Metropolis Magazine

15/05/2025

【Are Trains in Tokyo Safe for Women? A List of Women-Only Cars in Tokyo】

Tokyo’s trains are among the safest and most efficient in the world, but like any major city, they aren’t immune to issues.

Chikan is a term for gropers who take advantage of crowded trains. To counter this, many train lines in Tokyo and other big cities have designated women-only cars during peak hours, providing a safer space for female passengers. Many of them are even protected by train staff and security robots.

In this guide, we’ll cover which train lines have women-only cars, what times they operate and where to board. We’ll also go over what to do if you experience or see anything suspicious, so you can travel worry-free.

Here’s everything you need to know about taking the train safely in Tokyo as a woman, including women-only train cars.

06/05/2025

【EVENT】Luxury Rooftop Party at Pullman Tokyo Tamachi
(日本語はコメント欄にございます）

An elegant rooftop evening awaits at one of Tokyo’s top hotels. On Saturday, May 17, enjoy a Moët & Chandon welcome drink, relaxed networking, and stunning terrace views at PLATFORM 9—the rooftop bar of Pullman Tokyo Tamachi.

With just 45 spots available, this event blends sophistication with a warm, social vibe. Whether you're looking to make new connections or unwind with friends, it’s a unique setting you won’t often find in the city.

📍 Pullman Tokyo Tamachi
🗓️ May 17 (Sat), 7–10 PM
🎟️ ¥3,500 (1 drink included)

Photos: Venue shown, not the event. Courtesy of Pullman Tokyo Tamachi.

https://metropolisjapan.com/events/luxury-rooftop-party-event-tokyo/

07/04/2025

【Need a Nature Reset? 11 Biophilic Cafes Just Outside Tokyo】

Tired of crowded cafes and concrete views? This is a guide to 11 cafés in Chiba perfect for nature-filled day trips—just a short train ride from central Tokyo.

What counts as biophilic, you ask? Whether it’s outdoor seating, open-air terraces, or views of gardens and forests, we’ve picked cafes that make you feel connected to nature.

https://metropolisjapan.com/biophilic-cafes-near-tokyo/

04/04/2025

☆Spring Breeze Wine Party☆

(日本語は英語の下にございます)

Event Salon is teaming up with Metropolis Japan again!!

Join us for an elegant afternoon of wine, where the spring breeze gently embraces you on a beautiful terrace. But that’s not all— the exclusive wine restaurant is reserved just for us so you can also enjoy the cozy indoor space.

In addition to wine, they also offer sparkling wine and soft drinks, ensuring there’s something for everyone. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, connect, and celebrate spring in a truly special setting.

We look forward to welcoming you!

Limited to 50 attendees!

Get tickets here:
https://peatix.com/event/4281763/

※No language skills required (please let us know if you need a Japanese-speaking assistant).
※Enjoy a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and delicious food.
※The event runs from 3 PM till 6 PM please feel free to join anytime.
※Please note that the event may be canceled in case of natural calamities (earthquakes, typhoons, etc.). In that case, the participation fee will be fully refunded.

Venue: Bistro Vino
Piramide Building,1F, 6-6-9 Roppongi Minato-ku
Date: Saturday, April 19th
Time: 3pm – 6pm
Entrance fee: Ladies￥3,500/ Men￥4,000 including one drink and snack

Early Bird special: Ladies￥3,000/ Men￥3,500 available until April 5th while supplies last

We kindly request the following:
・Dress code: Smart casual.
・Please refrain from taking photos without permission, the organizers may take and use the photos.
・Those who display bad manners we will ask you to leave the event. No refund will be available.
・Please refrain from solicitation of any kind.
・You may be liable for damages if you intentionally or negligently damage any of the venue’s equipment.
・The organizer takes no responsibility for any trouble that may occur during the event.

☆春風テラスとワインの昼下がり☆

Mertropolis Japanとのコラボレーションイベント第３弾！

春風が心地よいテラスで、厳選ワインとともに優雅な昼下がりを楽しみませんか？陽光に包まれた空間で、春ならではの特別なひとときをお届けします。今回はワインレストラン全体が貸し切りのため、テラスのみでなく店内もご利用いただけます。

リラックスした雰囲気の中、素敵な仲間と繋がりこの季節を一緒に楽しみましょう。もちろんワインのみでなくスパークリングワインやソフトドリンク等もございます。

皆さまにお会い出来ます事を楽しみにしております！

限定50名です！

※バラエティに富んだドリンクやフードがございます。
※15時〜18時の間であればいつお越し頂いても結構です。
※自然災害（地震や台風等）の際はイベントがキャンセルになる場合がございます。その際は参加費全額返金となります。

場所: Bistro Vino
日時: 4月19日（土）
時間: 15:00～18:00
参加費: 女性 3,500円/ 男性 4,000円 ワンドリンク、スナック付き

アーリバードスペシャル! 女性 3,000円 男性 3,500円 (4月5日まで! また枚数に限りがございます!!)

注意事項
・ドレスコード：スマートカジュアル
・イベントの様子や参加者、会場の写真を許可なく撮影はお控えください。主催者側が写真を撮影しSNSへ投稿する場合がございます。
・マナーの悪い方はお帰り頂きます。その際返金は致しかねます。
・いかなる勧誘もお控えください。
・お店の備品を故意または過失で壊した場合、損害賠償を請求される事があります。
・イベント中に発生したトラブルにつきましては主催者は一切の責任を負いかねます。

主催者・サブオーナーはPeatixの規約に定められた目的のためにのみイベント主催者が必要とする参加者情報を使用するものとし、イベント主催者が必要とする参加者情報については個人情報の保護に関する法律その他の適用法令を遵守して取り扱うものとします。

https://peatix.com/event/4281763/

01/04/2025

【Spring 2025 Issue】
🌸Architecture – Designing the City 🌸

Our latest issue explores how architecture and design shape our everyday experience of the metropolis—Tokyo—and Japan as a whole.

From the nostalgic side streets of the capital to timber innovations ahead of Expo 2025 in Osaka, this issue looks at how architecture intersects with tradition, culture, and society—while questioning function, form, and what truly makes a city beautiful.

Inside, we feature an exclusive interview with architect and YouTuber Dami Lee, who reflects on Tokyo’s “organized chaos.” We also dive into the illustrated worlds of Japan-based artist Mateusz Urbanowicz, whose work captures the city’s nostalgic beauty while imagining a more thoughtful urban future. Sento architect Kentaro Imai—the visionary behind Japan’s public bath revival—shares how bathing spaces are being reimagined for the modern age.

Plus: architecturally compelling restaurants and cafés, seasonal events, and more.

————————————

【Spring 2025 Issue Highlights】
– Dami Lee on the Organized Chaos That is Tokyo
– Tokyo Events | Progress and Preservation
– Good Eats | Cafes, Tea Houses & Beer Halls
– Based in Tokyo | Artist Mateusz Urbanowicz
– Timber Architecture: Woodification of Japanese Skyscrapers
– Design Tourism: Along the Toei Asakusa Line
– Kumagaya: Saitama’s Humble Hub
– Sento Architect Kentaro Imai and the Art of Bathing Spaces
– Josiah Conder: The British Architect Who Shaped Modern Japan
– Tokyo’s Underground Temple

【Cover】
Feature: Dami Lee
Photography: Nollistudio
Direction / Cover Art: Takeshi Dylan Sadachi

👉 Click the link to read the issue online or find out where to pick up a copy around Tokyo.
https://metropolisjapan.com/metropolis-spring-issue-2025/

25/03/2025

Discover Roppongi's hidden highlights on the "Art of Getting Lost" tour! 🌿🖼️ Explore the sleek National Art Center and the historical streets of Roppongi & Azabu, where samurai-era stories still echo. From ancient temples to modern skyscrapers, this tour reveals Tokyo's fascinating transformation.

👉 Read more and book your spot here:

Check out this amazing tour of Roppongi's architecture and learn the history behind this iconic nightlife district.

19/12/2024

Welcome to the winter issue of Metropolis Japan 🍵

This issue, we journey back to Edo times. Step into Japan’s historic charm with a tour of Tokyo’s Edo-inspired eateries, a trip to Kanazawa, one of Japan’s best-preserved Edo cities, and more.

We host an exclusive interview with Matcha Samurai and round up top winter events that honor the spirit of this remarkable period. Join us as we unveil the layers of history that shaped Japan and, under the surface, continue to influence it today.

Click the link to read!

https://metropolisjapan.com/metropolis-winter-issue-2024-release/

19/12/2024

In Japan, 1 in 5 workers in their 20s now use resignation agencies to quit their jobs. But why is this service necessary?

Get the answer here:
https://metropolisjapan.com/resignation-agencies/

12/12/2024

We sat down with Greg Lam, the creator of the popular YouTube channel "Life Where I’m From", to discuss his journey capturing daily life in Japan.

https://metropolisjapan.com/based-in-japan-life-where-im-from/

06/12/2024

What’s the difference between Soju and Shochu?

Soju and Shochu may sound alike, but is that just a coincidence?

https://metropolisjapan.com/whats-the-difference-between-soju-and-shochu/