Tokyo Bay Exclusive Gourmet Cruise: Wagyu Edition

When most people picture a Tokyo Bay cruise, they think of sunset views and champagne toasts. But the Tokyo Bay Exclusive Gourmet Cruise - coordinated by TOKI and supported by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau - takes things to another level entirely. This is not just a sightseeing trip; it’s a semi-private floating fine dining experience aboard a refined yakatabune (traditional Japanese houseboat) reimagined with contemporary elegance.

Elegant counter seating aboard a luxury yakatabune for Tokyo Bay Exclusive Gourmet Cruise, where skilled chefs prepare fresh seasonal dishes as guests enjoy serene waterfront views

A Line-Up of Culinary Legends

Across three exclusive editions, this intimate cruise has welcomed some of Japan’s most celebrated chefs:

• Ginza Shinohara - Exquisite, artfully crafted kaiseki

• Sushi Namba - Masterful sushi precision

• Nikuya Tanaka - Legendary Wagyu craftsmanship

For the latest voyage, I joined the Wagyu Edition helmed by Satoru Tanaka, a titan in Japan’s beef world. On board, the spotlight shone on two exceptional long-raised cattle: 60-month female Matsuzaka beef and 48-month female Kobe beef - both revered for their marbling, depth of flavour, and melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Standout Dishes on the Water

The line-up was a testament to Tanaka’s artistry, paired with the shimmering backdrop of Tokyo’s night skyline:

• Wagyu Roll: Raw Matsuzaka beef marinated in kelp, wrapped with flounder sashimi from Aomori.

• Chateaubriand Sukiyaki: Unbelievably tender, luxuriously rich, and perfectly balanced.

• Matsuzaka Beef Stick Sushi: A decadent reinterpretation of sushi.

• Matsuzaka Beef Tempura: Crisp on the outside, juicy within.

Each dish celebrated premium Japanese ingredients with meticulous preparation and an attention to detail that rivalled any Michelin-starred dining room - only here, the city’s glittering skyline floated past your window.

City lights meet moonlit waters aboard a glowing yakatabune on Tokyo Bay

One-of-a-Kind Experience at Tokyo Bay Exclusive Gourmet Cruise

This is a by-inquiry-only event with limited seating, designed for those seeking one-of-a-kind culinary moments in Tokyo. Whether you are a devoted gourmet traveller or a Wagyu aficionado, this cruise delivers not just flavour, but a memory you will carry long after the plates are cleared.

Available by request → @toki.tokyo

Cocktails, Takeovers & Toasts: Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 in Macau

The much-anticipated Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 awards ceremony was held on July 15th, 2025, at the iconic Wynn Palace Macau, marking the tenth edition of this prestigious event. Organised by The World's 50 Best Bars and sponsored by Perrier, the celebration brought together Asia’s top bartenders, bar owners, and drinks industry pioneers for an unforgettable evening of recognition, collaboration, and craft cocktail excellence.

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Honouring Asia's Finest Bars

Bars from 20 cities across the region were recognised, with 20 new entries and two re-entries shaking up the rankings. The night celebrated creativity, resilience, and innovation within Asia’s bar scene - with a palpable sense of community as winners took the stage to accept their awards.

Japan’s Standout Showing

Japan had a powerful showing, with a total of 13 bars placing on the extended list:

Top 50 Rankings:

• No.9 Bar Benfiddich (Tokyo, Shinjuku)

• No.18 Virtù (Tokyo, Otemachi)

• No.25 Yakoboku (Kumamoto)

• No.36 Punch Room Tokyo (Tokyo, Ginza)

• No.46 Lamp Bar (Nara)

• No.49 Bar Libre (Tokyo, Ikebukuro)

51-100 Rankings:

• No.58 Craftroom (Osaka)

• No.67 Gold Bar (Tokyo, Toranomon)

• No.70 Tokyo Confidential (Tokyo, Azabujuban)

• No.76 Bee’s Knees (Kyoto)

• No.79 The Bellwood (Tokyo, Shibuya)

• No.99 The SG Club (Tokyo, Shibuya)

• No.100 Bar Nayuta (Osaka)

Special congratulations go to Tokyo Confidential, making the list at No.70 - a huge achievement for the new bar led by Holly Graham. Another shoutout goes to Gokan in Hong Kong, debuting at No.33 after just one year of opening. Helmed by Shingo Gokan, the legendary Japanese bartender and founder of The SG Group (which includes several acclaimed bars in Tokyo and beyond), Gokan showcases his signature blend of Japanese precision and international flair - a testament to his continued influence across Asia’s cocktail scene.

The cat-inspired "Neko-No-Densetsu" menu at Tokyo Confidential; Credit: Thomas Shagin

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Pre-Ceremony Highlights: Takeovers and Tastings

In the lead-up to the awards, Wynn Palace hosted a spectacular line-up of events that showcased Asia’s most exciting bar talent. Here are some of the standout moments:

• Wing Lei Bar Beach Club: Honky Tonks Tavern x Potato Head Bali - A sun-drenched afternoon blending Hong Kong’s honky-tonk flair with Bali’s beachside vibe, featuring cocktails, snacks, and DJ sets.

• Hong Kong Takeover at Wing Lei Bar - Two high-energy back-to-back collaborations: Mostly Harmless x Artifact (3–6PM) and The Pontiac x Call Me AL (6–9PM), delivering big flavours and bold atmospheres.

• Dinner at Chef Tam’s Seasons - A refined culinary experience at the MICHELIN two-starred Cantonese restaurant, highlighting seasonal elegance.

• iichiko Takeover at Mizumi - Shochu-forward cocktails from Singapore’s 28 HongKong Street and Tokyo’s Bar Trench (7–10PM), followed by a late-night session featuring Holly Graham (Tokyo Confidential) and Beckaly Franks (Artifact/Call Me AL).

• Mr. Black Presents: Offtrack - Coffee cocktail innovation from Singapore’s Offtrack at SW Steakhouse, spotlighting Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur.

• Wing Lei Bar Aperitivo Canto with Campari - A stylish Italian-inspired gathering with top talent from Bangkok, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Milan, and Singapore, paired with Chef Tam’s Cantonese snacks and live DJ sets.

• Battle of the Houses: Sago House x Jing Bar - A spirited showdown between Singapore and Chengdu’s finest, held at SW Steakhouse.

A few cocktail highlights from the bar takeover events during Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 week at Wynn Palace Macau

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A Toast to Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025

Elegant Cantonese dinners, raucous bar takeovers, and the glittering energy of awards night - Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2025 in Macau was a masterclass in celebration. Huge congratulations to all of the winners and nominees who continue to push boundaries and shape the future of cocktails across Asia. Cheers to another decade of excellence!

Flavour Fest at Tokyo Tokyo Delicious Museum 2025

A three-day celebration of Japan’s finest flavours (Credit: Tokyo Tokyo Delicious Museum)

From May 16 to 18, 2025, the Tokyo Tokyo Delicious Museum transformed Symbol Promenade Park in Ariake into a haven for food enthusiasts, showcasing the city's rich and diverse culinary scene. This free-admission event featured over 40 renowned eateries, offering visitors a unique opportunity to savor Tokyo's gastronomic excellence.

Among the standout experiences was Yoroniku's signature truffle sukiyaki on rice. This dish masterfully combined thinly sliced wagyu beef with aromatic truffle, creating a luxurious and harmonious flavour profile.

Yoroniku's Signature Truffle Sukiyaki on Rice

At Nyorosuke's booth, the tasting set offered a trio of eel preparations: thin-grilled, plain-grilled, and liver. This selection provided a comprehensive exploration of unagi's nuanced textures and flavours, reflecting the restaurant's dedication to traditional techniques.

For a sweet interlude, Hibiyakiimo presented their chilled yakiimo (baked sweet potato), a refreshing twist on a classic treat. Slow-baked over 48 hours, the sweet potato's natural sweetness and creamy texture were accentuated, offering a delightful contrast to the savoury offerings.

Nyorosuke's Unagi Tasting Set

Hibiyakiimo's Chilled Yakiimo (Baked Sweet Potato)

The Tokyo Tokyo Delicious Museum 2025 not only celebrated Tokyo's culinary heritage but also provided a platform for food lovers to engage with the city's vibrant food culture. With live cooking demonstrations, workshops, and a diverse array of dishes, the festival was a testament to Tokyo's status as a global gastronomic capital.