Metropolis Japan

Our latest articles

A Guide to Solo Hiking in Japan

Three hiking regions to join Japan’s hiking community

Kyoto’s Hidden Palaces

Escape the tourist mobs at former imperial villas

The Fukushima Diamond Route

A cut above the rest

All Time Best Japanese Fiction Books

From untouchable classics to the severely underrated

Silver Week 2026 in Japan: Dates, Crowds, and What to Do in Tokyo

Japan’s first full five-day Silver Week, with crowd forecasts and the best ways to spend it in Tokyo

Halloween Afternoon Tea in Tokyo 2026

Celebrate Halloween with Tokyo’s sweetest treats

TaiKouRou Tokyo: The Jumbo Gyoza Legend That’s Taking Over Your Feed

This 75-year-old restaurant near Tokyo Station serves a dumpling three times the size of a standard gyoza

Your Weekly Horoscope Sep 4 – 11

See what the stars have in store for you this week. World-renowned astrologer Cathryn Moe discusses love, money, luck and all else in this weekly series.

Events In Tokyo This Week

SF Flea Market 8: Handmade Creator Market in Kawasaki

Sep 12, 2026 at 12:00pm ~ Sep 12, 2026 at 5:00pm

Read The Latest Issue Summer 2026

Read our latest print magazine online and browse all the locations across Tokyo and the Kanto Region where you can pick up a copy for yourself.

Events

Inkigayo Live in Tokyo

Sep 22, 2026 at 4:00pm

Sep 23, 2026 at 9:00pm

GAMADASE: Kumamoto Earthquake Relief Event in Tokyo

Sep 21, 2026 at 11:00pm

Sep 22, 2026 at 6:00am

Rock in Japan Festival 2026

Sep 12, 2026 at 8:30am

Sep 21, 2026 at 8:15am

Pirates of Tokyo Bay: English & Japanese Improv Comedy

Oct 25, 2026 at 7:30pm

Oct 25, 2026 at 9:30pm

Gnaw Asia Tour 2026: Singapore Noise Rock in Tokyo

Oct 28, 2026 at 7:00pm

Oct 28, 2026 at 10:30pm

Parents Breakfast Club – Bring your kids day!

Feb 11, 2026 at 8:30am

Dec 30, 2026 at 10:00am

Nerd Nite Tokyo #81: Prime Numbers, Space and Art

Sep 18, 2026 at 7:00pm

Sep 18, 2026 at 10:30pm

RECIPROCITY 2026 Tokyo: Japan-Korea Indie Music in Ebisu

Oct 09, 2026 at 7:00pm

Oct 09, 2026 at 10:30pm

See All Events Events This Week Events Next Week

Culture

All Time Best Japanese Fiction Books

From untouchable classics to the severely underrated

Behind the Myth: The Politics of Japan’s Island Creation Story

The eighth-century tale of the islands’ divine birth reveals five pragmatic political motives

Tsukimi: Japan’s “Forgotten” Moon Celebration

From agricultural ritual to Heian court culture to a McDonald’s burger

When Is Tokyo Fashion Week?

What to expect from Japan’s biggest fashion event

Living

A Guide to Solo Hiking in Japan

Three hiking regions to join Japan’s hiking community

The Fukushima Diamond Route

A cut above the rest

Silver Week 2026 in Japan: Dates, Crowds, and What to Do in Tokyo

Japan’s first full five-day Silver Week, with crowd forecasts and the best ways to spend it in Tokyo

Halloween Afternoon Tea in Tokyo 2026

Celebrate Halloween with Tokyo’s sweetest treats

Community

Japan Residence Permit Fees Rise From October 1, 2026: Permanent Residency Jumps to ¥200,000

More about the process, eligibility rules, and paperwork

Paid Clinical Trials in Tokyo for International Residents and Visitors

Inside Tokyo’s paid clinical research program for foreigners—compensation, eligibility and what the experience is actually like

International Summer Schools in Japan for 2026

Key dates and fun options for your little ones

Metropolis Summer Issue 2026

See what’s inside and where to pick up a copy

Japan vs. Brazil World Cup 2026: Samurai Blue Through to Round of 32 After Sweden Thriller

Daizen Maeda’s second-half goal and a string of crucial saves from Zion Suzuki sent Japan through to the knockouts, where a date with Brazil awaits

Japan World Cup 2026 Guide: Schedule, Players & Where to Watch in Tokyo

The Samurai Blue are back for their eighth consecutive World Cup—here’s how to follow every match from Tokyo

Travel

A Guide to Solo Hiking in Japan

Three hiking regions to join Japan’s hiking community

Kyoto’s Hidden Palaces

Escape the tourist mobs at former imperial villas

The Fukushima Diamond Route

A cut above the rest

Hiking Mount Fuji

It’s not all about getting to the top

Kanazawa Travel Guide: A Taste of Old Japan

Kyoto’s charms without the hordes of tourists

Endemic Species That Only Exist on Specific Japanese Islands

From the ancient Amami rabbit to the flightless Okinawa rail, Japan’s remote southern islands have quietly produced some of the world’s rarest wildlife