Emma Steen

A metropolis that seemingly never sleeps, Tokyo pulses with an energy that few cities can rival. At its heart lies Shibuya, a district renowned for its iconic crossing, neon lights and eclectic rhythm. But as the sun dips below the skyline and casts its golden hues over the Hachiko statue, Shibuya undergoes a transformation. The daytime hustle retreats, replaced by a nocturnal allure that captivates night owls, adventurers and insomniacs alike.  Shibuya's nighttime offerings are both a visual and sensory adventure, from quirky bars nestled in hidden alleyways to panoramic views of the city lights. Whether you're a traveller looking to immerse in Tokyo's nocturnal charm or a local seeking a fresh perspective, join us on a journey through Shibuya after dark, where the night is always young and the city’s soul truly comes alive. RECOMMENDED: Best late-night cafés in Tokyo for after-dinner coffee and dessert

Si ja és difícil estar al dia de tot el que es pot fer a Barcelona, imagineu estar al dia de tot el cinema que es pot veure a la nostra cartellera! Per això en aquesta llista trobareu les nostres cinc pel·lícules favorites, algunes que s'estan a punt d'estrenar i també aquelles imperdibles que no podeu deixar escapar abans que desapareguin dels cinemes (i no us oblideu de consultar la llista de les estrenes del mes). NO T'HO PERDIS: Les 51 millors pel·lícules per veure en família

The little ski village of Nozawa Onsen often gets overlooked by overseas travelers in favour of more popular snowy escapes like Niseko in Hokkaido prefecture. However, this delightful Nagano destination, which is just two hours from Tokyo, is brimming with good food, fine snow, lots of character and plentiful cultural experiences.  Both fun and affordable, Nozawa Onsen gives you a little bit of everything, from a wide array of snow-heavy ski slopes to a myriad of natural hot springs within the village. Which is why the winter wonderland of Nozawa Onsen should be your next travel destination – even if you can’t ski. RECOMMENDED: Most beautiful winter destinations in Japan

Tokyo has become all the more magical with the opening of the Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter. The design of this exciting new Wizarding World attraction draws inspiration from its counterpart, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour in London. Newly opened in June 2023, this is the world's largest Harry Potter theme park, and it's located at the former premises of the Toshimaen amusement park in Nerima. Read on for the attraction's many highlights and information on how to get tickets. RECOMMENDED: Ultimate guide to Universal Studios Japan in Osaka

When it comes to Japanese cinema, three names dominate the conversation, at least in the English-speaking world: Akira Kurosawa, Yasujirō Ozu and Hayao Miyazaki. It’s with good reason – all three are in GOAT contention. But there is so much more to this gold mine of quality moviemaking than that holy trio. In truth, Japan’s filmmaking history is uniquely creative, moving from the silent era to its post-war golden age to the 1960s New Wave to the anime explosion of the ‘80s, all the way up to the current renaissance spearheaded by Hirokazu Kore-eda, Ryusuke Hamaguchi and Mamoru Hosoda. Among this list of the greatest Japanese movies of all-time, you’ll find those films most associated with the country: Kurosawa’s feudal epics, Miyazaki’s deeply soulful animations and Ozu’s quietly powerful domestic dramas. But there’s also Kenji Mizoguchi’s pioneering silent works, Seijun Suzuki’s pop-art Yakuza thrillers, spine-chilling ghost stories like Ringu, boundary-pushing social satires like Battle Royale, sensual romances like In the Realm of the Senses and, of course, Godzilla.   There’s a lot to experience, so let this list guide you. Here are the best Japanese movies ever. RECOMMENDED: 🇰🇷 The greatest Korean films of all time🇫🇷 The 100 best French movies ever made🇯🇵 The best anime movies of all-time, ranked🌏 The 50 best foreign films of all-time

Even those who don’t identify as being outdoorsy can find joy in the crisp open air that autumn brings in Japan. While Tokyo offers endless seasonal delights such as after-dark illuminations, it’s worth putting aside a weekend or two in the months of October through December to escape the city for some unforgettable autumnal views in nature. You don’t have to travel far to see mountains that have been draped in red, yellow and gold foliage – a number of postcard-worthy sites can be reached within an hour or two of Tokyo. Whether you’re travelling with a family in tow or looking for a quiet solo getaway, these destinations just a stone’s throw from the city will remind you of why autumn seems to be everyone’s favourite season. RECOMMENDED: Most beautiful autumn destinations in Japan

Tokyo's vibrant nightlife offers a myriad of clubs for every preference, turning even the most reluctant person into an enthusiatic night owl. Known for its diverse musical landscape, the city hosts a balanced mix of established clubs like Womb and newer gems like Raise, each contributing to the energetic pulse of the after-dark hours.  Spread across exciting districts such as Shibuya, Shinjuku and Ginza, these clubs regularly welcome renowned local and international DJ acts including stars like Steve Aoki, and they cater to a wide spectrum of music enthusiasts. From the techno beats of Warp to the high-ceilinged spaces of Raise, this list introduces some of Tokyo’s hottest nightlife spots, where the variety is as vast as the city itself, promising memorable nights for all.

For a relatively small country, Japan has a staggering amount of places to explore. This island nation is made up of 47 prefectures, each with its own distinctive regional culture and landscape – even the locals have barely scratched the surface of all there is to see here in Japan. You’ve got the art islands of Kagawa, the onsen towns of Yamagata and the quaint ‘gingerbread’ houses of Gifu – and that’s just the beginning.  It’s not to say that popular destinations like Kyoto, Hokkaido or Osaka are overrated – there’s a reason why they top many people’s travel list. However, they do draw attention away from other areas in Japan that are just as worthy of a visit. So here are the most underrated Japanese prefectures you should definitely explore on your next holiday. RECOMMENDED: 20 of the most beautiful places in Japan

There are endless types of bars to choose from in a city like Tokyo. We've got record store bars, craft beer pubs, rooftop drinking spots and many more besides. Then, there are the places that fit into categories all of their own, inspired by special interests or experiences that offer more than just drinks and a fun atmosphere. As an added bonus, these unique bars are filled with enough conversation starters that you won’t have to worry about running out of things to talk about if you’re trying to impress a date. Ever wanted to drink from a test tube, eat candy floss in a fairy tavern or geek out in a train-themed bar? We’ve got just the places to check out for a memorable late-night adventure. RECOMMENDED: Best secret bars in Tokyo 

タイムアウト東京 > レストラン＆カフェ > 東京、隠れ家バー10選 秘密にしておくということは、他人に共有できないほど素晴らしいものがあるということもある。都内には隠れた穴場のバーがいくつかあるが、ここでは誰もが体験すべきという信念に基づいて、特別に紹介しよう。 路地裏にひっそりとたたずむおしゃれなバーや人づてに聞かないと見つけられないプライベートな店の中から、気になるスポットを訪れてみては。 関連記事『東京、ベストクラフトビールバー23選』『東京、クラフトジンが楽しめるバー8選』

Once written off as mother’s ruin, gin is making an exuberant comeback thanks to cool craft distilleries experimenting with new herbs, fruits and spices alongside the spirit’s signature juniper berries. In Japan, homegrown distillers are also incorporating local botanicals including tea, yuzu, cherry blossoms and sansho pepper into their production. The results are stunning, with Japan taking its place at gin’s top table with some really aromatic tipples that are distinctively different from its counterparts in Europe. Interested? Here’s our list of the best gin bars in Tokyo, where you can enjoy top class G&T and gin cocktails. RECOMMENDED: Most unique bars 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. RECOMMENDED: Try the best cheap Michelin meals in Tokyo

Many of the city’s top seafood restaurants pride themselves on having fresh seafood delivered from Toyosu Market every morning, but Kenichi Nemoto takes things one step further at his French seafood restaurant NéMo in Minami-Aoyama. The head chef and owner was an avid fisherman in his youth, thanks to the influence of his grandfather. Though he later went from working as a fisherman to cooking at three-Michelin-star restaurants, Nemoto still works closely with the fishermen he has known as a teenager, who send their catch of the day fresh from the boat to NéMo’s kitchen. This unique relationship means there's no fixed monthly menu at NéMo. Instead, multi-course lunches and dinners are crafted based on the season's bounty. But while daily surprises can range from a crate of sweetfish to a 6kg yellowtail, knowing the best way to prepare each fish comes naturally to Nemoto, whose previous posts include big names like Narisawa and Quintessence.  This season’s menu begins with charcoal-grilled sweetfish that can be eaten from head to tail, served with a cooling sauce of spring onions, nori seafood and wild greens finished with a touch of olive oil. Later, he serves yellowtail pan-seared medium rare, so that the skin is a crisp golden brown and the centre blushes a delicate pink. This is plated with sauteed chanterelle mushrooms, diced tomatoes and basil puree, which manager and head sommelier Yuito Terashima pairs with a bright Sauvignon Blanc to complement the Mediterranean flavo

When in Tokyo, it may seem counterintuitive to seek out restaurants that don’t serve Japanese food. Sometimes, however, an international restaurant is so sensational that it’s worth diverging from the ever-popular offerings of sushi, ramen and yakitori. Tinc Gana is one such venue.  Opened in autumn 2022, this Ichigaya restaurant is Chef Jérôme Quilbeuf’s most upscale establishment yet, with tasting menus that offer modern takes on Spanish cuisine. Quilbeuf describes Tinc Gana as a ‘Gastrobar de Barcelona’, but unlike his open kitchen Gracia in Hiroo, where diners can order from the a la carte menu on a casual weeknight, Tinc Gana has a formal feel to it that makes you want to pull out your best outfit and celebrate a special occasion.  Lunch courses are priced at ¥6,500, ¥9,000 and ¥15,000, while dinner courses are ¥12,000 and ¥19,000. Like the restaurant's interior, which is accented with an olive green kitchen countertop and tall vases of fresh flowers, the dishes here are elegant, bright and vibrant. A meal usually starts with Quilbeuf’s version of salmorejo, which is a fuller, creamier cousin of gazpacho with roots in Andalusia. Here, a refreshing emulsion of fresh tomatoes, onion and green paprika is served with delicate wheels of cucumber and flash-boiled kuruma ebi prawns.  Depending on the season, a dish that might appear later in the course is a spin on arroz negro, a paella-like dish where rice is cooked in squid ink that turns it black. Quilbeuf takes this classic

One defining aspect of Tokyo’s dining culture is its plethora of intimate, open kitchens that seat less than a dozen guests at a time. That Rama caters to just nine diners at a time for a Japanese-Italian tasting menu is not unusual in the city’s burgeoning modern omakase scene, but this sleek and warmly lit venue along an unassuming street in Shirokane is still a stand-out.  What makes Rama a new favourite among our ever-growing list of Tokyo’s finest restaurants is the way head chef Katsuhiro Aoki manages to deliver food that is playful, elegant, unpretentious and genuinely delicious all at once. An autumn menu might begin with a twist on Caprese salad with sautéed persimmons in lieu of tomatoes, whereas chilled gnocchi with mackerel and tart raspberry vinegar would be served to convey the transition of spring to summer.  The signature dish is a bowl of handmade taglioni crowned with a generous grating of fragrant truffle. Served in a buttery emulsion of homemade chicken stock and 24-month Parmigiano Reggiano, the only thing that changes about this pasta across the seasons is the variety of truffle that is sourced directly from Italy, but every bite is as revelatory as the last.  Somewhere between the courses of handmade pasta, Chef Aoki always includes two classic Japanese dishes with his own spin. The first is a single piece of nigiri sushi, expertly shaped and served to diners one by one like a traditional omakase sushi experience. Rather than seasoning the sushi with so

By now, Makoto Shinkai fans have come to expect a certain formula from the master animator's films: a fated girl-meets-boy scenario and a natural disaster that threatens to wipe out a significant portion of Japan, with a spellbinding backdrop of rural towns and cityscapes. True to form, Shinkai covers all these bases in his latest anime, which follows 17-year-old Suzume (voiced by Nanoka Hara) on her quest to save Japan from calamity.  The story kicks off with Suzume discovering a mystical doorway in some bathhouse ruins near her home. However, before she can uncover the secrets of the portal, she accidentally uproots a kaname-ishi (spirit rock) that turns into a kitten in Suzume’s hands before bolting away. It’s at this moment that a handsome stranger shows up just in time for the magic door to suddenly burst open as a terrifying dark force storms into Suzume’s realm. After his unsuccessful attempt to close the portal of doom, the stranger introduces himself to Suzume as Sota (Hokuto Matsumura) and explains that he's on a mission to locate more doors like the one they just encountered and lock them up. The unfortunate elephant in the room is that this meet-cute involves a man who is ostensibly too old to be a high-school student. Not to worry, though, because the dashing nomad is soon turned into a child-sized chair by the aforementioned spirit-rock-kitten. Knowing that Sota would struggle to survive his mission as a chair, Suzume resolves to accompany him on his journey and

In her feature debut, director AV Rockwell delivers a poignant and stirring portrait of parenthood in a rapidly gentrifying New York City. Set in the mid-’90s, the story casts rising star Teyana Taylor (Coming 2 America) as Inez, who has just been released from Rikers Island. Though she doesn’t have a job or a place of her own, Inez decides to kidnap her six-year-old son Terry from the foster care system, with a firm resolve to give him the best life she can afford.  After securing an apartment and forged identity documents for Terry to ensure he remains undetected by the authorities, Inez is joined by her on-off boyfriend Lucky (William Catlett) and the three of them settle into their new life as a non-traditional family.  The story spans a decade or so, with the passage of time marked by three different actors portraying Terry in different stages of life. Aaron Kingsley Adetola embodies a young and vulnerable six-year-old Terry, while Aven Courtney delivers a compelling performance as a preteen. Eventually, Terry grows into a quiet and academically gifted 17-year-old (Josiah Cross), but by this point, Inez’s carefully crafted facade threatens to unravel when he begins contemplating part-time jobs and university. Throughout it all, however, she never loses focus on her goal of guiding her family through hardships, even as Lucky dips in and out of the picture. Teyana Taylor’s raw, captivating performance showcases her impressive range It’s not a short film and more time could

The combination of camping, rollerskating and Californian sunshine might seem like the promise of a happy, carefree day, but this is far from the case in I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking). Co-directed by Angelique Molina and Kelley Kali, who also plays the film’s protagonist, this soulful pandemic-set drama follows Danny, a recently widowed mum, as she fights to secure housing for herself and her eight-year-old daughter Wes (Wesley Moss).  Though the mother and daughter currently live in a tent, Danny has successfully shielded Wes from the reality of their situation by pretending that they’re only camping for the sake of adventure. Without a car to navigate the LA suburbs, she drops Wes off at a friend’s and scoots between her various gigs with just a pink bum bag to hold her cash and a pair of rollerskates (talk about being a go-getter).  But Danny’s efforts to secure the final $200 she needs to finally afford a flat for her and Wes fall apart when a series of mishaps means she isn’t paid for her scheduled odd jobs. She desperately needs help, but sidesteps her friends’ concerns about her life. This is a refreshingly realistic story about resilience, familial love and adversity  I’m Fine (Thanks for Asking) doesn’t always make it easy to sympathise with Danny’s plight. She sometimes appears to forget the urgency of her situation, like when she abandons her mission to smoke a joint with a pal in a playground. And yet, it’s the way the film presents this dichotomy between languishi

Anyone who caught the film adaptation of Jojo Moyes’s novel ‘Me Before You’ will get a twinge of déjà vu when watching François Ozon’s Everything Went Fine. Like that soapy romantic drama, it deals with the controversial issue of assisted suicide. Rather than a whirlwind romance between a handsome millionaire and a vivacious twentysomething, however, this French drama centres on the rocky relationship between a miserable elderly man and his weary adult daughter.  Everything Went Fine is based on a memoir by Emmanuèle Bernheim, a writer whose collaborations with Ozon have already delivered 2003’s sultry thriller Swimming Pool. Sophie Marceau plays Emmanuèle, who rushes to the hospital at the beginning of the movie upon hearing that her father André (André Dussollier) has suffered a stroke. Shortly after being admitted to hospital, André asks Emmanuèle to arrange for an assisted suicide – a plea André doesn’t back away from even as his physical condition improves. Though André was never a particularly good father, she and her sister find it painful to grapple with their father’s desire to end his life. Eventually, Emmanuèle reluctantly looks into euthanasia at her father’s insistence, thus beginning a months-long application process to move him from his hospital bed in France to an expensive assisted suicide clinic in Switzerland.  You’re left with a nagging feeling that everything could have gone… better Despite impeccable performances from its talented cast, we never get to

Don’t clutch your pearls if you ever catch word of your buttoned-up former RE teacher having a tryst with a sex worker. At least, that’s one of the takeaways to gain from Sophie Hyde’s (Animals) sex comedy. It stars Emma Thompson as widow and retired educator Nancy Stokes, who decides to hire a rent boy in his twenties to try and reclaim a life she’s never lived. When Leo Grande (Daryl McCormack) comes knocking on her hotel room door, however, Nancy’s self-doubt gets the best of her and she questions whether she is prepared for such an encounter. But after a few false starts and countless reassurances from the effortlessly charming Leo, she gradually allows herself to become more vulnerable. Despite its taboo-tackling premise, Good Luck to You, Leo Grande isn’t the raunchy romp that one might expect it to be. Though the clothes come off fairly early on, it focuses on the intimacy that unfolds as the two characters lay bare the innermost parts of themselves, rather than just their bodies. Don’t clutch your pearls if you ever catch word of your old RE teacher having a tryst with a sex worker Like Thompson’s character, the film takes its time to gather momentum, but eventually finds its footing as a progressive conversation-starter about modern attitudes towards sex work, as well as a cheering nudge to drop the useless inhibitions holding you back from leading a fulfilling life. Excellent writing by Katy Brand leaves plenty of room for both light-hearted humour and deeply pers

The posh neighbourhood of Minami Aoyama is often associated with upscale boutiques and bakeries, but the area is also chock full of small museums and galleries, which often get overlooked in favour of larger attractions in the vicinity like Meiji Jingu. Among these hidden gems is the Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum, dedicated to one of Japan’s most prominent masters of contemporary art. Born in 1911, Taro Okamoto was an artist and art theorist famous for his avant-garde paintings and sculptures that have become permanent fixtures in public spaces across Japan. These include ‘Tower of the Sun’, which served as the symbol of Expo '70 held in Osaka, as well the 60m-long mural found in Shibuya Mark City titled ‘Myth of Tomorrow’. The latter carries a poignant message as it depicts the instant of an atomic bomb explosion (you can read more about the piece here).  Opened in 1998, the museum served as Okamoto’s primary studio and residence for the last 44 years of his life. Okamoto, who moved from Japan to Paris at the age of 18, spent the beginning of his career exploring abstraction. He later went on to become the youngest member of the Abstraction-Création group in 1933. Four years later, he left the group and turned his attention to the Surrealism movement and rubbed shoulders with pioneers by the likes of Max Ernst and Man Ray.  Highlights at the museum include the back gallery, where Okamoto conceived his ‘Tower of the Sun’ sculpture and created all of his paintings from 1954. Th

There’s something morbidly fascinating about witnessing a group of people participating in the absurd marathon car-touching contest depicted in German filmmaker Bastian Günther’s sobering true-life drama. It follows 20 or so people in a small southern town in the US who compete in a car dealership contest in a bid to win a brand new pickup truck. The last person to remain standing with their hand on the vehicle gets to take it home.  Questions soon spring to mind: how long can the average person actually go without sleep? Is anyone here desperate enough to publicly wet themselves for this truck? Haven’t people died from doing this? Why would anyone come up with this idea in the first place?But One of These Days is keen to take you from the position of a bemused onlooker to the grim reality of being one of these sleep-deprived contestants still clinging on after 24 hours standing in unbearably hot weather. Among them is fast-food employee Kyle (Joe Cole), who struggles to make ends meet and believes that winning the contest is the key to proving himself as a worthy provider for his partner Marie (Callie Hernandez) and their infant son.  Peaky Blinders’ Joe Cole does an exceptional job as a man striving to keep his head above water  Cole does an exceptional job portraying this desperate man who is striving to keep his head above water in a tight-knit but hard-scrabble Bible Belt town. The film zeroes in, too, on Carrie Preston (True Blood) as the contest’s perky organiser Joan

Everything you need to know about visiting Meiji Shrine and its inner garden (1-1 Yoyogi-Kamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo). From its majestic torii gate and the surrounding forest to the iconic wall of sake barrels, Meiji Shrine (or Meiji Jingu) is easily the most iconic shrine in Tokyo and draws millions of visitors every year. Completed in 1920, the shrine is dedicated to Emperor Meiji – whose reign (1868-1912) coincided with Japan’s modernisation – and his consort, Empress Shoken. The original shrine buildings (except for Shukueisha and Minami-Shinmon) were burnt down after an air raid during World War II, so the current main buildings date back to 1958 when they were reconstructed. These structures are an impressive example of the austere style and restrained colours typical of Shinto architecture.  While the shrine is an ever-popular spot for sightseeing, it gets especially busy for Hatsumode (the first Shinto shrine visit of the New Year). Hatsumode occurs over the first three days of the New Year and is an auspicious occasion to worship and wish for good fortune. The shrine also regularly hosts numerous festivals, including two sumo dedicatory ceremonies in early January and at the end of September. You are likely to see couples dressed in wedding attire on your visit, as it is a common venue for Shinto marriage ceremonies.  Know before you go Admission is free, but if you want to experience the shrine at its most tranquil state, you might need to be up by dawn as the landm

727（神亀4）年創建の勝尾寺は、大阪の中でもとりわけ長い歴史を持ち、崇敬を集めてきた寺院の一つだ。大阪駅から電車で約1時間30分ほどの距離にあり、26万平方メートル超という広大な敷地を持つ。周囲はうっそうとした山に取り囲まれ、ハイキングコースをたどって、景勝地として名高い箕面（みのお）大滝へ行くことも可能だ。そして、秋には山々の木々が鮮やかな赤やだいだい色に染まり、鳥居や橋の朱色とあいまって見事な景色が見られる。 Photo: Katsuo-ji Temple 日中も美しい勝尾寺だが、現在は夜間ライトアップを開催しており、日没後の姿を鑑賞できる。ライトアップは2023年12月3日（日）までの土・日曜日と祝日限定で、拝観時間が20時30分まで延長される（最終受け付けは20時）。美しく照らされた紅葉、荘厳な寺院建築、そして池に映る影が織り成す風景は素晴らしく、訪れる人の心を奪うことだろう。 Photo: Katsuo-ji Temple 実は、勝尾寺は旅行者にとって注目の場所だ。「じゃらん」が2023年に公開した「圧巻！夜の紅葉絶景ランキングTOP10」にも選ばれている。 Photo: Katsuo-ji Temple 緑豊かな立地のほか、無数のだるまが奉納されていることもこの寺院を特徴付けている。だるまは宿願成就に関わる縁起物だ。その名前が示しているように、勝尾寺はスポーツ、学業、仕事など、人生のあらゆる場面において「自らに打ち勝ち」、「勝ち運」を願う人々が参拝をする寺院なのである。 アクセスに便利なシャトルバス「勝尾寺もみじ狩りバスツアー​​」のチケットは、オンラインで販売中。料金は大人2,000円（以下全て税込み）、小学生以下1,000円だ。当日申し込みの場合は大人2,495円、小学生以下は1,495円となる。 Photo: Katsuo-ji Temple チケットには入山料のほか、箕面駅から箕面大滝を経由して勝尾寺へ向かう往路便と、勝尾寺から箕面駅までの復路便の料金が含まれている。駅から寺院までの乗車時間は約30分、寺院から駅までは45分。大阪の中心部から箕面駅へは、大阪梅田駅から阪急宝塚本線・箕面線でアクセスできる。 関連記事 『Katsuo-ji temple in Osaka is lighting up for autumn night visits（原文）』 『秋に旅すべき美しい紅葉スポット8選』 『「新宿御苑」で紅葉ライトアップ、アートな提灯や秋の味覚が満載』 『東京、イルミネーション2023』 『日本三大イルミネーション、あしかがフラワーパークの「光の花の庭」が見逃せない』 『秋の夜長にしたい12のこと』 東京の最新情報をタイムアウト東京のメールマガジンでチェックしよう。登録はこちら

It's been a while since we had any updates from teamLab on reopening its world-renowned Borderless digital art museum, which closed its Odaiba location in August 2022. Now we have some good news: the attraction is set to reopen in Azabudai Hills in central Tokyo in early February 2024. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Time Out Tokyo (@timeouttokyo_) The Azabudai Hills complex, an ambitious, newly redeveloped district by Mori Building, is a mix of residential towers, offices, an international school and retail spaces, all interlinked by lush, green-filled plazas and walkways. The complex itself is set to open this Friday, November 24 2023. teamLab Borderless, however, will launch in a few short months, taking over the first basement level of Garden Plaza B. Photo: © teamLabUniverse of Water Particles, Transcending Boundaries / Flowers and People, Cannot be Controlled but Live Together Originally slated for a January 2024 reopening, the slight delay to February only heightens the anticipation for the new teamLab Borderless. This location aspires to recreate the magic of the original museum, but further enhanced with the debut of new artworks never before seen at other teamLab museums around the world.  Photo: © teamLabBubble Universe: Physical Light, Bubbles of Light, Wobbling Light, and Environmental Light Among the highlights is the ‘Bubble Universe’ room, which reimagines the art collective's crowd-pleasing 'Forest of Resonating Lamps' i

It's been a while since we had any updates from teamLab on the reopening of its world-renowned Borderless digital art museum, which closed its Odaiba location in August 2022. Photo: teamLab Borderless, Toranomon-Azabudai Project, Tokyo ©teamLab Now we have a bit of good news: the attraction is set to reopen in Azabudai Hills in central Tokyo in January 2024. Photo: teamLab, Microcosmoses (tentative title) © teamLab The buzz initially hinted at a 2023 reopening, but the slight delay won’t keep us waiting much longer because January is just around the corner. Photo: teamLab, Microcosmoses (tentative title) © teamLab If we've learned anything from teamLab’s previous offerings, the experience will be worth the wait.  Photo: teamLab, Proliferating Immense Life © teamLab This brand-new location looks to be a promising recreation of the original teamLab Borderless facility, which won a Guinness World Record title in 2021 for being the most visited museum dedicated to a single group or artist in the world.  Photo: teamLab, Birth © teamLab The museum will feature some familiar installations – but reworked, of course – as well as new interactive works that have never been seen in Japan before. Photo: teamLab, Sea of Clouds © teamLab A few notable installations that have been named so far include 'Proliferating Immense Life' plus 'Birth' and 'Sea of Clouds', both from the 'Light Sculpture’ series.  The exact opening date of the all-new Borderless has yet to b

A manmade island on the fringe of the Koto district, Toyosu is known best as the home of Tokyo's largest wholesale market, which moved here from its previous location in Tsukiji in 2018. From February 2024, however, the area is set to gain a new attraction with the opening of Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai, offering more than just the famed early morning tuna auctions.  Photo: Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai This grand undertaking by hospitality company Manyo Club will usher in a multi-storey shopping and entertainment hub, drawing rich inspiration from the streets of Edo Tokyo (1603-1868). The upcoming facility will be a compound of two distinct sections: the commercial wing, the Toyosu Offsite Edomae Market, and a super sento called Tokyo Toyosu Manyo Club. Photo: Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai The commercial section features three storeys, covering an impressive area of around 14,690sqm. Built using traditional materials like Mikage stone, smoked tiles from Awaji Island, and timber sourced from the Tama region, this structure resurrects the old-world charm of Edo-period streets. Inside, visitors can feast on fresh seafood from Toyosu Market and dishes like ramen, tempura and robatayaki skewers. Photo: Toyosu Senkyaku Banrai The bathhouse section, reaching up to nine floors with an additional basement level, sprawls across approximately 19,095sqm. It offers an open-air bath filled with water directly sourced from Hakone-Yugawara hot springs, alongside facilities for bedrock baths, massages an

With a history that stretches back to 727 AD, Katsuo-ji is one of Osaka's oldest and most revered temples. A 90-minute train journey from Osaka Station, this Buddhist sanctuary sits on roughly 65 acres of land and is surrounded by lush hills and nature trails that lead to picturesque waterfalls. Needless to say, the temple grounds are stunning in autumn, as the trees turn into striking shades of red and orange that echo the temple’s vermillion gates and bridges.  Photo: Katsuo-ji Temple Katsuo-ji’s compound is beautiful in daylight, but the temple is now illuminated at night to give you a chance to appreciate the historical site and its beauty after dark. For a limited period until December 3, Katsuo-ji will extend its opening hours to 8.30pm daily (last entry at 8pm), allowing you to revel in the mesmerising interplay of light on the autumn leaves, majestic temple structures and serene pond reflections. Photo: Katsuo-ji Temple Katsuo-ji holds a distinguished place among travellers. It was recently ranked among Japan’s top ten temples according to a 2023 survey conducted by Japanese travel website Jalan. Beyond its lush natural setting, the temple is instantly recognisable by the thousands of red daruma dolls displayed on the grounds. Photo: Katsuo-ji Temple The name 'Katsuo-ji' is born from the Japanese word for 'winning' (katsu). The daruma dolls are a talisman for good luck, so this is thought to be a temple that people can go to when they're trying to overcome their

待ちに待った「ジブリパーク」が愛知県にオープンしたのは2022年秋のこと。これまで、展示やキャラクターグッズのショップ、そして「となりのトトロ」や「耳をすませば」など、宮崎駿の人気作品をリアルに再現したエリアが訪れる人を楽しませてきた。 Photo: Ghibli Park 開園時には3つのエリアのみが公開され、残る2エリアは準備中となっていたが、2023年11月1日、そのうちの一つ「もののけの里」が新たにオープン。1997年公開のファンタジー大作「もののけ姫」がテーマのエリアだ。 Photo: Ghibli Park   同所には、映画に登場する「タタリ神」のオブジェ、「エミシの村」の「物見やぐら」や「乙事主（おっことぬし）」を模した巨大すべり台が設けられている。タタリ神と物見やぐらには登ることができないが、乙事主のすべり台は、12歳以下の子ども限定で実際に遊ぶことができる。大人は我慢しよう。 Photo: Ghibli Park 年齢に関係なく楽しめるのは、作品に登場する建物をモチーフとした草ぶき屋根の「タタラ場」だ。ここでは、中部地方の郷土料理である五平餅の炭火焼き体験が楽しめる。 Photo: Ghibli Park 入場券はエリアごとに分かれており、事前予約が必要となる。「青春の丘」と「どんどこ森」は、大人1,000円、4歳～小学生500円（以下全て税込み）。「もののけの里」は「ジブリの大倉庫」とセットで、平日は大人2,500円、4歳～小学生1,250円（土・日曜日・祝日は大人3,000円、子ども1,500円）だ。 Photo: Ghibli Park 2024年3月16日（土）には「魔女の谷」がオープンし、園がさらに充実する予定だ。「魔女の宅急便」「ハウルの動く城」「アーヤと魔女」にインスパイアされたこのエリアでは、ヨーロッパ風の雰囲気が味わえるとのこと。主人公キキゆかりの「オキノ邸」や「グーチョキパン屋」のほか、高さ16メートルの「ハウルの城」などが再現される。 関連記事 『Ghibli Park finally opens its ‘Princess Mononoke’ attraction（原文）』 『ジブリ好きのための東京ガイド』 『ジブリパークを訪れるなら知っておきたい11のこと』 『大人も夢中になるいちご色の世界「魔法の文学館」でしかできない5のこと』 『3つの広場と樹林地が整備、「都立明治公園」が国立競技場そばに開園』 『代官山に森出現、隈研吾設計のサステナブルな新拠点「フォレストゲート代官山」が誕生』 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

Last year in autumn, Studio Ghibli unveiled its long-awaited theme park in Aichi, featuring exhibits, character shops and real-life replicas inspired by scenes from beloved Hayao Miyazaki movies like 'My Neighbor Totoro'. Photo: Ghibli Park Although the park initially soft-launched with three completed sections while two more remained under construction, it recently unveiled its second phase on November 1 with the opening of Mononoke Village, themed after the 1997 fantasy epic 'Princess Mononoke.' Photo: Ghibli Park Here in the Mononoke Village, you’ll find a replica of the Demon Spirit, a watchtower from Emishi Village, and a statue of the giant boar god Lord Okkoto. The Demon Spirit and Watchtower are just for show, but the boar god statue doubles as a slide for kids aged 12 and under (sorry, grown-ups).  Photo: Ghibli Park For something everyone of all ages can enjoy, head to the Tatara-ba hut, which has a grass-thatched roof like the ones seen in the film. Here, you can experience making a local speciality called Gohei mochi (rice cakes). This snack has a long history in the region and was traditionally eaten by the people in the mountains of Aichi.  Photo: Ghibli Park Each area of Ghibli Park requires a separate ticket for entry, which must be booked in advance. Admission tickets to the Hill of Youth and Dondoko Forest each cost ¥1,000 for adults and ¥500 for children on weekends and weekdays. Entry to the Mononoke Village is combined with a ticket for the Ghibl

Daikayama's skyline welcomed its first major development in years with the inauguration of Forestgate Daikanyama. This commercial complex, a short two-minute stroll from Daikanyama Station, opened its doors on October 19. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Designed by Kengo Kuma, the distinctive geometric structure is reminiscent of wooden boxes stacked into a tall tower, complete with a facade of timber slats strategically lined to optimise airflow. The design not only gives the building a distinctive character but also aligns with a minimal waste philosophy in that the timber slats can be disassembled and relocated for future upcycling.  Photo: Kisa Toyoshima Landscape architect Taichi Saito further reinforces the building's ecological focus, planting trees on the balconies to buffer the interior from strong sunlight. Additionally, a flourishing rooftop garden contributes to the complex's biodiverse catalogue of over 400 plant species. Photo: Kisa Toyoshima The complex is divided into two sections – the main building and the Tenoha building. The former has one basement level and ten storeys above ground. The three lower levels are dedicated to an array of eateries and shops like Blue Bottle Coffee and a soon-to-open Jo Malone flagship store, while office spaces and residences occupy the upper floors. Photo: Tokyu Land CorporationThe rooftop garden of the Tenoha building In contrast, the Tenoha building is a hub for social interaction. There are just two storeys featuring a flowe

In a game-changing shift from its traditional early-morning ticket distribution, Michelin-starred ramen restaurant Ginza Hachigou has updated its seating system with the introduction of online reservations. As of November 2023, ramen enthusiasts seeking to indulge in the restaurant's highly lauded modern noodles (from ¥1,200) no longer need to queue up early in the morning.  Through the online reservation platform TableCheck, you can now secure your spot at the six-seat counter in advance. There is, however, a nominal ¥500 booking fee per person – a small price for guaranteed seating and a taste of Chef Yasushi Matsumura's French-infused ramen mastery. Photo: Lim Chee Wah With this new system, reservations open every Saturday at 9am for the subsequent week, offering time slots at half-hour intervals from 12.30pm to 2.30pm. Yes, this also means you only have 30 minutes to finish your meal. While this pivot to digital booking represents a more convenient approach to dining logistics, Ginza Hachigou will continue to accommodate walk-in guests from 11am to 12.30pm. However, there's a limit of 30 spaces for walk-ins per day. Does this make nabbing a spot at the famed noodle joint any less competitive? Probably not. The restaurant can only accommodate six diners at a time and the reserved seats only apply to the two-hour window period between 12.30pm to 2.30pm. So those without reservations will still have to rock up pretty early for their bowl of ramen, but the triumph of scorin

Everyone has something they look forward to in autumn, whether it’s cooler temperatures or onsen getaways. However, the one universal thing that captivates all our hearts is the radiant display of autumn leaves. If you've been planning an autumnal trip to Japan, you'll be pleased to hear that the Japan Meteorological Corporation, our trusted source for seasonal insights, has recently updated its forecast for this year's fall foliage. The corporation has two specific projections for the season: one focusing on the fiery red momiji (Japanese maple leaves) and the other spotlighting the golden hues of the ginkgo leaves. Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation Ginkgo leaves forecast Autumnal transformations will first appear in Japan’s northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido, where Sapporo will see its ginkgo trees flourish around November 9 – four days later than the average year. Tokyo's ginkgo trees, usually expected to be most vibrant around November 23, are predicted to peak around November 26 instead. Osaka will see its ginkgo transformation around November 24, while Kyoto's leaves will peak on November 26. Photo: Japan Meteorological Corporation Momiji forecast Switching our focus to the momiji, Tokyo is now projected to experience the peak of maple leaves around December 1. Osaka should gear up for an impressive momiji display around December 3, with Kyoto set to flourish on December 11. Meanwhile, Sapporo’s updated forecast predicts the maple leaves to be at its best aro

After a period of renovations, the Suntory Yamazaki Distillery in Osaka prefecture is ready to welcome visitors again from November 1 – just in time to celebrate 100 years since Suntory's founder, Shinjiro Torii, began his whisky enterprise in Yamazaki. With the latest revamp, you can now delve into the unique allure of the Yamazaki Distillery through an enriched exhibition and tour experience. Photo: Suntory Holdings The whisky museum and tasting lounge At the historic Yamazaki Whisky Museum, which has stood since the inception of the distillery, you can find exhibits showcasing the meticulous process behind the creation of one of the world’s most coveted Japanese whiskies.  The reinvigorated tasting lounge, on the other hand, is encircled by a vast array of original bottles. This particular spot is a haven for whisky aficionados. Here, you can savour not only the iconic Suntory Single Malt Whisky Yamazaki but also other exclusive whiskies available solely at this location. Photo: Suntory Holdings Distillery tours There are two distillery tours to choose from. And since spaces are limited, tickets are available via a lottery system. Photo: Suntory Holdings Yamazaki Distillery Craftsmanship TourDuration: 80 minutesFee: ¥3,000Although this is the shorter of the two options, this tour offers whisky lovers a decent overview of the facility, where you can learn about the meticulous process behind whisky-making, view the casks used for ageing the spirit, and sample whiskies

Three-day weekends are lovely on their own, but this Friday’s national holiday on November 3 comes with one extra perk. Established in 1945, this day is earmarked as Japan’s Culture Day to celebrate and appreciate the arts. It's a time when events, exhibitions and museum visits become a communal affair, with friends and families spending quality time together revelling in the rich cultural tapestry of the nation. As such, in the spirit of this holiday, many museums and local galleries in Tokyo – and across Japan – have graciously waived their entry fees on this day. In this guide, we highlight the most prominent institutions participating in this complimentary admission day, along with the exhibitions you won’t want to miss. Photo: The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo With a history dating back to 1952, MOMAT boasts one of Japan’s most extensive modern art displays, presenting around 200 works each term from its impressive collection of over 13,000 pieces. MOMAT usually charges a general admission fee of ¥500 for its permanent collection, but on Culture Day, it'll be free.  The National Museum of Western Art Established in 1959, Japan's National Museum of Western Art has a vast permanent collection spanning pre-18th-century works to early 20th-century French paintings. There are works by the great masters, including Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso, tracing Western art's evolution from the Renaissance to modern expression. Entry to the pe