Kaila Imada

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 ten 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

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

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

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 > Things to do > 東京近郊、ベスト紅葉スポット14選 毎年10月から12月にかけて、東京に住む多くの人々は鎌倉や日光、箱根といった、定番の紅葉名所を目指して都外へ足を運ぶだろう。しかし東京には、遠出をしなくても11月中旬から下旬にかけて鮮やかな秋の色が堪能できる庭園や公園がいくつもある。 本記事では、歴史を感じるたたずまいを見せる場所や、緑豊かな公園、そしてあまり知られていない展望スポットまで、東京や東京近郊にあるおすすめの紅葉スポットを紹介する。訪れる前に、2025年の紅葉・黄葉の見頃予想をチェックしてほしい。 関連記事『東京近郊、この秋行きたい渓谷6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

No visit to Japan is complete without a stop at Uniqlo. The homegrown mega-retailer is a global fashion staple, with stores in major cities around the world, but shopping at Uniqlo in its country of origin is a completely different experience.  If you’re visiting Osaka, make sure to stop by the brand’s newest global flagship, Uniqlo Umeda, which officially opened on Friday October 24. Spanning two floors, this massive store is your one-stop shop for both fashion and souvenirs. From discovering city-exclusive merchandise and customisation services to exploring Uniqlo’s sister brands, here’s why Uniqlo Umeda deserves a spot on your shopping list.

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

Tokyo is one photogenic city, and you’d want a proper camera to capture the best moments. Thankfully, the city is chock-full of amazing electronics and camera stores, where you can score a bargain on used equipment or splurge on the latest model. If you’re hoping to save, we highly recommend browsing the second-hand selection at many of Tokyo’s camera shops. Like most preloved items in Japan, second-hand cameras and equipment usually remain in great condition, and you can get them at a decent marked-down price.  Don’t feel intimidated when you walk into these camera stores; there are options for both casual and professional shutterbugs. Plus, your choices in Tokyo are endless as Japan is home to some of the world’s most renowned camera brands including Nikon, Canon, Fujifilm, Ricoh and Panasonic.  To help you find your ideal camera and photography accessories, here are a few of our favourite new and used camera shops.  RECOMMENDED: The best flagship stores in Tokyo

Every year from October to December, hordes of Tokyoites make the exodus out of town to classic autumn-leaf destinations like Kamakura, Nikko, Hakone and even Osaka.  However, if you prefer not to travel, there are still plenty of gardens and parks right here in the city to catch the brilliant autumn colours from mid-to-late November. Here are our top picks of historic retreats, lush parks and lesser-known viewing locations, all in or close to Tokyo. BEFORE YOU GO: The 2025 autumn leaves forecast for Tokyo and Japan

If you’re looking for a different autumn experience around Tokyo and Japan, go seek out fields of susuki pampas grass instead of the usual red maple and yellow ginkgo trees. This tall plant is green in summer, but then it turns into shimmering shades of gold and silver when autumn rolls around. Because of this, pampas grass fields have become an Instagram hit of late, especially the one at Sengokuhara in Hakone. Here we’ve rounded up the top spots in Japan where you can frolic through fields of breezy pampas grass. RECOMMENDED: Looking for more things to do this season? Here are the most beautiful autumn destinations across Japan

タイムアウト東京 > Things To Do > 神保町でしかできない18のこと 東京の知識人が何世代にもわたって集ってきた地、神保町。ここは歴史ある大学街であり、ビブリオマニアにとっての楽園だ。約130軒の古書店があり、そのほとんどが低層のやや年季の入った雑居ビルに入居し、昔ながらの喫茶店やカレー店と建物を共有している。 新しい学生たちが絶え間なく流入することで、エネルギッシュな底流が生まれており、過去と現在が鮮やかに息づいている街でもある。路地裏には、新しいタイプの親密なミュージックバー、本格的なインドカレー店、クールなカフェ、独立系書店が次々と登場し、デジタル生活の不安や絶え間ないペースに対する理想的な癒やしのように感じられる場所に、新たな層を加えている。 「タイムアウト」は「世界で最もクールな街ランキング」の2025年度版では、この神保町が第1位に選ばれるという快挙を成し遂げた。ここでは、そんな神保町の中で、英語編集部がセレクトした訪れてほしい場所を紹介しよう。これが神保町の究極ガイドだ。 関連記事『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』

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. 

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.

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. 

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.

Japan sure loves a winter celebration. From the gorgeous frozen waterfalls in Aomori to the beautiful illuminations at Ashikaga Flower Park, there’s no doubt that winter is one of the most beautiful times of year. If you’d rather stay close to Tokyo this coming winter, Saitama’s got a winter wonderland you need to check out.  Photo: Saitama Prefecture Products and Tourism Association While it doesn't snow or get very icy in Tokyo, you can catch both at the annual Ashigakubo Icicles event in Chichibu, just an hour and a half from central Tokyo. The stunning area is filled with massive displays of artificial icicles created by spraying water from a nearby stream into the cold winter air.  Photo: tgmkzk/Photo AC The Insta-worthy spot features icicle displays that cover the entire landscape of the area, turning it into a frosty forest. Photo: Chichibu Railway Co., Ltd. The area is also open in the evenings for a special illumination that’s truly stunning. The frozen formations are lit up with colourful lights on Thursdays, Fridays and weekends, giving the entire area a whimsical feel as if you’re walking through a scene from the movie ‘Frozen’. Photo: naleapt/Photo AC The frozen forest is now set to open from January 8 to February 23 2026 and it's open from 9am to 4pm. Evening illuminations are held from Thursday to Sunday including holidays from 5pm to 8pm. To help keep you warm, daytime tickets also come with a free cup of tea or non-alcoholic amazake (sweet fermented r

It’s no surprise that Tokyo is home to some seriously cool neighbourhoods and streets. But this year, there’s one road that stands out. Time Out Worldwide has just ranked Shibuya’s Nishihara Shotengai as one of the World’s Coolest Streets for 2025.  Part of the charming Nishihara neighbourhood in Shibuya, this dynamic street has landed in 12th place in this year’s ranking. Osaka’s Orange Street also made the list, taking an impressive no 2 spot on the global list. Photo: Manabu Morooka Nishihara Shotengai sits just north of Yoyogi-Uehara near Hatagaya Station, conveniently close to major hubs like Shibuya and Shinjuku – but without the crazy crowds. This vibrant street is chock full of cute bakeries, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, cosy bars and chic lifestyle shops, making it perfect for a full day of eating and exploring from morning to night. Photo: Kasiki Some of our favourite haunts include wine and ice cream hotspot Kasiki, known for its unorthodox ice cream flavours like rhubarb and Japanese sansho pepper, and Equal, a chic patisserie turning out refined pastries and sweets. Photo: Manabu Morooka Looking to shop? Don’t miss Àcôté, a playful zakka store full of quirky knick-knacks and a curated selection of Japanese craft beers. For music lovers, Ella Records is a must, with an impressive selection of rock, soul, jazz, rare groove and Japanese oldies. Photo: Manabu Morooka If you’re looking for some fun activities, check out Nishihara Golf Garden, a rare urban dri

Japan’s stunning autumn foliage makes the season undoubtedly one of the most beautiful times of year, but it also signifies that winter is just around the corner. Of course, there are also a number of gorgeous winter destinations around Japan. But for a truly whimsical winter wonderland, sign up for the Oirase Ice Falls Tour in Aomori prefecture. The bus tour takes you on a journey through the Oirase Gorge in Towada Hachimantai National Park, which stretches between Lake Towada and Yakeyama. The waterfalls throughout the gorge freeze over in winter and turn into stunning clusters of icicles known as icefalls. When the area is covered in a blanket of snow, it looks like something from a fairytale. Photo: Towada Oirase Tourism Organization Tours are available both during the day and in the evening. However, the evening tour is the one to go for as the icicles are illuminated with colourful lights. The evening tour stops at a total of five spots along the gorge, while a special lighting car travels along with the tour bus to light up each spot in different colours.  Photo: Towada Oirase Tourism Organization The tour has been held annually since 2017 and will run again from December 20 2025 to March 1 2026. Tickets cost ¥3,300-¥4,400 per person (children ¥1,650-¥2,200). You can book a spot on a tour here.  Photo: Towada Okuirase Tourism Organization This article was published on November 2 2021 and updated on November 18 2025. More from Time Out Tokyo Shibuya

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

Japan is famous for its fun and quirky mascots, and few are as iconic as JR East’s beloved penguin, found on the handy Suica IC transport card. In surprising news, the railway company has announced that the beloved aquatic bird will retire at the end of the next fiscal year.  Though the character never had an official name, it has represented Suica for 25 years, becoming a familiar sight on transport cards and smartphone apps. Over the years, the penguin has assembled a legion of fans, with JR East creating merchandise such as plushies, accessories, stationery and other souvenirs adorned with its adorable likeness. While many people have expressed shock at the ‘graduation’, it seems like fans can look forward to a new character soon. The Yomiuri Shimbun reports that the penguin is set to be replaced, and JR East has stated that the selection of the new character will involve participation from passengers and other Suica users. However, details on how to participate have yet to be shared.  In other Suica-related news, The Mainichi has reported that JR East plans to add barcode and QR-code functions to the smartphone app, as well as raise the card's balance cap from ¥20,000 to ¥300,000, giving Suica more power to compete with other cashless payment options. More from Time Out Tokyo Here’s the final 2025 forecast for autumn leaves in Japan Shake Shack collaborates with Tokyo Michelin-star restaurant Den for a 10th anniversary menu This is the place in Japan to see sakura and au

Although it's officially autumn, this year's lingering summer heat has delayed the season's arrival. However, that doesn’t mean we can’t get excited about koyo, or Japan’s always stunning autumn leaves, which will arrive in due time. On November 4, the Japan Meteorological Corporation released the third edition of its official autumn leaves forecast, which predicts the autumn foliage around Japan spanning from Hokkaido to Kagoshima. It details the two most popular types of koyo: the red momiji maple and yellow ginkgo leaves. Here’s a detailed look at the third and final forecast.  Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation Red momiji leaves forecast The maple leaves in Hokkaido will be the first to see colour change, with Sapporo projected to get red momiji around November 6 – about 9 days later than usual. The best time to see momiji in Nagano is November 25, and in Kanazawa it should be December 2. As for Tokyo, you can expect to see the leaves turn red around December 2. Similarly, Osaka won't see the foliage glisten until early December, with the forecast predicting December 7. For Kyoto, the leaves will turn even later, on December 15. Further south, the leaves in Fukuoka will only start turning colourful around December 12, while the date for Kagoshima is December 16.  Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation Yellow ginkgo leaves forecast For the yellow ginkgo trees, the leaves are predicted to change around the same time as usual, with the projected date in Sapporo bei

Tokyo’s dedication to food is legendary, reflected in its countless Michelin-starred restaurants – but scoring a table can be tough, and the price tags are often eye-wateringly high. So  you'll be glad to know that you can soon enjoy a taste of Tokyo's two-Michelin-starred Japanese restaurant Den at… Shack Shack.  The world-famous New York burger joint is teaming up with Den's chef Zaiyu Hasegawa for a commemorative menu to celebrate Shake Shack’s tenth year in Japan. Den is one of Tokyo’s most innovative kaiseki restaurants and has held Michelin stars for nearly 15 years, earning its first in 2011 and maintaining a two-star ranking since 2012. Chef Hasegawa is no stranger to Shake Shack, having designed a creative burger for the brand as part of a one-day chef collaboration back in 2016. Photo: Ivy Company, Inc. This time around, Chef Hasegawa has created a full set meal, including a burger, fries, dessert and drink. The anniversary set will be available for just two days, Saturday November 15 and Sunday November 16, at Shake Shack Tokyo’s Gaien Icho Namiki location – Japan’s first Shake Shack. Photo: Ivy Company, Inc. A closer look at the menu reveals the Den Shack burger, a unique fusion of American and Japanese flavours with a juicy 100 percent hormone-free Angus beef patty, unagi (freshwater eel), cheddar cheese, Narazuke pickles, and a special homemade sansho pepper Shack sauce. Photo: Ivy Company, Inc. Shake Shack’s signature crinkle-cut fries get an upgrade topp

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 15 to November 30, 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

UPDATE, November 4: For the best autumn illuminations at Kyoto temples and gardens, see our latest 2025 feature here. *** We can't wait to visit some of Japan’s most beautiful autumn destinations this season and Kyoto is always high on our travel list. While the historical city is beautiful at any time of year, some of Kyoto’s temples will be lit up in the evening this autumn to add an extra touch of magic to the scenery. The illuminations take place at different times and dates for each venue. Here are all the participating temples and shrines, along with a rundown on what to expect at each spot. Photo: Narongsak Nagadhana/DreamstimeKyoto's Kiyomizudera temple in autumn Kiyomizu-dera Temple From November 18 to November 30, Kyoto's Kiyomizu-dera Temple will be hosting special nighttime visits, where the temple’s structures and surrounding foliage are illuminated for a mesmerising display. While Kiyomizu-dera usually closes at 6pm, it will extend its hours until 9.30pm (last entry 9pm). General admission is ¥500 for adults and ¥200 for junior high and elementary school students. Photo: Central Japan Railway CompanyToji Temple Toji Temple From October 26 to December 8, you can see the autumn leaves around Toji Temple lit up between 6pm and 9.30pm (last entry 9pm). Entry costs ¥1,000 (¥500 for middle school students and under). Photo: Central Japan Railway Company Byodoin Temple Byodoin Temple in Uji will be lit up from 6pm to 8.30pm for six days only: November 16, 17, 23,

Come autumn and through winter, one of the highlights of visiting Japan is seeing all the mesmerising illuminations lighting up the country’s parks and city streets. While most flowers are dormant during these cold months – and not to mention, the naked branches – many parks tend to go all out with their light displays, turning their somewhat barren gardens into magical fairytale lands to make up for the lack of flora. One of the most stunning park illuminations near Tokyo has to be the Ashikaga Flower Park in Tochigi prefecture. Known for its colourful wisteria in spring, the park transforms into a dazzling wonderland of illuminations in October. Photo: Ashikaga Flower Resort Co., Ltd. Now in its 24th year, the Flower Garden of Lights: Flower Fantasy 2025 event sees the park decked out in over five million LED bulbs, draped into show-stopping formations on cherry blossom trees, rose bushes and even the park's famous ofuji, or great wisteria tree. Photo: Ashikaga Flower Resort Co., Ltd. The park also features an illuminated rose garden called the Rose Garden of Light. On the observation deck, the experience is enhanced with the scent of roses, allowing visitors to enjoy a truly immersive combination of light and fragrance. Photo: Ashikaga Flower Resort Co., Ltd. Making a comeback this year is the park's popular Flower Castle. This jaw-dropping installation features a colourful mix of flowers, lights and rainbow LED fireworks bursting behind a gl

From the blazing hot summer to the recent cool, rainy days – it really feels like we’ve skipped autumn this year. To make it feel even more like winter, Mt Fuji just received its first dusting of snow this season on the morning of Thursday October 23. As reported by NHK World Japan, Mt Fuji’s first snow cap of the season arrived a whopping 21 days later than average. However, it came 15 days earlier than last year, when the snowfall on November 7 was the latest since record-keeping began roughly 130 years ago. Mount Fuji dons winter cap in first snowfall of the seasonThe summit of Japan's highest peak is cloaked in snow for the first time this season. Weather officials say the snowcap arrived on Thursday morning, 21 days later than average. https://t.co/FDBJBmHxf8 pic.twitter.com/0xiEqRDNT7 — NHK WORLD News (@NHKWORLD_News) October 23, 2025 According to the report, rainclouds have hovered around Mt Fuji since Wednesday, and temperatures dropping below freezing resulted in the season’s first snow.Want to get that perfect shot of Mt Fuji? Check out our guide to the best spots for views of this iconic mountain. More from Time Out Tokyo Some of Tokyo's best museums are free on November 3 Culture Day Japanese gov't plans to raise visa fees and departure tax in 2026 Sakura in Chiba is hosting a late-season fireworks show this autumn Kenchoji Temple in Kamakura is hosting a relaxing sound art event at the end of October A new burger joint from the team behind I’m Donut? has o

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. Scaled up for 2025, there are now approximately 40,000 kochia bushes growing at the park’s Miharashi no Oka Hill area, covering roughly 2.3 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 from mid-October. Later into the month, they'll start to take on a dusty golden hue. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 国営ひたち海浜公園【公式】 (@hitachikaihin) Currently, the green bushes have just started to turn red and will be at peak viewing from October 18 to October 26. You can keep tabs on this year’s kochia colours forecast via Hitachi Seaside Park’s website. The kochia plants changing colour coincides with the annual Kochia Carnival, which is also showcasing gorgeous red and pink cosmos flowers on the lower sections of Miharashi no Oka Hill. The carnival runs until October 31. The park is roughly two hours from Tokyo Station. See the park’s website for information on how to get there. This article was publis