Whether you’re obsessed with Japanese cuteness or just looking for a fun Golden Week read, the latest issue of Time Out Japan is finally here. This special edition dives into what kawaii looks and feels like in 2026, complete with two collectible covers featuring a squeezable cedar tree plushie and a cuddly bonsai.
Inside, we spotlight soft toy creator Meriyasu Kataoka and floral print blanket master Makoto Egashira, alongside plushie photography tips, quirky kawaii icons to know, nightlife spots across Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, and a look at the stranger side of Ikebukuro.
Pick up your FREE copy of Time Out Japan magazine in English at Haneda and Narita airports, Time Out Market Osaka, as well as selected hotels, tourist information centres, restaurants, cafés and shops across Japan.
For more info and to read the issue, head to the link in our bio ⬆️ #TimeOutJapan
Cover art direction: Steve Nakamura; Photography: Naohiro Tsukada
When the office nap turns into a full-blown kawaii dreamscape… step into that world with our upcoming issue of Time Out Japan, out April 30. This special edition explores what kawaii looks like in 2026, with two collectible covers featuring a squeezable cedar-tree plushie by soft-toy creator Meriyasu Kataoka and a cuddly bonsai by artist Makoto Egashira. Inside, you’ll also find features on plushie-friendly services, photography tips and quirky kawaii icons to know.
You’ll be able to pick up your FREE copy of Time Out Japan magazine in English at Haneda and Narita airports, Time Out Market Osaka, as well as selected hotels, tourist information centres, restaurants, cafés and shops across Japan. A digital edition will also be made available.
花柄毛布に包まれた独特の世界観や、絶妙なアンバランスさを持つぬいぐるみ…「奇妙だけどかわいいものたち」の世界へようこそ。
『Time Out Japan Magazine』特別号（言語：英語）が2026年4月30日（木）にリリース！🎉
今回の特集テーマは「The New Kawaii」。2026年の「かわいい」がどのような姿をしているのかを掘り下げる。表紙ビジュアルは、ぬいぐるみ作家・片岡メリヤスによる屋久杉のぬいぐるみと、アーティスト・江頭誠による盆栽の2種類だ。
誌面では日本発のクセかわキャラ特集、「ぬい活」最前線、池袋の「変かわ」ヴェニューガイドなども紹介している。
『Time Out Japan Magazine』特別号は、羽田空港や成田空港、Time Out Market Osakaのほか、日本各地の一部ホテル、観光案内所、レストラン、カフェ、ショップなどで無料配布される。日本語版はWebサイトで展開されるのでチェックしてほしい。
Mt Fuji climbing season is almost here ⛰️ Registration for the 2026 season is now open, with trails welcoming hikers from July through September. While entry fees have increased to ¥4,000 per person, Japan’s most iconic peak remains one of the country’s most popular summer adventures.
The Yoshida and Subashiri trails open July 1, while Fujinomiya and Gotemba open July 10. Yoshida Trail will once again cap climbers at 4,000 people per day to help manage overcrowding, though Shizuoka’s three trails currently have no limits. Be sure to register in advance, follow all safety guidelines and gear up properly before taking on the climb.
Head to the link in our bio for more deets ⬆️ #TimeOutTokyo
Photo: Filiz Elaerts/Unsplash
Forget quinoa and kombucha – Japan’s latest comfort food craze is all about ultra-caffeinated energy drinks, instant Jiro-style ramen and home-delivered fried chicken. According to a recent report by the Mainichi, many young people in Japan are now more likely to unwind alone at home with indulgent treats than go out drinking or singing karaoke.
With convenience stores becoming the go-to spot for guilty pleasures, we headed to our local konbini to try some of the junk food everyone’s obsessed with right now. More via the link in bio ⬆️ #TimeOutTokyo
Photos: Keisuke Tanigawa
@theweeknd has finally announced the final dates for his After Hours Til Dawn tour – and it all begins here in Tokyo. The 2026 Asia leg of the hugely popular tour kicks off on September 20 at Belluna Dome in Saitama before heading to Jakarta, Singapore, Seoul, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Kuala Lumpur.
As the newly announced Asia dates mark the final chapter of the tour, this may be your last chance to catch him live. Presale begins on May 18, with fan registration open via his official tour website until May 15. More deets via the link in bio ⬆️ #TimeOutTokyo
Photo: Universal Music LLC
Japan’s railways are famous for their punctuality and speed, but some trains are designed to slow things down. The country’s countless scenic train services – known as Joyful Trains among rail enthusiasts and operators – turn the journey itself into a destination with elaborate interiors inspired by local culture and crafts, dining experiences showcasing regional produce, and breathtaking views through panoramic windows.
From charming regional lines rolling past rice paddies to routes hugging dramatic seaside scenery, here are some of our top picks for sightseeing trains in Japan.
For more, hit the link in our bio ⬆️ #TimeOutTokyo
Photos: Echigo Tokimeki Railway, East Japan Railway Company, West Japan Railway Company
Kagoshima’s biggest festival is returning to Shibuya on May 16 and 17 with lively parades, folk songs and traditional dance performances. The main procession takes place on Sunday afternoon along Dogenzaka-dori and Bunkamura-dori, where you’ll see dancers in colourful yukata and happi coats accompanied by taiko drummers.
This year also brings the Kagoshima Shochu & Music Fest to the rooftop Glade Park event space above Uniqlo Dogenzaka. Expect shochu from 24 Kagoshima distilleries, with drinks starting from ¥300 a cup. More details via the link in bio ⬆️ #TimeOutTokyo
Photo: Akulamatiau/Dreamstime
Ron Mueck, the Australian-born artist known for his hyperreal sculptures and emotionally charged human figures, has returned to Japan with his first solo exhibition here in 18 years. Now on at the @moriartmuseum until September 23, the exhibition features 11 major works tracing Mueck’s career, including six being shown in Japan for the first time.
Highlights include the Japan debut of ‘Mass’, an immersive installation made up of 100 giant skulls, alongside iconic works like ‘In Bed’, ‘Angel’ and ‘Woman with Shopping’. The exhibition also features photographs and films offering a rare glimpse into the artist’s studio practice. For more exhibition deets, visit the link in our bio ⬆️ #TimeOutTokyo
NamNam Space, the volunteer-run queer community centre in Koenji known for its art exhibitions, film screenings, bake sales and open mics, has announced that its lease will not be renewed. The space will remain open until October 2026, after which the organisation will need to relocate.
To help fund a new home, NamNam has launched a fundraiser with a goal of at least ¥3.5 million. Despite the setback, staff say they remain hopeful about the future of the community space. More details via the link in bio ⬆️ #TimeOutTokyo
Photo: Christopher House
@the_sg_tavern has recently unveiled a revamped food menu led by newly appointed executive chef @ryusuke_nakagawa who earned a Michelin star for four consecutive years in Toronto. Trained in Kansai and known for both his refined Japanese cuisine and standout hospitality, Nakagawa now brings his ingredient-driven approach to the popular Marunouchi bar.
The new menu features elevated bar bites including tuna sushi monaka, foie gras pressed sushi, and sea urchin and seaweed tempura – making this one of Tokyo’s most exciting drinking-and-dining pairings right now. Check it out the next time you’re in the area. #TimeOutTokyo
One of Tokyo’s biggest traditional festivals returns to Asakusa this weekend. First held in 1312, Sanja Matsuri celebrates the founders of Sensoji Temple and draws close to two million visitors over three days of mikoshi parades, processions and street festivities.
The main highlight takes place on Sunday (May 17), when three enormous mikoshi are carried through the streets of Asakusa from morning until evening, while Saturday (May 16) sees around 100 mikoshi from 44 local districts gather at Asakusa Shrine. Friday’s procession through Kaminarimon may be your best chance for photos with smaller crowds. More details via the link in bio ⬆️ #TimeOutTokyo
Photo: Julie Fader/Unsplash
