Kaila Imada

However you look at it, 2024 was a massive year for Tokyo. This was the year when the city truly broke out of its post-pandemic blues with a flurry of activity remarkable even for a metropolis famed for never staying the same – all while seeing its population grow to an all-time high and welcoming a record number of international visitors. That level of dynamism can be hard to keep up with. So to help you stay updated on the greatest additions to the city over the past 12 months, and to jog your memory by rewinding some of the year’s highlights, here’s our list of the very best that Tokyo conjured up in 2024. Take one more look back before it’s on to 2025… RECOMMENDED: The best New Year's Eve events and countdown parties in Tokyo

If you’re looking for a hotel that’s a little bit more interesting and unconventional, Tokyo is your city. With so many new attractions popping up every year, there’s also been an abundance of ultra-modern, one-of-a-kind places to stay. But unless you're familiar with the city, knowing where to start your search can be tedious work. So we’ve done the leg work for you and compiled a list that caters to every taste and preference, from luxe suites with private saunas to beds in rooms that double as art installations. Book a stay at one of these unique hotels and the only tough decision will be motivating yourself to actually leave the room... RECOMMENDED: hotels and glamping sites in Kawaguchiko with the best Mt Fuji views

With Japan becoming busier and busier these days, a respite from the big cities may just be what you need for your next getaway. And as cities like Tokyo are continuously modernising with the addition of sleek new commercial complexes and towering skyscrapers, it can be hard to get a feel for what Japan was like back in the days of samurai and feudal lords.  Although many of Japan’s historical spots have been lost to natural disasters, fires and redevelopment, there are still a number of areas that have managed to preserve their castle towns and former merchant districts, where you can stroll beautiful streets that look much like they did during the Edo period (1603-1868). Of course, there have been a few modern upgrades to these historical areas, and you’ll often find conveniences such as wonderful shops, restaurants and ryokan (traditional inns) dotted around these traditional towns. Here are some of our favourites to explore. RECOMMENDED: Japan's most underrated destinations – and why you should visit

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

Whether you’re scrambling with last-minute Christmas shopping, looking to stock up on homewares or just wanting to add something new to your closet, Tokyo’s got a shop for all your needs. One of the great things about shopping in the capital is that there are many dedicated stores and shopping centres offering a selection of specialities to cater to any interest, no matter how specific.  Looking for a store full of food and souvenir snacks? How about a store full of artisanal Japanese tableware? Or a shop with an endless supply of stationery? The list goes on, so keep reading for our top picks covering all these items and more.  RECOMMENDED: The best flagship stores to visit in Tokyo

Photo: Time Out Tokyo 2024年12月13日、タイムアウト東京マガジン2025年冬号『Unexpected pleasures』をリリースした。タイムアウト東京の日本上陸15周年を記念し、15の東京の隠れた魅力を特集。地元の人も旅行者も驚く、東京の「意外な楽しみ」が詰まっている。 Photo: Time Out Tokyo フォトジェニックな神社から、知る人ぞ知る隠れ家バーまで、ユニークなスポットを紹介。 さらに、東京が「世界屈指の食の都」として知られる理由に迫り、極上の「おまかせ寿司」や和牛のコース料理を堪能できるレストランを厳選した。 Photo: Time Out Tokyo 日々の疲れを癒やしたいときには、東京のスパ＆ビューティートリートメントがおすすめだ。繊細なネイルアートや、頭皮と髪を整える本格的なヘッドスパなど、充実したケアが体験できる。 Photo: Time Out Tokyo バーシーンも見逃せない。アートバーや、カクテルのスペシャリストが集う新スポットなど、注目のエキサイティングなバーを掲載。東京の夜がさらに楽しくなるのは確実だろう。 Photo: Time Out Tokyo 「東京にはもう目新しいものがない」と思っているなら、同冊子を手に取ってほしい。本号では、新しい店や隠れた名所が次々と生まれている東京のディープな魅力をたっぷり紹介している。 同冊子は以下のデジタル版のほか、羽田空港と成田空港、東京の指定ホテルや観光案内所で無料で入手できる。 Cover direction by Steve Nakamura. Photography by Yasushi Mori. Cover location: A10, Ebisu, Shibuya.

Photo: Time Out Tokyo In commemoration of our crystal anniversary, we’re unveiling 15 of Tokyo’s best kept secrets that will delight both seasoned Tokyoites and adventurous travellers.   Photo: Time Out Tokyo From uncovering Tokyo’s most photogenic shrine to sipping on cocktails in a hard-to-find speakeasy, the capital is home to a number of unexpected pleasures that make it such a fun place to explore. Photo: Time Out Tokyo With an abundance of top-notch ingredients and seasonal produce, it’s no surprise that Tokyo is counted among the best places in the world to eat out. If you want to treat yourself to an incredible meal, check out our round-up of the best restaurants where you can splurge on an omakase sushi or wagyu beef meal. Photo: Time Out Tokyo Need some time to relax and unwind? Try out one of these rejuvenating spa and beauty treatments in Tokyo. You can get everything from an intricate manicure to a complete head spa to up your hair and scalp routine. Photo: Time Out Tokyo There’s always something new to enjoy in Tokyo, and the city’s bar scene is no exception. From art bars to cocktail specialists, we share some of the city’s most exciting new watering holes. Pick up your FREE copy of Time Out Tokyo magazine at Haneda and Narita airports as well as selected hotels and tourist information centres in Tokyo.  You can also check out the digital edition below, or read the magazine here. Cover direction by Steve Nakamura. Photography by Yasushi Mori. Cov

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 2025 season. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful winter destinations in Japan

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

If you're staying in Tokyo this Christmas and find yourself craving a traditional Christmas dinner, you're in luck. Christmas in Tokyo isn't all about KFC buckets – you can treat yourself to a special sit-down meal at some of Tokyo's most luxurious hotels and restaurants. With menus featuring premium steak, lobster, caviar and more, these sumptuous meals are a perfect Christmas present from you to you. Here are some of the places in Tokyo where you can enjoy an indulgent Christmas dinner. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful Christmas trees in Tokyo 

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

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

Terunari puts a creative spin on kaiseki by incorporating French influences that shine through in each and every dish. French- trained chef Kanichi Tokumoto runs the kitchen, working under chef Akihiko Murata of Terunari’s Michelin-starred sister restaurant Suzunari. Chef Tokumoto doesn’t stress over hyper-seasonality and instead works with whatever the kitchen is given, not necessarily just with what’s in season. You can look forward to unique reinterpretations of classic Japanese dishes, such as a crisp monaka (wafer sandwich, usually sweet) filled with chicken liver pâté, and chawanmushi egg custard made more substantial with beef tendon and a hint of wasabi. The more classic kaiseki- style dishes range from sardines simmered with ume plum and ginger to tuna served with red konjac, and aji (mackerel) layered with cucumber and a savoury miso tartar which packs an umami punch. Seasonality is expressed through the details: decorations include seasonal leaves and twigs, while the colours are bright and vibrant, making them not just appetising but photogenic too. The meal ends with a shime (loosely translated as ‘coming to a close’), where you’re served Terunari’s signature rice dish, a combination of sweet pork marinated in shoyu and mirin, and steamed with a perfectly plump tomato and fresh basil inside a Japanese claypot. Once cooked, the rice is mixed up at your table and topped with a good dose of cheese, turning it into a Japanese risotto of sorts. For fans of kaiseki,

Run by a charming husband-and-wife duo for the past eight years, Kudan Otsuka is classic kaiseki at its best. The quaint space is situated across the street from Yasukuni Shrine, whose calm surrounds extend into the restaurant. To keep things fresh, the menu changes monthly, highlighting seasonal ingredients in a traditional yet original way. Expect wow-inducing dishes featuring unique ingredients you may have never seen or tried before. Our meal started with a deceivingly simple soup (or owan, which literally means bowl in Japanese). The clear broth was accented with a tender chunk of winter melon, silky smooth somen noodles, okura and junsai (watershield, whose leaves have a slimy coating). This was followed by a four- appetiser platter served on a beautiful fan-shaped plate: a sunomono salad was given a twist by replacing the conventional cucumber with figs inside a vinegar jelly; a traditional summer kaiseki coupling of daikon and octopus had been simmered in a flavourful soy broth until tender; a selection of summer vegetables fried karaage-style in an unbelievably light batter; and there was an inspired pairing of yuba (tofu skin) and raw shiro ebi (white shrimp) topped with wasabi for a light kick.

Commonly associated with sumo wrestlers looking to get a calorie-packed meal to bulk up for an upcoming match, and hungry diners seeking something warm during the cold months, nabe or Japanese-style hotpot also has a more refined side. Enter Negima, an unassuming restaurant in Kita-Ikebukuro, which specialises in Edo-style maguro (tuna) and negi (Welsh onion) nabe. Contrary to its big servings, the restaurant is tiny and only seats eight. Negima is inspired by nabe from the Edo era prior to the invention of refrigerators, when fresh produce especially fish couldn’t be kept for long. So folks back then had to use up the ingredients by dropping them all into a pot of flavourful dashi broth where everything would be cooked thoroughly. Nabe at Negima is served as a course meal. You start with an Edo-style tamagoyaki, or egg roll, which has been lightly seasoned with katsuo dashi and shoyu. Pair it with sake and you’re off to a good start. Next, you’ll be presented with a beautiful platter of nabe ingredients before they are cooked inside a light dashi broth along with wakame seaweed and fresh greens. You’ll be able to sample various cuts of tuna, including the haramo (belly) and kama toro (gill flesh); they are both equally tender and elevated to another level with just a sprinkle of hand-crushed pepper. The thick slices of negi are cooked until soft and make for a refreshing relief between mouthfuls of tuna. To finish, you get to savour all that flavourful broth that’s been si

When one thinks of Ginza bars, prim and prissy spaces affixed with a pricey drink list often come to mind. You can imagine how glad we were to have found Mixology Salon, which is bucking that stereotype with a relaxed attitude that also extends towards its inspired Japanese-take on cocktails. Easily accessible on the 13th floor of Ginza Six, this unpretentious space is clean and minimal yet welcoming. In fact, it looks more like a modern tea bar than an alcoholic one – and there’s a good reason for that. Specialising in what they call ‘teatails’, Mixology Salon’s signature cocktails are all made with its house blend of tea-infused spirits. You’ll find a wide range here, from hojicha-infused bourbon and soba cha vodka to oolong tea-flavoured rum and sencha gin. For first-timers, we recommend you go for a teatail course, where you can choose between three to five drinks made with a particular tea in mind. Otherwise, you can’t go wrong with the Green Tea Fashioned (¥2,180), a fresh take on the classic Old Fashioned. Got a sweet tooth? Order the Hoji Cha cocktail (¥1,870), which is a mix of buckwheat tea-infused vodka and pineapple and finished with a surprising hint of miso. Note: ¥800 table charge applies per person. Price exclusive of consumption tax.

The popular frames from the leading South Korean eyewear brand Gentle Monster have finally opened up shop in Hong Kong with their very first flagship store. Fashionistas in the SAR can now get their hands on the very sunglasses worn by Korean pop stars to sleek frame styles you won't find anywhere else. The new flagship shop in Causeway Bay is themed after a train platform giving visitors a unique shopping experience similar to Seoul's ever-changing 'Quantum Project' concept stores. 

Celebrate more than 40 years of Agnès B as they open their brand new concept store in Causeway Bay's Fashion Walk. The Rue du Jour shop is named after the very first Agnès B Femme shop, which opened in Paris back in 1975. Get your hands on your favourite items from the Sport B, Voyage and Bijoux collections along with a bite to eat at the B Cafe and a colourful bouquet from B Fleuriste. 

Step into the brand new Adidas flagship store for all your go-to sporting needs from clothing and shoes to accessories. The new shop is also home to the all-new Adidas Training Academy where you can kick yourself into gear with your new sportswear while working up a sweat at one of the free training programmes followed by a visit to the Refresh Zone to freshen up in their shower facilities and vanity areas.

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

Get your daily jolt of caffeine with one of the blends from the experts at % Arabica. This coffee roaster takes pride in using beans from its own coffee farm in Hawaii, as well as sourcing high-grade speciality beans from around the world. The shop is also a global distributor of, and uses, a high-tech Japanese roasting machine – the Tornado King – that prepares the beans to precision at the touch of a button. With a flagship shop in Discovery Bay North Plaza, plus a couple of other outlets in Hong Kong, you can pick up your fresh beans with relative ease.

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

Universal Studios Japan in Osaka has been on the top of everyone’s travel list ever since the theme park introduced the Super Nintendo World back in 2021. Last year, USJ teased that the must-visit attraction would be opening a dedicated Donkey Kong section in 2024. Now, we finally have an official confirmation that Donkey Kong Country will finally open on Wednesday December 11. 画像提供：ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパンTM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.／© Nintendo So, what can you expect from this new extension? When you first walk through the dedicated tunnel from Super Nintendo World, you'll be welcomed by a distinctive jungle beat as you enter Donkey Kong Country. This new area is filled with lush greenery, plenty of bananas, and some exciting new games and facilities, including a ride that lets you race through the jungle on a minecart. 画像提供：ユニバーサル・スタジオ・ジャパンTM & © Universal Studios. All rights reserved.／© Nintendo Wander through the jungle and you'll discover iconic spots such as Donkey Kong's house, which is filled with bananas (of course), as well as the elusive Golden Temple from the hidden level in the video game ‘Donkey Kong Returns’. Photo: Kisa Toyoshimaライド・アトラクション「ドンキーコングのクレイジー・トロッコ」 The highlight of the new zone is the Donkey Kong's Mine Cart Madness ride, which is essentially a real-life version of the Mine Cart Coaster from the games. On the ride, you'll get to race through the jungle with Donkey and Diddy Kong while shooting barrel cannons, jumping over broken

If you’ve visited Lisbon, Barcelona, New York or Dubai, chances are you’ve come across a Time Out Market. These magnetic spaces are where you can immerse yourself in the best of the city under one roof through a taste of the coolest restaurants, bars, culture and nightlife. More than a decade after the first Time Out Market opened in Lisbon back in 2014, Asia is finally set to join the club with the opening of Time Out Market Osaka next year. Scheduled to start business on March 21 2025, this new market will be part of the Grand Green Osaka development and will showcase a curated mix of the Kansai region’s best culinary talents. The exciting space will feature 17 kitchens and two bars with communal tables for diners to enjoy each other’s company and soak in the local culture. To give you a sneak peek of what you can expect, here are the first seven local chefs and restaurateurs that will be part of Time Out Market Osaka. Kushiage001 produced by Kushiage010 Photo: Time Out Market Osaka Cooking up creative kushiage (deep-fried skewers), Kushiage 001 is the sister restaurant of Kushiage 010, a winner of consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand awards. The restaurant will showcase the best Japanese seasonal ingredients alongside creative skewers inspired by cuisines from around the world. Koala Shokudo Photo: Time Out Market Osaka You'll be able to enjoy a fresh take on Osaka essentials like okonomiyaki, yakisoba and takoyaki – paired with wine, nonetheless – at the Time Out Market

If you’ve visited Lisbon, Barcelona, New York or Dubai, chances are you’ve come across a Time Out Market. These magnetic spaces are where you can immerse yourself in the best of the city under one roof through a taste of the coolest restaurants, bars, culture and nightlife. More than a decade after the first Time Out Market opened in Lisbon back in 2014, Asia is finally set to join the club with the opening of Time Out Market Osaka next year. Scheduled to start business on March 21 2025, this new market will be part of the Grand Green Osaka development and will showcase a curated mix of the Kansai region’s best culinary talents. The exciting space will feature 17 kitchens and two bars with communal tables for diners to enjoy each other’s company and soak in the local culture. To give you a sneak peek of what you can expect, here are the first seven local chefs and restaurateurs that will be part of Time Out Market Osaka. Kushiage001 produced by Kushiage010 Photo: Time Out Market Osaka Cooking up creative kushiage (deep-fried skewers), Kushiage 001 is the sister restaurant of Kushiage 010, a winner of consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand awards. The restaurant will showcase the best Japanese seasonal ingredients alongside creative skewers inspired by cuisines from around the world. Koala Shokudo Photo: Time Out Market Osaka You'll be able to enjoy a fresh take on Osaka essentials like okonomiyaki, yakisoba and takoyaki – paired with wine, nonetheless – at the Time Out Market

Every year, Japan outdoes itself with stunning winter illuminations and light displays including the gorgeous frozen waterfalls in Aomori prefecture. If you’re looking for another winter wonderland to explore, don’t miss the annual Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival up in Hokkaido. View this post on Instagram A post shared by 千歳・支笏湖氷濤まつり (@hyoutou_ice_festival) This year, the festival takes place from February 1 to 24. Now in its 47th year, the festival is open from 10am to 8pm, with a colourful light up between 4.30pm and 8pm. The festival is divided into several zones including the ice shrine, ice kitchen, and the jaw-dropping ice tunnel leading to a gorgeous ice chandelier. Plus, you can also stop by one of the many onsen hot springs around Lake Shikotsu to warm up after enjoying the icy cold festival. Guided tours of the area can be arranged upon request. With a personalised tour, you can learn more about the history of the ice festival as well as details about the work that goes into building these massive sculptures.  Photo: KKDay Entry is ¥1,000 per person (free for junior high school students and younger). Ticketing details have yet to be released, but we will keep you updated once they are available. Held at Lake Shikotsu Onsen, the Chitose Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival is a 40-minute drive from New Chitose Airport or an hour drive from Sapporo. For more details on the festival, visit the website. This artic

Earlier this year, a number of popular attractions around Japan proposed raising prices to counter over-tourism and the weak yen. One of the most prominent destinations to consider charging higher entry fees is Himeji Castle in Hyogo prefecture.  Previously, the Unesco World Heritage Site castle considered implementing a two-tier ticketing system which would see international tourists charged a higher admission fee. However, the local government may be scrapping those plans to instead charge everyone not living in Himeji a higher entrance fee.  As reported by Kyodo News, the Himeji government is now looking to raise the adult ticket price from ¥1,000 to somewhere between ¥2,000 and ¥3,000 for non-residents starting in spring 2026. The new price will be decided this coming March. Meanwhile, young visitors will be paying even less: currently, the entry fee for those who are 18 years old or under is just ¥300, but under the new pricing system they will be able to visit the castle for free. Himeji Castle is not the only attraction implementing higher fees. This year, Mt Fuji started charging visitors a ¥2,000 fee to climb the Yoshida Trail, which starts off in Yamanashi prefecture. Following the price increase, the three other hiking trails to Mt Fuji – all on the Shizuoka prefecture side – may soon be subject to a similar pricing system.  As stated by the Asahi Shimbun, the Yoshida Trail plus the three routes that run out of Shizuoka prefecture are considering standardising admi

This year, two of Tokyo’s most popular nightlife districts – Shibuya and Shinjuku – started cracking down on party gatherings and public drinking over Halloween to tackle rowdy behaviour. Additionally, Shibuya has taken a firmer stance by expanding on existing measures to ban public drinking all year round. With that in mind, Shibuya will not be hosting any celebrations to ring in the 2025 New Year, either. As reported by the Asahi Shimbun, Shibuya ward has stated that it will not be hosting an official New Year's Eve countdown at the Scramble Crossing due to safety concerns. This is not surprising, as Shibuya had previously suspended New Year's Eve festivities in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Ever since then, the ward has not hosted any new year celebrations, claiming that large gatherings in the area could become a safety issue. For this coming New Year's Eve, temporary fencing will be set up around the Hachiko statue from December 31 to 1am on January 1. Additionally, convenience stores and other shops selling alcohol have been asked to temporarily halt sales for the year-end holidays. New Year’s Eve celebrations around Shibuya Crossing started back in 2016. In 2018, a whopping total of 120,000 people were reported to have gathered around the world-famous landmark to ring in the new year. So far, there’s no news whether Shinjuku will be following suit. But if we hear anything, we’ll keep you posted. This article was published on November 14 2024 and updated on Decembe

While winter can be bone-shivering cold, it’s also one of the most beautiful times of year in Japan. And Hokkaido is the place to go for a real winter wonderland experience, with places like Hoshino Resort Tomamu opening dreamy ice hotels that you can actually spend a night in. Photo: Hoshino Resorts Hoshino Resort Tomamu's stunning ice hotel will be open from January 20 to February 28 2025 at Shimukappu Village, where the hotel is part of the area’s winter Ice Village. During the beginning of the year, temperatures in Shimukappu can drop to a freezing -30 degrees Celsius, an ideal climate for a hotel made entirely of ice. The Ice Village consists of 11 special ice domes, but only one is open for overnight stays.  Photo: Hoshino Resorts The room, with space for two people, is constructed inside a dome-shaped ice hut where the ceiling, walls and furniture are all made of ice. To help keep you warm throughout the night, sleeping bags and fuzzy blankets will be provided to keep you nice and cosy until morning comes around. The room also comes with amenities like speakers, candles and books to keep you occupied. Photo: Hoshino Resorts If that wasn't enough, you can also relax in the open-air bath surrounded by ice.   Photo: Hoshino Resorts A new addition this year is the gorgeous ice terrace lit up with lanterns where you can admire the surrounding white birch trees while sipping on mulled wine. Photo: Hoshino Resorts The incredible hotel room also features an ice minib

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, 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 9 to February 24 2025 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 rice drink). You can get to the area

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 Togichi 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 eighth year, the Flower Garden of Lights: Flower Fantasy 2024 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. Around the park, you'll also come across smaller displays called Flower Water Basins of Lights, where real flowers are arranged in glowing water basins. 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 glowing castle. Photo: Ashikaga Flower Resort Co., Ltd. Additionally, there will also be t

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 2024 to March 2 2025. 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 28 2024. More from Time Out Tokyo The best times

In Japan, winter is more of an experience than a season. There’s always something exciting happening somewhere in the country, whether that be amazing illuminations or frozen icicle displays. If you prefer to base your trips around eating, you won’t want to miss out on Restaurant Kamakura Village, a magical restaurant made up of more than 20 pop-up igloos. You’ll find the restaurant nestled in the snowy Japanese Alps in the small town of Iiyama in Nagano prefecture. The winter restaurant is set up annually, and is open for around a month. For 2025, the restaurant will be running from January 24 to February 25.  【レストランかまくら村2025⛄】＠長野県飯山市◆開催日：2025/1/24～2/28◆予約受付日（各日10:00開始）・飯山旅々。宿泊プラン　2024/11/1（詳細は順次掲載）・日帰り各種プラン　Web先行申込 2024/12/20　電話受付　2025/1/16詳しくはHPへ☟https://t.co/46sXqsobAx pic.twitter.com/kFIpe9tNes — 信州いいやま観光局【公式】 (@iiyama_kanko) October 8, 2024 Each igloo fits up to four people and you'll be treated to a hearty meal featuring the local delicacy noroshi nabe, a hot pot made with miso, pork and local veggies. You can choose to dine for lunch or dinner, or opt for a shorter snack plan where you can enjoy a warm cup of amazake (sweet sake) or soup inside the cosy little igloos. Be sure to visit the igloo behind a small red torii gate – inside you’ll find a frosty Shinto shrine. The grounds around the restaurant are also great for sledding, or you could pop in for a visit during a ski trip to one of the surrounding snow resorts.  Lunch at Kamakura Village costs ¥6,000 per

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