Latest from Metropolis Japan
Metropolis Japan
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Salon de Thé ROND
In the world-famous anime Your Name, Salon de Thé ROND is where Taki takes Miki on a date. Located inside the National Art Center on the second floor, the establishment perches atop an inverted concrete cone, seemingly floating beside the undulating waves of floor-to-ceiling glass. While Miki's exact dish isn't on the menu, the setting will […] By Matthew Eisenhauer In the world-famous anime Your Name, Salon de Thé ROND is where Taki takes Miki on a date. Located inside the National Art Center on the second floor, the establishment perches atop an inverted concrete cone, seemingly floating beside the undulating waves of floor-to-ceiling glass. While Miki's exact dish isn't on the menu, the setting will feel unmistakably familiar. The clear blue Duralex glasses and white rectangular plates replicate the meal seen on screen. For fans eager to geek out, try the Sandwich Set A with soup, a close match to the movie's vibe. Or choose a dessert from the glass case, paired with coffee or tea. The Assam tea, in particular, is exceptional. After your meal, head up one floor. Between the elevator and Brasserie Paul Bocuse, take in the breathtaking aerial view featured in the film. It's the perfect way to relive Your Name. To avoid the line of lunching anime superfans, plan to arrive just before 11am. Salon de Thé ROND
Metropolis Japan
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Metropolis Japan
F1: The Movie
By Don Morton Cruise is jealous The old auto-racing chestnut has been done before. Many many many times. And it will be done again. But I seriously doubt it will ever again be done better, or even this well. Not what you expected from an old cynic like me? Well, credit where credit is due. The action scenes are, as you might expect from Joseph Kosinski, the guy who directed Top Gun: Maverick, state of the art, you-are- there and totally believable. The between-races melodrama — about a veteran race driver (Brad Pitt) coming out of retirement to mentor a talented young rookie (Damson Idris) on an underdog racing team — is surprisingly coherent and no dopier than it needs to be. Javier Bardem is effective as the team leader, and Kerry Condon nails it as the car-designing love interest. But let's be honest; the film succeeds mostly on Pitt's breezy charm. His character is not above wink-wink skullduggery and making creative use of the sport's myriad rules and regulations to gain an often decisive second or two on the track. Movies like this can, literally, go around in circles and quickly grow dull. Kosinski brilliantly prevents this from happening. It runs two and a half hours with never a dull moment. An instant classic. The movie had me at the opening race; a stroke of genius was backing up the sequence's vroom-vroom with Led Zeppelin's Whole Lotta Love. Magic! Big screen, please. For the sound. (155 min)
Metropolis Japan
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Outdoor Cinema in Tokyo
Escape the bustle of Tokyo and step into an oasis of film, flavor and fresh air at OUTDOOR CINEMA, hosted at Azabudai Hills' verdant Central Plaza. From July 11–13, the lush 6,000 m² plaza transforms into a dreamy open-air theater, complete with picnic-friendly food and Tokyo's finest craft beer on tap. The film lineup is all about 'Summer Feeling.' Don't miss the iconic Jazz on a Summer's Day (July 11) and coming-of-age classic Stand By Me (July 12), curated by the traveling cinema collective Kino Iglu. As the sun sets, settle in with a chilled brew from EL CAMION, the mobile bar run by Tennoz's famed Brewery and snack on elevated street food like Black Chili Cheese Dogs and Pulled Pork Nachos. Even after the credits roll, the night continues. Stick around for late-night happy hours at SAAWAAN Bistro or Azabudai Hills Caf é, both offering drink specials in stylish surroundings. With free admission, a film-friendly vibe and something for everyone, this is Tokyo's summer cinema experience you won't want to miss.
Metropolis Japan
2 days ago
- Metropolis Japan
Day or Weekend Trip From Tokyo? Escape to Southern Chiba
"Micro-Tourism" Trend Puts the Spotlight on Chiba By Why Southern Chiba Has Become the Perfect Getaway From Tokyo Chiba is not exactly a hidden gem. While some travel influencers might be tempted to call it that—it's already a well-loved escape for locals. For centuries, Tokyoites (or Edoites) have flocked there, drawn by its history, nature and seaside charm, all conveniently close to the metropolis. Today, Chiba is gaining even more attention, particularly Southern Chiba, commonly known as Boso—the name of the peninsula where Chiba is located. This article explores the attractions of the Boso region and offers recommendations on what to do, along with a vision for Southern Chiba's tourism future. Why People Visit Chiba… But Usually Only the North Chiba is not short of attractions. Shinshoji Temple, founded in 940 AD in Narita, has reigned as Japan's most-visited temple for decades. Tokyo Disney Resort —despite the name—is also in Chiba, meaning countless visitors have set foot in the prefecture without realizing it. Chiba's culinary scene is equally impressive as Japan's center for both fishing and soy sauce production. It's home to Choshi Fishing Port, where the nation's largest fish hauls arrive, and is also Japan's top soy sauce producer — Kikkoman, founded in 1603, began its legacy here. However, you'll notice that these attractions are all in Northern Chiba. Despite Southern Chiba having its own long-standing sites, many visitors tend to focus on the northern half of the prefecture. This often comes down to factors like distance and transportation options. ・Undersea Tunnel Connects Southern Chiba and Tokyo Opened in 1997, the Tokyo Bay Aqua-Line has transformed travel to the Boso area of Chiba. This innovative 'half-underwater, half-above-water' highway is so efficient, it made reaching Southern Chiba quicker than traditional land routes to Northern Chiba. The Aqua-Line itself is an attraction, offering stunning views and a unique driving experience. Although it has been operational for some time, its establishment laid the groundwork for the development of the Boso area by improving connectivity to Tokyo. Initially, only about 120,000 cars passed through daily, but the opening of the large-scale Kisarazu Outlet Mall in 2012 more than tripled that figure. By 2017, over 1.8 million cars were traversing this vital route. Along the route, visitors can stop at Umihotaru, an observatory deck on the water. This rest area is fully equipped with cafes, restaurants, shops and even a foot bath. ・ Umihotaru Nakajima, Kisarazu, Chiba 292-0008 ・BOTANICAL POOL CLUB BOTANICAL POOL CLUB stands at the forefront of luxury travel in Chiba, offering an exceptional escape for visitors. Its stylish all-season pools are undoubtedly a highlight, but the resort's saunas draw young wellness-seekers as sauna culture experiences a revival in Japan. With tropical fauna and flora carefully curated by a professional plant collector, the resort takes full advantage of Southern Chiba's relatively mild climate. Dining here showcases the best of Chiba's renowned agriculture, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from the nation's most self-sustaining prefecture. Since its opening in 2023, BOTANICAL POOL CLUB has already become a hotspot for locals and travelers alike, attracting attention from creative industries and fashion circles, with rave reviews from Vogue, WWD and Elle. Now, a growing number of secluded and exclusive retreats are opening in Southern Chiba, offering wellness-centered amenities such as saunas and onsens. BOTANICAL POOL CLUB exemplifies a new chapter for Chiba tourism, leading the region's evolution into a high-end destination. 1510-2 Shimosakuma, Kyonan, Awa District, Chiba Discover more about BOTANICAL POOL CLUB by reading the full article here. ・MUJI's Regeneration Projects in Chiba World-renowned lifestyle brand MUJI has contributed to Southern Chiba's appeal through its regeneration projects. In October 2024, MUJI BASE OIKAWA opened, repurposing a former elementary school into a unique accommodation that blends community engagement with minimalist design. Similarly, MUJI BASE KAMOGAWA, launched in 2023, transformed a century-old Japanese house into a modern hotel. MUJI BASE OIKAWA includes co-working spaces and a library for staycations and work-ations, as well as workshops like soy sauce-making and beekeeping that connect visitors with the local community. Located near traditional terraced rice fields, MUJI BASE KAMOGAWA offers views that have remained unchanged for centuries and visitors can connect with the local agricultural scene by visiting melon fields and dairy farms. These projects not only tap into Japan's retro trend but also emphasize sustainability by preserving and repurposing existing structures. ・Chiba's Roadside Stations (Michi-No-Eki) Michi-No-Eki, Japan's government-designated roadside stations, were introduced in the mid-1990s to enrich road travel with regional experiences. These stops offer local food, fresh produce, regional crafts and experiences. With a whopping 30 stations scattered across Chiba, the prefecture provides perfect routes for scenic drives. A standout among them is Roadside Station Hota Elementary School, a repurposed school building that brings together nostalgia and local pride. This station is especially popular for its community-driven vibe, with locals offering fresh produce, handmade crafts and delicious seasonal fare. The station's open layout allows visitors to explore classrooms filled with local goods, turning the nostalgic setting into an immersive experience. Also notable is Roadside Station Chikura Seabreeze Kingdom, offering fresh seafood and beach views. ・ ・ ・Viral Ghibli-esque Spots in Southern Chiba Another surge of tourism was fueled by internet trends, mainly on Instagram and TikTok. The tagline 'Ghibli-esque' has become especially popular, making destinations like Jiufen in Taiwan and Colmar in France go viral. Whimsical townscapes, nature reclaiming human-made structures and an overall sense of nostalgia—what we think of as Ghibli-esque encompass a wide range of aesthetics. Japan, too, has seen this trend and, coincidentally, many of these now-viral destinations are in Southern Chiba. Kameiwa Cave, dug nearly 400 years ago as a waterway, is a prime example of this. In the early morning, sunlight filters through the cave, creating a scene reminiscent of Princess Mononoke's godly forests The Kominato Train winds through countryside scenes straight out of My Neighbor Totoro, with one station even featuring a painting of Totoro himself. Tsukisaki Tunnel, Mukaiyama Tunnel and Kyoei Tunnel 's overgrown greenery and mysterious paths feel like portals to another world, while Kuzuma Beach, with its electricity pole stretching toward the horizon, creates an ethereal yet haunting scene—just like Spirited Away. Many of these spots aren't new, but the internet has helped rediscover their charm, shining a spotlight on places that might otherwise be overlooked. ・Chiba Leads the Micro-Tourism Trend of Japan 'Micro tourism' is a concept introduced by the CEO of Japan's leading hospitality company, Hoshino Resort, during the COVID-19 pandemic. The idea is simple: instead of rushing to distant destinations, take the time to explore places just an hour or two from home. It was initially popularized during the pandemic as a way to reduce travel across borders and prevent clusters. Today this concept has evolved into a sustainability-focused trend, now centered on small-scale, community-based tourism experiences perfect for weekend getaways. Chiba is leading this trend, thanks to its proximity to Tokyo and its multifaceted appeal, making it the perfect destination for a more relaxed travel experience.
Metropolis Japan
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metropolis Japan
Asakusa R&B Night: Sumida Fireworks Edition
R&B is experiencing a global revival, and Asakusa is joining the groove. The day after the iconic Sumida River Fireworks Festival, Asakusa R&B Night returns for a special summer edition–a relaxed yet high-energy celebration of rhythm, soul and community. Now in its second year, this grassroots event was created to connect Tokyo locals with international visitors through the universal language of R&B. Hosted at Public House Zen, a stylish venue just steps from Asakusa Station, the night features top local DJs, an inclusive crowd and a setting that blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern nightlife. With an open-air terrace, warm vibes and a cross-cultural atmosphere, Asakusa R&B Night offers a unique way to wind down after the fireworks and dive into Tokyo's music scene. Whether you're a regular or a first-timer, all are welcome to join the groove.
