juiciest, most decadent and inventive burgers out there right now. So we grilled Time Out’s global team of food and drink editors about the very best burgers they’ve sunk their teeth into – then ranked them all according to the venues with the strongest star ratings on Google. The result? Fourteen lip-smacking burgers, found across some of the world’s best cities. From smashed wagyu to a ‘kitschy’ surf and turf and everything in between, these are the greatest burgers on the planet right now, each tried and tested by us. Tuck in. RECOMMENDED:🍕 The best pizzas in the world🥪 The best sandwiches in the world🥩 The best steaks in the world This list was edited by Liv Kelly, Time Out’s travel writer. 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.

It’s true that Tokyo really does have everything, from the best restaurants in the world to endless shopping and even lush green spaces within the city limits. It’s way too easy to spend a whole vacation in the heart of central Tokyo. However, Japan has much more to offer than just its capital city. Get out of the city for a day (or longer, if you have time) and head south to Kanagawa hot springs, north to Tochigi for traditional shrines, or out to Yamanashi for postcard perfect views of Mt Fuji. Tokyo might have captured your heart, but these day trips will fully cement your love of Japan.   RECOMMENDED: If you're looking for a specific kind of day trip, here are the art day trips and unique Tokyo islands near the capital

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

Soon it will be summer here in Japan, and for most people, the warm weather immediately calls for a visit to one of the many gorgeous beaches or islands dotted around the country. However, if you’d rather escape the sweltering sun, Japan is also home to a host of refreshing mountain resorts and rolling hillside landscapes in cooler regions such as Hokkaido.  Looking to make the most of the summer season? Start planning your next getaway to one of these beautiful destinations. RECOMMENDED: Discover the best nature escapes in Tokyo

タイムアウト東京 > Things To Do > 日本発「変かわ」キャラクター5選 日本のかわいいは、いわゆる「ザ・かわいい」だけではない。ちょっと変でクセのあるキャラクターも、カルチャーをより魅力的にしている。 独特すぎるビジュアルや、突き抜けたキャラ設定を持つ「変かわ」な存在は、気づいたときには心（とお財布）をがっちりつかんでいる。ここでは、そんな奇妙さとかわいさが絶妙に融合した個性派キャラクターたちの世界を、豊富なグッズとともに紹介する。

Kawaii in Japan isn’t always about the traditionally adorable. Rather, it’s often the odd and quirky sides of the culture that make it so appealing. From characters with uncanny designs to those sporting downright wacky personalities, hen-kawa (‘weird cute’) figures have a way of capturing the hearts (and wallets) of many. Here, we dive into the world of these offbeat characters, where strange and sweet come together in the most delightful ways, with plenty of fun merch to match.

You’ll find great burgers across Tokyo, but the smash burgers at Smash Things in Komazawa-Daigaku might just be the most delicious of them all. This tiny burger shop is known for its ultra-thin, 100 percent Japanese black wagyu patties, smashed on a blazing griddle to create an incredibly crispy crust and juicy interior.  The burgers are kept simple to highlight the beef, with just onion, original mayo-based sauce, cheese and your choice of a milk or charcoal-coloured bun. Since the patties are so thin, going for a double or triple is highly recommended. You can also opt for a bacon cheeseburger or the Oklahoma-style version loaded with sliced onions. The charcoal bun comes with white cheddar, with options like chilli cheese, mushroom or avocado basil available.  Extra toppings – tomato, lettuce, avocado, bacon, jalapeños, pickles, fried egg – are available, and the menu also features fresh-cut fries (a must), plus classic milkshakes and cocktails. With just three tables, takeaway is a smart move, especially for a picnic at nearby Komazawa Park. The restaurant is also completely dog-friendly, so feel free to bring your pet pooch along and say hi to the owner’s Boston terrier, Bella-chan. 

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.

If you read our New Kawaii issue a few months ago, you may already be familiar with Meriyasu Kataoka, the soft-toy artist whose adorable tree graced our double cover. If you can’t get enough of her plush creations, you’ll want to check out this exciting collaboration with FamilyMart. Famima Print is now offering a collection of printable paper goods featuring Kataoka’s artwork, including a calendar page for the second half of 2026, a maze, thank you card and lined note pages. They make fun, unique souvenirs that you can only get in Japan. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 片岡メリヤス (@kataokameriyasu) The designs are available until December 31 and can be printed out at the copy machines in FamilyMart stores nationwide. While the machine instructions are all in Japanese, we've broken down the process so you can easily print them yourself in store.  Photo: Time Out TokyoStart by pressing the 'copy' button on the bottom right Firstly, you'll want to tap the ‘コピー’ (copy) button on the very bottom right of the machine screen. Photo: Time Out TokyoPress the 'Famima Print' button Then you'll click 'Famima Print' and the '同意する’ (agree to the terms of use) button on the bottom right. Photo: Time Out TokyoPress 'enter print number' From there, hit 'プリント番号入力’ (enter print number) and type in the specific code of the print you want. The codes are all listed under each print design by the size of paper you wish to print out. You can also scan the rel

While Tokyo is home to many outstanding bars, there’s one that, until now, you could only experience in Kyoto. The ancient capital’s renowned Ki No Bi House has teamed up with the JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo to launch the Ki No Bi Room, a limited-time pop-up within the hotel’s hidden drinking den, 4-0-3. Here, you can savour the artisanal gin producer’s signature cocktails from now through October. Photo: JW Marriott Hotel TokyoJW Marriott Hotel Tokyo – Ki No Bi Room (4-0-3) Featuring stunning views of Tokyo’s skyline and a relaxing interior reminiscent of Kyoto, the 4-0-3 space is the ideal setting to recreate the atmosphere of Ki No Bi House in the heart of the capital. The bar offers exclusive seasonal cocktails made with Japanese botanicals, with the menu changing every two months.  Photo: JW Marriott Hotel TokyoSeasonal cocktails at Ki No Bi Room For July and August, the bar is serving a unique cocktail and sweets pairing experience, featuring three cocktails crafted with Ki No Bi gin alongside elegant chocolates created by JW Marriott Hotel Tokyo’s executive pastry chef, Shigeru Nojima. Photo: JW Marriott Hotel TokyoShe Thought See Saw Paradise The summer cocktail line-up includes ‘She Thought See Saw Paradise’, a refreshing and easy-drinking twist on the classic Paradise cocktail made with Ki No Bi Kyoto Dry Gin, Darjeeling tea, blood orange juice, apricot brandy, red shiso juice and mint. It is paired with a bitter chocolate tart featuring a Jardin Bleu tea ganache

Tokyo is home to some incredible vintage T-shirt stores, offering everything from rare designer tees to nostalgic anime prints. But it’s not often you can find a curated exhibition of over 1,000 tees under one roof – including rare pieces linked to cultural icons. More than just clothing, vintage T-shirts capture the messages, aesthetics and pop culture of their era, developing a unique character as they’re worn, cherished and passed down through generations. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima購入可能なTシャツ The Grand T-shirt Exhibition 2026 is now on at Space O at Omotesando Hills and features a collection of over 1,000 rare vintage T-shirts from the worlds of fashion, music, film and art.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima貴重なTシャツがずらりと並ぶ The exhibition is split into three sections, with one area dedicated to 20 exceptionally rare T-shirts – pieces so hard to find that they are difficult to obtain even via auction. Among the highlights is a 1985 Stüssy shirt featuring handwritten design change instructions by founder Shawn Stüssy, marked directly onto the garment. Also on display is a unique ‘Akira’ T-shirt produced in the 1980s and distributed as a giveaway to readers of the then-weekly Young Magazine. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima藤原ヒロシの思い出の一枚 At the centre of the exhibition is a showcase of tees selected by ten leading creatives from various fields. Among them, Japanese musician and fashion designer Hiroshi Fujiwara has chosen a Seditionaries piece from the 1990s, the iconic label launched by Malcolm McLar

Now that summer has officially arrived, Japan’s festival season is about to swing into full gear, and one of the first major celebrations on the calendar is Tanabata, or the Star Festival. Based on a beloved folktale, Tanabata celebrates the annual reunion of the deities Orihime and Hikoboshi, who, according to legend, are separated by the Milky Way and permitted to meet just once a year.  While Tanabata is now most commonly celebrated on July 7 – which falls on a Tuesday this year – some event organisers still go by the traditional lunar calendar, meaning festivities can continue into August. The festival is known for its spectacular displays of colourful streamers, as well as the custom of writing wishes on strips of paper and hanging them from bamboo branches. One of Japan’s most vibrant seasonal celebrations, Tanabata offers plenty of festive atmosphere and photogenic sights. If you’re in Tokyo between July 3 and 7, these festivals are worth adding to your calendar. Photo: Genki/PixtaShitamachi Tanabata Matsuri Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri July 3-7 Asakusa's Kappabashi – the famed mecca for Tokyo chefs and homecooks looking to kit out their kitchens – is festooned with vibrantly coloured streamers and decorations during this annual summer festival. Though it runs from July 3 to 7, the best time to visit the Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri is over the July 4-5 weekend, when local businesses put out stalls and hold parades and street performances.  The street parade on July 4

From creating a special song for Don Quijote to playing seven sold-out shows at Tokyo Dome in 2024, it’s no secret that Bruno Mars is hugely popular in Japan. If you still haven’t had your fill of the Grammy Award-winning artist, you’re in luck: Mars is set to return to Japan with a 12-show dome tour starting early next year. 【Bruno Mars】世界的スーパースター、ブルーノ・マーズ、待望の『The Romantic Tour』日本公演が大決定💗2027年1月、なんと6都市12公演のドーム・ツアーを敢行⚡THE ROMANTIC TOUR IN JAPAN 日程 (2027):1月4日(月) - 名古屋 - バンテリンドーム ナゴヤ1月5日(火) - 名古屋 - バンテリンドーム… pic.twitter.com/vvKRxpMnG5 — ワーナーミュージック・ジャパン洋楽 (@wmj_intl) June 23, 2026   The Romantic Tour will span six cities across Japan, starting in Nagoya with two shows on January 4 and 5, before heading to Sapporo on January 10 and 11, Saitama on January 15 and 16, Osaka on January 19 and 20, Fukuoka on January 23 and 24, and ending in Tokyo on January 27 and 28. Given that Mars sold out all seven of his Tokyo Dome shows in 2024, competition for tickets is likely to be fierce. The ticket lottery for Live Nation and HIP Platinum members opens at 12pm on June 24 and runs until 11.59pm on June 28. The first official lottery pre-sale will then take place from 12pm on June 29 until 11.59pm on July 11. Currently, Mars is in the midst of the European leg of his tour, with shows lined up in Berlin, Amsterdam, Madrid, Milan and London this summer. For more information on his Japan tour, visit the official website. More from Time Out Tokyo FIFA fever: where to watch the Worl

While Japan is looking to streamline its entry process with systems like the upcoming JESTA travel authorisation scheme, it’s also making travel more expensive. As reported by the Japan Times, the country is set to increase visa fees for foreign nationals significantly starting this July.  The first fee hike in 48 years will affect travellers from countries that do not have a visa-waiver agreement with Japan. Single-entry visa fees are set to increase from ¥3,000 to ¥15,000 and the cost for a multiple-entry visa will rise from ¥6,000 to ¥30,000. These new fees will apply to applications submitted on or after July 1 2026. In addition to the visitor visa fee hike, a separate bill has been enacted to increase visa-related charges for foreign nationals in Japan. According to the report, the fee to change residency status or extend a period of stay currently ranges from ¥5,500 to ¥6,000, but would increase to between ¥10,000 and ¥70,000. Meanwhile, the application fee for permanent residency would increase from ¥10,000 to ¥200,000.  The fee hikes for residents won't be going into effect immediately, as the government is planning to have the changes in place before the end of the current fiscal year on March 31 2027. The government has said that the additional revenue will be used to help cover the administrative costs associated with Japan’s growing foreign resident population. More from Time Out Tokyo FIFA fever: where to watch the World Cup in Tokyo Tokyo just got a limited-tim

One thing we’ll be eating a lot of this summer is ice cream – and now there’s a special treat in Tokyo you won’t want to miss. To celebrate the 45th anniversary of Japan’s iconic Yukimi Daifuku mochi ice cream, a limited-time pop-up café has opened in Nakameguro where you can customise your very own mochi ice cream. Open for three months until September 23, the My Yukimi Daifuku Café is located along the Meguro River in Nakameguro, just a short walk from Nakameguro Station. Here, you can create your own made-to-order mochi ice cream, choosing everything from the ice cream flavour to the fillings and toppings. And you’re unlikely to run out of options: there are an impressive 648 possible combinations to enjoy. ／本日6/17(水)13時〜OPEN！テイクアウト専門カフェ#my雪見だいふく 🤍＼🐰アイス🐰アイスのトッピング🐰仕上げで648通りの組み合わせ！目の前で職人が手づつみします⚪️⚪️※完全予約制店舗ですご来店くださった方はぜひ #my雪見だいふく を付けて選んだ組み合わせを教えてください🤭💭 pic.twitter.com/iF9is9p55U — ロッテ 雪見だいふく (@yukimi_lotte) June 16, 2026 When you arrive, you’ll be given a clipboard where you'll go through a three-step process of picking your flavours. First, choose your ice cream flavour from Madagascar vanilla, premium Ghana chocolate, matcha, dark-roasted hojicha, strawberry, banana milk, cream cheese or mint chocolate chip. Next, select a filling, with options ranging from chocolate ganache and red bean paste to strawberry sauce and mascarpone cheese. Finally, choose a topping, whether that’s cocoa powder, kinako (roasted soybean powder), crushed cookies or colourful sprink

Tokyo’s hydrangeas started blooming earlier than usual this year, a sure sign that the rains weren’t far behind. And as expected, after a damp end to the weekend, the Japan Meteorological Agency announced on Sunday June 7 that tsuyu – Japan’s rainy season – had begun across the Kanto-Koshin and Tokai regions. The Tokyo metropolitan area falls within the Kanto-Koshin region, where this year’s rainy season began at the same time as the seasonal average. The announcement comes ahead of a particularly dreary stretch of weather, with rain forecast for much of the coming week. Tokyo’s rainy season typically lasts until mid- to late July, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on the forecast and carry an umbrella wherever you go. Looking for ways to escape the rain? Check out our list of indoor activities to keep you dry and occupied in Tokyo.More from Time Out Tokyo Tokyo’s hydrangeas are now blooming – and they’re gorgeous About 10.6% of Japan identifies as LGBTQ+ in 2026, survey suggests One of the world’s best burgers is right here in Tokyo Shibuya’s Hands store will close in November after 48 years in business This micro-cinema just outside Tokyo makes a magical day trip for film buffs 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.

While spring might be the best time to enjoy iconic flowers like cherry blossoms, wisteria and tulips, summer can be an equally rewarding period for bloom-spotters. Hydrangeas are now coming into season, and you can catch their colourful blooms at parks, shrines and neighbourhoods across Tokyo. The flowers typically flourish during Japan’s rainy season, which has yet to officially begin, but this year they’ve arrived slightly ahead of schedule, with many blooms already nearing their peak. To help you catch these seasonal beauties at their best, we visited some of central Tokyo’s popular hydrangea hotspots to see how the flowers are progressing. Here’s what we saw. Photo: Kaila ImadaSumida Park Sumida Park, June 1 If you’re in Asakusa doing some sightseeing, it’s worth stopping by nearby Sumida Park for a stroll along the park’s 2km promenade, known as Ajisai (Hydrangea) Road. The route is lined with more than 7,000 hydrangea bushes spanning a variety of species, and offers lovely views of Tokyo Skytree in the background. You’ll find Ajisai Road on the Asakusa side of Sumida Park, stretching between Azumabashi Bridge and Yamaya-bori Plaza. When we visited earlier this week, the flowers were well on their way to full bloom, with many of the blue, white and purple hydrangeas already flourishing. It was a particularly hot day, so some of the blooms were beginning to wilt, but they should perk up once the rainy season arrives. Photo: Kaila ImadaHakusan Shrine Hakusan Shrine, J

食通の間では、東京といえば寿司やラーメン、ミシュランガイドの星付きレストランで知られている。だが、気分によっては、シンプルかつとてもおいしいハンバーガーほど満足感のあるものはない。うれしいことに、東京はそんなハンバーガーを楽しむのにぴったりの街だ。国内発のチェーンをはじめ、上質な牛肉を使ったグルメバーガーを提供する専門店も数多く揃っている。 それを裏付けるように、タイムアウトワールドワイドが発表したばかりの「世界のベストバーガー」ランキングでは、東京のハンバーガーが存在感を示している。 このリストでは、世界14都市のハンバーガーを紹介。いずれもタイムアウトの編集者たちが選んだもので、Googleレビューの星評価に基づいて順位付けされた。 Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaSmash Things 東京からランク入りし、そしてトップに輝いたのは、駒沢オリンピック公園からほど近い場所にある、小さなバーガーショップ「smash things」のスマッシュバーガーだ。 同店は、黒毛和牛を100％使用した極薄のパティで知られる。こうした上質な肉があるからこそ、日本が世界最高峰のハンバーガーを生み出す国の一つに数えられるのも納得がいく。「smash things」では、パティは高温に熱した鉄板に押し付けて焼き上げることで、表面はカリッと香ばしく、中はジューシーに仕上げられる。 シグネチャーメニューの「和牛クラシックスマッシュバーガー」の構成は、和牛のおいしさを引き立てるため、あえてシンプル。トッピングはオニオン、チーズ、オリジナルのマヨネーズベースソースのみで、バンズにはミルクと竹炭の2種類がある。 パティが薄いため、ダブルまたはトリプルでの注文がおすすめ。ベーコンチーズバーガーや、スライスオニオンをたっぷり使ったオクラホマスタイルなど、ほかの種類を選んでもいいだろう。 竹炭のバンズを使ったバーガーにも、チリチーズ、マッシュルーム、アボカドとバジルをトッピングしたものなど、さまざまなバリエーションがある。 Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaSmash Things 世界各地の絶品バーガーをもっと知りたいなら、タイムアウトが選ぶ「世界のベストバーガー」の全リストをチェックしてほしい。 関連記事 『One of the world’s best burgers is right here in Tokyo（原文）』 『This Tokyo burger has just been named the best in the world』 『東京、ニューヨークスタイルピザ5選』 『DJ・須永辰緒によるレコードバー「moderno」が駒沢大学にオープン』 『二子玉川にマッシーフやミッケラーバーガーら個性的な人気店が集結したフードコートが誕生』 『東京、ひと足先に夏を感じるかき氷5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  

With hydrangeas already blooming across Tokyo and Pride Month underway, the city is bursting with things to see and do. June brings a jam-packed calendar of festivals, celebrations and community events, among them three traditional festivals that will take over the city streets with lively parades, ornate mikoshi (portable shrines) and plenty of local culture on display. Better yet, two of these festivals are taking place in their grandest form this year, making for a particularly rare and spectacular experience. And this is just the beginning of the season’s festivities – many more summer festivals are still to come in July and August. Here are the June festivals you should mark on your calendar:  写真提供：台東区　鳥越祭り　鳥越神社Torigoe Matsuri Torigoe Matsuri See a huge four-tonne portable shrine being shuttled through the streets near Torigoe Shrine in Asakusabashi at this traditional festival known for the intense fights that invariably break out over who gets to carry the monster mikoshi.  The main event is on Sunday June 7 from 6.50am to 9pm, when the mikoshi is carried through the streets. If you want to catch the best of the action in the glow of beautifully lit lanterns, be there at around 8.30pm to see the mikoshi make its way back to the shrine.  Meanwhile on Saturday June 6, local neighbourhood associations parade their own, much smaller portable shrines around the area. Also don’t miss the food stalls that are set up along the streets during the festival.  Photo: Chiyoda Ci

The Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi first opened in 2002 and has since become a fixture in Tokyo’s luxury hotel scene. Its location in the heart of Marunouchi, just steps from Tokyo Station, makes it an especially convenient base for exploring both the city and the rest of Japan, while glitzy Ginza is also within easy walking distance for shopping and dining. While the Four Seasons brand now operates two hotels in Tokyo – including the newer Otemachi property – the Marunouchi location officially reopened on April 29 following a nearly year-long renovation. The extensive revamp has given the hotel a fresh new look, further cementing it as a top choice for visitors to the capital. We recently stayed a few nights at the newly reopened hotel and were impressed by its beautifully redesigned rooms, excellent dining options and top-notch personalised service, all of which made for a memorable stay.  Photo: Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at MarunouchiFour Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi The property feels far more intimate than its Otemachi counterpart, with just 57 guest rooms and an expanded concierge programme that ensures guests feel well taken care of from check-in to check-out.  Photo: Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at MarunouchiFour Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Marunouchi Upon arrival, you’re welcomed into a serene lobby that feels worlds away from the bustle of the city outside. Here, you can check in from the comfort of cosy lounge seating, making it feel more like entering a pri