Metropolis Japan

Our latest articles

10 Lesser-Known Secondhand Bookstores in Tokyo that Sell English Books

Quirky spots to find cheap English books in Tokyo

What’s Up With Bad Sex in Murakami?

Pleasure and prose in ‘Killing Commendatore’ and other novels

Ukiyo: Creative Cuisine in Yoyogi-Uehara

Elevating Japanese ingredients into a sophisticated dining experience

Where to Buy Pokémon Cards in Tokyo

The best shops in the city, with map links to find them

Is There Hantavirus in Japan?

A guide to history, risk, and the 2026 cruise ship outbreak

The Bullet Train, A Loaded Story

Japan likes to say the Shinkansen arrived just in time for the Olympics. But in truth, it arrived in spite of everything.

Executive Fight Night 2026

Tokyo’s executives duel for charity

Your Weekly Horoscope April 24 – May 1

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

Decoding the Japanese Workplace: Japanese Business Etiquette Workshop & Mixer

Jul 10, 2026 at 6:30pm ~ Jul 10, 2026 at 8:30pm

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

LIVE & CONNECT TOKYO #2—Navigating Life & Building Connections in Tokyo

Jul 11, 2026 at 1:00pm

Jul 11, 2026 at 4:00pm

“To The Sky” Exhibition at WHAT CAFE

Jul 03, 2026 at 6:30pm

Jul 20, 2026 at 5:00pm

Toyokawa Inari Ooka-Echizen Festival

Sep 22, 2026 at 11:00am

Sep 22, 2026 at 5:00pm

Swiss & 🇦🇹 Austrian Wine🍷 Dinner at Tokyo American Club

Aug 01, 2026 at 6:00pm

Aug 01, 2026 at 9:00pm

Chiikawa☆Starry SKYTREE and the Secret Island

Jul 10, 2026 at 10:00am

Oct 31, 2026 at 9:00pm

Katsushika Fireworks Festival

Jul 28, 2026 at 7:20pm

Jul 28, 2026 at 8:20pm

Mitama Festival 2026

Jul 13, 2026 at 9:00am

Jul 16, 2026 at 8:00pm

Pirates of Tokyo Bay: English & Japanese Improv Comedy

Nov 29, 2026 at 7:30pm

Nov 29, 2026 at 9:30pm

See All Events Events This Week Events Next Week

Culture

Open Mic Session with Stand-Up Comedian Yurié Collins

Bringing sharp wit and cross-cultural insight to Japan’s comedy scene.

What Niseko Says About the Future of Travel in Japan

A weekend in Hirafu’s luxury bubble, staying at Niseko Kyo and dining at Masonry

Tokyo Cafés Featured in Anime

Tokyo Cafes to visit in real life that your favorite characters dined at

MOMAT Spring Festival 2026

Celebrating spring at the National Museum of Modern Art Tokyo

Living

Tokyo Day Trip: Utsunomiya “Gyoza Town”

Crispy dumplings, here I come!

Things to Do in Tokyo in June

Our handpicked list of the best events going on in June

Best Summer Beer Gardens in Tokyo 2026

Cold pours, sunset views and rooftop grills

Your Official “Hometown” Is the Imperial Palace? Welcome to Japan’s Honseki System

The bizarre loophole that’s turning castles, stadiums and airports into official family homes

Community

Metropolis Spring Issue 2024

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

That comfortable desk job? It’s killing you…

Sitting is rapidly becoming the new smoking

Osaka Startup Making People With Dental Problems Smile

Teeth regeneration drug could be expected by 2030

Noto Peninsula Earthquake: How to Help

Places to donate to help those affected by the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake

Ticks with potentially fatal SFTS expanding their range in northern Japan

Outdoor enthusiasts advised to be cautious

Is COVID-19 still in Japan?

The lingering presence of COVID-19 in Tokyo

Travel

Exploring Mitsuiboshi Kaido: Japan’s Artisanal Heartlands

A journey through the Three Star Road, where ancient crafts, hidden villages, and modern creativity converge

Tokyo Day Trip: Enoshima Caves, Shrines and Sea Views

Escape the city with a stunning Enoshima day trip

Luxury Glamping at THEATER 1 Tokyo

Escape the city with open-air hot tubs, a fire pit, and a private theater just 90 minutes from Shinjuku

Ishigaki Island Travel Guide: Beaches, Food and Hidden Gems in Okinawa

From purple sweet potatoes to wild horse sightings, here’s how to make the most of Okinawa’s tropical escape

Chiran, Kagoshima Travel Guide

Home to Kyoto-style gardens and the Peace Museum for kamikaze, Chiran offers a healthy dose of history and culture. Stephen Mansfield takes a walk.

Onomichi Travel Guide: Discover This Historic Port City

Once a pirate haunt, the port town of Onomichi in the Inland Sea still houses an intriguing array of temples, and a surprising number of cats and cat lovers. Stephen Mansfield goes exploring.