Lim Chee Wah

Omakase? In this economy? We know it’s hard to believe, but there are plenty of fine dining restaurants in Tokyo where you can treat yourself to a seasonal course dinner for less than ¥10,000. The word ‘omakase’ typically comes up at high-end Japanese restaurants where in lieu of ordering from a menu, diners entrust the chef to serve a selection of recommended dishes and seasonal specials. While it's true that these gastronomic affairs are generally reserved for a special occasion splurge, they don’t have to break the bank. Nor are they strictly limited to Japanese cuisine.  Omakase dining is all about the joy of anticipating what the chef might serve, marvelling at the near-choreographed way they work in the open kitchen, and savouring the best ingredients of the season. It’s a culture that chefs across Tokyo hold dearly, with many incorporating omakase into their restaurants regardless of whether they’re serving Spanish tapas or charcoal-grilled yakitori.  With so many restaurants offering their own interpretation of omakase dining, the line between omakase courses and tasting menus are sometimes blurred. However, it’s the integrity and intimacy of these tailored dining experiences that define them, rather than the terms used to label them. Want to treat yourself on a budget? Here are Tokyo’s best omakase courses and tasting menus for under ¥10,000. Looking for something quick and simple but still delicious? Try one of these 22 best ramen in Tokyo

The longest stretch of public holidays in Japan, the annual Golden Week happens at the end of April through early May. It's made up of four special days: Showa Day (April 29), Constitution Day (May 3), Greenery Day (May 4) and Children’s Day (May 5). Greenery Day was originally gazetted as a celebration of Emperor Showa's (1901 to 1989) birthday. It was later renamed Greenery Day, and as its name suggests, this is a day to appreciate nature and relish in the great outdoors. Better yet, on this day, many of Tokyo's top nature attractions, such as parks and gardens including a zoo and an aquarium, will be offering free entry. So slap on some sunscreen – we're going out to these lush green attractions in Tokyo on Sunday May 4 2025. It's one of the best days of the year to explore Tokyo for free. Recommended: Looking to pack in more over the holidays? Here are the best events in Tokyo during Golden Week 2025.

Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are synonymous with Japan. Mention spring and, chances are, you'll imagine trees bursting with delicate blooms of white and pink lining the rivers and dotting the parks everywhere in Tokyo. There's a ritual of sorts (known as hanami) that locals adhere to when enjoying this fleeting season, which lasts only for a couple of weeks at most. However, rest assured, even after the flowers have withered, you'll still find the essence of the season in the city's many food and drink offerings, from sakura-flavoured lattes to pretty desserts featuring the beautiful petals.  Here we've pulled together a guide to help you make the most of the sakura season – yes, Instagram inspiration included. Plus, we've also compiled a list of sakura facts that will make you seem like an expert in no time. ALSO SEE: The official Japan cherry blossom forecast for 2025

Everyone knows what great pizza means to them. It could have a paper-thin, crispy base or one so doughy it’s comparable to a pillow; it could be an abundance of vegetables and cured meats or simply a great, classic margherita (for the purists). Some of us even crave a bit of pizza-induced controversy (fans of a white base or those who opt for a pineapple topping, we’re looking at you).  But no matter your preference, whether it’s socially acceptable or totally unhinged to everybody else, you’ll find your perfect pizza pie somewhere in the world, and somewhere on this list, too. That’s because we’ve asked our travel writers and international editorial staff about their absolute favourite spots for when they’re craving a pizza, from Cape Town to Lisbon, Buenos Aires to Miami. We hope you’re hungry – don your napkin and read on for the world’s very best pizzas.  RECOMMENDED:🥪The best sandwiches in the world🥩The best steaks in the world🍝The best cities in the world for food This list was edited by Liv Kelly, a writer for Time Out Travel. 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.

People who don’t live in cities will tell you they’re busy, lonely and expensive places. But there’s a reason so many people choose to live in them: with world-class art and culture, unbeatable food and nightlife, buzzing neighbourhoods and a dizzying amount of stuff to do and see, there’s simply no better place to be.  Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe. When urban living can sometimes feel isolating and costly, this year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home. Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?  Livability was a key factor in our ranking this year. But a great city to live in is, naturally, a great city to visit. So, along with the thousands of responses from locals around the world, we asked Time Out’s global network of city experts to vote on the places they think are particularly exciting right now. After crunching all that data, here we are: Time Out’s definitive ranking of the world’s best cities in 2025. Read on to see how your hometown fared… RECOMMENDED:🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world right now🌎 The best things to do in the

タイムアウト東京 > レストラン＆カフェ >東京、手頃価格のミシュランレストラン15選 ミシュランの星を獲得したレストランの数は、東京が世界最多と言われるように、美食の街だ。2024年版のミシュランガイドブックにその名を刻むことができた星付きレストランは183軒。この数には、「本格的な料理を手ごろな価格で提供する」という理由でビブグルマンを与えられた店を含んでいない。 ここでは、予算を気にせずに、良質な食事を楽しめる東京のミシュラン星付きレストランやビブグルマンレストランを紹介する。 関連記事『東京、1万円以下のおまかせコース9選』

2025 is set to be a momentous year when it comes to travel. Citywide celebrations and milestone anniversaries will be taking place in Amsterdam and Rome, sparkling new cultural centres are flinging open their doors in Rotterdam, New York and Abu Dhabi, and there are fresh chances to see some wonderful wildlife in Australia, Singapore and Greenland – but that’s just the beginning. Read on for our roundup of the 25 coolest, weirdest and most adventurous new things to do across the world in 2025, no matter your whereabouts or budget. RECOMMENDED:🇬🇧 The best things to do in the UK in 2025🛍️ The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🎪 The world’s best music festivals for 2025🌃 The best cities in the world right now  

There's no way to travel all of Asia in one lifetime, but you can damn well bet that we're going to try. From bustling city destinations to wild island paradises, there's so much on the regional travel menu that we'd gladly spend our annual leave on in 2025 – and if you're having a hard time choosing, then you're in the right place. We talked to our Time Out editors and travel contributors in Asia to suss out what's on their radar for the coming year. These destinations are emerging hotspots: long overlooked or previously hard to get to, but now on the map for travellers searching for alternatives to well-trodden destinations like Bali, Tokyo, and Bangkok. Many on the list have become better-connected too – all the more reason to buy that plane ticket in 2025. And it goes without saying: they all have spectacular natural attractions, rich culture, and fantastic dining scenes to satisfy the pickiest of travellers. Here's Time Out's list of the best places to visit in Asia in 2025.  Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Asia newsletter for the best travel inspiration straight to your inbox. READ MORE: The most spectacular places to visit in Asia and The most gorgeous islands in Asia 

Kyoto is a very special place, but in recent years, its timeless charm can feel overshadowed by the growing crowds of tourists flocking to the ancient capital’s Unesco World Heritage temples and other historical attractions. Still, no matter how packed things get, there’s a way to experience the harmonious, meditative spirit Kyoto is renowned for – by splurging on a hotel that embodies this unique city’s Zen philosophy. Despite being located just across from the perennially popular Nijo Castle, Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto has managed to create a bubble of serenity in the heart of the city. This is accomplished through thoughtful design by André Fu, one of the region’s leading names in hotel interiors, known for his work on luxury properties like The Upper House Hong Kong and Andaz Singapore. The four-storey, low-rise hotel is built around a gorgeous Japanese garden, which serves as the focal point and calming heart of the property. Photo: Hotel The Mitsui KyotoThe Kajiimiya Gate at Hotel The Mitsui Kyoto Hotel The Mitsui is also steeped in history. The 250-year-old grounds on which it stands were once the residence of the affluent Mitsui family. The beautiful Kajiimiya Gate at the hotel entrance was originally built in 1703 and previously graced the Kyoto Imperial Palace grounds. Relocated to this site in 1935, it’s now a registered Tangible Cultural Property. Photo: Hotel The Mitsui KyotoHotel The Mitsui Kyoto's gorgeous Japanese garden Upon entering the hotel through the afo

The highest peak in Japan standing at 3,776m, Mt Fuji is beloved for its elegant, perfectly symmetrical shape. It's the icon of Japan, and whether you're in Tokyo for a short time or you've lived here for decades, a clear view of the mountain never gets old. While it’s possible to get a glimpse of the mountain in the capital when the weather is clear, you're better off travelling out of the city to get the perfect view. Admire Mt Fuji's beauty from these nine scenic spots in Yamanashi, Kanagawa and Shizuoka, all of which are easily reachable from Tokyo as a day trip. Just try to get there early in the morning or in the late afternoon as the midday clouds tend to block the view. RECOMMENDED: Best day trips from Tokyo

As one of Asia's most dynamic cities, Hong Kong is surrounded by a wealth of vibrant neighbourhoods just waiting to be explored. According to Time Out's annual ranking, curated by a global team of on-the-ground experts, these destinations promise a taste of local life with unique cultural experiences, exciting local flavours, and everything in between. While Kowloon City was named the coolest neighbourhood in Hong Kong, there are many more gems around Asia just a few hours away from the city. Pack your bags and get ready for an adventure. RECOMMENDED: ✨ Kowloon City: your ultimate neighbourhood guide😋 The best Thai restaurants in Kowloon City    

In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is what makes a neighbourhood truly cool. From formerly overlooked sub

Udatsu once again proves that fat and char together create the best flavour – and it really doesn’t matter if the fat comes from premium wagyu or a delicate cut of tuna. This is not something we expect to enjoy at a sushi restaurant, but it pretty much sums up Udatsu’s take on the most iconic of all Japanese culinary traditions – textbook perfect sushi that still manages to sneak in a few surprises to make it exciting for the modern palate. Head chef Hisashi Udatsu’s background has something to do with his contemporary approach to sushi. Udatsu comes from a family of butchers but picked up the sushi trade by choice, and so he is not strictly bound by heritage rules. It’s clear that there’s still a great deal of respect for tradition: that beautiful slice of fish, gleaming as if it has just been hauled off the sea; the perfectly formed shari (vinegared rice) that’s still warm to the touch; the bare whisper of seasoning that teases your palate but never detracts your attention away from the seafood. Those alone would have been enough to make good sushi – but Udatsu brings in another element to elevate his food further, using ingredients or techniques not usually seen in sushi. These creative executions seem neither gimmicky nor out of left field, as they are informed by modern cooking and the current food trends. In other words, they make sense. It’s that sticky dashi jelly on ishidai (striped beakfish) that makes you lick your lips in delight. The use of red hot charcoal to li

This upscale omakase sushi restaurant near Ginza leverages its parent company's wholesale seafood business and direct connections with 150 fishing ports across Japan to secure some of the freshest and rarest seafood at great prices. As a result, you can enjoy quality seafood or a fraction of the cost you'd expect to pay - ¥22,800 for the 17-piece Issekisancho course and ¥26,800 for the 22-piece Yatagarasu course. The restaurant's excellent connections ensures that, even at these prices, it serves highly prized fish rarely found elsewhere. The selection changes with the seasons, but past highlights include the exquisite sakura masu (cherry salmon), known for its rich fat content, the supremely creamy shiroebitei (white shrimp), hailed as the 'diamond of Toyama', and kuromutsu (gnomefish or bluefish), deep-sea member of the seabass family known for its clean, delicate flavour. With seating for just eight diners, Sushi Yatagrarau's intimate setting allows for an elevated experience where every aspect, from the precise cut of the fish to the elegant shape of the sushi, is executed with care. More importantly, this commitment to perfection begins with the preparation of the fish, with the ikijime method used to kill the fish humanely and quickly after it is caught, preserving its flavour and ensuring the highest quality for every bite.

Nestled in a standalone double-storey building with lightly tan earthen walls that blend harmoniously into the Meiji Park surroundings, natuRe Tokyo is a sustainability-focused restaurant that effortlessly combines French, Japanese and Hawaiian influences in its menu. While this fusion of three distinctive cuisines may seem unconventional at first, it’s rooted in the creative director and chef Nae Ogawa’s intriguing background. Early in her career, French-trained Japanese chef Ogawa honed her skills at some of the world’s most prestigious restaurants, including the two-Michelin-starred Narisawa in Tokyo. At natuRe Waikiki in Hawaii, where she serves as executive chef, she has crafted a widely acclaimed menu that celebrates sustainable and locally sourced produce through French cooking techniques. Earlier this year, Ogawa brought her cross-cultural sensibility back to her homeland with the opening of natuRe Tokyo. This sister restaurant has the same culinary DNA as its Waikiki counterpart, substituting Japanese ingredients for Hawaiian ones to maintain the focus on local sourcing. Yet, traces of Hawaiian flavours occasionally make their way into the dishes, adding a subtle twist to the menu. In Tokyo, the restaurant demonstrates its commitment to sustainability by embracing imperfect ingredients that vendors might otherwise discard due to their appearance. Though there’s a varied selection of à la carte dishes, the standout is the nine-course signature menu, offered at an acce

Tonkatsu is often celebrated for its golden brown crust, but Narikura’s unique approach has resulted in pork cutlets with a much lighter, almost pale colour instead. Don’t let that unusual appearance fool you, though – this is still textbook tonkatsu. The meat is surprisingly tender and glistens with its juices while the panko crumb coating is crisp and fluffy without any traces of oil.  It took chef Seizo Mitani years of experimentation to perfect his low-heat frying method that gave rise to his signature blonde tonkatsu. And because precise timing is crucial in this painstaking process, the restaurant is by reservations only. There are several seatings a day and everyone is served at the same time in each session. In other words, don’t be late. There are only two options on the menu – the ¥6,500 two-piece and the ¥8,000 three-piece set meals. Granted, the price is unusually high for tonkatsu, but that’s to be expected as Narikura uses top-shelf Japanese pork, namely Tokyo-X and Iwachu-buta. Plus, the portions are big: expect 175g to 200g of meat (which is a lot!) alongside appetisers, pork miso soup, rice and a small dessert.  Depending on your meal, you’ll choose two or three different cuts from a selection of six including fatty bara katsu, tenderloin, rib roast, chateaubriand, mille-feuille and cheese mille-feuille (some cuts require a ¥100 top-up). On some days, you can also add on side dishes such as deep-fried shrimp and stewed pork belly. While the bright, clean and

Hidden in a basement just a minute’s walk from Shibuya Station, Ishinohana is Shibuya’s answer to the high-end, Japanese-style cocktail bars of Ginza, but with a more relaxed vibe and far more inventive drinks. Seasonal cocktails are the speciality here, as owner-bartender Shinobu Ishigaki wields an array of fresh fruit and herbs when creating his distinctive concoctions: a gin and tonic is enlivened with kumquat, a margherita gets an injection of housemade cassis confiture, and a highball features dill and green apple syrup, for example. In fact, Ishinohana is so serious about its fruit that the menu indicates the provenance of its selections. The menu, however, covers more grounds than just fruity concoctions. Aside from providing an enticing list of coffee cocktails and monthly recommendations, Shinobu can shake up many variations of three classic cocktails – old fashioned, negroni and bloody mary – reimagined with local ingredients and creative twists. The Japanese Old Fashioned, for instance, mixes shiitake-infused whisky with maple syrup and umami bitters while the Rose Negroni sings with beautiful floral notes thanks to the use of rosewater and rose petal-infused gin.  If you’re a fan of these Japan-inspired cocktails, you’ll be spoilt for choice. There’s also a sake martini accented with housemade chamomile cordial, an original cocktail called Oribe made with gin, matcha, milk, wasanbon (fine-grained Japanese sugar) and gold powder, and even a pisco sour with hints of

This cosy cocktail den hidden in the Toranomon Hills Business Tower has one of the most interesting bar concepts in Tokyo. The plant-filled, wood-accented interior is reminiscent of a plush safari lodge and hints at the bar’s botanical leanings. While the menu features drinks made with fruit and herbs, the hero here is the cacao. Led by acclaimed bartender Shuzo Nagumo, Memento Mori celebrates cacao in its various forms – not just the final product that we are all too familiar with, ie, chocolate. The best way to savour this concept is with the Bean to Glass signature cocktail course, which comes with the option of having three, four or five items. The course starts with Memento Mori’s house cocktail, the Cacao Pulp Fizz, served in an eye-catching cacao pod no less. As its name suggests, this refreshing, effervescent, vodka-based cocktail is made with cacao fruit, which surprisingly tastes like mangosteen, along with vinegar made from said pulp and some passion fruit for hits of acidity.  The second drink marries the fruit of the season with a cacao nib-infused spirit. On our visit, we had a peach number that used cognac flavoured with cacao nibs and blue cheese. It was a bold combination that mixes sweet and savoury notes, but made for a lip-smacking delight. For the third item on the course, you get to choose between a cacao wine or a tasting flight of three cacao spirits. The former is a luscious Californian merlot steeped with cacao nibs and dried fruit while the latter c

Two of Japan’s most storied traditions – noh theatre and kaiseki cuisine – can be impenetrable and intimidating for the uninitiated. And that’s not just because of the language barrier: the formalities that rule both are laden with unspoken protocols. Suigian, an innovative dinner theatre hidden under the Fukutoku Shrine in Nihonbashi, seeks to make these Japanese performing and culinary art forms more approachable. Granted, dinner theatres, especially of the cultural kind, don’t always enjoy a favourable reputation – they are often associated with subpar food and tacky performances. Suigian, however, feels like a labour of love and there’s a sense of genuinity in everything it does. So much so that you’re advised not to eat during the noh part of the performances as a sign of respect (drinking, however, is fine, as the restaurant claims that it's only here you can enjoy noh over drinks). The evening shows, which start at 7pm, offer a crash course to traditional Japanese theatre. The programme changes monthly, featuring varied snippets of Geisha dance, kyogen (comic theatre), court music, kagura (ritual ceremonial dance) and, of course, noh. Notably, the noh segments are actual 15-to-20-minute acts adapted from renowned noh texts and performed by seasoned noh practitioners. You’ll get an explanation sheet with summaries of the evening’s show in English to help you connect with the craft unfolding on stage. Likewise, Suigian’s beautiful space, though contemporary in design, is

This newly opened Royal Park Hotel has the enviable Ginza address, but without the bank-breaking price tag commonly associated with this ritzy district. For visitors, the hotel is a central and convenient stay; it’s near Higashi-Ginza Station, which offers easy train access to major destinations in Tokyo including Asakusa as well as Narita and Haneda international airports. Moreover, a direct bus from Narita airport stops right across the road from the hotel. The Royal Park Hotel Ginza 6-chome exudes a cheerful and relaxed atmosphere, with a retro aesthetic expressed through vibrant colours – a style the hotel calls ‘Ginza Pop’. The sunny yellow and green shades at the reception and lobby are a nod to the abundance of ginkgo and willow trees surrounding the hotel. The rooms, meanwhile, are bedecked in either a red-orange hue or muted green, colours associated with the Kabukiza theatre just around the corner. Regardless of whether you’re going for a compact unit or a spacious corner suite, the accommodations at the hotel are well-appointed. Thoughtful features include the smart TV, which is connected to the hotel’s public amenities such as coin-operated washing machines and the communal sento bath, offering real-time information on whether they are available or occupied. Better yet, the gender-separated bath in the basement, which is reserved for staying guests, has no restrictions against tattoos. For food and drink, the Ginza Lamp-Tei restaurant on the ground floor serves a

Originating in Mayfair, London, Gentlemen’s Tonic offers traditional barbershop services with a modern styling. This is the award-winning establishment’s first foray into Malaysia (they have outlets in Hong Kong, New Delhi, Dubai and several other locations around the world), and their new space at Publika is handsome, especially with the dark wood interior and chrome gold finishing. Grooming remains the key service offered here and that includes haircuts, razor head shaves, scalp treatments, beard design, wet shaves and more. Granted, the brand targets the middle-to-high end of the market with cuts starting from RM115 and shaves from RM75. But what you’re paying for is the pampering experience and also the attention to detail, from the way your barber styles your hair down to the design of the chairs and mood lighting. What really sets Gentlemen’s Tonic apart from the pack is their wide-ranging menu that also offers facials, manicures and pedicures, and even massages, making this a one-stop centre for all your male grooming and pampering needs. Haircuts from RM115.

One of the most popular ramen restaurants in Ueno, Kamo to Negi specialises in duck noodles. Its simple recipe of just Japanese duck and leek – as its name suggests – simmered over low heat for two days, produces a beautifully clear stock that’s light yet flavourful. Add in a custom blend of three different types of soy sauce and you get a soup that sings with the meaty sweetness of duck without being gamey. Kamo to Negi also takes pride in not using any chemical additives in its ramen, while the excellent house-made noodles are springy and firm to the bite. A regular bowl of ramen here will only set you back ¥980. But we recommend you upgrade to a bowl with extra slices of duck meat (¥1,260), or go the whole hog with the special (¥1,480), which comes with wonton, onsen egg, bamboo shoots and additional slices of duck. On the menu are also duck tsukemen (dipping noodles) and a comforting oyakodon side dish featuring a deliciously runny egg and duck meat mixture served over piping hot rice. This branch in the newly opened Eato Lumine food hall on level B1 of JR Shinjuku Station (inside the ticket gates near the west exit) has 14 counter seats. And yes, it’s just as popular as the Ueno store. So be ready to queue – fortunately the line moves along briskly.

Sushi Azabu is rather uncommon in that this restaurant is a foreign import – from the United States – rather than a domestic outfit with overseas locations, as is the case with many Japanese sushi establishments. Nevertheless, this beautifully designed eatery brings with it an impressive pedigree: its sister restaurants in Manhattan, New York and Miami Beach, Florida were previously proud owners of a Michelin star each. Sushi Azabu has the classic wood-dominated interior of a high-end sushi restaurant. But here the design feels fresh and modern, largely thanks to the bold strokes of contemporary calligraphy artist Rintaro Hashiguchi, whose artwork stretches across the entire wall behind the L-shaped counter. Despite its address in swanky Azabudai Hills, Sushi Azabu’s menu is surprisingly affordable. The restaurant sources its seafood from Toyosu Market, as any reputable food operator would, and turns it into multi-course omakase meals. Lunch offers the best deal: about 14 items including nigiri sushi as well as the restaurant’s signature sesame tofu served on a sizzling hot plate, all for just ¥4,800. Dinner is, of course, more sumptuous. For ¥9,800, you’ll get to enjoy around 17 items featuring premium seasonal fish and seafood, the likes of fatty tuna, uni and more. Online reservation is highly recommended to secure a spot at the 19-seat counter.

In the salaryman enclave of Shinbashi – think cheap and cheerful izakaya sandwiched between ramen joints and casual standing eateries – lies a sushi restaurant that looks more suited for the glitz of neighbouring Ginza. While Sushi Restaurant Issekisancho may have the polish of a classy, upmarket sushi counter, its prices are friendlier on the wallet. The restaurant is one of a trio of sushi businesses under its namesake Issekisancho group, which established its own wholesale venture to procure most of its seafood directly from fishermen, thus driving down the cost. Plus, Issekisancho’s close connection with Yamayuki, one of Toyosu Market’s biggest tuna brokers, means it has access to some of the best tuna around. At Issekisancho you can enjoy an omakase sushi meal for just ¥9,800, which gets you eight pieces of nigiri as well as eight dishes including a light and jiggly sea cucumber chawanmushi that tastes of the ocean, and a buttery, foie gras-like monkfish liver that’s been stewed in a sweet-savoury mixture of soy sauce, sake and mirin. There’s also the more sumptuous Issekisancho full-course dinner at ¥13,000, where you get five extra pieces of nigiri sushi in addition to the aforementioned dishes. The offerings at Issekisancho are classic Edo-mae, or exemplary of Tokyo-style sushi. The shari (sushi rice) is made up of two strains of Niigata rice: the sushi-grade emi no kizuna is folded with shinnosuke, which brings some stickiness and a hint of sweetness to the mixture.

In recent years, the boundaries between art and audience have been redefined in eye-popping ways. We are no longer content with simply observing; we crave a more visceral experience. This shift has led to the rise of digital immersive art, where spaces are transformed into sensorial environments that envelop viewers and heighten their senses. For just 13 days this May, you can experience this in person at ‘European Digital Art Experience: The Immersive in Osaka 2025’. Running from May 2 to May 14, this pop-up exhibition is part of the multidisciplinary Study: Osaka Kansai International Art Festival 2025, which runs alongside the Osaka Expo through October 13. Photo: The Fake FactoryOne of Fake Factory's past exhibitions in Florence, Italy Held to coincide with the Expo’s EU National Day on May 9, this cutting-edge exhibition is curated by Stefano Fake of the Florence-based Fake Factory. The award-winning Italian multimedia art studio is widely acclaimed for its innovative use of audiovisual technology and projection mapping to create large-scale, immersive digital art experiences. This is what Fake Factory calls ‘phygital technology’, a reconfiguration of rooms and buildings using digital elements to create an all-encompassing sensory experience.  Photo: The Fake Factory Tapping into the collective’s international network of experts – including artists, architects, designers, engineers and filmmakers – the Fake Factory will present a dynamic series of works by artists exp

Rooftop restaurants and bars are a big part of Bangkok’s lifestyle, and now Thai luxury hotel brand Centara is bringing that sky-high experience to Osaka. Situated in the vibrant entertainment and shopping district of Namba, Centara Grand Hotel Osaka features a rooftop venue on its 33rd floor, offering an unobstructed, jaw-dropping vista of the city’s glittering skyline. Now, you can drink in the view from 135 metres above ground while enjoying Crudo Deck’s seasonal beer garden. Photo: Centara Grand Hotel Osaka Running for six months from April 26, the Centara Namba Sky Beer Garden is an indulgent way to enjoy the summer in Osaka – in the form of good food, free-flowing drinks and unforgettable views of the city skyline. There are four plans to choose from, with prices starting at just ¥7,000 for an appetiser plate and 90 minutes of free-flow drinks. Photo: Centara Grand Hotel Osaka For those looking to indulge, the top-tier ¥17,600 plan includes an appetiser buffet (expect cheeses, salads, carpaccio and the like), a main dish, and bottomless pours of Laurent-Perrier champagne, a crisp aperitif with notes of citrus and white fruit that’s perfect for summer. Photo: Centara Grand Hotel Osaka Even without the champagne top-up, the standard free-flow drinks selection is generous, offering 25 options ranging from beer and wines (including sparkling) to cocktails like moscow mule, kir royal and tequila mango, as well as whisky, shochu and even two mocktail choices. Do note t

Hakuba is arguably the best ski resort near Tokyo, not least thanks to its easy accessibility from the city. While ski season has wrapped up, the mountains are still calling – especially during Golden Week (April 26–May 6). Here’s what’s happening in Hakuba as the area transitions into the green season. Photo: Hakuba Village Tourism Bureau Slope Clean Act The recent ski season in Hakuba was a long and fruitful one, thanks to abundant snowfall that kept the slopes open for about five months. Now that the snow has melted, it’s time to give back and help preserve Hakuba’s natural beauty. To kick off Golden Week, five ski resorts in Hakuba will host a volunteer clean-up event called Slope Clean Act on Saturday April 26. The goal is to clear litter from the foothills and help the region get ready for the green season. Each clean-up session will last around two hours. Be sure to bring your own gear, including gloves and garbage tongs. As a token of appreciation, all participants will receive an exclusive Clean Act T-shirt featuring an original Hakuba design. Here are the details for each participating ski resort: Hakuba Happo-One Ski Resort: meet by 9am in front of the Sakka Kitaone Quad lift station; limited to 150 participants. Able Hakuba Goryu: registration opens at 9am at Escal Plaza’s central space on the second floor; limited to 200 participants. White Resort Hakuba Sanosaka: meet by 10am at the Sanosaka Ski Resort No. 1 parking lot; limited to 50 participants. Hakuba 47:

In Tokyo you’ll be spoilt for choice. For instance, you could take in the cityscape from Tokyo’s many indoor observation decks, but with this lovely spring weather, we’d much prefer lounging at a sky-high outdoor terrace. You’ll still get an unobstructed aerial view of Tokyo’s dynamic skyline, plus you can put that observatory entry fee towards getting drinks and snacks instead. Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi as well as The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon have opened their outdoor terraces for the season. They each offer a different view of the city, along with a well-curated food and drink menu that will have you chilling from lunch to sunset. Photo: Four Seasons OtemachiThe outdoor terrace at Four Seasons Otemachi's Pigneto restaurant Pigneto at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi The terrace at Four Season Otemachi’s Italian restaurant Pigneto is perched on the 39th floor, 200 metres above the bustling streets of Tokyo’s financial district. From this height, you’re very much guaranteed a front row seat to Tokyo’s contrasting skyline – the downtown skyscrapers as well as the lush gardens of the Imperial Palace, which is just a few steps away from the hotel. On good days, if you’re lucky, you might even spot Mt Fuji in the distance. Photo: Four Seasons Here you could treat yourself to a three- or four-course prix fixe lunch (from ¥6,800, last orders at 2.30pm) of classic Italian dishes but reimagined with local seasonal produce. Or choose from a selection of sharing-styl

新しい都市へ旅行する際、滞在日数がよほど長くない限り、どこからスタートすればいいのか少し迷うものだろう。そこでタイムアウトの出番だ。 我々は毎年、「世界で最もクールな街」を選び、ランキングを発表している。今年も世界中の旅行ライターと編集者のネットワークに呼びかけ、食べ物や飲み物、芸術や文化、ストリートライフ、コミュニティ意識などの住みやすさの指標に基づいて、それぞれの都市の中で最も活気がありにぎやかで、楽しい街について意見を求めた。 2024年のリストには、ブダペストの歴史的な宮殿地区からシンガポールの繁華街であるオーチャードまで、38の異なる地区が選ばれている。東京からは「学芸大学」が第15位にランクイン。東京で今、最もクールなネイバーフッドエリアであり、そして世界で最もエキサイティングな地域の一つとして浮上した。 Photo: イデア/PixtaAn undated stock photo of Gakugeidaigaku 正確に言うと学芸大学は実際の地区名ではなく、正式には目黒区鷹番として知られるエリアに停車する東急東横線の駅名だ。かつて大学街だったこのエリアの魅力は、同じ東横線でわずか数駅のところにある自由が丘や中目黒の影に隠れていて、それほど目立たっていない。 前述の2つ地区には大勢の人が集まるが、クールな若者やクリエーターたちは、学芸大学の過度に商業的過ぎず、落ち着いた雰囲気をたたえたこの街の良さを知っている。ここでは、家族経営の食料品店や銭湯といった昔ながらの施設と、クリエーティブなレストラン、カフェ、バーと共存しているのも大きな魅力の一つだ。 画像提供：WR 学芸大学で、タイムアウト東京英語編集部のお気に入りのスポットは、おいしいコーヒーの「WR」 、ふわふわのドーナツの「ヒグマドーナツ」、完璧な歯ごたえのうどんの「讃岐饂飩 恩家」、たい焼きの「目黒ひいらぎ」、炭火で焼いた焼き鳥店「焼鳥やおや ハナレ」、日本のクラフトビールの「アナザーエイトコーナー」などだ。 しかし、最近は「ガクダイ パーク ストリート（GAKUDAI PARK STREET）」として高架下がリニューアルするなど、毎月のように刺激的な新しいベンチャーが出現している。ほかの人々が追いつく前に、この街をチェックしてみる価値はあるだろう。 「世界で最もクールな街 2024」第1位はマルセイユのノートル・ダム・デュ・モン Notre Dame du Mont, credit: Marseille Tourism, Massimo Municchi また、ランキング上位に入った街も際立った魅力を秘めたエリアばかり。ここからは、今年のトップ3を見てみよう。 2024年の「世界で最もクールな街」となったのはフランスの都市、マルセイユのノートル・ダム・デュ・モン。同市6区にある反骨精神にあふれクリエーティブでリラックスしたこの場所は、かつては芸術家の街として知られた。今でもその名残は、多くのギャラリーや壁画に見られる。 タイムアウトマルセイユのライター、アリシア・ドリーはこの街について次のように語っている。 「ノートル・ダム・デュ・モンとは教会にちなんで命名されましたが、決して神聖な場所ではありません。この街はカラフルな袋小路、落書きだらけの路地、プラタナスの並木道、ジュリアン広場から続く曲がりくねった階段などが合わさり出来上がっています」 「地下鉄駅周辺のロディ通りのテラスで日向ぼっこをするのはパンクスや彼らの犬、カラフルなローブを着た女性、アルコール度数の

Spanning 4km between Sounzan and Togendai stations, the Hakone Ropeway is a key mode of transport along the Hakone Golden Course, the onsen resort’s main sightseeing route. One of its stops, Owakudani Station, is a major attraction thanks to its close proximity to the area’s volcanic activities, which give the mountainous region much of its distinctive appeal. Photo: Hakone Ropeway Leading up to its 65th anniversary this September, Hakone Ropeway has renovated Owakudani Station and will unveil a new observation area designed to bring you even closer to the volcanic landscape. Named Earth Valley, the new facility largely consists of three observation decks and is set to open on April 25, just in time for Golden Week. Here’s what you can expect. Photo: Hakone Ropeway Wind Ring Terrace This large circular terrace spans 18 metres in diameter and features a perforated metal floor. Here you can feel the wind sweeping through the valley and hear it howl as it moves around you. Photo: Hakone Ropeway Breath Deck This thrilling attraction is an 8m-high glass-enclosed deck that juts 11 metres out into the valley. It offers an up-close look at the fumaroles and rising volcanic steam – just don’t mind the sulphuric smell. If you’re afraid of heights, we suggest not looking down through the glass-bottom floor. Photo: Hakone Ropeway Sky’s Edge This open-air area features standing counters for you to enjoy meals and drinks while taking in the vast otherworldly landscape. On clear day

The highly anticipated Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan is now underway, with countries and corporations presenting their visions and technologies for a better and more sustainable future. But it’s not just the pavilions that are embracing the Expo’s motto, ‘Designing future society for our lives’; even the restaurants at the site are contributing to this meaningful mission. Photo: SushiroSushiro to the Future: Expo Edition's forest-inspired interior One of Japan’s leading sushi restaurant chains, Sushiro, has reimagined the future of dining with a concept restaurant at the Expo. Housed in a sleek structure in the Forest of Tranquility zone, Sushiro to the Future: Expo Edition is serving an exclusive menu for which all the seafood is sourced from eco-friendly aquaculture facilities, including sushi made with fish raised using sustainable land-based farming methods. The restaurant’s in-store experiences further complement this concept by encouraging you to learn about marine conservation and sustainable fishery initiatives while enjoying your meal. Photo: SushiroSushiro to the Future: Expo Edition's 'Fish of Tomorrow' series Sushiro to the Future: Expo Edition’s food offerings are not only good for the planet – they’re diverse and inclusive, too. There are around 150 items to choose from, including the ‘Fish of Tomorrow’ series, which features premium Ryudai miibai (Okinawan grouper), saba (mackerel), bikara eel and more, all farmed on land using environmentally responsible

A Unesco World Heritage Site, the Kumano Kodo pilgrimage trails in Wakayama prefecture have long captivated discerning travellers with their attractive blend of history, nature and spirituality. Now, there’s a new addition to further enrich your journey as you walk this sacred path. Photo: Daitaiji Temple The 1,200-year-old Daitaiji Temple, located in Nachikatsuura near the Ota River, is a popular stop along the Kumano Kodo trails. Set within tranquil grounds amidst a lush forest and known for its authentic shukubo (temple stay), the temple offers comfortable Japanese-style rooms equipped with modern amenities. It also provides a variety of traditional temple experiences, including zazen (seated) meditation, sutra copying, rice porridge breakfasts and guided tours of the Buddha statues in the precincts. Photo: Daitaiji TempleThe new Zen x Sauna at Daitaiji Temple Earlier this month, Daitaiji unveiled its latest undertaking: a Finnish-style wood-fired sauna set within one of the temple buildings. The sauna’s design is inspired by Finnish sauna customs, but incorporates local wood and other distinctive materials that reflect Wakayama’s abundant nature. Adding to the atmosphere is an art piece inside the sauna, inspired by the cave where Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism, is said to have attained enlightenment. Called ‘Zen x Sauna’, the steamy new facility is hot enough to promote health benefits yet not so intense that it discourages social interaction. In keeping wi

Set amidst lush grounds beside a lake, the Kawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art in Sakura, Chiba, is one of the most underrated art institutions in the Greater Tokyo region. It’s revered among art enthusiasts for its fine selection of 20th-century Western art, including works by masters such as Pablo Picasso, Cy Twombly, Roy Lichtenstein and Joan Miró, to name just a few. Perhaps the most precious treasure of all is its collection of seven paintings from the renowned colour field artist Mark Rothko’s ‘Seagram Mural’ series. These large-scale paintings, noted for their sombre and introspective palette, are widely regarded as some of his greatest works.  When the museum announced that it was closing permanently at the end of March, the local art community was concerned about the future of the Seagram murals, which were displayed in a dedicated room specifically designed to enhance the emotional impact of the paintings. It was one of the very few Rothko Rooms in the world, the most famous of which can be found at the Tate Modern in London. The good news is that the Kawamura Memorial DIC Museum of Art will not disappear. Instead, it’ll relocate to a new home at the International House of Japan in Roppongi, right in the heart of Tokyo. The museum’s seven Seagram murals will not only be moving with it, but they will once again be displayed in their own room – this one designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architectural firm SANAA (Sejima and Nishizawa and Associates). The International

As the symbol and pride of Japan, Mt Fuji has naturally inspired numerous attractions around its home in the Yamanashi-Shizuoka region, all designed to offer breathtaking views of this majestic volcano. Given that the famously shy mountain is best seen during the cooler months from autumn through spring, it’s timely that the popular Izu Panorama Park has just opened a new extension that affords an uninterrupted view of this Unesco World Heritage Site. Photo: Tourism Shizuoka JapanAo Terrace at the summit of Izu Panorama Park A popular day-trip destination in Shizuoka prefecture, Izu Panorama Park is perched atop Mt Katsuragi in the city of Izunokuni. At the base you’ll find an Italian restaurant and a gift shop, but take the 1.8km-long ropeway and you'll reach the Ao Terrace at the summit. Here you’ll be greeted by a stunning panorama of Suruga Bay, the city below and, of course, Mt Fuji standing proudly amidst the mountainous landscape. Photo: Izu Panorama ParkGrand Loop at the Izu Panorama Park The latest addition to Ao Terrace, aptly named the Sky Garden, makes full use of its sky-high vantage point. Here you’ll find the Grand Loop, a circular deck with a sweeping aerial view of the surrounding nature. There’s even a new photo spot where you can snap pictures that give off the illusion that you’re floating among the clouds. Also at the Sky Garden is the Forest Walk, a boardwalk that takes you on a serene stroll under the lush canopies. Photo: Tourism Shizuoka JapanThe

It all began with the giant cat in Shinjuku in 2021, and since then, 3D billboards showcasing a variety of characters and stars – including Yayoi Kusama for her 2022 Louis Vuitton collaboration – have popped up across Tokyo and Osaka. Now, even Doraemon is joining the trend, making a 3D appearance on two mega-screens – one in Shinjuku and another in Osaka’s Umeda. Photo: ShogakukanShogaku Ichinensei's 100th anniversary issue For a limited two-week period, Doraemon stars in a 30-second ad celebrating the 100th anniversary of Shogaku Ichinensei, a long-standing Japanese publication for first-grade elementary school students. This special May/June issue is set to hit newsstands on April 11. In the ad, Doraemon’s appearance will be soundtracked by the song ‘Bokutachi no Start’, created exclusively for the publication’s centenary celebration and performed by singer-songwriter Sayaka Yamamoto. Photo: ©︎Fujiko Pro, Shogakukan, TV Asahi, Shinei, ADK So, keep an eye out for the 3D Doraemon on the Cross Shinjuku Vision billboard opposite Shinjuku Station’s east exit in Tokyo, and the Dip Vision billboard in front of Osaka’s Umeda Station, between March 31 and April 13. The world-famous blue cat robot will appear twice every hour from 7am to 1am in Tokyo, and 7am to 11pm in Osaka. Do note that during certain times of day, the ad will be displayed in silent mode. More from Time Out Tokyo It's official – the 2025 cherry blossom season in Tokyo has now begun 9 Tokyo restaurants named

For some time now, tourists seeking convenience and savings have been able to choose from 24-, 48- and 72-hour Tokyo Subway Tickets, which offer unlimited rides on both the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines. Now, the newly launched Tokyo City Pass takes things a step further by combining these transport day passes with access to some of the city’s top attractions. © teamLabteamLab Planets, Existence in the Flow Creates Vortices What’s included in the Tokyo City Pass With the Tokyo City Pass, your one-, two- or three-day Tokyo Subway Ticket is bundled with admission to one of five popular attractions of your choice. The available attractions are Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Tower, teamLab Planets, Art Aquarium Museum Ginza and Tokyo City View. More will be added in the future. No matter which of the aforementioned venues you choose, your Tokyo City Pass also includes a variety of classic Tokyo and Japanese experiences. You’ll receive a one-hour trial ticket for Red Tokyo Tower, an amusement centre where you can enjoy VR and video games. Additionally, you can partake in an incense experience at the iconic Sensoji Temple and enjoy a rejuvenating soak at Kotobukiyu Ueno bathhouse. That’s not all. You’ll also get to ride on the Big-O, the ring-shaped Ferris wheel at Tokyo Dome City. Its gondolas are even equipped with karaoke, allowing you to sing your heart out while taking in stunning aerial views of the city. Photo: Bennymarty/DreamstimeHamarikyu Garden Additional benefits with the