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I also live there and one interesting bit that, in retrospective is OBVIOUS, is that there are also no cars parked on the streets! Like, if you look at pictures
by franciscop 5y ago
I also live there and one interesting bit that, in retrospective is OBVIOUS, is that there are also no cars parked on the streets! Like, if you look at pictures or walk down the street it feels so pleasant for some reason but difficult to put your finger at it, until you realize there's no huge cars piling on the sides.
I prefer European Architecture for downtown buildings, but the no cars bit generally overpowers this preference in making Tokyo at a similar level of beauty for me, and the bits where there are particularly beautiful buildings in Tokyo or Japan well that's just perfect.
(also warning like parent, there is some street parking, but it's just minuscule)
- bedobi 5y agoYeah, it really adds to the pleasantness of everything when everything is not covered in cars and infrastructure for cars. The whole notion of street parking is bizarre. No one would tolerate if you used public space in the middle of a busy city to store your stuff. But if it's a car, suddenly it's OK. Just what?
- ehnto 5y agoBike parking is everywhere too. Trying to get bike parking in our city is like asking for the council for their first born. All of a sudden funding and public safety are all extremely dire concerns. Whipping a 4x4 through the CBD and plonking right in front of a business is fine though.
- throwaway2037 5y agoInterestingly, this also greatly improves visibility for all forms of road locomotion: walk, bike, (push/electric/motor) scooter, car, truck. That said, there is also something zen about urban drivers in Tokyo. They are unusually patient and careful. I have never seen anything like it in other countries.
- enaaem 5y agoI believe it’s because Tokyo does not have public parking space. Parking lots are private and when you buy a car you have to proof you have access to a parking lot. Makes sense if you think about it. Land in cities is valuable, and the cost parking should be priced in the cost of car ownership.