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Tokyo is "gorgeous"? Really? There's a reason publicity photos are always either neon-drenched alleys (hiding the buildings) or aerial photos zoomed out so far

Tokyo is "gorgeous"? Really? There's a reason publicity photos are always either neon-drenched alleys (hiding the buildings) or aerial photos zoomed out so far the city becomes grey paste with Mt Fuji in the background.

renewiltord 3y ago
Absolutely stunning in person. One of my favourite places. Though I can see that a worldview made from publicity photos would form a different image.
- Retric 3y ago
  I really don’t see the appeal outside of a small selection of more interesting areas. It’s got a surprising amount of above ground cables if you’re interested in infrastructure and quite a few trees. But in general most of the city comes off as a forgivable random jumble of mid rise buildings IMO. No reason to look at publicly photos when street view shows what the city actually looks like.
- pie420 3y ago
  As someone who just lived in tokyo and loved it, you have to admit that Tokyo, and most of Japan is an absolute hellscape of architectural laziness and function over form to a fault. There are so few "beautiful" areas, outside major boulevards and government buildings. Every street is stuffed with exposed electrical wiring, whirring AC units, generic vending machines, mini parking lots, etc. It's really interesting how anti-Zen it all is, and how the disharmony of Japanese cities contrasts with the harmony, balance, and simplicity of Japanese parks and temples. Again, as an urbanist, I ADORE Japan; the public transportation, the convenience, the dense urban fabric, but you cannot deny how ugly it all is haha
  - pezezin 3y ago
    > Again, as an urbanist, I ADORE Japan; the public transportation, the convenience, the dense urban fabric, but you cannot deny how ugly it all is haha You obviously only lived in Tokyo. I live in the inaka, and it is horrible urban sprawl: a million little houses scattered everywhere, and the random big supermarket or shop here and there. There is no public transportation, and you need the car for everything. I absolutely hate it.
- resolutebat 3y ago
  I lived in Tokyo for years, which is why I'm pointing out that the publicity photos do not match the reality.

renewiltord 3y ago

Absolutely stunning in person. One of my favourite places. Though I can see that a worldview made from publicity photos would form a different image.

Retric 3y ago
I really don’t see the appeal outside of a small selection of more interesting areas. It’s got a surprising amount of above ground cables if you’re interested in infrastructure and quite a few trees. But in general most of the city comes off as a forgivable random jumble of mid rise buildings IMO. No reason to look at publicly photos when street view shows what the city actually looks like.
pie420 3y ago
As someone who just lived in tokyo and loved it, you have to admit that Tokyo, and most of Japan is an absolute hellscape of architectural laziness and function over form to a fault. There are so few "beautiful" areas, outside major boulevards and government buildings. Every street is stuffed with exposed electrical wiring, whirring AC units, generic vending machines, mini parking lots, etc. It's really interesting how anti-Zen it all is, and how the disharmony of Japanese cities contrasts with the harmony, balance, and simplicity of Japanese parks and temples. Again, as an urbanist, I ADORE Japan; the public transportation, the convenience, the dense urban fabric, but you cannot deny how ugly it all is haha
- pezezin 3y ago
  > Again, as an urbanist, I ADORE Japan; the public transportation, the convenience, the dense urban fabric, but you cannot deny how ugly it all is haha You obviously only lived in Tokyo. I live in the inaka, and it is horrible urban sprawl: a million little houses scattered everywhere, and the random big supermarket or shop here and there. There is no public transportation, and you need the car for everything. I absolutely hate it.
resolutebat 3y ago
I lived in Tokyo for years, which is why I'm pointing out that the publicity photos do not match the reality.