Metropolis Winter Issue 2025
See what’s inside and where to pick up a copy
Tokyo Whisky Library: Omotesando’s Finest Curated Collection
One of Tokyo’s top whiskey experiences
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Tokyo
The city’s top seasonal rinks
Christmas in Okinawa
A festive escape to the sea in sunny Okinawa
What Is Oshikatsu? How Japan’s Fandom Culture Is Redefining Connection and Self-Care
From itabags to plushies, discover how Japanese youth are finding comfort in their faves
An Evening at Janu Tokyo: Grill, Bar and Lounge
An editor’s review of the Janu Grill, Janu Bar and Janu Lounge.
Festive Christmas and Holiday Dinners in Tokyo 2025
Where to book a festive meal this season—from skyline hotels to cozy brasseries
Events
Mottainai Flea Market
Dec 07, 2025 at 9:00am
Jan 18, 2026 at 4:00pm
LIGHT WALK ODAIBA
Dec 04, 2025 at 5:30pm
Dec 27, 2025 at 6:30pm
Hakone Shrine New Year Fireworks and Festival
Dec 31, 2025 at 12:00am
Jan 01, 2026 at 1:00am
Mukōjima-Hyakkaen Garden Plum Festival
Feb 07, 2026 at 9:00am
Mar 01, 2026 at 5:00pm
Kitain Temple Daruma Market in Kawagoe
Jan 03, 2026 at 9:00am
Jan 03, 2026 at 5:30pm
Collection of Works Publishing Memorial Exhibition Etsu Egami “Intersecting Lines”
Dec 05, 2025 at 11:00am
Dec 22, 2025 at 9:00pm
Exhibition “Infinite City by Duncan Swann”
Dec 06, 2025 at 12:00pm
Dec 19, 2025 at 6:30pm
Tokyo Mega Illumination
Nov 01, 2025 at 4:30pm
Jan 11, 2026 at 9:00pm
Living
R1, R2, R3 Roppongi
Building a Community with R1, R2, R3 Roppongi
Outdoor Ice Skating Rinks in Tokyo
The city’s top seasonal rinks
Where to Buy Christmas Gifts in Tokyo
Get creative with gifts this season with some of Tokyo’s most creative shopping hubs
Best Futons in Japan: Top Picks From Real Reviews
The right futon for your space and sleep
Community
The UK Pavilion Expo 2025: From Inventions to Innovation
Narrative-led experience, British inventions and a mascot named PIX
Inside the Nordic Pavilion at Expo 2025
Iceland, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Norway
The Soul Lounge Beach Party & BBQ
Cold Drinks, BBQ and Live Performances
Metropolis Summer Issue 2025
See what’s inside and where to pick up a copy
Dog Adoption & Fostering in Tokyo
Buddies in Collaboration with Metropolis
Executive Fight Night 2025
Tokyo’s executives duel for charity
Travel
A Journey Through Towada-Hachimantai National Park
Japan’s Volcanic Heartland
Asahidake, Hokkaido
The highest peak in the “Playground of the Gods”
Fly Direct from Tokyo to Palau, One of the Pacific’s Most Accessible Winter Getaways
Trade Tokyo’s winter chill for coral lagoons and warm island air—Palau’s new direct flight brings paradise within reach
Wildlife in Tokyo: Tokyo Safari
A guide to the fluffiest wildlife you can spot in the city
Neighorhood Guide: Exploring Chiba’s Hidden Treasures
History by the airport
Red Roofs of Iwami: Historic Townscapes, Preserved and Evolving
Picturesque red-roof villages of Japan—but more than just beautiful
Dining
Best Stollen in Tokyo for Christmas 2025
The coziest winter dessert is back for Christmas
Christmas Afternoon Teas in Tokyo 2025
Experience the warmth of the holidays through artful sweets, rich savories and festive hotel lounges across Tokyo
How To Choose And Use Furoshiki
Japan’s original eco bags
The Fascinating History Behind Japanese Kissaten
Plus top kissaten cafes to visit in Tokyo
Where the Wild Wines Are: Discover Tokyo’s Natural Wine Bars
A Guide to the Bars Keeping Wine Wild in the Heart of Tokyo
IL LUPINO PRIME Christmas Dinner in Tokyo 2025
A Tuscan winter feast in the heart of Omotesando
Literature
Japanese Cookbooks
Metropolis’ Editorial Team reviews the best new cookbooks for gourmands and oenophiles
Japanese Creation Myths Born from Water
Japan’s oldest stories are told in water
Water Spirits in Japanese Folklore
From the cheeky to the horrific
11 Influential Japanese LGBTQ+ Novels to Read
Love, identity, and the untold tales of Japan’s queer community
The Best Japanese Mystery Novels to Read in 2025
Honkaku, thrillers and crime sagas — Japan’s got it all
Book Review: The Summer House by Masashi Matsuie
A quietly compelling meditation on architecture and desire
Movies
