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 a few of the best. If you're a first-timer, be sure to check out our onsen etiquette guide. RECOMMENDED: Best super sento in Tokyo with multiple baths, saunas, cafés and more

Looking for a delicious way to ring in the new year? Treat yourself to a well-deserved New Year's Eve or New Year's Day lunch or dinner with your friends and loved ones. Tokyo’s top hotels have outdone themselves with lavish multi-course meals and buffets to mark the changing of the year. Can’t decide? In order of price, here are our top picks for New Year’s Eve or New Year’s Day feasts in Tokyo. RECOMMENDED: The best illuminations and light-ups in Tokyo

With Christmas just around the corner, Tokyo is in full holiday mode. The capital does a brilliant job of decorating the city with illuminations and towering Christmas trees as well as offering festive activities to get you into the holiday spirit. Moreover, as Christmas Day isn’t a public holiday in Japan, stores and restaurants are still open for business – it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate with a festive lunch, dinner or even a last-minute shopping spree.  If you’ve already tried celebrating Christmas the Japanese way – feasting on KFC chicken and strawberry shortcakes – we’ve got a few more things you can add to your list.  RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful winter destinations in Japan

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 dazzling Christmas trees in Tokyo 

There’s no better way to explore Tokyo than on foot. And when you’re wearing OAO shoes, the very act of walking through the capital turns into an aesthetically pleasing experience, no matter the scenery. Each pair of these handcrafted shoes blends architectural elements with the beauty of contemporary art, resulting in footwear that looks as good as it feels. Based in Tokyo and Kyoto, OAO draws inspiration from the balance between urban cityscapes and nature, finding harmony in clean design, sculptural form and sustainable materials. But style isn’t the only element that makes this footwear brand special. Their kicks are built for real life, with cushioning, breathability and support that make every step smooth and comfortable. Think of these shoes as wearable design objects you can comfortably spend the day in. OAO proves you don’t have to choose between art and practicality – you can have both.

We get it: when winter rolls around, there’s not a lot of motivation to leave the comfort of your cosy indoor space. However, frolicking around in the snow can be a lot of fun when you’re surrounded by a gorgeous winter wonderland. From the snowy streets of Hokkaido to the famous snow corridor in Toyama, here are some of the best ice and snow festivals happening in Japan this 2026 season. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful winter destinations in Japan

There's no doubt Tokyo is home to some of the best illuminations in winter, and more than a few of these seasonal events lean into the year-end festivities with colourful Christmas trees as their main focus. If you're looking for the most majestic displays, we've done the work for you with this list of the best Christmas trees in and around Tokyo this year, ranging from traditional installations to interactive pieces. Note: most Christmas trees are on display until December 25. RECOMMENDED: The most festive Christmas markets in Tokyo

Japan’s remarkable snow conditions make it one of the best places around the world to go skiing and snowboarding. After all, there’s hardly much to complain about when you’ve got endless powder, friendly locals, great food and relaxing onsen to look forward to. Even if you can’t make it during the winter, many ski resorts stay open through spring and there is still plenty of snow to plow through. Can’t decide on a location? Here are some of the top ski resorts and mountain villages you should check out around the country. RECOMMENDED: The most beautiful winter destinations in Japan

Discover the charm of Kamawanu tenugui this winter – these versatile hand-dyed cotton cloths bring warmth and style to everything from home décor to seasonal gifting. With patterns to suit every taste, they’re perfect for wrapping presents, adding a decorative touch to your home, or even spicing up your wardrobe. Each season, the long-established, Tokyo-based brand releases fresh designs that make it easy to find something for everyone. Kamawanu’s Asakusa store is a great place to explore the full collection, with shelves stocked not only with tenugui but also clothing, kokeshi dolls and eco bags, as well as beautiful ceramics and other tableware essentials from artisans across Japan. Even if you’re not visiting Japan, you can always shop the collection online. This winter, Kamawanu is rolling out a range of classic seasonal motifs alongside fresh new designs. Here are some of our favourite picks and tips on how to weave the cloths into your holiday routine.

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

Osaka has recently emerged as a magnet for luxury hospitality, with the Four Seasons among the latest prestigious names to open in the vibrant metropolis. Stepping into the ground floor lobby automatically screams luxury, as you’re faced with stylish interiors courtesy of Japanese design house Curiosity. The serene ambiance is elevated by exquisite stonework, soaring lattice partitions, an amber-lacquered elevator area, and a captivating water feature that reflects the changing seasons. Enhancing the sense of refinement are carefully curated artworks thoughtfully placed throughout the hotel, including a striking Urushi sculpture by Genta Ishizuka in the lobby and a graceful piece by Ayako Ueda sitting near the pool. Located in the central Dojima district, the Four Seasons Hotel Osaka comprises 175 guest rooms, a gorgeous indoor pool, a public bath and a 24/7 fitness centre with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city skyline. The hotel also offers a modern take on the traditional ryokan experience through its exclusive Gensui floor, which features 21 Japanese-style guest rooms adorned with refined tatami flooring, futon-style sleeping platforms, and amenities such as cotton yukata robes. Those staying on this floor also have access to the Sabo tea lounge, where you can enjoy tea, bento breakfasts, and sake and wine served in the evenings. The hotel's Western-style rooms are nothing short of stunning, accented with natural wood and stone interiors, crisp white linens and

Since opening its doors in 2023, Tokyo Confidential has established itself as a standout in Tokyo’s cocktail scene. The stylish space doesn’t feel like a typical Japanese cocktail bar – not that there’s anything wrong with Tokyo’s more genteel drinking dens – as it offers a more casual and relaxed environment for you to just drop in without fussing over reservations and strict bar rules. At times, the bar doesn’t even feel like Tokyo at all – until you take in the unobstructed view of Tokyo Tower from the open-air terrace. The bar has a cosy living room vibe, and coupled with its hospitality and welcoming atmosphere, it’s easy to lose track of time here. Furthermore, the bar’s slogan of ‘pull up, fess up’ means you can drop in whenever you please to escape life’s pressures. The folks behind Tokyo Confidential have some serious street cred. Founder Holly Graham, for instance, was ranked in the top 10 of Bar World 100, a list of the globe's most influential figures in the bar industry. Head bartender Wakana Murata, on the other hand, was on the opening team of Tokyo Edition’s much-lauded Gold Bar. Plus, the bar’s food menu is supervised by chef Daniel Calvert of the three Michelin-starred Sézanne.  Tokyo Confidential’s centrepiece is a gorgeous bar counter made from a 300-year-old piece of reclaimed wood from a shrine. It’s the perfect spot to start exploring the bar’s drinks menu, where you’ll find a selection of signature cocktails including low- and no-ABV options. To keep t

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BTS are finally returning – and their comeback is set to be one of the biggest ever. The K-pop boy band has been on hiatus for nearly four years, beginning in 2022 when members started pursuing solo projects, followed by their mandatory military service in South Korea. Now, the group is scheduled to release a new studio album on March 20 – their first full-length release in six years – before embarking on a massive world tour through 34 cities across the globe. On January 14, the group finally announced dates for their highly anticipated tour, which kicks off in Goyang, South Korea in early April before heading to Tokyo for shows at Tokyo Dome on April 17 and 18. After Tokyo, the septet will head to North America, Europe, South America and other parts of Asia, with the tour running through March 2027.  Photo: Hybe Japan While securing tickets may be stressful, there are a few ways to prepare. For the Tokyo concerts, fans can enter the advance lottery via the BTS Japan Official Fanclub from 9pm on January 22. Alternatively, you can use the advance ticket raffle sign-up for BTS Global Official Fanclub Army Membership (Global/USA) holders from 1pm on February 13 to 11.59pm on February 23 – a particularly handy option as it’s English-friendly and open to non-Japanese residents.  If applying through the BTS Global Official Fanclub Army Membership, you'll be allowed to join the Lawson Ticket raffle after the initial sign-up period mentioned above. The Lawson Ticket raffle runs fr

What began as a binge-worthy thriller is stepping off the screen and into reality. From Friday January 16, Netflix’s global phenomenon Squid Game is becoming a real-world experience in Shibuya, where fans will get a chance to take part in the show’s intense games – minus the life-or-death stakes.  Photo: Shibuya Real Squid Game Office The experiential event has already toured cities worldwide, including Madrid, Seoul, London, Los Angeles and Sydney. Netflix Shibuya Real Squid Game will take over the third floor of Shibuya Fukuras with familiar games and immersive sets that fans can take part in. Photo: Shibuya Real Squid Game Office Just like in the series, visitors can scan their face to register as a player and enjoy six games from the show including 'Tug of War', 'Marble Game' and 'Red Light, Green Light'. Photo: Shibuya Real Squid Game Office Aside from the game rooms, you can also check out a special café featuring an exclusive menu, photo zones, and 'Yonghee's Playground' which has been converted into a shop where you can shop for special merch. Photo: Shibuya Real Squid Game Office Guests with VIP tickets can enjoy additional perks like having access to the VIP room from the show where you can enjoy a drink. Photo: Shibuya Real Squid Game Office Netflix Shibuya Real Squid Game takes place from January 16 to July 20 from 11am to 9.30pm daily. Tickets start at ¥3,900 on weekdays for adults and ¥3,300 for children, while weekends and holidays start at ¥4,100 for

It might still be winter, but the arrival of the first sakura forecast gives those dreaming of cherry blossoms and warmer days something to look forward to. On January 8, the Japan Meteorological Corporation released its second cherry blossom forecast of 2026, giving us a good idea of when sakura season is expected to begin. The JMC forecast predicts the first flowering and full bloom dates of the popular somei yoshino variety of cherry blossoms for around 1,000 destinations across Japan. This highly anticipated forecast is based on temperature patterns from this past autumn and has been released slightly earlier than usual. The agency is also incorporating artificial intelligence to provide earlier dates, helping people plan their sakura trips more effectively. In Tokyo, cherry blossoms are predicted to start flowering on March 20, with full bloom expected around March 27 – a few days earlier than last season. Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation As for other popular destinations, Kyoto is expected to see initial bloom by March 25, reaching full bloom by April 1. Sapporo is predicted to start flowering from April 27, with full bloom by May 1, while Fukuoka is expected to see flowers by March 21, reaching full bloom by March 30. We'll continue to keep you posted as the forecast changes. The next update from the JMC is scheduled for January 22. In the meantime, you can still enjoy many of Tokyo’s spectacular illuminations and fun skating rinks. For a closer look at the fo

2025年、東京は最も手頃な旅行先の一つに選ばれ、さらに神保町が「世界で最もクールな街」ランキングの第1位に輝いた。しかし、東京の魅力は雰囲気や文化、グルメだけではない。リピーターを生み、思わず人に勧めたくなる理由は、総合的な体験の質の高さにある。 世界的なブランドコンサルタント会社のSaffron Brand Consultantsによる「City Brand Barometer 2025, Tourism edition」というランキングが、まさにそれを裏付けている。この調査は、世界の主要観光都市が、前評判通りの体験を実際に提供できているかを分析したものだ。 2025年版では、111都市を「将来性（30％）」「体験（50％）」「実現度（20％）」の3つの軸で評価。グルメからインフラまで、世界の都市が観光の未来をどう描いているかを展望できる。その結果、首位はニューヨーク、東京は57.89点で第2位を獲得した。 Photo: Nicholas Doherty/Unsplash浅草寺 詳細を見ると、「体験」部門で東京はなんと世界第1位。世界レベルの文化施設やバラエティー豊かなグルメが高評価につながったという。さらに、物価が安いことと治安の良さも強みとなっている。 また、インターネット上での評判や、国際的な認知度、訪問意欲などを評価した「将来性」では第7位。交通インフラ、国際線のネットワーク、デジタル環境、ビザの取りやすさなどを反映した「利便性」では第12位だった。 Photo: Jezael Melgoza/Unsplash歌舞伎町 東京だけでなく、京都が第12位、大阪が第15位、横浜が第19位、福岡が第81位と、日本各地の観光地もランクイン。ただし、これらの都市が東京に続いて存在感を示すには、東京とは異なる独自性を打ち出す必要があると指摘されている。 Photo: Richard Tao/Unsplas大阪・道頓堀 完全版のレポートやほかの都市の順位が知りたければ、サフランの公式ウェブサイトでチェックしよう。 関連記事 『Tokyo ranks among the world’s top city brands for tourism（原文）』 『神保町が2025年「世界で最もクールな街」ランキング第1位に選出』 『2025年版「世界で最もクールなストリート」発表』 『異国情緒あふれる横浜郵船ビルが客船文化を伝えるホテルとして再生』 『2025年の「ベストシティ50」発表、東京は31位』 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

While we’re all excited for the opening of PokéPark Kanto – the world’s first permanent outdoor Pokémon attraction, opening this February – there’s also plenty of Pokémon fun to be had right now around Tokyo and across Japan. For the holiday season, Yokohama’s Red Brick Warehouse has transformed part of its grounds into a festive Pokémon Christmas village, complete with adorable decorations and a show-stopping Pokémon-themed Christmas tree. Photo: Yokohama Red Brick Co., Ltd. The Pokémon village is open until December 25 and completely free to visit. It also coincides with other activities in the area, including the famous Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Christmas Market and the seasonal skating rink. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rhiannon | Pokemon Travel Japan (@poketrip_japan) While the Pokémon village is open daily from 11am to 10pm, the best time to visit is in the evening, when the entire area gets a festive glow-up with twinkling lights. You’ll also notice a theme here: most of the Pokémon featured are Electric-type, including those around the Christmas tree, where you’ll spot Pikachu, Dedenne, Mareep and even Mega Raichu X and Y. Photo: Yokohama Red Brick Co., Ltd. Aside from the tree, the village also features a Mega Gift Box wall chock full of hundreds of Pokémon plushies – perfect for your photo ops. Photo: Yokohama Red Brick Co., Ltd. There’s also a festive Pokémon hut where you can play the Switch 2 version of ‘Pokémon Legend

Back in 2022, Tokyo’s Edo-Tokyo Museum announced it would be temporarily closing for a long overdue renovation. No official reopening date was given at the time, but now we finally have the news everyone’s been waiting for: the museum is set to reopen on March 31 2026. Located in the Ryogoku neighbourhood, the Edo-Tokyo Museum is a popular destination for learning about Tokyo’s rich history, from the early Edo period (1603–1868) through to the present. Following the institution’s first major renovation since opening in 1993, the upcoming renewal promises updated exhibits and more interactive content to help visitors experience Tokyo on an even deeper level.  Photos: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Some highlights of the renewed museum will include a full-scale reproduction of the Hattori Watch Shop, an iconic symbol of Meiji-era (1868–1912) Ginza, as well as a redesigned third-floor plaza overseen by world-renowned architect Shohei Shigematsu. Photos: Tokyo Metropolitan Government A number of special events are also planned in the run-up to the reopening. To mark 100 days until opening, a commemorative programme will be held December 18–21 on platform three at JR Ryogoku Station, also known as the ‘phantom platform’, as it’s typically closed and only accessible during special occasions. Here, visitors can enjoy free activities including a Heisei vs Reiwa exhibition, Japanese umbrella illuminations, and tastings of kamo nanban (noodles served in a hot duck dashi soup). For m

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 winter, the festival takes place from January 31 to February 23 2026. Now in its 48th 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 forest 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.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by 千歳・支笏湖氷濤まつり〜氷の美術館〜 (@hyoutou_ice_festival) 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 driv

With Tokyo being one of the most affordable holiday destinations this year – and home to the world’s coolest neighbourhood, no less – it’s easy to see why people fall in love with the capital. But this kind of affinity goes beyond good vibes, culture and food – it’s the overall experience that brings people back and inspires them to spread the word. That much is proven by Tokyo’s ranking in brand consultancy Saffron’s City Brand Barometer 2025 – Tourism Edition, which explores top destinations around the globe that best deliver on what they promise.  This year’s report ranks 111 cities across three key factors: promise (30 percent), experience (50 percent) and delivery (20 percent). From gastronomy to infrastructure, it reveals how cities worldwide are shaping the future of travel – and Tokyo has secured second place with a score of 57.89, trailing only New York City (58.68). Photo: Nicholas Doherty/UnsplashSensoji Temple Taking a closer look at the report, Tokyo tops the Experience category, offering visitors an exceptional range of world-class cultural attractions and gastronomy offerings. The capital also ranks high for affordability and safety. Photo: Jezael Melgoza/UnsplashKabukicho in Shinjuku Continuing on, Tokyo ranks seventh in the Promise pillar, which measures factors like digital reputation, global visibility and travelers’ intent to visit. Under the Delivery category, the capital comes in 12th, reflecting its transport infrastructure, global air connectivity,

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 20 2026 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 highlight of the Ice Village this year is the Ice Museum, which explores the history of the village’s Ice Church as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. Photo: Hoshino Resorts Around the village, you’ll also find a series of dome

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