Kaila Imada

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

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

Times change, but Ginza stays. Famed for its upscale boutiques and iconic department stores, the luxe neighbourhood remains one of Tokyo’s top destinations for shopping and dining. A go-to spot for both food and fashion is the luxurious Ginza Six shopping centre, home to designer brands, world-class restaurants and an impressive second basement floor dedicated entirely to food and drink. Seven exciting new shops recently opened at Ginza Six’s extravagant food floor – including two sleek new drinking venues and five sweets and snack shops perfect for tasty gifts or a quick treat.  Here’s a closer look at what’s new underground.

If you're looking to experience a major concert in Tokyo, you're in luck. We've got shows lined-up for the rest of 2025 and into early 2026 (and there's more to come) from some of the biggest names in rock, K-pop, hip hop and more. Here are the best concerts to look forward to in Tokyo over the next few months. RECOMMENDED: The best live music venues and DJ bars in Tokyo

What Tokyoite doesn’t like to flaunt a little city trivia to impress a visiting friend or family member? But if you really want to appear like a local expert, not just any old fact will do – you need the really important stuff, like how many bars are there in Golden Gai? How did Sangenjaya become so damn hip? Why can’t Tokyo seem to beat Osaka in the highly competitive discipline of mass Bon Odori dancing? We’ve got these and plenty more essential (and essentially useless) Tokyo facts for you right here. Tokyo world records As you might imagine for a city this size, Tokyo holds a worthy amount of world records, some of them more unusual than others. Here are our favourites. 1. World’s most visited one-group museum Ever since digital art impresarios teamLab debuted their dazzling interactive creations around a decade ago, experiencing them has become something of a must for visitors to Tokyo (and plenty of locals, too). The capital boasts two immersive teamLab spaces: Planets and Borderless. Planets, the longer-running of the two, was in 2023 officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the most visited museum in the world exhibiting works by a single art collective. That’s before it expanded with new installations, no less. 2. Most LGBTQ+ venues in a single neighbourhood Shinjuku Nichome is the heart of Tokyo’s LGBTQ+ scene, boasting an estimated 300 queer bars and clubs in just a five-block area – the highest concentration of LGBTQ+ venues in the world. Hit up the righ

Tokyo’s doughnut scene is enjoying a sweet revival, with a wave of specialist bakeries opening across the city in recent months, each offering creative flavours and playful presentations. So if you’ve been scouring the city’s coffee shops and cafés for the tastiest doughnuts, you may have been looking in the wrong place. Here are a handful of specialist shops where you can embrace the sugary ring and try varieties from deep-fried delights covered in gourmet toppings to dietary-specific options made from soy milk, rice flour and other organic ingredients. RECOMMENDED: 30 best kakigori in Tokyo for a delicious cool down

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

Typhoon generally hits Japan between the end of July and late October, when tropical cyclones of varying degrees form over the Pacific Ocean. During this time, it's not uncommon to see heavy wind and prolonged rain and sudden storms, so it never hurts to be prepared – especially if you live near the coast. There’s no need to panic: here are the basics on dealing with typhoons in Tokyo. RECOMMENDED: Read our Tokyo natural disaster survival guide here.

Anime is one of Japan’s most iconic cultural exports and a global phenomenon that continues to grow in popularity to this day. In fact, ‘Japanimation’ has become so well-known that anime T-shirts featuring beloved characters – once seen as niche fan gear – have earned their place in mainstream fashion, rivalling band tees in style and collectability. Today, rare vintage pieces can sell for hundreds of thousands of yen, drawing collectors and fashion-forward fans from around the world.  Below we highlight some of our favourite shops in Nakano, Harajuku and Sangenjaya that specialise in the coolest anime T-shirts, including the most coveted vintage finds. Happy shopping! RECOMMENDED: the best vintage shops for designer labels in Tokyo

Tokyo is renowend for its fashion, with glitzy department stores and stunning flagships from leading Japanese and international brands. But Tokyo also caters to your more specific fashion needs, especially if you're looking to add a new denim item to your wardrobe. Japan's love for denim started when the textile was introduced to the country at the end of World War II. Since then, Japan has made this American staple its own, perfecting it with precise attention to quality and detail. Today, Japanese denim is praised for its fabric, quailty of dyes and the use of the best materials in everything from the cotton to the buttons and rivets. It's also worth noting that Japanese denim usually starts off raw and then softens and fades as you wear and wash it. This is in contrast to pre-washed and distressed denim, which is treated to get that well-worn look. This guide lets you in on Tokyo’s best Japanese denim shops, all of which deal in top-quality, carefully crafted domestic wear and pay the utmost attention to detail in everything from manufacturing to presentation. Just so you know you're getting the real deal, some of these brands hail from Kojima in Okayama prefecture, which is widely regarded as the birthplace of Japanese denim.  RECOMMENDED: The best souvenirs that are made in or inspired by Tokyo

Thirsty? Of course you are, but thankfully we’ve got just the tonic. Our cities are packed with brilliant, innovative and downright wacky bars, where crafty mixologists are shaking, mixing and stirring cocktails and bartenders are carefully pouring moreish wines. But the best ones? Only locals can tell us that, so that’s why we’ve called on Time Out’s international network of writers and editors to tell us all about their favourite spot for a drink in their city. Below is a varied menu of vibes and flavours, from a classy little wine place in Madrid to a speakeasy in Manila, a sultry cocktail joint in Edinburgh to a no-fuss institution in London. Read on for Time Out’s fresh roundup of the best bars in the world’s best cities. Recommended:🌇 The best rooftop bars in the world✨ The best cities in the world for nightlife🍕 The best pizzas in the world🍝 The best cities in the world for food Liv Kelly is the writer for Time Out Travel, based in London. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines and check out our latest travel guides written by local experts.

In an era of fast fashion and fleeting trends, classic pieces like a well-fitting pair of jeans, a crisp white tee and clean, minimalist sneakers offer enduring style and versatility throughout the seasons. If you’re looking to invest in essential pieces that truly last, Tokyo has got you covered. Renowned for craftsmanship and attention to detail, many Japanese brands with boutiques in the capital specialise in creating highquality, elevated basics that not only stand the test of time, but often improve with wear. Here are some of our favourites. RECOMMENDED: The best flagship stores you need to visit 

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. 

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.

Tokyo has firmly established itself as a global pizza capital. Earlier this year, six of the city’s pizzerias were featured in the 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific ranking. Now the 2025 list of the world’s 100 best pizzerias has been revealed, and we weren’t exactly surprised to find out there’s more pie glory in store for our city. This year, two Tokyo pizzerias scored a place on the 50 Top Pizza World 2025 list. Additionally, one restaurant in Nagoya made the expanded list of pizzerias (No 51-100), giving Japan a total of three restaurants in the top 100. This is no random ranking either: The 50 Top Pizza online guide highlights the world’s best Neapolitan-style pizza, with anonymous inspectors around the globe evaluating restaurants on food quality, service, wine, décor and ambiance. Photo: Mandarin Oriental TokyoThe team at The Pizza Bar on 38th Moving up one spot from last year, The Pizza Bar on 38th at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is the highest-ranked restaurant in Japan and takes second place, just behind Italy’s I Masanielli – Francesco Martucci and New York’s Una Pizza Napoletana, which are tied for first. The top three is rounded off by São Paulo’s Leggera Pizza Napoletana. ナポリスタカ 駒沢店 Additionally, RistoPizza by Napoli sta ca in Azabudai Hills returns to the list this year, climbing two spots from No 15 to No 13. This popular pizza joint is an upscale offshoot of its sister restaurant Pizzeria Peppe – Napoli Sta’ Ca, which has been a Tokyo institution for years. Lastly

Ever since opening in 2017, Ginza Six has developed a reputation for its impressive – and impressively large – art exhibitions that take centre stage in the shopping centre’s massive atrium. The latest of these mega-artworks is a striking installation by contemporary British artist Julian Opie. Titled ‘Marathon. Women.’, the LED work fills the lofty space with colourful runners inspired by British female sprinters. You'll be able to differentiate the seven runners as they are each moving at different speeds across a floating rectangular screen, locked in an endless race.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima展示風景 The piece is Opie’s first airborne, large-scale LED film installation, designed to blend seamlessly into Ginza Six’s environment and offer a different perspective from each floor.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima展示風景 The best way to experience the installation is by viewing it from multiple angles – above, below, across, or even while moving between floors on the escalators.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima画面の中を軽やかに走り抜けるスプリンターたち Opie’s new piece replaces ‘Big Cat Bang’, the space cat installation by Kenji Yanobe which had been on display since April 2024. ‘Marathon. Women.’ was unveiled on September 11 and will be on display until autumn 2026.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima展示風景 The installation is part of Ginza Six’s ongoing cultural programme, themed ‘From Ginza to the World’, which features collaborations with renowned artists and creators showcased throughout the shopping facility. For more informat

When a two-Michelin-starred restaurant launches a cocktail bar, chances are it’s going to be good. That’s exactly what happened when Hiroyasu Kawate, the chef behind Florilège, unveiled his new cocktail den, Sodden Frog.  Sodden Frog officially opened its doors on August 5 on the third floor of Garden Plaza D in Azabudai Hills, just one floor above Florilège. The bar’s name literally translates to ‘a soaking wet frog’ – a playful nod to drinking so much that one becomes thoroughly ‘soaked’. At the same time, the moniker carries a more refined meaning, evoking the narrative of ‘a frog in a well’ and the idea of exploring the world, no matter how small. photo: morookamanabu店内 Centred on a striking curved bar counter, this stylish drinking den serves finely crafted cocktails with sweeping views over Azabudai Hills. The bar opens from 4pm, making it an ideal spot for an early drink after lunch or even before dinner. Photo: morookamanabuShinnosuke Takada The bar is helmed by Shinnosuke Takada, the former bartender from Florilège. Takada has recently been experimenting with vegetable-forward cocktails, though his signature creations still shine with house-made ingredients – from fresh herbs and veggies to fruit-infused spirits.  Photo: morookamanabuＭizu Yokan The menu currently features ten different cocktails (starting from ¥2,000) and four mocktails (¥1,800), with plans to add more unique concoctions in the near future. For a stronger sip, straight-up scotch and bourbon are

With the summer heat showing no sign of easing, autumn is most likely to arrive later than usual this year. 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 September 2, the Japan Meteorological Corporation released the first 2025 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 first 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 7 – about ten days later than usual. The best time to see momiji in Nagano is November 23, and in Kanazawa it should be November 30. As for Tokyo, you can expect to see the leaves turn red around November 30. Osaka won't see the foliage glisten until early December, with the forecast predicting December 4. For Kyoto, the leaves will turn even later, on December 12. Further south, the leaves in Fukuoka will only start turning colourful around December 9, while the date for Kagoshima is December 12. 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 being Nov

If you thought last summer was hot, well… the 2025 season was officially Japan's hottest on record, and the scorching temperatures across the country are now expected to last through September. According to the Japan Times, the Japan Meteorological Agency reported that this summer, nationwide temperatures averaged some 2.36 degrees Celsius above normal.  On August 5, the city of Isesaki in Gunma prefecture broke the country’s all-time heat record, with the mercury reaching a whopping 41.8 degrees. Additionally, the cumulative number of ‘extremely hot days’ (days when the high is at least 35 degrees) reached a total of 9,385, which surpasses the 2024 record of 8,821 days. Photo: Ktarrier/Dreamstime According to the JMA, the extreme heat is being driven by global warming and a strong Pacific high-pressure system influenced by weather patterns near the Indian Ocean and the Philippines. And, unfortunately, it doesn't look like it will be cooling down anytime soon. This heatwave is expected to last well into September, with the JMA forecasting an 80 percent chance of above-average temperatures nationwide. Additionally, autumn will likely arrive later than usual, as high sea surface temps near the Philippines and westerly winds pushing farther north mean warmer-than-normal weather in October and November too.  In the meantime, to help you stay safe and assess the risk of heatstroke, be sure to check out this handy Tokyo heat map and stock up on items to help you keep cool. More

Over the past decade, the SG Group has become one of Tokyo’s most prolific bar operators, known for its cool, concept-driven drinking dens across the city. The group’s latest venture, Sangai, is an omakase-style cocktail bar tucked away on the third floor of the same Shibuya building as The SG Club, the OG bar helmed by Shingo Gokan, one of Japan’s most celebrated bartenders. 画像提供：株式会社SGマネジメントThe SG Club 参階 – Sangai Regularly featured on lists like Asia’s 50 Best Bars, The SG Club is an essential Tokyo cocktail destination. Each floor has its own personality: the lively first-floor ‘Guzzle’ for casual drinks, the sophisticated basement ‘Sip’ for refined cocktails, and the members-only ‘Savor’ on the second floor, where cocktails meet cigars. 画像提供：株式会社SGマネジメント The new Sangai has only eight counter seats, delivering an intimate and engaging drinking experience that sets it apart from SG’s other bars. Built around the concept of ‘Terroir x Terrior’ – referring to the union of two places – the bar offers multi-beverage cocktail experiences highlighting Japanese spirits, seasonal fruit, and unique ingredients sourced from around the world. 画像提供：株式会社SGマネジメント Shingo Gokan and the SG team crafted the menu after travelling across Japan to visit fruit farms and distilleries, which are showcased from one cocktail to the next. You'll be able to taste the true flavours of each fruit as they are grated or served fresh in each drink. 画像提供：株式会社SGマネジメント The gorgeous surroundings enhan

東京が再び「最高の都市」に選ばれた。ただし、このランキングは「休暇中に仕事を頼まれる確率が最も高い都市」を評価したものではない。注目されたのは、リモートワークやワーケーションといった新しい働き方への対応力だ。 パンデミック以降、リモートワークは世界中で定着。その柔軟性のおかげで、デジタルノマドは「ワーケーション」と呼ばれる、仕事をしながら環境の変化も楽しむ新しい働き方を体験できるようになった。 レンタルオフィスやコワーキングスペースを提供するInternational Workplace Group（旧Regus）は、充実したワーケーションを楽しむのに最適な都市を評価した「Work from Anywhere Barometer」ランキングを発表。その結果、東京が第1位に輝いた。このランキングでは、各都市のブロードバンド速度、交通費、気候、フレキシブルなワークスペースの充実度、自然へのアクセスなど、12の要素が評価対象となっている。 東京は、120点満点中91点という高得点を獲得。優れたブロードバンド速度、高水準の交通インフラ、安全性が主な強みとされるほか、2024年4月に導入された最長12カ月滞在可能な新しいデジタルノマドビザや、山や海岸、国立公園へのアクセスの良さも高く評価された。 10位までのランキングは以下の通りだ。 1. 東京（日本）2. リオデジャネイロ（ブラジル）3. ブダペスト（ハンガリー）4. ソウル（韓国）5. バルセロナ（スペイン）6. 北京（中国）7. リスボン（ポルトガル）8. ローマ（イタリア）9. パリ（フランス）10. バレッタ（マルタ） 関連記事 『Tokyo ranked the best city in the world for a workation in 2025（原文）』 『大阪が世界で最も魅力的な観光都市第1位に輝く』 『タイムアウトが発表、「世界の歩いて回れる都市 トップ20」ランキング』 『「食事が最も楽しめる世界の空港」ランキングが発表』 『東京、くつろぎのジャズ喫茶6選』 『東京近郊、滝巡りでしかできない4のこと』 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  

Looking for somewhere unique to explore? Head to Home/Work Village in Ikejiri-Ohashi, a new cultural complex built on the site of the former Setagaya Municipal Ikejiri Junior High School. While Tokyo is full of sleek new buildings, it’s fairly rare to see older ones repurposed – in most cases, they’re torn down to make way for something shinier and, most of the time, taller. Home/Work Village is a refreshing exception, transforming the abandoned school into a multi-purpose hub filled with offices, restaurants, a café, an art gallery and various shops. The project is the brainchild of a group of creatives including Shinya Manaka of Old Fashioned Store, Shintaro Uchinuma of Sanposha (the team behind Shimokitazawa’s Bonus Track), and Miho Koshiba of Mirai Institute, which operates the shared office Midori.so. Photo: Karin Minamishima屋上の養蜂場 Home/Work Village makes use of the entire school grounds, from the classrooms to the gymnasium. There’s even a rooftop communal farm and beekeeping zone, Art Farm Ikejiri, open to anyone interested on a membership basis.  Photo: Karin Minamishima One of the first venues you’ll come across is To Tsu To Tsu To, a book lounge and coffee stand created by design firm Takram Japan and secondhand book dealer Value Books. Here, you can browse a curated selection of books highlighting a particular theme. The coffee stand serves brews from nearby Sangenjaya's Obscura and you can also order beer and fruit juices. Photo: Karin Minamishima One of the

This August 22–24 weekend is set to be one of Tokyo’s most festive this summer, with traditional Japanese celebrations taking over various districts and neighbourhoods across the capital. From lively Bon Odori dances to the renowned Koenji Awa Odori, there’s plenty to look forward to.  Though all of these festivals centre around street dancing, each has its own distinct origin. Bon Odori is a traditional way to honour ancestral spirits, while Yosakoi was created in Kochi in 1954 to help revive the postwar economy. The roots of Awa Odori are less clear, though one legend ties the lively group dance to celebrations marking the completion of Tokushima Castle in 1587. Today, however, the festivals serve above all as joyful summer events that light up the evenings. With the forecast calling for another scorcher, be sure to stay cool while enjoying the festivities. T-Fujishima/iStockKoenji Awa Odori Koenji Awa Odori Aug 23-24One of the most popular street dance festivals in Tokyo, Koenji's Awa Odori is returning this summer in full swing. This year, the celebration will feature over 150 Awa Odori dance groups parading around Koenji Station’s North-South shotengai shopping arcade and Konan-dori street over the August 23-24 weekend. The tradition of Awa Odori can be traced back to Tokushima, in the Shikoku region. Legend has it that the local daimyo plied his citizens with booze to celebrate the completion of the local castle in 1586, leading to a citywide outbreak of dancing in t

Tokyo’s been named the best city for what now? If you thought ‘the one where you’re most likely to be asked to work on your vacation’, think again. Since the pandemic, remote working has become a mainstay in many workplaces around the world. This flexibility has opened the door for digital nomads to take ‘workations’ – working vacations – that let them combine their jobs with a change of scenery. Catering to those curious about the best places to enjoy a fulfilling workation, International Workplace Group’s Work from Anywhere Barometer recently dropped its 2025 ranking for the best workation cities, and Tokyo came out right on top.  Photo: F11photo/Dreamstime The global ranking evaluated cities based on 12 different factors including broadband speed, transport costs, climate, flexible workspace availability and access to nature. With a high score of 91 out of 120, Tokyo was recognised for its excellent broadband speed, world-class transport infrastructure and safety. Japan’s new digital nomad visa, launched in April 2024 and allowing holders to stay in the country for up to 12 months, also earned praise. Additionally, Tokyo's proximity to mountains, coastal regions and national parks was another major plus. Here’s the full top ten ranking:  Tokyo  Rio de Janeiro  Budapest  Seoul  Barcelona  Beijing  Lisbon  Rome  Paris  Valletta For more on the Work from Anywhere Barometer, visit IWG’s website. More from Time Out Tokyo I’m donut? opens a speciality gluten-free doughnut

It was only a matter of time before Japan would welcome its first flagship Harry Potter Shop, given that Potterheads here already flock to the wildly popular Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter in Tokyo, as well as The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter at USJ in Osaka. The new Harry Potter Shop in Harajuku is the franchise’s third flagship store in the world, after London and New York. Spanning 900sqm, it’s directly connected to Meiji-Jingumae Station, making it an easy stop when you’re in the area. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Officially opened on August 14, the massive new Harry Potter hub is so much more than just a retail space. In addition to offering a wealth of wizarding-related merchandise, it entices fans with fun photo spots, an exhibition of film-used props, and an exclusive food and drink menu at the in-house Butterbeer Bar. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima The store’s Forbidden Forest theme brings you face-to-face with magical creatures, including the famed hippogriff Buckbeak. Crafted by the team behind the film sets, the statue is strikingly realistic – from his detailed feathers to his piercing gaze, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped straight into Hagrid’s magical garden. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Alongside Buckbeak, the first floor offers merchandise from the four iconic Hogwarts houses, plus exclusive items only available at the Harajuku store. Think T-shirts, sweatshirts, baseball caps, plushies and more. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima A magical escalator through t

The 2025 list of Asia’s 50 Best Bars has just been unveiled – and this year, Tokyo finally sees some fresh faces making their debut on the prestigious list. Announced at an award ceremony in Macau on July 15, this year’s ranking features 20 brand-new entries spanning 23 locales across Asia. Photo: Four SeasonsVirtù at the Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi The honour of Tokyo’s highest ranking bar goes to Hiroyasu Kayama's Bar Benfiddich in Shinjuku, which claimed ninth place. Another recurring name on the list is Virtù at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, coming in at No 18.  Photo: Punch Room Tokyo Joining these familiar favourites are two Tokyo bars making their debut on this year’s list. Sitting at No 36 is Punch Room Tokyo, located inside The Tokyo Edition, Ginza. This bar is renowned for its punch cocktails reimagined with Japanese spirits and flavours and served in elegant bowls for sharing.  Photo: Keisuke TanigawaBar Libre Additionally, Bar Libre in Ikebukuro just made the cut, securing the No 49 spot. A fixture in the city for 14 years, the bar continues to attract discerning imbibers with its unpretentious atmosphere and inventive cocktails crafted with Japanese ingredients. The only other bars in Japan to make the list were Kumamoto's Yakoboku (No 25) and Lamp Bar (No 46) in Nara. Together, these bars continue to fly the flag for Japan’s top-tier cocktail culture beyond Tokyo. To see the full list of Asia’s 50 best bars, visit the website. More from T