Lim Chee Wah

With an abundance of art shows happening this season, it'll be hard to catch all of the latest installations before they disappear. Nonetheless, we've got a list of the top art exhibitions taking place in some of Tokyo's most popular galleries to help you figure out where to start – we've also included free exhibitions in this list. For a full day of art excursions, you should also check out Tokyo's best street art and outdoor sculptures, or fill your Instagram feed at the newly reopened teamLab Borderless. Note that some museums and galleries require making reservations in advance to prevent overcrowding at the venues.  RECOMMENDED: Escape the city with the best art day trips from Tokyo

Soba may look simple but it's actually quite complex. On the surface, you have the cold soba, where you dip the chilled noodles in a separate sauce before eating. Then there's the hot soba, which is served in a warm dashi broth along with a variety of toppings. Of all the major noodle types in Japan – especially in comparison to ramen and udon – soba is considered the most artisanal of them all. Each soba master has their own skills and secrets, whether it be the sourcing of their buckwheat, their perfected ratio of buckwheat to wheat flour, or their signature kneading and rolling techniques. Some masters are even known for their purist approach as they make the noodles with 100 percent buckwheat; this takes a lot of skills as this flour is notoriously hard to work with.   Whether you prefer a cheap slurp-and-go meal or a more refined noodle experience at one of the top soba institutions in the city, there's a lot of options out there for every budget. To help you get started with your soba adventure, we've curated a list of our favourite restaurants, featuring both old and new schools of soba. RECOMMENDED: Check out Tokyo's best bowls of modern ramen

In the heart of bustling Tokyo lies a world filled with vibrant green hues and irresistible flavours – the world of matcha. The finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea, matcha is more than a traditional beverage in Japan; it's a lifestyle, an art, and for many, an obsession. For matcha lovers, there's nothing quite like the rich, velvety taste of matcha desserts that carry a unique balance of sweetness and bitterness. From traditional tea houses to innovative dessert cafés, Tokyo is a veritable paradise for anyone smitten by this fascinating green powder. Here, we'll delve into ten of our favourite matcha dessert cafés serving everything from parfaits and pastries to rich, concentrated matcha ice cream.  RECOMMENDED: Best old-school Japanese coffee shops in Tokyo

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

Considering Tokyo's status as one of the world's largest cities, it's hardly surprising that we have an outsized art scene. With hundreds of museums, galleries and attractions dotted around, there's usually something going on to suit your taste. Some places, however, require a bit of pre-planning to get into, due to a combination of immense popularity and restricted ticket sales. That includes the Yayoi Kusama Museum, the Ghibli Museum, teamLab Planets, the tuna auction at Toyosu Market, both Disneyland and DisneySea, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter, and the newly opened teamLab Borderless. Read on to find out how to get your hands on these hot tickets – and whether you need to set an alarm to do so. RECOMMENDED: Have fun whatever the weather at Tokyo's best indoor theme parks and amusement parks

Tokyo is one of the world's top food cities. Not only do we possess the most number of Michelin stars in the world, we are also home to the best restaurant and pizza in Asia. However, it's not just the international accolades that make Tokyo a beloved foodie destination. This vibrant, cosmopolitan city has a diverse and dynamic restaurant scene, with countless new openings popping up on a daily basis. To help you keep track of all that's new in Tokyo, we've compiled in this list some of Tokyo's most buzz-worthy and high-profile new venues which opened within the last six months or so. Here you'll find a cool, contemporary take on izakaya fare, a surprisingly affordable wagyu beef bowl, modernist cuisines by way of internationally celebrated chefs who run Michelin-starred restaurants in their home countries, and more. RECOMMENDED: 8 best no-reservation restaurants, cafés and bars in Tokyo

As one of the top food cities in the world, Tokyo has a diverse array of options for eating out, from high-end Michelin restaurants to hole-in-the-wall cheap eats scattered across the city. So where do you go to find all this great food? Start with a journey through Shinjuku, one of Tokyo’s biggest and most vibrant neighbourhoods: it is a mecca of department stores as well as home to the country's largest gay district (Ni-Chome) and the fascinating maze of tiny bars that is Golden Gai. Let's no forget that Shinjuku is a huge ward, extending out towards Waseda, Kagurazaka and the city's Koreantown Shin-Okubo. So to make it easier for you, we've picked restaurants that are within walking distance from Shinjuku Station, one of Tokyo's main transport hubs. So if you're lost for choice, start with our list of the best Shinjuku restaurants near Shinjuku Station. RECOMMENDED: Check out the best restaurants in Shibuya and Ginza

People often think there are two kinds of sushi: the cheap conveyor belt sort that comes on ¥100 plates and the expensive omakase courses served piece by piece over the counter. The latter is, of course, one of the most coveted Tokyo experiences, but one such meal could easily set you back ¥20,000 to ¥30,000.  Let us reassure you that expertly crafted omakase sushi doesn’t necessarily have to cost upwards of ¥10,000. In fact, there are plenty of restaurants in Tokyo where you can enjoy top-tier sushi featuring the chef’s seasonal recommendations for ¥5,000 or less.  Affordable sushi also doesn’t mean compromising on quality or swapping uni for cucumber rolls. The secret is knowing the right places to go. Here are our top picks for omakase sushi if you want to live a champagne lifestyle on a lemonade budget. RECOMMENDED: New restaurants, cafés and bars to try in Tokyo

Forget ‘saving money’ in 2024. You know what your New Year’s resolution should be? Get out more. Do more stuff. See more of the world. Life is short, after all – and 2024 promises a tonne of unmissable festivals, art, food and music. There are openings and re-openings. Brand-new train routes criss-crossing countries and continents. Whacky places to party. And even if the cossie livs does have you tightening the purse strings, there are plenty of free and affordable events on this list, too.  So get your booking fingers at the ready: your 2024 bucket list awaits. This is our definitive guide to the coolest new things to do in the world next year. See you out there!  RECOMMENDED:😎 The coolest neighbourhoods in the world🌃 The best European city breaks for 2024🖼️ The world’s best museums and galleries

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 Saturday May 4 2024. 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 2024.

A ubiquitous Japanese comfort food, ramen is not bound by strict rules like many of Japan’s traditional cuisines. It’s also perhaps one of the most democratised Japanese dishes: it’s cheap, it’s widely available on every street corner at any time of day, and it has many different interpretations. These four styles of ramen are classic and they’re common across Tokyo: shio (salt), shoyu (soy sauce), miso (from Sapporo) and tonkotsu (from Fukuoka). However, we’re seeing more and more chefs looking to reinvent the humble noodle soup with new – and sometimes experimental – flavours. Here we pick just five of Tokyo’s best modern ramen that break the mould – but they’re just as delicious and satisfying as the classics, if not more so. RECOMMENDED: If you’re looking for more traditional bowls, you’ll find Tokyo’s 22 best ramen here.

What a wonderful time to be in Tokyo! After a short delay, Tokyo's cherry blossoms are now blooming and they have hit full bloom as of Friday April 5 2024. To keep you up to date on how the blossoms are doing, we've done the legwork, visited different sakura spots in Tokyo, so you can check up on the blooming cycle before heading out. RECOMMENDED: Make this your best sakura season yet with our ultimate guide to cherry blossoms in Tokyo

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 free for staying guests, has no restrictions against tattoos. For food and drink, the Ginza Lamp-Tei restaurant on the ground floor serves a menu

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 new 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 ¥8,800, 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 mixtu

Chef Masashi Nagasaka who runs Ebimaru does not have any training in ramen. It’s his experience in French cuisine that led to the creation of this luxurious bowl of lobster noodles. The soup, which is the star here, is actually a rich and creamy lobster bisque that wouldn’t look out of place in a French restaurant. It’s made with Canadian lobster, brandy, wine and a plethora of herbs, vegetables and spices on a base of chicken broth. The most popular item on the menu, the whole lobster ramen (¥6,180, or ¥6,280 with cream) is a feast. It comes with a whole lobster (pan-fried and then roasted in the oven), slices of pork and chicken, chopped onions, and strangely, a smear of sour cream on a piece of baguette. The sour cream does help tone down the bold and punchy taste of crustacean, but we much prefer to add in the chilli oil to boost those sweet, roasty, shrimpy flavours instead. While we know it’s hard to resist licking the bowl clean, make sure to save some of the bisque for part two. Order a small serving of rice, a raw egg yolk and shrimp (¥600), pour in the leftover soup, let the waiter grate a heap of cheese over it, stir to mix, and you’ll have an exquisite risotto. Since the ramen here is built around the lip-smacking bisque, you can still enjoy Ebimaru's signature flavour without breaking the bank. The Basic Lobster Broth Ramen will only set you back ¥1,380 and it has everything – minus the whole lobster, of course.

This branch of the Yamawarau shabu shabu restaurant is easily one of the most accommodating restaurants in Ginza. For one, it specialises in solo hot pot, so that even those dining by themselves can partake in this classic Japanese cuisine that’s usually served communal-style. The restaurant is also spacious enough to accommodate groups – although this being Yamawarau, everyone will be getting an individual copper pot to cook their shabu shabu in regardless of party size. An O-shaped island with counter seats dominates the interior, while long tables are set towards the back.  As usual with shabu shabu hot pot, meat is the draw here, and Yamawarau procures some top-shelf selection. There are several types of wagyu beef on the menu, all of them featuring A4 grade marbling and above. However, the Yamagata, Matsusaka and Kobe varieties are the three most premium types of beef here. As for pork, Yamawarau serves the Yonezawa breed which is known for its clean, delicate flavour. Lunch is the most affordable time to be eating here, with beef shabu shabu sets starting from just ¥2,860 and pork from ¥1,760. The meal includes an assorted vegetable platter, rice or noodles, and dessert. Dinner options are more sumptuous, and not just because the portions are bigger. In the evening, the sets come with unlimited vegetables, rice or noodles, and your choice of appetiser and dessert (the matcha affogato is a crowd pleaser). Prices are slightly higher as well – beef shabu shabu will set you

Sobahouse Konjiki Hototogisu is only the third ramen restaurant in the world to get a Michelin star (awarded in 2019, after Tsuta and Nakiryu). The signature shouyu soba is made from three types of soup stock – pork broth, wa-dashi (Japanese stock) and hamaguri clam dashi – and topped with truffle sauce as well as porcini oil and flakes for that bold umami punch. However, the restaurant recommends the shio soba – and we concur. The elegantly balanced base stock blends two types of salt (Mongolian rock salt and Okinawan sea salt) and it’s the perfect foil for the hamaguri clam and red sea bream soup’s distinctive seafood sweetness. The noodles are then finished with Italian white truffle oil, porcini mushroom sauce, pancetta bacon bits and inca berry sauce. This adds a pesto-like robustness and depth in the overall flavour. It is moreish, and you’ll be compelled to finish the soup till the last drop. There’s tsukemen (dipping noodles) too, along with add-ons such as eggs, chashu pork slices and more. You’ll find an English explanation sheet at the vending machine to help you with the ordering. Do note that there are only seven counter seats plus a couple of small tables for two. So expect to queue – but it’s worth it, especially since a bowl of Michelin-quality ramen here will only set you back ¥1,100. Numbered tickets are required to dine here, which will be distributed from 9.30am for lunch and 5.30pm for dinner.

This spacious restaurant, hidden in a multi-storey building near Shinjuku-sanchome Station, is not a Genghis Khan (Mongolian lamb barbecue popular in Hokkaido) restaurant, even though it specialises in lamb. It’s an elegant yakiniku (barbecue) establishment, but instead of beef, as is common for most such eateries, Lambne serves up various cuts of premium lamb sourced from Australia. The dinner menu is an encyclopaedia of edible lamb parts as the restaurant offers 16 different cuts including tongue, heart and liver alongside more common servings of loins, ribs and shanks. Don’t worry if you’re new to yakiniku. The restaurant provides explanation sheets (in Japanese only, though) detailing how to grill, and even instructional YouTube videos that are easy to follow. On the table you’ll also find a handy timer to help with the grilling. Lunch deals are really good here. On weekdays, the ¥1,870 lamb hamburg set offers a satisfying platter of four grill-it-yourself lamb hamburgs served with salad, kimchi, lamb tartare, rice and miso soup, plus a sorbet to finish. You can even order two extra pieces of hamburg at no extra cost. The other three lunch options (from ¥2,860) are more conventional barbecue offerings, with various cuts of lamb paired with rice, miso soup and side dishes. These are available any day of the week. While yakiniku is largely a communal dining experience, you’ll find that the counter seats at Lambne are suitable for solo patrons. There are tables as well, fitt

This tonkatsu restaurant, located less than 10 minutes’ walk from Jiyugaoka Station, looks unremarkable on the surface, sporting a nondescript entrance and a rudimentary, functional interior. But all that is immaterial when you see the textbook tonkatsu that the kitchen churns out. Tonkatsuya Sato is known for its use of coarse panko breadcrumbs in the coating for a fuller and crispier mouthfeel. The pork cutlets are fried to a mouth-watering golden goodness and, more importantly, are dry on the outside, without a lick of grease. The meat, on the other hand, remains beautifully tender and juicy. With the set meal, you’ll get a big pile of fresh and crisp sliced cabbage on the side as relief from all that meatiness, plus rice, pickles and miso soup. As always when it comes to tonkatsu, you have a choice of rosu and hire – the former is the fattier loin with more flavour while the latter fillet is leaner and milder in flavour. Tonkatsuya Sato offers both in a few different qualities of pork, including the premium SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) Peach Pork from Towadako Kogen Farm in Akita prefecture. The finest thick-cut loin (250g) set meal will set you back ¥3,000 while the top-shelf fillet set meal (three pieces, 150g) costs ¥2,800. However, even the regular loin set meal is good enough and priced at only ¥1,400, which is a good deal for a Michelin Bib Gourmand-rated restaurant.   Somewhat unusual for a tonkatsu specialist, Tonkatsuya Sato also offers deep-fried chicken cutlets

The deep-fried pork cutlets at Tonkatsu Nanaido are textbook perfect: gently deep-fried in lard on low temperature, coated in a golden layer of crispy panko breadcrumbs that’s never oily, and featuring premium pork cuts that are tender and still oozing juices. Plus, they are served on gorgeous Imari porcelain plates. Everything is well executed, refined but still unpretentious; it’s honest good tonkatsu that perhaps deserves more than just its Bib Gourmand rating. Surprisingly, the chef, Takashi Imai, comes from a yakitori background. He trained at the illustrious Bird Land in Ginza before opening his own namesake charcoal-grilled chicken restaurant, which has been occupying the space next door since 2016. Hence it makes sense that the ticket machine at the door – where you place your orders before lining up – also offers a deep-fried chicken katsu option. Nevertheless, pork is why you’re here, and Tonkatsu Nanaido uses several types of brand pork. The selection changes from time to time, but we’ve seen Tokyo-X as well as the famous Hayashi SPF (‘Specific Pathogen Free’) pork from Chiba prefecture. All is served with shredded cabbage (refillable, of course), rice cooked in earthenware, pickles, miso soup as well as three condiments: mustard, pink salt and the beautiful house-blended tonkatsu sauce that has a hint of plum. Tonkatsu set meals start at an affordable ¥1,800, with mince and loins ranging from 140g to a hefty 240g. With the restaurant’s short opening hours and smal

Aozora Sandaime is a Tsukiji institution. This elegant Edomae sushi restaurant has been around for about 100 years, famed for its wild-caught tuna and seasonal fish. Its third-generation owner, however, has recently leveraged on the company’s reputation for quality seafood to introduce a new way of enjoying fish in Tsukiji through the new sister restaurant Tsukiji Yakiuo Ishikawa. Tsukiji Yakiuo Ishikawa has all the offerings of a good sushi restaurant. On the menu are sea bream, yellowtail, blackthroat sea perch, anago (salt-water eel), fugu (blowfish) and, of course, tuna in various levels of fattiness, from the lean cheeks to the unctuously rich belly, just to name a few. But instead of enjoying them raw as is, you’re meant to grill them very lightly over fire. And since these are sashimi-grade fish, they come without marinade, just a light seasoning of salt or soy sauce to accentuate their natural flavours. This fish yakiniku restaurant is a rare gem in the Tsukiji outer market, where a majority of restaurants offer barely distinguishable sushi sets or kaisendon (raw fish on rice). It certainly is a much needed respite from the sea of raw seafood restaurants. Tsukiji Yakiuo Ishikawa is spread out over two floors: the ground level is an open space with tables for two and four while upstairs features rooms that can fit up to four diners each. Every table is fitted with a gas grill. Come lunch or dinner, you can order a platter of different types of fish (lunch from ¥2,260,

気づけばもう下半期。アジサイの開花が始まり、半袖で過ごす季節がやって来た。夏の東京は最も活気のある時期の一つであり、さまざまな地域で夏を満喫するための祭りが開催される。 偶然にも今週末は、東京の3つの地区で大規模な祭りが行われる。華やかなみこしや縁日など、見るだけでもわくわくすること間違いなしだ。江戸時代までさかのぼる歴史的な祭りに参加して、夏を迎える準備をしよう。 ※開催時間は各行事により異なるため、公式情報をチェックしてほしい Photo: Chiyoda City Tourism Association 赤坂：山王祭 江戸三大祭りの筆頭であり、日本三大祭の一つにも数えられる山王祭が、6月中、10日間にわたって開催される。 祭りのスタートは、2024年6月7日に行われる「神幸祭巡幸路」。王朝装束をまとった500人もの華やかな行列が、色とりどりのみこしや山車とともに練り歩く。皇居や東京駅、銀座など、東京名所を巡るルートだ。 期間中は、子どもたちが装束に身を包んで神様の恵みを受ける「稚児行列」や、ちょうちんと和太鼓が情緒たっぷりの「納涼大会 盆踊り」など、バラエティーに富んださまざまな行事が執り行われる。東京和菓子協会の技術者が「菓子司」として神前で和菓子を作り奉納する「山王嘉祥祭」なども注目だ。 江戸時代から脈々と受け継がれる伝統の祭りを体感しよう。 Photo: Namiyoke ShrineTsukiji Lion Dance Festival 築地：つきじ獅子祭 「つきじ獅子祭」で3年に1度だけ盛大に行われる「本祭り」が開催。築地場外市場の端にある「波除稲荷神社」の周囲で、3日間にわたり開催される。 7日11時からは「鎮花祭」（疫病除け・百合の花神事）、18時から「宵宮祭」に参加できるほか、8日（土）には「江戸里神楽奉納」（石森社中）が鑑賞できる。 メインは、9日（日）の「渡御祭・千貫宮神輿ご巡行」。一連のみこしが、その名を冠した獅子舞とともに街を練り歩く。 巡行は、波除稲荷神社で9時に始まり15時30分に終了。ルートと各チェックポイントの到着時間はマップを確認しておこう。 写真提供：台東区 浅草橋：鳥越祭 東京都内随一、4トンにも及ぶ重さを誇る、巨大なみこしの伝統的な祭り。2024年6月9日（日）の7時から21時まで、このみこしを氏子各町が引き継ぎながらかつぐ。渡御列の先頭には、猿田彦（てんぐ）や手古舞連、五色の旗がはためく華やかな様子を見ることができる。 8日（土）には、地元町会のみこしも登場。期間中は、通り沿いに出店する屋台も見逃せない。 関連記事 『3 spectacular Japanese festivals happening in Tokyo this June 7-9 weekend』 『6月8・9日、日比谷野音で無料音楽祭が開催』 『東京、6月8・9日に開催される国際フェスティバル3選』 『東京の美しい紫陽花スポット、ベスト10』 『東京、紫陽花アフタヌーンティー4選』 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

As Tokyo welcomes the hydrangea season, this marks the start of the city's summer festivities. Traditionally, summer has been one of the liveliest times in Tokyo, with many of the city's districts and neighbourhoods hosting street parties and celebrations for us to bask in the balmy summer evening breeze.  Coincidentally this June 7-9 weekend, three different parts of Tokyo are each putting on a large-scale event of their own. They will all have a grand parade, where ornate mikoshi (portable shrines) are carried onto the streets in a procession that's just so mesmerising to watch. More importantly, these historical festivals date back to the Edo period (1603-1867), thus making them a living heritage of the city. So be prepared for a jam-packed weekend. And if you're a photographer, these festivals are the perfect photo opportunity to capture Tokyo's vibrant culture. Photo: Chiyoda City Tourism Association Sanno Festival Celebrated since the early 17th century and recognised as one of the three great festivals of Edo (along with the Kanda and Fukagawa festivals), the Sanno Matsuri marks the start of Tokyo's summer festival season. The highlight of the 10-day festival is the grand parade on Friday June 7, running from 7.45am to 5pm. The spectacular procession will feature a colourful array of mikoshi, floats and elaborately dressed revellers cutting through downtown Tokyo, passing by the Imperial Palace (12noon), Tokyo Station (12.40pm), Ginza clock tower (3.30pm), and more. 

If you only do one thing this weekend, make sure you head over to Yokohama for its annual Port Opening Festival. Held over two days from June 1 to June 2, the occasion celebrates Yokohama’s 165-year heritage and legacy as the first port in Japan to open to the West. The Yokohama Port Opening Festival is packed full of activities for all ages. There’s a Bon Odori dance gathering happening at Pacifico Yokohama’s Plaza Hiroba. Over at Rinko Park, kids will have a field day with the playground attractions including inflatable pools and trampolines. The park will also feature buskers as well as a stage for live music and dance performances. ©横浜開港祭「第41回横浜開港祭」の様子 The highlight, however, is the stunning fireworks and drone show on Sunday June 2. At 7.30pm, 3,000 shells of fireworks will be launched into the night sky in front of Rinko Park. 画像提供：株式会社レッドクリフドローンショー（イメージ） Then, at 8pm, get ready for Yokohama’s largest drone show. For this spectacle, Japan’s largest drone light show operator Redcliff will deploy 1,000 drones to create mesmerising images 150 metres above the harbour. The last time a drone show of this magnitude was held was during the 2022 festival and it went viral on social media. This year, you can expect a bigger show as the number of drones has doubled. 画像提供：株式会社レッドクリフドローンショー（イメージ） The drone show will run for about 20 minutes, featuring motifs related to Yokohama, such as ships and marine life. You can watch the magic happening at the Yokohama Red Brick Warehou

The signature restaurant of the hip and swanky Tokyo Edition Toranomon hotel, The Jade Room + Garden Terrace is one of the city’s most picturesque spots, thanks to a sky-high outdoor terrace offering an up-close and unobstructed view of Tokyo Tower. The restaurant pairs its lofty locale with an elevated modern-European meets Japanese menu by chef partner Tom Aikens (whose restaurant Muse in Belgravia now holds one Michelin star) and chef de cuisine Richard McLellan. Photo: The Tokyo Edition ToranomonThe Garden Terrace at The Tokyo Edition, Toranomon Aside from its regular fare, The Jade Room also offers a seasonal Terroir Japan tasting menu championing the country’s best produce. The second edition of this menu, named Terroir Miyagi, focuses on some of the Tohoku prefecture’s most celebrated ingredients. These include silver salmon, sudare shellfish, scallop, pure-bred Miyagi duroc pork from a small sustainable farm, seri (Japanese parsley), and strawberries. Photo: The Tokyo Edition, ToranomonMiyagi silver salmon, white asparagus, seri, whey The Jade Room has chosen to showcase these signature Miyagi produce using various techniques across seven courses. The sudare shellfish starter is paired with radish both smoked and pureed, plus green tomato jelly and consomme incorporated for freshness. The confit silver salmon, on the other hand, sits on a bed of white asparagus puree and Japanese parsley oil, and is finished with a creamy fermented white asparagus and whey sauce t

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 SeasonsPigneto's sharing menu includes excellent pizzas Here you could treat yourself to a three- or four-course prix fixe lunch (from ¥6,900, last orders at 2.30pm) of classic Italian dishes but reimagined with local seasonal pro

今年の東京の桜の季節は、ちょっとしたドラマがあった。当初、ソメイヨシノは例年通り3月22日頃に開花すると予想されていた。しかし、その後、東京は寒波に見舞われ、日本を象徴する淡いピンクは期待通りに咲かなかった。気象庁が、靖国神社にある桜の標本木で11輪を超える開花を確認したのは3月29日と約1週間後である。例年より5日遅く、昨年と比べると15日遅かった。 それでも東京の桜は順調に開花しており、現在は各地で見頃を迎えている。ウェザーニュースによると4月4日に東京は各地で満開に達したようだ。この花の儚い性質を考えると、今週末以降には花が散りはじめ、間もなく明るい緑の新芽に変わっていくと予想される。4月6〜7日の週末の天気はどんよりと花曇りだが、晴れた日や青空が見え隠れすることもあるだろう。この機を逃さず、美しい桜の季節を満喫してほしい。 ここでは、いくつかの桜の名所の現状を伝えよう。 Photo: Lim Chee WahChidorigafuchi Moat cherry blossoms on April 4 2024 風光明媚な千鳥ヶ淵のお堀沿いの桜も4月4日時点で満開、今が見頃だ。ボート乗り場に近い木々が生い茂っていて、写真映えするのでおすすめである。「千代田のさくらまつり」も4月7日（日）まで延長開催されている。ただし、ボートの時間とライトアップの時間は短縮されているので、注意してほしい。 Photo: Lim Chee WahShinjuku Gyoen cherry blossoms on April 5 2024 「新宿御苑」も、4月5日時点で満開を迎え、多くの人でにぎわっていた。広大な庭園内にはさまざまな場所に桜が点在しており、大混雑という印象は持たないだろう。注目すべきはここの木の多くは成熟していて巨大であるということだ。枝が地面に触れるほどの花を鑑賞できる。 桜の開花時期の週末は、事前に入場券を購入する必要があるので注意してほしい。詳細は、公式ウェブサイトをチェックしよう。 Photo: Lim Chee WahTokyo Midtown Roppongi cherry blossoms as seen on April 4 六本木の「東京ミッドタウン」では、4月14日（日）までライトアップを実施している。毎年恒例のハイライトは、ガーデンエリアの桜並木200メートルのイルミネーションだ。17〜23時に全ての木々が白く輝きライトアップされるさまは、圧巻だ。 この時期は、少なくとも1つは桜のライトアップをチェックしてほしい。昼とは全く違う新しい雰囲気が楽しめる。多くは4月7日か14日に終了するため、見逃さずに。 ほかにも、素晴らしい桜の時を楽しむために、「桜の季節にしかできないこと」といった記事を用意してあるほか、桜まつり、水上で楽しむ花見などをまとめている。さまざまな目線で楽しんでほしい。 関連記事 『Tokyo's cherry blossoms have now reached full bloom（原文）』 『東京、桜の名所の開花状況2024』 『東京、桜の季節にしかできないこと2024』 『オーストラリアのスターシェフのレストランが西新宿に期間限定オープン』 『東京、夜桜イルミネーション2024』 『東京、桜まつり・花見イベント2024』 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

There's been a bit of drama surrounding this year's cherry blossom season. According to forecast, the somei-yoshino flowers – the most prevalent variety of sakura in Tokyo – was expected to bloom around March 22, as per usual. Then, all of a sudden, Tokyo was hit by a cold snap and the iconic white flowers didn't bloom as expected. In fact, blooming didn't start until a week later. It was particularly disheartening for tourists who planned their trip to Tokyo for the cherry blossoms. Based on the past few years, end-March was generally a safe time to visit Tokyo as the cherry blossoms were already blooming and nearing peak. But the erratic weather patterns that we've been experiencing lately had thrown a spanner in the works. After days of disappointment and heightened anticipation, the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) finally announced on March 29 that the 2024 cherry blossom season was officially underway after spotting at least five blooms on Tokyo's sakura sample tree in Yasukuni Shrine. This year's blooms began five days later than usual and 15 days later than last year. Photo: Lim Chee WahChidorigafuchi Moat cherry blossoms on April 4 2024 Nevertheless, since last weekend, the sakura in Tokyo are blooming along beautifully and as of Thursday April 4, we have entered peak bloom. According to JMA Tokyo which made the official declaration, full bloom (or 'mankai' in Japanese) is reached when 80 percent of the trees have flowered. So now's the time to see the cherry blos

Hurray, after a bit of delay, spring is finally here – this year’s cherry blossom season is well and truly underway. If you prefer a leisurely cherry blossom experience with more elbow room, this list is for you. We’ve rounded up a few of the more spacious and less crowded (only relatively, to be honest) cherry blossom sites around Tokyo for you to enjoy. Photo: Picture Cells/PixtaKanda River cherry blossoms Kanda River The Kanda River is one of the lesser-known sakura spots in Tokyo. It has similar views to the Meguro River in Nakameguro, but minus the crowds. While several stations are within walking distance from the river, a good access point is Edogawabashi Station, whose Exit 1A leads you directly to the start of the sakura stretch. Double your blossom viewing with a stop by the pristine and scenic Higo-Hosokawa Garden, which is also along the Kanda River.  Photo: Lim Chee Wah Aoyama Cemetery Located in the upscale neighbourhood of Aoyama, this cemetery has been around since 1874. It’s where many of Tokyo’s most significant personalities were laid to rest. The site also has a lot of sakura trees, and it’s especially beautiful in spring. Since this is a cemetery, it sees less crowds and has a more quiet and subdued atmosphere.  Photo: Lim Chee WahKoishikawa Botanical Gardens Koishikawa Botanical Garden Run by the University of Tokyo, this botanical garden is out of the way and hence sees less tourist traffic. However, it has a huge sakura section, with some of the

It's been a week of guessing and hoping, with our emotions shifting from heightened anticipation to resigned disappointment, as Tokyo's cherry blossoms were expected to bloom last weekend but did not arrive as forecast. We now have good news for you – the wait is over.  Japan Meteorological Agency has announced that the 2024 cherry blossom season has finally begun in Tokyo. Earlier today, the agency observed that at least five cherry blossoms have bloomed on Tokyo's official sakura sample tree that's in Yasukuni Shrine. This iconic tree is used every year to gauge the forecast and more importantly, the official start of Tokyo's sakura season. You can read more about the methodology here (in Japanese only). So it's now official: cherry blossoms in Tokyo have start blooming today, Friday March 29. That's five days later than usual and 15 days later than last year. 【東京のさくらの開花】本日3月29日、東京でさくら（そめいよしの）が開花しました。これは平年（3月24日）より5日遅く、昨年（3月14日）より15日遅い観測です。#東京のさくら #さくら #そめいよしの #開花 #気象庁 pic.twitter.com/QdayO0Puzl — 東京管区気象台 (@Jma_Tokyo) March 29, 2024 With the cherry blossoms in Tokyo now blooming, you can expect the somei-yoshino sakura trees to hit peak bloom towards mid-next week.  Looking to make the most of the 2024 cherry blossom season in Tokyo? We have all the guides for you. 17 best places to see sakura in Tokyo 13 spectacular cherry blossom illuminations in Tokyo 19 best cherry blossom festivals and events in Tokyo More from Time Out Tokyo Final call: Gundam Factory Yokoh

The weather has been unpredictable lately, so much so that it's affecting the blooming timeline of the cherry blossoms in Tokyo. Initially, the warmer temperatures at the start of March indicated that the sakura in Tokyo would be blooming around the same time as last year, give or take a couple of days' difference. Then, when we got closer to mid March, reports from weather experts forecast that blooming would start around the March 23-24 weekend. As most of us found out in the last few days, the sakura trees in the city still looked barren and lifeless. Tokyo's weather took an unexpected chilly turn last week, with a sudden cold wave sweeping city, along with regular bouts of rain. According to several weather forecast services, this has caused a delay in the flowers, as the temperates are just not warm enough for the buds to unveil their pretty pink petals. For many of us who were expecting to see the blooms already, this is certainly disappointing news. However, several weather reports are now predicting that cherry blossoms will bloom within the next few days. Weather News now puts the latest blooming date as Friday March 29 while Weather Map predicts that sakura will arrive on Wednesday March 27. If this is the case, then next weekend (April 5-7) could be the best time to see the gorgeous cherry blossoms at their peak bloom. Photo: K@zuTa/PixtaCherry blossoms at peak bloom at Sumida Park In the mean time, start planning your sakura outings with our ultimate cherry blos

Quando o prestigiado Guia Michelin revelou a sua edição de 2024 para Tóquio, em Dezembro, a equipa da Time Out local notou que a cidade havia sido agraciada com menos 23 estrelas do que no ano anterior. Ao examinar a lista mais atentamente, descobriu que os três restaurantes de ramen de Tóquio que tinham estrela Michelin perderam esse estatuto no guia de 2024. Isso significa que actualmente não existe um único restaurante de ramen com estrela Michelin em Tóquio – ou qualquer parte do mundo, na verdade. O Tsuta, na sua encarnação original em Sugamo, foi o primeiro restaurante de ramen do mundo a receber uma estrela Michelin em 2015 (perdeu-a alguns anos depois). Nos últimos anos, até 2023, apenas três outros especialistas em ramen haviam sido premiados com uma estrela Michelin: o Nakiryu, pelo adorado dandanmen; o Konjiki Hototogisu, pelo excelente caldo de porco e amêijoas, e o Ginza Hachigou, pelo sublime caldo de ramen semelhante a um consommé. No Guia Michelin de 2024, nenhum destes três restaurantes de ramen manteve a estrela. No entanto, são reconhecidos com uma classificação Bib Gourmand (“restaurantes de boa qualidade e bom preço”), juntamente com outros 16 restaurantes de ramen, três dos quais são novos no guia deste ano. Estes três são o Ramen Break Beats em Meguro, o There is Ramen em Suginami, e o Japanese Ramen Gokan em Higashi-Ikebukuro. O Ramen Break Beats serve um ramen sofisticado repleto de umami, graças à adição de cogumelos porcini no caldo de shoyu (molho

When the prestigious Michelin Guide unveiled its 2024 Tokyo edition in December last year, we noticed that our beloved city was awarded 23 fewer stars than the previous year. On closer inspection, we found that all three of Tokyo’s Michelin-starred ramen restaurants lost their one-star status in the 2024 guide. This means there currently isn’t a single Michelin-starred ramen in Tokyo – or the world, for that matter. ソバハウス 金色不如帰Konjiki Hototogisu Tsuta, in its original incarnation in Sugamo, was the first ramen restaurant in the world to receive a Michelin star in 2015 (it lost the star a few years later). In the last few years right up to 2023, only three other ramen specialists had been awarded a Michelin star: Nakiryu for its beloved dandanmen, Konjiki Hototogisu for its excellent pork-and-clam broth noodles, and Ginza Hachigou for its sublime consomme-like ramen broth. In the 2024 Michelin Guide, all three ramen restaurants no longer hold a star. However, they are recognised with a Bib Gourmand rating instead, along with 16 other ramen joints, three of which are new entries in this year’s guide. The three new Bib Gourmand ramen restaurants are Ramen Break Beats in Meguro, There is Ramen in Suginami, and Japanese Ramen Gokan in Higashi-Ikebukuro. Ramen Break Beats in Meguro serves up sophisticated ramen packed full of umami flavours, thanks to the addition of porcini mushrooms in the shoyu (soy sauce) broth and freshwater mussels in the shio (salt) broth. The noodles at T