That is kind of what it is, yes: "Tokyo Metropolis [which] consists of 23 special wards and 39 other, ordinary municipalities (cities, towns, and villages). [..

That is kind of what it is, yes: "Tokyo Metropolis [which] consists of 23 special wards and 39 other, ordinary municipalities (cities, towns, and villages). [...] Today, all wards refer to themselves as a city in English, but the Japanese designation of special ward (tokubetsu-ku) remains unchanged" (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_wards_of_Tokyo https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special_wards_of_Tokyo) Some of these wards consist of high rise buildings only, some are residential areas with hidden alleys and family-friendly environment. As a fellow European who lived in Tokyo for one year, I cannot support your statement but your experience walking around highly depends on where in Tokyo you are. For some wards, you are probably entirely correct. However, other wards allow for the experience shared by others here.