3 ms·

You're missing two large factors: * Tokyo is in a very active earthquake zone. Building earthquake-proof supertalls is even more expensive than usual, and not

You're missing two large factors: * Tokyo is in a very active earthquake zone. Building earthquake-proof supertalls is even more expensive than usual, and not practical in the large portions of the city built on reclaimed land. * Sunshine laws make it very difficult to build tall buildings even when zoning regulations otherwise allow it. This is why you often see weirdly shaped (triangular etc) buildings in improbable places. Shinkansen commuting is also a fairly marginal phenomenon, the cost is prohibitive and I recall reading that the number of active Shinkansen commuter passes is measured in the thousands (for a megalopolis of 30 million plus).

m_mueller 8y ago
TBF I find their sunshine laws make sense. Tokyo to me feels way more liveable than any Western megacity I know.
- mercurysmessage 8y ago
  I agree. Tokyo is my favourite city, for many reasons. Livability and comfort being two of the top. I've already lived mid-term in Tokyo, and I see myself returning in the future.
  - m_mueller 8y ago
    right. it looks a bit ugly at first if you're not into it, but living there after a while it all really makes sense. great people too generally - friendly and welcoming like in a big village, yet leaving you alone when you need it like in a big city. perfect for my tastes.
greggman 8y ago
someone found their way around at least some of those laws at there are around 14-15 relatively tall buildings going in Shibuya. The Shibuya Cast building opened last year. 30 stories? The Stream building , 38 stories hasn't opened yet but it's close. Google Tokyo will move there in late 2019. The new station building is 35-40 stories Across the tracks from. The Stream building a new 40 story building will start soon in the area with all the music instrument stores. South exit, the new Tokyu Plaza will be 19 stories. Up Tamagawa Dori across from The Cerulean is a new 2O story building . Behind 109 a 29 story building is going in. 1/2 a block from Tokyu Hands a new 20 story building is up. The new Parco will be 19 stories. The Shibuya City Hall next to NHK is under construction 2 buildings . one 20 stories. the other 39 Right across from them another 20+ story building just finished. Behind Tower Records an 20 story hotel is going in. In a Omotesando in the neighborhood behind the Apple Store a giant 30+ story complex is going in. Only one has not started construction the businesses in the area to be reconstructed are closing. Oh and not Shibuya but there's a 41 story apartment building going in at Musashi Koyama station.
- woolvalley 8y ago
  Isn't that an expensive neighborhood, which can pay for those kinds of tall buildings?

m_mueller 8y ago

TBF I find their sunshine laws make sense. Tokyo to me feels way more liveable than any Western megacity I know.

mercurysmessage 8y ago
I agree. Tokyo is my favourite city, for many reasons. Livability and comfort being two of the top. I've already lived mid-term in Tokyo, and I see myself returning in the future.
- m_mueller 8y ago
  right. it looks a bit ugly at first if you're not into it, but living there after a while it all really makes sense. great people too generally - friendly and welcoming like in a big village, yet leaving you alone when you need it like in a big city. perfect for my tastes.

greggman 8y ago

someone found their way around at least some of those laws at there are around 14-15 relatively tall buildings going in Shibuya. The Shibuya Cast building opened last year. 30 stories? The Stream building , 38 stories hasn't opened yet but it's close. Google Tokyo will move there in late 2019. The new station building is 35-40 stories Across the tracks from. The Stream building a new 40 story building will start soon in the area with all the music instrument stores. South exit, the new Tokyu Plaza will be 19 stories. Up Tamagawa Dori across from The Cerulean is a new 2O story building . Behind 109 a 29 story building is going in. 1/2 a block from Tokyu Hands a new 20 story building is up. The new Parco will be 19 stories. The Shibuya City Hall next to NHK is under construction 2 buildings . one 20 stories. the other 39 Right across from them another 20+ story building just finished. Behind Tower Records an 20 story hotel is going in. In a Omotesando in the neighborhood behind the Apple Store a giant 30+ story complex is going in. Only one has not started construction the businesses in the area to be reconstructed are closing. Oh and not Shibuya but there's a 41 story apartment building going in at Musashi Koyama station.

woolvalley 8y ago
Isn't that an expensive neighborhood, which can pay for those kinds of tall buildings?