logo
Tokyo is officially the world's best city for a ‘workation' – here's the full list

Tokyo is officially the world's best city for a ‘workation' – here's the full list

Time Out16 hours ago
Can you even remember life before hybrid working? Well, it wasn't actually that long ago, but many of us have become so accustomed to the option of working remotely that we can't imagine life any other way.
And what remote working has enabled is an increase in people jetting off on 'workations' – aka working vacations. But if you're planning to jump on calls abroad, you'd better make sure you've got good wi-fi and a decent place to stay. So, where are the world's best places to work-from-vacay?
The third annual ' work from anywhere barometer ' from International Workplace Group evaluates cities based on 12 different criteria (such as broadband speed, transport costs, climate, flexible workspace availability, and access to nature) and it was Tokyo that claimed the crown!
Scoring 91 out of a possible 120, the Japanese capital did well thanks to speedy broadband, top-tier transport infrastructure, safety, and a new digital nomad visa, which launched in spring last year. Oh, that's on top of its proximity to mountains and national parks, as well as Tokyo's brilliant skyline and packed offering of museums and street food.
Rio de Janeiro claimed second place with a score of 90 (affordable living costs and citywide 5G rollout are to thank) and Budapest claimed a close third with 89.5 (props to its strong transport links and heaps of cultural spaces).
These are the 10 best cities for a workation
Tokyo, Japan
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Budapest, Hungary
Seoul, South Korea
Barcelona, Spain
Beijing, China
Lisbon, Portugal
Rome, Rome
Paris, Italy
Valletta, Malta
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Tokyo dessert restaurant Haruka Murooka specialises in sweet omakase courses
Tokyo dessert restaurant Haruka Murooka specialises in sweet omakase courses

Time Out

time5 hours ago

  • Time Out

Tokyo dessert restaurant Haruka Murooka specialises in sweet omakase courses

While treating yourself to a fancy omakase meal like sushi has long been a quintessential Tokyo experience, dessert omakase might just be the next must-have culinary escapade in the capital. One of the best places to enjoy this super-sweet experience is Haruka Murooka, the namesake restaurant of acclaimed pastry chef Haruka Murooka, who opened her elegant space in April 2024. The restaurant near Nogizaka Station has only six counter seats, all facing an open kitchen where you can watch Chef Murooka craft her desserts using fresh fruits and vegetables sourced directly from producers across Japan. Murooka's dessert omakase has quickly gained acclaim, landing in the Michelin Guide Tokyo 2025 as a Selected Restaurant in the Creative category – and one of the few places in the city devoted solely to fruit- and dessert-focused cuisine. Drawing on 16 years of experience, Murooka crafts each dessert like a work of art. Her nine-course omakase showcases the best seasonal produce in beautifully composed sweets. On our recent visit this summer, we were treated to a menu highlighting the season's sweet peaches. The Peach Vervain showcased Yamanashi peaches in various forms, including a fragrant jelly made from the peels, a refreshing peach kakigori shaved ice, a light peach cream foam, and delicate cuts of the fruit cooked just on the surface to maintain their juicy bite. Another standout dish was the Water Cacao, a decadent chocolate creation featuring layers of foamy chocolate, ice cream, coffee kakigori and cacao bean roasted jelly. The bitterness of this chocolate dessert was a nice punctuation between the other sweet plates. While dessert takes the spotlight, savoury elements add unexpected layers throughout the experience. For instance, we got to try Murooka's freshly baked edamame bean focaccia served with prosciutto, and her chilled corn soup topped with mozzarella mousse and freshly shaved truffle. With so many options out there, it's no wonder diners today are seeking out fresh, unique experiences – especially when it comes to sweets. When asked about the growing popularity of dessert omakase, Murooka explained: 'After visiting their go-to sushi or Japanese restaurants, many people are looking for something new. I think more are turning to dessert omakase because it's an experience that really exists only in Japan. Thanks to Japan's rich agricultural landscape, we have access to delicious, fresh fruit all year round. That's one of the country's strengths – and it's what makes the dessert omakase scene possible. It's exactly what many of my customers come looking for.' If you'd like to try out Haruka Murooka's dessert omakase for yourself, you can make a reservation via the website. Omakase meals start from ¥23,100 and include a drink pairing featuring wines, fruit brandies and original fruit cocktails – or non-alcoholic options – curated by Murooka. Cakes and other baked goods, including Murooka's famous focaccia, can also be ordered online.

7 Dubai Creek Harbour restaurants to check out on your next visit
7 Dubai Creek Harbour restaurants to check out on your next visit

Time Out Dubai

time12 hours ago

  • Time Out Dubai

7 Dubai Creek Harbour restaurants to check out on your next visit

One of the city's up and coming neighbourhoods, it's no surprise that tasty new eats keep popping up in Dubai Creek Harbour. Home to a selection of restaurants, you can enjoy plenty of cuisines in this neck of the woods, complete with a gorgeous view of the water. If you like this: These are officially the best restaurants in Dubai for 2025 If you're in the area and feeling peckish, check out one of these top spots and dig in. Dubai Creek Harbour restaurants Batoni The Georgian restaurant bakes its bread fresh every morning, so a khachapuri with truffle has to be on your order. If you're visiting with mates (or are really hungry), the metre-long kebab might just do the trick, or for something a little smaller, the shrimp or veal lula kebabs are also worth a try. To finish, grab a slice of the ideal cake, packed with condensed milk, crushed nuts and a layer of crispy meringue in the middle. Open daily 11am-noon. Dubai Creek Harbour, (056 229 4224). DUO Gastrobar Credit: DUO Gastrobar Boasting a menu of modern European cuisine with a slight touch of Asia, DUO's aim is to bring the essence of Saint Petersburg to Dubai. Kick off with a plate of fresh Dibba Bay oysters before moving onto the signature beef tartare with parmesan. Focussing on simple but effective ingredients, be sure to dig a fork into the sea bass with spicy ponzu before you leave. Open Sun-Thu 9am-11pm; Fri-Sat 9am-midnight. Dubai Creek Harbour, (052 756 7663). EGE Named after the Aegean Sea, EGE really leans into that Mediterranean vibe – think warm hospitality, tasty flavours and a whole lot of festivity. The menu is a proper celebration of the Aegean region, loaded with super-fresh seafood, sizzling grills, colourful mezes great for sharing and classic desserts. Everything's made with high-quality ingredients, so you know it's the real deal. Plus, they've got a great selection of grape, hops and mixed drinks to go with your meal. Open Mon-Thu 3pm-1am, Fri-Sun 1pm-1am. VIDA Creek Harbour, Dubai Creek Harbour, (04 572 9915). Kiyoshi Opening inside Vida Creek Beach, the Japanese restaurant is a great spot for an Insta and a sashimi slice or two. Offering a selection of deals throughout the week, take the fam on a Sunday so the little ones can get a free sando, or get comfy in a blue floral booth to tackle its Maki Monday menu. Open Mon-Thu 4pm-1am; Fri-Sun noon-1am. Vida Creek Harbour Hotel, Dubai Creek Harbour, (04 572 6578). Soul Green Calling all veggies, this waterside spot has plenty of veggie, vegan, gluten and dairy free dishes meaning that everyone is covered. From a vegan apricot and cheese bruschetta to a spicy cauliflower steak or mushroom gnocchi, every Plus, there's a sundowner buy-one-get-one-free menu on from 4pm-9pm Fridays through Tuesdays paired with a very impressive view. Open daily noon-1am. Dubai Creek Harbour, (050 747 6678). Vietnamese Foodies The family-run restaurant has a selection of outlets across Dubai, meaning you never have far to turn for a good bowl of Pho. Whether it's the slow-simmering 14-hour bone broth or the perfectly caramelised Vit Nuong Hoisin (grilled duck breast), the experience is as much about the theatre of cooking as it is about the food itself. Open Sun-Thu 11am-midnight; Fri-Sat 11am-1am. Dubai Creek Residences 3, (04 876 0438). Za Za Slice The New York-style pizzeria opened its second restaurant in Dubai Creek Harbour in March 2025, after it's Satwa debut saw hungry diners queueing around the corner to get in. Looking out over the water, there's plenty of indoor and outdoor space to demolish a few slices, with all the usual trusty flavours appearing on the menu. Whether its the stracciatella and hot honey calling your name, or you fancy an entire 14-inch pepperoni to yourself, expect to take on some serious carb-loading here. Open daily 11am-midnight. Dubai Creek Harbour, @zazaslice Hungry for more? These are officially the best restaurants in Dubai for 2025 Tried and tested by us 10 family-friendly Dubai restaurants that kids (and adults) will love Everyone will be happy, trust us 33 of Dubai's best burgers to try in 2025 From double cheese behemoths to meat-free monsters

Tokyo is officially the world's best city for a ‘workation' – here's the full list
Tokyo is officially the world's best city for a ‘workation' – here's the full list

Time Out

time16 hours ago

  • Time Out

Tokyo is officially the world's best city for a ‘workation' – here's the full list

Can you even remember life before hybrid working? Well, it wasn't actually that long ago, but many of us have become so accustomed to the option of working remotely that we can't imagine life any other way. And what remote working has enabled is an increase in people jetting off on 'workations' – aka working vacations. But if you're planning to jump on calls abroad, you'd better make sure you've got good wi-fi and a decent place to stay. So, where are the world's best places to work-from-vacay? The third annual ' work from anywhere barometer ' from International Workplace Group evaluates cities based on 12 different criteria (such as broadband speed, transport costs, climate, flexible workspace availability, and access to nature) and it was Tokyo that claimed the crown! Scoring 91 out of a possible 120, the Japanese capital did well thanks to speedy broadband, top-tier transport infrastructure, safety, and a new digital nomad visa, which launched in spring last year. Oh, that's on top of its proximity to mountains and national parks, as well as Tokyo's brilliant skyline and packed offering of museums and street food. Rio de Janeiro claimed second place with a score of 90 (affordable living costs and citywide 5G rollout are to thank) and Budapest claimed a close third with 89.5 (props to its strong transport links and heaps of cultural spaces). These are the 10 best cities for a workation Tokyo, Japan Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Budapest, Hungary Seoul, South Korea Barcelona, Spain Beijing, China Lisbon, Portugal Rome, Rome Paris, Italy Valletta, Malta

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store