What Rich Neighbourhoods in Tokyo are Like

Summary

The video explores wealthy neighborhoods in Tokyo, focusing on areas like Denchofu, Shidokan, and SE Gakuen. It highlights the distinction between the affluent West Side (Yanota) and the working-class East Side (Shitamachi). The video delves into architectural styles, zoning laws, land values, and privacy measures in high-end areas. It also contrasts the rich neighborhoods with more modest ones, revealing a mix of large, custom homes and unexpected ordinary features like vending machines and bike shops. The video also touches on cultural and historical factors that shape Japan's approach to wealth and residential areas.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wealthy areas in Tokyo are predominantly located on the West Side (Yanota), with the East Side (Shitamachi) historically associated with the working class.
• 😀 The area of Denenchofu, developed in 1907, features large, single-family homes and strict regulations on lot sizes and building types, making it an exclusive neighborhood.
• 😀 Despite having minimum lot sizes of 165 square meters, the average lot size in Denenchofu is often double the minimum, contributing to higher property values.
• 😀 Land prices in Denenchofu are relatively affordable compared to neighboring areas, but the cost for the smallest lot (without a building) starts at around 130 million yen (about $1 million).
• 😀 In neighborhoods like Shidokan, wealthier homes can be similar in style to those in less wealthy areas, but land prices can be significantly higher due to location.
• 😀 Tokyo’s wealthy homes often feature significant privacy measures, including tall walls, lush vegetation, and security cameras, with a few high-end vehicles left unprotected on the streets.
• 😀 Google Maps satellite view often reveals the true scale of properties in wealthy areas, which might appear modest from the street but are much larger from above.
• 😀 In addition to strict architectural controls in certain neighborhoods, some wealthy areas like Denenchofu also have neighborhood associations that enforce voluntary property standards.
• 😀 Despite the wealth of some areas, basic housing options, such as small rentals, can still be found in these neighborhoods, with prices comparable to less affluent areas of Tokyo.
• 😀 Unlike gated communities in many other countries, Japan does not have gated residential areas. However, exclusive apartments with automatic locks are growing in urban areas, mimicking the concept of gated communities.

Q & A

What geographic area of Tokyo is traditionally home to the wealthy?

The West side, or Yanota side, of Tokyo is traditionally where the wealthy live, as it is geographically situated in the upper areas of the city.

How does the wealth distribution in Tokyo differ between the East and West sides?

The East side, known as Shitamachi, is geographically lower and traditionally home to the lower class, while the West side, or Yanota side, is where the upper class resides.

What is the historical significance of Den-en-chofu in Tokyo?

Den-en-chofu was developed in 1907 by a British urban planner, Ebenezer Howard, based on the Garden City movement. It was intended to create a classless society but ended up becoming an exclusive area for the wealthy.

What are some of the specific zoning regulations in Den-en-chofu?

Den-en-chofu has minimum lot sizes of 165 square meters, limits on building heights to 9 meters, and restrictions on apartment construction or row houses with more than four units. These rules help maintain its exclusive character.

Why are properties in Den-en-chofu so expensive despite the land values not seeming too high?

The high cost of properties in Den-en-chofu is due to the minimum lot size regulations, which limit how land can be divided. Even smaller plots start at around 130 million yen, making it very expensive to own a house there.

What is unique about the architectural style of homes in wealthy areas of Tokyo?

Homes in wealthy areas often feature custom designs with daring architecture, as Japan's tax laws encourage the purchase of new homes, which are treated as depreciating assets. This allows architects to push creative boundaries.

How does the neighborhood association in Den-en-chofu impact the residents?

Den-en-chofu has a volunteer neighborhood association that imposes informal but strongly suggested rules on how properties should look and how to use the space, such as not airing laundry in public view. Failure to comply may result in social pressure to conform.

What does the video reveal about the visibility of wealth in Tokyo?

In wealthier areas of Tokyo, the outward display of wealth is often subtle. Many properties are designed for privacy, with high walls, greenery, and enclosed garages, though luxury cars like Maseratis and Lamborghinis can sometimes be seen unprotected.

How does public transportation factor into the lifestyle of wealthy Tokyoites?

Wealthy residents in Tokyo frequently use public transportation, bikes, and their own feet to commute, despite their wealth. This contrasts with the more car-dependent lifestyles in some other affluent areas around the world.

Why do wealthy neighborhoods in Tokyo not have many gated communities?

Gated communities are not common in Japan due to building standards that require residential areas to connect to public roads. Instead, luxury apartments with automatic locks are increasingly used as vertical gated communities.