Metropolis Japan

Our latest articles

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

Why Does Japan Have So Few Trash Cans?

A surprisingly clean mystery

Japanese Onomatopoeia

Everyday sounds and oddly specific quirky expressions

Visiting San’in: Japan’s Sacred and Slightly “Pagan” Region

Shimane and Tottori’s spiritual landscapes

Taste of Hungary in Tokyo: Az Finom

Tokyo’s favorite Hungarian restaurant is in Harajuku

David Bowie Through the Eyes of a Japanese Photographer

Masayoshi Sukita reflects on collaborations with the icon

Your Weekly Horoscope May 16 – May 23

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

The 53 Japan Tour Kick Off at Gamuso!

Aug 22, 2026 at 5:00pm ~ Aug 22, 2026 at 11:30pm

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

See All Events Events This Week Events Next Week

Culture

Black Country, New Road Interview

Catch up with their new songs on this upcoming tour

The Thorn Puller

Hiromi Ito’s debut English-language novel translated by Jeffrey Angles

Tokyo Music Scene: New Releases March 2023

Your monthly dose of new music from Japan

Tokyo International Players

In Conversation with Japan’s Oldest English-Language Theater Company

Living

Tokyo Train Guide: Mita Line

A central Tokyo adventure

What Slime Mold Revealed About Tokyo’s Railway System

Slime mold biology meets urban design: how a brainless organism confirmed the genius of Tokyo’s railways and may inspire future infrastructure

Beyond Vegan Cafés: How Tokyo Restaurants Are Making Traditional Cuisine Inclusive

Ningen Restaurant and Mugi no Oto

Tokyo Neighborhood Guide: Nishi Kasai

Heartlands: The Indian enclave that was under the sea

Community

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Travel

Inujima Refinery

Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2009 Name: Inujima Refinery…

Danshui

The historical town is a short ride from Taipei—and a world away

The Luxe Asian Grand Tour Box

Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on December 2009 Here’s the perfect…

Honshu’s Holy Hotels

Simon Rowe seeks serenity and a satisfying meal alongside the monks of Koya-san.

Block Party

Renowned for its legendary temples and manicured gardens, Kyoto is one of Japan’s top tourist destinations. Simon Rowe steps off the beaten path and delves into the ancient city’s more charming corners.

Water’s Edge

Old-world fishing villages, a cast of crusty characters, and Japan’s best octopus make Seto Inland Sea the place for epicures and adventurers. Simon Rowe sets sail.