Lim Chee Wah

It’s that time again. Every year, we ask thousands of city-dwellers to tell us the coolest spots in their cities. What are the places locals love and visitors flock to? Where are the exciting new openings across food, drink and culture? Where are people going out, hanging out and having fun? For the sixth year running, the results are in. Over 12,000 people had their say in this year’s shortlist, naming the neighbourhoods in their hometowns where everyone wants to be right now. Then, we narrowed down the selection with the insight and expertise of city editors and local experts who know their cities better than anyone else. To create and rank the final list, we considered factors including community and social ventures, access to open and green space, and thriving street life. In 2023, our neighbourhoods are more global than ever before. The rise and rise in post-pandemic digital nomadism has led to an explosion of brand-new community spaces, multi-purpose culture centres and more cafés than we can count on two hands. But while most of these neighbourhoods have experienced a transformation over recent years, they remain resolutely local at heart. Slick new developments and cool cafés might bring in new crowds, but neighbourhood stalwarts – from old pubs to family greengrocers – keep it real.  The world’s coolest neighbourhoods this year are, therefore, places with big personalities. Each area’s diversity is reflected in its food, culture and festivals. Community is key: local

We know Tokyo is the best food city on the planet. But don’t just take our word for it – the metropolis has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants of any city in the world. As of 2023, Tokyo has 200 restaurants with Michelin stars – and that’s not even counting the many restaurants that were conferred Bib Gourmand status for their 'exceptionally good food at moderate prices'. While eating at a Michelin-starred restaurant is high on the to-do list for any foodie, in most places around the world, those fancy meals can really eat into your budget. Luckily in Tokyo, you can still eat at some top-rated restaurants on the cheap.  Many of these restaurants offer affordable lunch sets, which are often designed to give you a taste of the more elaborate dinner menu. Here are some Michelin-starred and Bib Gourmand restaurants in Tokyo where you can enjoy a meal without breaking the bank. RECOMMENDED: The best cheap eats in Tokyo

Since 1923, Tsukiji Market has drawn crowds with its vibrant mix of street eats, colourful vendors, bustling market vibe and kitchenware shopping galore. While the inner wholesale fish market moved to Toyosu in November 2018, the outer market hasn’t gone anywhere – it’s still an exciting, fun-filled place for shopping and dining. Home to over 300 shops and restaurants, Tsukiji Market is a dense grid of lanes and interlinked alleyways just south of Tsukiji Station. Some require a little legwork to find, but you’ll be rewarded with excellent sushi, kaisendon, soba noodles, fish burgers, curry, sake and more. We’ve trawled the market to pull together our favourite restaurants and food stalls – so be sure to save time in between shopping to have lunch, and maybe breakfast and dinner, too.  RECOMMENDED: Best street food and snacks at Tsukiji Market

It’s no secret that Japan has a stunning amount of beauty. From the lavender fields of Furano in Hokkaido down to the crystal clear beaches of Okinawa, this small country is filled with gorgeous nature, contemporary museums, mountainside temples and of course, those pretty springtime cherry blossoms and colourful autumn leaves. With so much to see, it's impossible to do Japan justice with just one visit. This explains why people miss Japan more than any other country in the world. So this extraordinary island archipelago definitely calls for repeats visits – how else are you going to see all these 25 beautiful sight in Japan? Recommended: The most beautiful festivals in Japan 

The Tokyo dining scene is immense, with around 150,000 restaurants – and the most Michelin-starred venues in the world – but until recently, the breakfast and brunch scene has been a little flat. We’re excited to see more venues offering options before 10am, so we've sifted through Tokyo's restaurants and cafés to bring you this list of the best brunch spots for whatever you're craving, from chicken and waffles to pancakes, eggs how you like them and more – we’ve got you covered across town.  RECOMMENDED: Tsukiji restaurants are also great for eating out during the day

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

タイムアウト東京 > Things to Do > 東京、インドアで楽しめる場所20選 雨が降っているからといって、家で一日を無為に過ごすこともない。アート展示に行ったり、ミシュラン掲載のレストランで食事をしたり、あるいは家族で屋内テーマパークを楽しんだり、インドアでもできることがたくさんある。本記事では、2023年にオープンした新スポットも含む、天候に関係なく、屋内で楽しめるアクティビティーをリストアップした。 関連記事『東京、無料で入れる美術館・博物25選』『東京のベストパブリックアート』

One of the most iconic summer festivals in Tokyo, Bon Odori is a communal dance performed in public spaces. It's a Buddhist custom that dates back 500 years, held as part of the Obon period, where locals honour the spirits of their ancestors. Bon Odori festivals are always a fun, joyous affair. A makeshift stage known as a yagura will be set up in the middle, acting as the focal point of the event. It houses the lead dancers and musicians who set the pace and choreography for the dance while participants gather around it and dance along in circles. It's a perfect way to spend a summer evening and soak up the good vibes. So put on a yukata and come join us at one of Tokyo's most exciting Bon Odori festivals this summer. RECOMMENDED: 7 best fireworks festivals in and near Tokyo this summer

One of Japan’s largest cities, Osaka is a sight to behold, especially if you’re seeing it from high above in a skyscraper, of which there are plenty. The best part is, the three top observatories in Osaka are located in different sections of the city, each affording a unique 360-degree view.  The Sakishima Building observatory (also known as Cosmo Tower) looks out to the Osaka Bay area while Umeda Sky Building’s Kuchu Teien Observatory looms over the bustling downtown district of Kita that’s currently going through an exciting redevelopment. The vertigo-inducing Abeno Harukas Observatory that sits on the rooftop of Abeno Harukas, on the other hand, offers a contrasting view of modern Osaka alongside the post-war town of Shinsekai. Of course, these three top attractions have more than just jaw-dropping views. The observatories have cafés, outdoor decks, various vantage points and photo spots to boot, making it easy to lose a few hours here feeling like you’re on top of the world. RECOMMENDED: While you're in Osaka, make sure you eat these 10 iconic Osaka dishes

大阪は近年、世界から脚光を浴びている。その理由は、2025年に開催される「大阪・関西万博」だけではない。この活気に満ちたダイナミックな都市は、今、急速な勢いで注目の旅行先の一つになりつつあるのだ。 国際都市でありながら物価は安い。また、「大阪城」などの伝統的な建物からネオンが輝く道頓堀周辺までその間口は幅広く、誰でも楽しめるのが魅力。ショッピングはバラエティーに富み、ストリートフードは世界的に有名で、近年では大阪エリアの高級レストランも国際的に高い評価を受けている。さらに、アートやカルチャーシーンも盛んである。 Cover art direction by Steve Nakamura /cover photography by Naohiro Tsukada 見どころが多く、どこを訪れたらいいか迷ってしまうだろう。そんな人のために、タイムアウト東京英語編集部は、2023年7月、「タイムアウト大阪 特別号／Time Out Osaka special issue」（英語）をリリースした。全44ページに大阪観光の全てを凝集している。 Photo: Time Out Tokyo 同誌では、大阪の街を「ミナミ」「キタ」「ベイエリア」「大阪城周辺」「天王寺・阿倍野」の5つのエリアに分け、それぞれ個性的で魅力的なスポットを紹介している。大阪を心ゆくまで堪能したいなら、それぞれの地区に1日ずつ滞在するのがベストだろう。 また、これから注目すべき新施設をまとめているほか、食、ショッピング、アート、ナイトライフ、音楽などカテゴリーにも分類している。自分の楽しみ方に合ったヴェニューや体験が見つかるだろう。 Photo: Time Out Tokyo 大阪では今後、エキサイティングな新たな複合施設やビルの建設が予定されている。このリストをチェックして、ダイナミックな都市の未来を先取りしてみては。 Photo: Time Out Tokyo 「Eating＆Drinking」の特集ページでは、定番のたこ焼きから箱寿司、さらには大阪産ワインまでをラインアップ。「食い倒れの街」ならではの食欲がそそられる専門店が盛りだくさんだ。 Photo: Time Out Tokyo ユニークな酒場やクラブ、ミュージックバーは、夕暮れから夜明けまで時間を忘れて満喫できるだろう。 同誌は「羽田空港」「成田空港」大阪の「三井ショッピングモール」（門真、エキスポシティ、堺）で無料配布中。「関西国際空港」、大阪府内の観光案内所、ホテルなどでも順次配布予定だ。オンラインマガジンも以下で読むことができる。ぜひ一読して、大阪観光の参考にしてほしい。

Photo: Time Out Tokyo Osaka is in the spotlight these days, and not just because of the World Expo, which the city is hosting for the second time in 2025. This vibrant, dynamic city is fast becoming one of the region’s most in-demand travel destinations. For a cosmopolitan city, Osaka is very affordable, and there’s something for everyone, from the historical Osaka Castle to the neon-lit alleys of Dotonbori. Shopping is varied, the street food is world famous, plus the art and culture scene is thriving. In recent years, the city’s fine dining restaurants have also received international acclaim. With so much to see and do, it’s natural to be overwhelmed by Osaka. But here’s where we come in.  Photo: Time Out Tokyo In this special issue, we have divided Osaka city into five main districts, each with its own unique personality and host of attractions. The best way to enjoy Osaka is to set aside one day for each district and soon you’ll be having the time of your life. Photo: Time Out Tokyo Osaka continues to reinvent itself with a lineup of exciting new openings planned for the coming years. Here’s what you can expect from this dynamic city in the near future. Photo: Time Out Tokyo These specialist restaurants serve up an appetising introduction to Osaka’s unique flavours, from elevated takoyaki to box sushi and even wines made in the region. Photo: Time Out Tokyo These unique drinking dens, steamy clubs and music bars in Osaka will take you from dusk till dawn. For al

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

We almost want to keep this nondescript stall a secret all to ourselves. There are so many things we love about this Chinese-style nasi lemak, and it all comes down to the variety of side dishes available. There’s a home-cooked quality to all of them, even more so when the dishes are all laid out in huge old-school tiffins. The dry pork curry is the stall’s claim to fame; the meat and ribs have been cooked down until the spice mix has fully seeped into the tender flesh, rendering them crimson red with a just-enough slick of oil. There are two types of chicken to choose from: the fragrant chicken rendang, and the ayam masak merah that’s laced with a slight assam-like tartness – they’re both equally good. It’s difficult to limit yourself to just a couple of side dishes (because there are also options like sambal sotong, chilli prawn, fried eggs, stir-fried kangkung, stir-fried cabbage, luncheon meat, hotdogs, fish cakes, and even sambal petai). The good thing is you don’t have to; this is one of the cheapest nasi lemak in town. A single portion of rice with chicken, pork, kangkung and a fried egg will only set you back around RM6. The sambal is good too – its sweetness keeps the heat in check, but never dominates. So remember to ask for more. Do note that the queue starts 30 minutes before the stall is even ready to serve, and they usually sell out within a couple of hours. To find it, just look out for Restoran Sayur-Sayuran Sentul on Jalan Sentul, opposite the BHP petrol stat

The world-conquering ramen may have the reputation of being a pragmatic comfort food, but over at Ginza Hachigo, it’s elevated into a refined, elegant dish. Owner-chef Yasushi Matsumura’s training has much to do with this; once you realise he’s worked more than 30 years in French cuisine, you’ll see how this bowl of ramen came into being. Ginza Hachigo’s ramen soup is like consommé: a clear liquid gold that’s light yet complex and full of flavour. It’s made by boiling down Nagoya Cochin chicken, duck, scallop, dried tomatoes and shiitake mushrooms, konbu (seaweed), an heirloom green onion from Kyoto and surprisingly, cured ham. Where your standard bowl of ramen calls for tare, a sauce concentrate that acts like a seasoning, Matsumura eschews that for a sprinkling of French sea salt to round out the flavours. And it’s just phenomenal.  The bowl of noodles is then topped with strands of bamboo shoots, slivers of green onion and slices of chashu pork, and finished with a fresh crack of black pepper. Those fatty pork pieces are cooked so perfectly that the fat just coats your palette with a sweet, creamy, savoury goodness. Better yet, this Bib Gourmand-rated ramen will only set you back ¥1,100; throw in an extra ¥150 and you’ll get a perfect boiled egg with a gooey yolk. The interior of this discreet and unusually calm noodle shop in Higashi-Ginza looks just as refined as its sophisticated ramen. The tiny space seats only six diners along a counter that overlooks a surprisingly p

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 for lunch start at an affordable ¥1,700, with mince and loins ranging from 130g to a hefty 230g. Reservations are only taken for dinner,

With a store in Roppongi, right behind Tokyo Midtown, Iruca Tokyo certainly lives up to its prime locale. The ramen restaurant looks more like a fancy omakase restaurant than the typical small, cramped noodle joint. Its spacious interior is dominated by a wooden counter seating eight diners very comfortably plus a room on the side with a table for four. More importantly, the refined, modern ramen can pull its weight to match the elegant interiors, so much so that the restaurant was bestowed a Bib Gourmand rating by the Michelin guide.  Every element in a serving of Iruca Tokyo ramen is meticulously thought out – even the bowls are custom-made Arita porcelain. For starters, the soup base is the same across the menu: a blend of four different broths – chicken bouillon made from four different brand poultry, Kagoshima black pork, Japanese spiny lobsters from Ise with white wine, plus Yamato clams from Shinji Lake and Miyajima mussels – each cooked separately. From here, the ramen diverges depending on which of the two signature noodles you order. For our favourite, the special porcini shoyu ramen (¥1,800), the soup is elevated with a tare (concentrated seasoning that forms the dominant flavour) made from a blend of seven different soy sauces. This is served with thick, flat noodles that are made exclusively for the restaurant, plus a dollop of luxurious mushroom and truffle duxelles on the side. When combined, they create layers of umami flavours in a soup that’s rich but not he

Kyorakutei is a good place to get an education in soba. This old-school restaurant in the backstreets of Kagurazaka features a grinder in its storefront window, where the noodle master makes soba by hand. You’ll also get to compare the two different types of buckwheat noodles: the regular soba, which is made by cutting a small percentage of wheat flour, and the juwari soba that’s a craft by itself as it uses pure 100 percent buckwheat. Darker in colour compared to the regular soba, the juwari soba at Kyorakutei is one of the best we’ve had. The texture is firm with a bit of give, and it has a beautiful nuttiness that makes it delicious even on its own. The best way to appreciate the texture and flavour is to eat it cold with a side of dipping broth. We also have to tip our hats off to Kyorakutei for executing its tempura with great finesse when most noodle restaurants simply treat theirs as merely a cursory accompaniment to soba or udon. Get the seasonal tempura, especially when pike conger and ayu (sweetfish) are in season. There’s more items on the menu – from udon and hiyamugi (thin and light wheat noodles that’s prevalent in summer) to grilled conger eel (anago) and sake – but for first timers, you can’t go wrong with the soba and tempura.

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.

青空三代目は、天然マグロや旬の魚で有名な、約100年の歴史を持つ江戸前寿司の名店だ。その3代目店主が、魚の新しい楽しみ方を提案するため、姉妹店「築地焼うお いし川」をオープンした。 「築地焼うお いし川」では、鯛、ブリ、クロダイ、穴子、ふぐ、マグロなど、さまざまな種類の脂がのった魚が用意されている。しかし、生でそのまま食べるのではなく、火でごく軽く焼くのが基本だ。刺身用の魚なので、漬け込みはせず、塩や醤油で軽く味付けをして、自然の風味を際立たせている。 寿司や海鮮丼が主流の築地場外市場において、この魚焼肉店は貴重な存在だ。1階は2人掛けと4人掛けのテーブルが並ぶオープンスペースで、2階には4人掛けのテーブルが並ぶ。各テーブルには、グリルが設置されている。 ランチやディナーでは、さまざまな種類の魚の盛り合わせ（ランチ2,260円～、ディナーコース 9,200円～）を注文することができる。大トロを追加するのがおすすめだ。大トロは、まるで和牛のような美しい霜降りのマグロ。外はこんがりと、中はピンク色の生のまま、グリルでさっと焼くだけ。焼き方が不安な人には、スタッフが最初の数枚を焼いて、実演してくれるので心配無用だ。あとは好みの焼き加減で、赤酢ご飯と一緒に味わってほしい。

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 ¥1,960,

Whether noodles are a Chinese or Italian invention, it doesn’t matter at Ajito Ism: here, the ramen, which is Chinese in origin, has been reinvented with Italian flavours. In lesser hands, this would be a disaster, written off as another cringe-inducing Asian-Western fusion food gimmick. But the chef, who goes by the name Mr M, drew on his training in French and Italian cuisines to create a bowl that, while befuddling at first, turns out to be utterly delicious. The tsukemen (dipping) noodles are unmistakably ramen – thick, chewy and slightly doughy – but cooked al dente like the best of pasta. They are slicked with chilli and basil oil, garnished with specks of spring onions and fried shallots, and topped with baby spinach leaves, grated cheese and tomato cubes. We’d gladly eat this on its own, if not for the superior tomato-based dipping broth. Made with vegetables, pork back fat and seafood dashi, the thick broth has a meatiness that lends some depth to the sweet and tart tomatoes. Coupled with the lardy char siew and the crunchy chopped onions, this rosso tsukemen is a joy to eat. Word has it that the chef has a lot more of these unconventional ramen creations up his sleeve (nacho-soba, anyone?), which you’ll sometimes find on today’s special. On any given day however, you can also go for another one of the popular menu staples – pizza soba. True to its name, this Italian-Japanese fusion dish is essentially dry noodles tossed with pizza toppings: tomatoes, garlic, capsicu

Chef Masa 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 (¥3,300) is a feast. It comes with a whole roasted lobster, two slices of pork, half a smoked egg, 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 (¥440), 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. After that, head home and enjoy your food coma.

Nasi Kandar is a bombastic rice dish of spicy, punchy flavours. It’s essentially a one-plate rice meal, piled high with meats and vegetables and drenched in curry and gravy. The dish came from the Indian Muslim community in Penang, an island in Malaysia well-loved for its vibrant street food culture. To our delight, the nasi kandar at Zero Two is authentic – and reasonably priced, with rice plates ranging between ¥1,000 and ¥1,980. While the heat level here is not as fiery as those in Malaysia, the spices are very well-balanced and Zero Two manages to retain the essence of what makes nasi kandar such an enjoyable meal. Of course, the food at Zero Two Nasi Kandar Tokyo is halal-certified. For starters, the dishes on offer are extensive and you’ll see them all laid out in the display case at the ordering station. Brace yourself as you’ll be spoilt for choice. First, decide on a main dish: hard boiled egg (with a gooey yolk, no less), grilled chicken, deep-fried lamb cutlet, fish fingers and a vegetarian option. Then your preferred base: plain white rice or biryani rice. Now this is where the fun begins. From the selection of vegetables, choose three side dishes. (Tip: get the pink-hued pachadi, or yoghurt-based pickle, if you want something to help tone down the heat of what’s about to come.) Then, two curries out of six. The chicken curry as well as the prawn and squid curry are exceptional. There’s also a vegetarian curry and a seasonal option. To finish, the server will thro

Kaiseki is the pinnacle of Japanese cuisine and that prestige comes with its own set of formalities, which can make the multi-course banquet a little intimidating for the uninitiated. Thankfully two Michelin-starred Den – also the best restaurant in Asia for 2022 – is not that kind of kaiseki restaurant, making it such a rare treat in Tokyo. Head chef Zaiyu Hasegawa has trained in some of the most esteemed ryotei (traditional high-end Japanese restaurants) in the city, and it’s evident that his omakase menu is grounded in kaiseki traditions. But what’s really interesting is the modern interpretation and the relaxed attitude he brings to the table. The unusually bright lights, casual set-up with nary a starched tablecloth in sight and friendly service are a refreshing departure from the genteel air of other restaurants of its calibre. It puts you right at ease, so you can truly enjoy the food without getting too hung up about the etiquette. And that’s not difficult to do as there’s a lot of wit and humour in Hasegawa’s dishes. The classic monaka is traditionally a dessert but at Den, these crisp wafers are sandwiched with a rich sweet-savoury filling of miso-marinated foie gras blended with kumquat jam and pickled cucumber. It’s an absolutely divine first dish that hypes up your expectation for the rest of the meal – and boy does Hasegawa deliver. His Dentucky Fried Chicken is an obvious parody of the famed fast food chain, down to the serving box. Inside lies a plump, golden-

ラーメン天国、日本。これだけ数多くのラーメン屋があるのだから、ミシュランの星を獲得している店も珍しくはないだろう、と考えるのは当然だ。だが意外なことに、これは事実ではない。なんと2016年まで、この権威ある星を持つラーメン屋は存在しなかったのである。 この栄誉を世界で初めて手にしたラーメン屋は、東京の「ジャパニーズ ソバ ヌードル 蔦」である（ただし残念ながら、後に星を手放すこととなった）。続いて、「鳴龍」が2017年、「ソバハウス 金色不如帰（こんじきほととぎす）」が2019年に星を獲得。2019年にオープンした「銀座 八五」は、2020年にピルグルマンに選出されると、その翌年には星を獲得し、2年連続で一つ星をキープしている。 以上3軒は2022年、2023年と続けて星を獲得。いずれも伝統的な味に対して、独自の解釈を提案している。予算を抑えてミシュラン星付きの食事を楽しみたいならば、迷わず訪れてほしい名店だ。 銀座 八五 Photo: Lim Chee Wah ミシュランの新星、「銀座八五」。ここで腕を振るう料理人はフレンチ出身で、一度食べてみればそのことに納得がいくだろう。 スープは、軽やかさと芳醇（ほうじゅん）さが見事な調和を奏で、コンソメをほうふつとさせる味わい。名古屋コーチン、カモ、ホタテ、ドライトマト、シイタケ、コンブ、ネギ、そしてなんと生ハムを使用して出汁（だし）をとっている。具材はメンマ、九条ネギ、チャーシューで、仕上げにはフランス産岩塩とコショウを振りかける。 ラーメンをモダンに再解釈したこの一品。その極上の味には舌を巻くしかない。 ソバハウス 金色不如帰 ソバハウス 金色不如帰Konjiki Hototogisu 新宿のラーメン専門店「ソバハウス 金色不如帰」。同店の看板メニューは、肉系スープ、和風出汁、ハマグリスープの3種を合わせたスープが特徴の「そば（醤油）」だ。自家製のモリーユ茸のソースも加えられている。 だが、おすすめしたいのは「塩そば」だ。モンゴル岩塩と沖縄海塩をブレンドすることで、魚介系出汁の甘味が引き出している。仕上げにはイタリア産白トリュフオイル、ポルチーニソース、パンチェッタハム、少量のインカベリーソースが加えられる。器に残る最後の一滴まで、飲み干さずにはいられない。 鳴龍 Photo: Lim Chee Wah 大塚にある「鳴龍」では、スタンダードな塩ラーメンや醤油ラーメンも提供しているが、人気は特製の坦々麺だ。もともとは中国の四川省で発祥した料理である坦々麺を再解釈し、さっぱりしているのに味わい深い一品へと昇華させている。 スープは唐辛子のしっかりとした辛みに、ゴマのまったりとした味わいが相まって、食欲をそそられる。 エビワンタン、チャーシュー、水餃子などのサイドメニューも用意する。  関連記事 『Tokyo has three ramen restaurants with a Michelin star（原文）』 『東京の夜に革命を起こすバーとは？』 『東京、モダンラーメン7選』 『絵本の世界へダイブ、「不思議の国のアリス」着想の2Dスイーツビュッフェが開催中』 『東京、手頃価格のミシュランレストラン15選』 『1万円以下で楽しめる高級店のランチ7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  

With Japan being the land of the ramen, you’d think the country would have a long list of Michelin-starred ramen restaurants. Surprisingly that’s not the case. In fact, it wasn’t until 2016 that the prestigious food guide awarded its first ever star to a ramen joint. Tsuta in Tokyo has the honour of being the first ramen restaurant in the world to receive a coveted Michelin star (but has sadly lost it since). Nakiryu followed suit in 2017 and Konjiki Hototogisu in 2019. Now, one of our favourite ramen restaurants in Tokyo – Ginza Hachigo – has also been awarded a star. All three restaurants, which each hold a star in the Michelin Guide for 2022 and 2023, offer a very distinct take on the classic Japanese dish. If you’re looking for a star-rated meal without breaking the bank, make a beeline now for these stellar noodles in Tokyo. Photo: Lim Chee Wah Ginza Hachigo The newest member of the super-exclusive Michelin-starred ramen club, Ginza Hachigo is helmed by a chef with a French culinary background – and that works in its favour. The beautifully complex soup tastes like consommé. It’s clear, light but flavourful, and made by boiling down Nagoya Cochin chicken, duck, scallop, dried tomatoes and shiitake mushrooms, konbu (seaweed), an heirloom green onion from Kyoto and surprisingly, cured ham. The bowl of noodles is then topped with bamboo shoots, green onion and slices of chashu pork before finishing with a sprinkling of French sea salt and black pepper. Sure, this is a mod

Ghibli Park in the Expo 2005 Aichi Commemorative Park has been open for over six months now and the excitement surrounding the attraction is still sky high. With its faithful recreations of famous Studio Ghibli movie scenes, interactive displays and exclusive merchandise shops, Ghibli Park is an absolute must-visit for fans of the illustrious anime house. But for tourists from overseas wanting to visit the park near Nagoya city in Aichi prefecture, one stumbling block was the tickets. Initially, tickets could only be purchased in Japan through Lawson’s Boo-Woo Tickets service or with a JTB travel agency accommodation package deal. Now, though, Ghibli fans overseas can buy their tickets online through the park’s international ticket site. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaGhibli's Grand Warehouse Tickets are now on sale through to the end of November 2023 on a first-come, first-served basis. If you're planning to visit later in the year, tickets go on sale from the 10th of every month about three months in advance. For example, tickets for December 2023 will be available from Sunday September 10 at 2pm. Ghibli Park is currently split into three areas, with two more opening soon. The good news is, you can now get tickets to all three areas – overseas ticket sales were previously limited only to the Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse area. Here are the ticket prices and entry times for each of the areas. Ghibli's Grand Warehouse Tickets: weekdays ¥2,000, weekends and holidays ¥2,500 (children 4-12 y

Japan’s tax-free shopping is one of the best and most convenient in the world. In most countries, you pay the full tax-inclusive amount at the shops, then show your purchase at the airport for verification before filing for a tax refund prior to departure. In Japan, however, the process is a lot easier, where the 10 percent consumption tax is deducted at the point of payment in shops (you’ll need to have your passport with you, of course). But this could soon change. The Japanese government is considering changing the system beginning the next fiscal year in 2024. According to a report by Kyodo News, the current tax-free system is increasingly being abused, where items bought tax-free in Japan are being sold at tax-inclusive prices plus a mark-up for profit outside the country. As such, the government might look into changing the tax-free system, where tourists pay the full amount in shops and claim for tax refunds later, most likely at the point of departure. A decision has yet to be made, as the government is likely to begin discussion on the matter later in the year. Currently, tourists who are visiting Japan on a short-term visa are eligible for tax-free shopping benefits. Tax exemptions are applicable for purchases exceeding ¥5,000 in participating shops, provided the goods purchased are for personal consumption outside the country. More from Time Out  Ghibli Park announces opening dates for its two remaining attractions Levi's and Studio Ghibli collaborate for a Prince

旅とは楽しく、豊かな経験が得られるものだ。しかし、安全でいることに不安が伴う国を訪れる場合は、ただ楽しむわけにはいかない。特に1人旅や、社会から差別されることの多いコミュニティーに属している旅行者である場合は、なおさらそうだといえるだろう。 できるだけ安全な旅に出たい場合は、経済平和研究所がが毎年発表している「世界平和度指数」をヒントにするといい。この国際調査は、23の質的・量的要因の指標を用いて、その国の安全性と平和度を測定するもの。指標に含まれるのは犯罪率、暴力やデモのレベル、武器へのアクセス、政治的安定性、軍事費、近隣諸国との関係など。最終的なランク付けは国別の評価を経て行われる。 2023年のランキングで世界で最も平和な国とされたのは、アイスランド。デンマークが2位、アイルランドが3位と続いた。日本は163カ国中9位で、なかなか健闘しているといえる。 日本は凶悪犯罪率が低く、暴力的なデモなども少ない。そして、武器を入手するのが容易ではなく、政治的には安定している。日本が今、世界でもトップクラスの旅行先であり、東京が再び訪れたい都市の1位である理由もここにあるといえる。 2023年の世界で最も平和な国ランキングは以下の通りだ。  2023年 世界平和度指数ランキング（経済平和研究所） 1. アイスランド2. デンマーク3. アイルランド4. ニュージーランド5. オーストリア6. シンガポール7. ポルトガル8. スロベニア9. 日本10. スイス 関連記事 『Japan is one of the 10 safest countries in the world for 2023（原文）』 『迷信か事実か？ アルコールにまつわる5のこと』 『世界の地下にある奇妙でクールな観光名所6選』 『2023年、世界一のワイン大国が発表』 『観光客で混み合うヨーロッパの都市ランキング』 『世界で最も公共交通機関が充実している都市の3位に東京が選出』 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  

This summer, several of Tokyo’s most prestigious museums will be extending their opening hours on Friday. Dubbed the Summer Night Museum 2023, the event sees five art and cultural institutions – Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum, Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum, Tokyo Photographic Art Museum, Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo and Tokyo Shibuya Koen-dori Gallery – opening until 8pm or 9pm on Fridays from July 20 to August 31.  That’s not all. You can also expect reduced admission fees after 5pm (or free for students in certain cases), plus a host of evening programmes and activities to help you make the most of the long summer days. The museum shops and restaurants, likewise, will open late on those Fridays. Photo: 東京都美術館東京都美術館 Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum Friday opening hours extended until 8pm, starting July 28 Enjoy ¥200 discount to the exhibition ‘From the Depths of Ueno, a Story Begins – Tamana Araki’ after 5pm (students get in for free) on July 28 as well as August 4,11,18 and 25. There will also be discounts at the museum restaurants on selected dates.  Photo: supplied Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum Friday opening hours extended to 9pm from July 21 to August 25 Adults can enter the ‘Finnish Glass Art: Sparkle and Color in Modern Design’ exhibition for ¥1,120 instead of ¥1,400 after 5pm on July 21 and 28 as well as August 4, 11, 18 and 25. It’s free for students, however, and ¥560 for senior citizens 65 years and older. The museum’s beautiful garden is also open

Travel is a fun, enjoyable and enriching experience – but not when you have to worry about your safety and well-being in a foreign country. This is particularly important if you’re travelling solo or a member of a marginalised community. For that, it’s beneficial to cast your eyes on the annual Global Peace Index. Published by the Institute for Economics and Peace, this international study measures the safety and peacefulness of a country using an index of 23 qualitative and quantitative factors. These include the country’s crime rate, levels of violence and demonstrations, access to weapons, political stability, military expenditure, relationship with neighbouring countries, and more. Once the countries are assessed individually, they are ranked to create the Global Peace Index. This year, Iceland came up top as the most peaceful country in the world, followed by Denmark at No 2 and Ireland at No 3. Japan did pretty well, too, as it was ranked the 9th most peaceful out of 163 countries in the study. Japan excelled for its low violent crime rates, few violent demonstrations, difficult access to weapons and high political stability. All of which makes for a high quality of life. This partly explains why Japan is also one of the top travel destinations in the world right now, with Tokyo being the No 1 city people want to visit again. Here are the ten most peaceful countries in the world according to the 2023 Global Peace Index:  Iceland Denmark Ireland New Zealand Austria Sing

Taylor Swift’s much-hyped Eras Tour is one of the year’s hottest concerts, with tickets selling out almost the moment they become available. Yet, Asian cities have been conspicuously absent from her tour schedule – until now. The Anti-Hero and Karma hit-maker has announced that she will be playing four consecutive dates in Tokyo next year from February 7 to 10. This is her first Tokyo performance in five years – her last Tokyo show was in 2018.   Photo: Avex Entertainment Inc. Tickets start from ¥8,800 and top out at ¥30,000. Mid-tier seats are ¥18,800 and ¥22,800.  Pre-sale tickets will be available exclusively for American Express cardholders on Friday June 23 at 2pm. The official advance sale, which is a lottery system via Lawson Tickets, will open at 10am on Tuesday June 27. For more information, check The Eras Tour website.  Beyonce, it’s your turn now to bring the Renaissance World Tour to Tokyo. (In the meantime, check out the other international artists who have confirmed their Tokyo dates here.) More from Time Out Tokyo Tokyo is getting a new Edo-themed onsen spa complex in February 2024 Travel in luxury from Asakusa to Nikko on the new Spacia X trains The 75-minute fireworks at Lake Kawaguchiko is back this year You can now camp right outside Baird Beer’s brewery in Shuzenji Survey cites top 10 inconveniences for tourists visiting Japan Want to be the first to know what’s cool in Tokyo? Sign up to our newsletter for the latest updates from Tokyo and Japan.

Get ready to experience the vibrancy and creativity of Tokyo's art scene at Roppongi Art Night. This awe-inspiring after-dark festival, now in its 12th year, will run from May 27 to 28 2023 to celebrate local and international talents. Roppongi Art Night is one of Tokyo's most eagerly anticipated festivals, as it brings together the neighbourhood's museums, galleries, shops and public spaces for a unique and extensive event that runs well into the night.  With the theme ‘An Illustrated Book of Urban Creatures’, the festival is set to showcase a wide variety of art forms, including installations, theatre and performance art, that truly capture the diversity of Tokyo's artistic community. The lineup will feature 45 established and up-and-coming artists, creating a whopping total of 70 programmes and events. Here are some of this year’s highlights.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima100 Colors No.43 '100 Colors of Memory' (2023) A scattering of public art across multiple venues in Roppongi  Roppongi Art Night 2023 takes art out of the confines of traditional spaces and into the public sphere, offering a transient explosion of free art installations scattered across various venues. This year's edition features an eclectic mix of pieces, each distinctly embedded within the urban fabric of Roppongi. Photo: Kisa ToyoshimaMakoto Egashira 'DX Fluffy Blanket Dream House' One of the standout installations is Emmanuelle Moreaux's abstract piece titled '100 Colours', which symbolises the passage o

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

Hurray, spring is finally here and this year’s cherry blossom season will be extra special. Tokyo parks and gardens have lifted restrictions on sakura picnics while major cherry blossom events and festivals are making a comeback. In other words, be prepared for crowds, especially at some of Tokyo’s top sakura attractions (they are popular for a reason, after all). If you prefer a relaxing 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 atmosp

[Update, March 13] Today's the day. Starting March 13, individuals can decide for themselves whether to wear a mask indoors and on public transport. The government, however, still recommends that we keep the mask on when we're in hospitals and clinics, nursing homes and during rush hour when public transport is at its most crowded. According to Kyodo News, some businesses and venues may and can still ask patrons to wear a mask before entering. So even if you choose not to wear a mask, it might be handy to have one with you when you're out and about in Tokyo.  *** Even at the height of the pandemic, mask wearing was never a legally required mandate here in Japan. Nevertheless, it has become a common practice in the country. However, Japan has decided to reclassify Covid-19 as just a seasonal flu on May 8. In line with that, the government is also looking at relaxing the rules of mask-wearing. According to NHK, you can soon decide whether to wear a mask indoors, and this takes effect on March 13. Kyodo News further states that it will also be up to the individual to decide whether to wear a mask while commuting on public transport. With the ease of rules, the government plans to recommend mask-wearing only during rush hour and congestion time. The elderly and people who are prone to serious illnesses are still recommended to keep their masks on while frequenting crowded places. Earlier this week, the Scheduled Airlines Association of Japan also decided that masks will no longer