What a Typical Tokyo Neighbourhood is Like

Summary

This video script offers an in-depth look at the daily life and transportation in Tokyo's neighborhoods, focusing on Shinkoiwa Station in Katsushika Ward. It explores the importance of train stations as central hubs for living and commuting, the prevalence of walking, biking, and public transport over car ownership, and the mixed-use zoning that fosters walkable communities. The script also touches on the safety and community feel of Tokyo's neighborhoods, highlighting the presence of children, local police, and the availability of various services and amenities within walking distance.

Takeaways

• 🌆 Tokyo's neighborhoods are diverse and each ward has its own mayor, reflecting the unique characteristics of the city.
• 🚉 Train stations are central to Tokyo's transportation system, serving as starting points for directions and a primary mode of commuting.
• 🚶‍♂️ Walking, biking, and public transport are the main ways to navigate Tokyo, with cars often considered a luxury rather than a necessity.
• 🏢 Workplaces in Tokyo typically cover commuting expenses, promoting the use of public transportation over personal vehicles.
• 🛒 Train stations are hubs for shopping and services, offering a wide range of amenities from food to entertainment.
• 🏪 Convenience stores in Tokyo are multifunctional, providing services from bill payment to delivery collection.
• 🏠 Tokyo neighborhoods are characterized by mixed-use zoning, allowing for a variety of residential, commercial, and civic spaces.
• 👮‍♂️ Safety is a prominent feature of Tokyo neighborhoods, with a strong community presence and low rates of petty theft and assault.
• 👶 Children in Tokyo have a high degree of freedom and safety, often walking to school and playing unsupervised in the streets.
• 🌳 Despite the bustling city life, Tokyo offers green spaces like parks and shrines for relaxation and tranquility.
• 🛀 Traditional Japanese bathhouses, or sento, provide a cultural experience and a place to unwind amidst the city's pace.

Q & A

What is the significance of Shinkoiwa Station in Tokyo's transportation system?

Shinkoiwa Station is significant as it is the busiest train station in Katsushika Ward with 154,000 daily passengers, highlighting the importance of train stations in Tokyo's transportation network.

What does the term 'Tokyo' refer to in the context of the video?

In the context of the video, 'Tokyo' refers to the 23 special wards of Tokyo Metropolis, which are often thought of as Tokyo City, even though there is no such entity as 'Tokyo City'.

How does Tokyo's transportation system revolve around train stations?

Tokyo's transportation system is centered around train stations, which serve as the starting point for directions, and are the primary mode of commuting for residents, with walking, biking, and buses being common ways to reach the stations.

Why are cars considered a luxury rather than a necessity in Tokyo?

Cars are considered a luxury in Tokyo because workplaces pay commuting expenses, expecting employees to use public transportation, and the excellent public transportation system makes owning a car unnecessary for daily commuting.

What are 'shotengai' and how do they contribute to Tokyo's neighborhoods?

Shotengai are small shopping districts made up of independent shops that have banded together. They contribute to Tokyo's neighborhoods by providing a variety of specialty stores, services, and a sense of community.

What is mixed-use zoning and how does it affect Tokyo's neighborhoods?

Mixed-use zoning allows land to be used for various purposes, including residential, commercial, civic, and industrial. This zoning practice contributes to Tokyo's walkable and bikeable neighborhoods by integrating services and facilities within close proximity to residents.

Why do children in Tokyo often walk to school by themselves?

Children in Tokyo walk to school by themselves due to the city's safe environment, small streets with low speed limits, and the presence of 'silver dinside' or senior crossing guards who ensure their safety.

What is the role of 'kobans' in Tokyo neighborhoods?

Kobans are small local police stations in Tokyo neighborhoods. They provide a sense of security and are places where residents can report lost items or seek help from the police.

How does the delivery service in Tokyo support the city's car-free lifestyle?

The delivery service in Tokyo is excellent, often offering same-day delivery for large items and is mostly free of charge. This supports the car-free lifestyle by eliminating the need for residents to rent vans or trucks for moving or disposing of items.

What is the significance of the sunset jingle in Tokyo neighborhoods?

The sunset jingle in Tokyo neighborhoods serves as a reminder for children that it's time to head home, contributing to the city's sense of safety and order.

How do Tokyo's neighborhoods provide a sense of calm amidst the busy city life?

Tokyo's neighborhoods offer calm spots such as parks, shrines, temples, and riverbanks, which provide a peaceful environment away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Outlines

00:00

🚉 Life in Tokyo Neighborhoods and Transportation

This paragraph introduces the concept of Tokyo's neighborhoods, focusing on Shinkoiwa station in Katsushika ward, which is the busiest with 154,000 daily passengers. It explains Tokyo's administrative structure, consisting of 23 special wards, 26 cities, five towns, and eight villages within Tokyo Metropolis. The speaker emphasizes the uniqueness of each neighborhood and the importance of train stations as central hubs for daily life, including commuting, shopping, and social activities. The paragraph also touches on the prevalence of bicycles and the affordability of bike parking at train stations.

05:01

🛒 Amenities and Services Around Tokyo Train Stations

The second paragraph delves into the variety of amenities and services available around Tokyo's train stations, which serve as community hubs. It mentions the accessibility of food establishments like restaurants, cafes, and izakayas, as well as convenience stores that offer multiple services beyond food, such as bill payment and package delivery. The paragraph also highlights entertainment options like karaoke, Pachinko parlors, and fitness centers, and the presence of essential daily necessities such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and specialty shops. The concept of 'shotengai' or shopping streets, consisting of independent shops, is also introduced.

10:02

🏠 Mixed-Use Zoning and the Walkability of Tokyo Neighborhoods

This paragraph discusses the mixed-use zoning prevalent in Tokyo, which allows for a blend of residential, commercial, civic, and industrial uses on the same land. This zoning contributes to the walkability and bikeability of neighborhoods, reducing the need for car ownership. The speaker describes how various services and facilities, including medical, educational, and recreational, are scattered throughout the neighborhoods, enhancing the convenience and safety of residents. The paragraph also touches on the design aspects of neighborhoods that promote safety, such as small streets with low speed limits and the presence of 'silver ginzai' or senior community workers who act as crossing guards and neighborhood watch.

15:03

🌆 Safety and Serenity Amidst the Bustle of Tokyo

The final paragraph addresses the sense of safety in Tokyo neighborhoods, with a particular focus on children's independence and the community's trust in their ability to navigate the area safely. It mentions the calming effects of green spaces, such as parks and shrines, and the availability of local bathhouses or 'sento' as places for relaxation. The speaker also acknowledges that while Tokyo is not completely free of crime, the risk of petty theft and assault feels lower than in some Canadian cities. The paragraph concludes by emphasizing the coexistence of peace and activity in Tokyo, suggesting that even in busy areas, tranquil spots are accessible.

Keywords

💡Shinkoiwa Station

Shinkoiwa Station is highlighted as the busiest train station in Katsushika Ward with 154,000 daily passengers. This station serves as a focal point in the video, illustrating the centrality of train stations in Tokyo's neighborhoods.

💡Tokyo Wards

Tokyo's 23 wards are special administrative areas, each with its own mayor, contributing to the governance of Tokyo Metropolis. The video explains how these wards collectively form what many perceive as Tokyo City, despite Tokyo being a larger metropolis.

💡Mixed-Use Zoning

Mixed-use zoning in Tokyo allows for residential, commercial, and civic facilities to coexist within the same area. This zoning policy fosters walkable and bikeable neighborhoods, reducing the need for car ownership.

💡Public Transportation

Public transportation, especially train stations, is central to life in Tokyo. The video emphasizes how directions, real estate listings, and daily commutes revolve around proximity to train stations, making it a key aspect of Tokyo's urban life.

💡Convenience Stores

Convenience stores in Tokyo offer a wide range of services beyond selling goods, such as bill payment, package pickup, and quick meals. These stores are integral to daily life, demonstrating the efficiency and convenience of urban living in Tokyo.

💡Shotengai

Shotengai are shopping streets with independent shops that form small shopping districts. These areas support local businesses and provide residents with easy access to various goods and services, enhancing community life.

💡Safety

Safety is a prominent theme in Tokyo's neighborhoods, with low crime rates and children being able to walk home alone. The video highlights various safety measures, such as slow speed limits and the presence of 'silver dinside' or senior community workers.

💡Koban

Koban are small local police stations, also known as police boxes, found near train stations. They play a crucial role in maintaining safety and order in Tokyo's neighborhoods, offering assistance and handling minor incidents.

💡Local Bathhouse (Sento)

Sento, or local bathhouses, are traditional community facilities where people can relax and unwind. The video mentions these establishments as part of Tokyo's cultural fabric, though they are becoming less common.

💡Delivery Service

Tokyo's delivery services are efficient and often offer same-day delivery, reducing the need for personal vehicles. This service is essential for transporting large or numerous items, further supporting the convenience of urban living without a car.

Highlights

Shinkoiwa station is the busiest in Katsushika ward with 154,000 daily passengers.

Tokyo is made up of 23 special wards, each with its own mayor, part of Tokyo Metropolis which includes additional cities, towns, and villages.

Train stations are central to navigation in Tokyo, often serving as starting points for directions and a significant factor in home buying or renting decisions.

Bike parking is prevalent at larger train stations, with some even featuring bike escalators for commuter convenience.

Many workplaces in Tokyo cover commuting expenses, reducing the need for personal cars and emphasizing public transportation.

Train stations act as hubs for Tokyo neighborhoods, housing large buildings, shops, restaurants, and various services.

Convenience stores in Japan offer a multitude of services, from bill payments to picking up deliveries.

Specialty stores, often owner-operated, can be found in shopping streets or 'shotengai', offering unique products like tofu, rice, or tea.

Local police stations or 'kobans' are common near stations, contributing to the sense of safety in Tokyo neighborhoods.

Mixed-use zoning in Tokyo allows for a variety of land uses, from residential to commercial, contributing to walkable and bikeable neighborhoods.

Children in Tokyo often walk to school alone from a young age, indicative of the perceived safety in the city's neighborhoods.

Tokyo's neighborhoods are designed with small streets and low speed limits, enhancing pedestrian safety.

Despite being a large city, Tokyo offers calm spots like parks, shrines, and temples for residents to unwind.

The sense of safety in Tokyo neighborhoods extends to women walking alone even late at night.

While crime exists, the perception of safety in Tokyo is high, with lower rates of petty theft and assault compared to some Canadian cities.

Delivery services in Tokyo are efficient and often free, reducing the need for personal vehicles to transport large or multiple items.

Local bathhouses or 'sento' offer a traditional way to unwind, though they are becoming less common.

Transcripts

hello world if you were to move to a

typical neighborhood in Tokyo what would

it be like

how would you get around what would you

see and do

today I'll take you around shinkoiwa

station which I recently found out is

the busiest train station in

katsushikaward with 154 000 daily

passengers

to talk about neighborhoods I feel like

I have to first explain about Tokyo's

wards

chica is one of Tokyo's 23 Wards and

each ward has its own mayor it's these

23 special awards that many often think

of as Tokyo City although there really

is no such thing there is however Tokyo

Metropolis which has a governor and is

made up of the 23 special words plus 26

cities five towns and eight villages

there are 13 million people living in

Tokyo metropolis and it has many

different geographies so while I am

trying to show you a typical

neighborhood it's obviously not going to

be exactly like other neighborhoods

which is why I find it fun to explore

different parts of Tokyo and Japan

and for clarity going forward when I say

Tokyo in this video I'm talking about

the 23 special Awards so today I'll be

showing you the area around Shin koiwa

station

the majority of what you'll see can be

found in other similar sized stations

around Tokyo

[Music]

moving on let's talk about how you move

around I think it's safe to say that

Japan and even more so Tokyo is centered

around train stations

every time I go to meet someone or go

somewhere directions always start from

the train station when you go to rent or

buy a home they always list the walking

time to the closest train station

[Music]

while I'm fairly sure the majority of

people get to the train station by foot

there are those that get there by car

get there by bus

or get there by bike bikes are in fact

so popular that the bigger stations have

dedicated bike parkades

when going up levels there's a handy

bike escalator you can use

this one's quite affordable the cost is

only 100 yen for the day for people who

commute daily they can buy monthly

passes which will get them better spots

but equally as important avoid the few

seconds it takes to pay the attendant

for those arriving by vehicle there's

usually a bus stop or Bus Loop plus a

taxi stand

for the bigger stations there could be

multiple sides so if you're meeting

someone at a station you might need to

specify which exit you're at

for simple above ground stations it may

be as easy as north or south

but for more complex underground

stations you may have so many choices

that they start numbering and lettering

them something that surprised me when I

first moved to Tokyo is that workplaces

pay commuting expenses it's expected

that an employee will commute by public

transportation so for many people a car

can be considered a luxury as opposed to

a necessity

for example among my 12 family members

that live in Tokyo only my father-in-law

owns a car which he mainly used to work

at a farm in another prefecture

he's now retired but still has the car

to generalize if you're going to work

you're probably going to take the train

or bus

and if you're going shopping for daily

stuff you'll walk or take a bike

so train stations are often the hubs of

Tokyo neighborhoods it's also where

you'll find the largest buildings and

biggest shops

you can find basically anything you want

here

hungry you have places to eat at like

restaurants cafes and izakayas which are

kind of like Japan's version of a pub

I especially enjoy establishments that

only make one thing like Ramen or soba

need something quickly you'll find many

convenience stores they in fact serve a

lot of functions from paying your bills

to picking up your deliveries to buying

lunch on the go

a lot of people make YouTube videos

about the food but I'll have to do a

video one day that shows the death of

everything that can be accomplished at a

Japanese convenience store

feeling bored there are many indoor

entertainment facilities like karaoke or

karaoke boxes and Pachinko parlors or

places that are healthier like fitness

centers

any of your daily Necessities can be

found near stations like grocery stores

for food and drugstores for cleaning

supplies toiletries and over-the-counter

drugs you'll need to go to a pharmacy

for your prescriptions

something that I enjoy about Japan are

the specialty stores you can find that

are usually owner operated like this

place that only sells tofu this one that

only sells rice

are this one that only sells tea

these can often be found in show 10 guy

which can be literally translated as

shopping street

shotengay are groups of independent

shops that have banded together to make

a small shopping district

actually has several Showtime guy

[Music]

however this covered arcade is the

largest

foreign

guy but that'll require another video

[Music]

stations will have koban which are small

local police stations or if We're

translating directly police boxes

they'll usually have some bikes as in

bicycles parked outside

when my wife and I found a wallet on the

street this is where we went to return

it

I can go on and on listing all the

services you can access but in a general

sense around the station you can find

everything you need for daily life

this is why you pretty much don't need

to own a car if you're living in a

typical Tokyo neighborhood you can

access everything by foot or bike

the latest stats reveal that there's

less than half a car per household in

Tokyo Metropolis but what about those

big items or when you have lots of items

delivery service is excellent sometimes

even same day and mostly free

you wouldn't need to rent a van or truck

to pick up a bed dispose of an old desk

or grab that new TV

these can all be picked up and delivered

foreign

like about neighborhoods in Tokyo is

that virtually everywhere has mixed use

zoning

what is mixed-use zoning you ask or not

mixed-use zoning means that the land can

be used for a variety of purposes from

residential to commercial

to Civic to Industrial

this is why in the same neighborhood you

can find a daycare right next to a

shrine which is right next to a house

which has a beauty shop on the bottom

which is next to a small Warehouse which

is next to a park

you'll find all the services and

Facilities you need scattered throughout

the neighborhood from doctors dentists

and hospitals to community centers

senior care homes and schools

waste energy plants or pumping stations

can be found within the neighborhood

complete with the parks that surround it

but zoning is another topic that I can

and will make an entire video on

what's important to know is that when it

comes to Tokyo the lowest level of

zoning you'll commonly find still allows

for mixed use multi-story apartment

buildings and for people to legally run

small businesses out of their homes

whether it be a little shop selling

Goods

our little workshop making them

The crucial reason I think it's

important to know about zoning is that

without these laws Tokyo and indeed the

whole of Japan wouldn't be able to have

such walkable and bikeable neighborhoods

that don't require owning a car to live

foreign

overwhelmingly feel when walking about a

neighborhood in Tokyo is a sense of

safety

the best example I can think of is

children you see children everywhere

from the age of six when children enter

Elementary School they learn how to walk

home from school by themselves

you'll also see them running or riding

around the neighborhood meeting up with

friends like how I remember growing up

in the 80s in Canada or what my daughter

and I see when watching stranger things

I mean the kids running around without

adult supervision Parts not all the

dangerous parts

foreign

why haven't the kids been locked up for

their own safety why do I keep on asking

questions that would require a dedicated

video to properly answer them

I'll just name a few aspects that relate

to the design of neighborhoods most

streets are small and have a speed limit

of 30 kilometers or 19 miles per hour

that's kind of slow slow enough that

kids can feel free to run around in the

middle of the streets and do as they

please

[Music]

it's the cars that watch out for the

kids not the other way around

of course there are bigger streets where

the speed limit is 50 kilometers or 31

miles per hour

typically have guard railings and

traffic lights so you'll also see kids

walking along these streets as well

although on the side not in the middle

if an area is close to a school zone

you'll find silver dinside

which are seniors that work in the

community that will be on crossing guard

Duty you'll also see these silver ginzai

at bicycle parking spots as well as at

parks

for kids they are familiar trusted

people that they can go to for help for

the neighborhood they act as a kind of

neighborhood watch

I would argue that the tightly packed

homes and businesses slow traffic and

walkable streets keep the areas busy

enough that there's always someone

around

These Eyes On The Street then make

people feel safe

which is why it's not at all uncommon to

see female high schoolers are office

workers walking home alone at 9 or 10 in

the evening hours after the sun is set

[Music]

speaking of sunset when it arrives

there's a special jingle that plays

which reminds kids they should be on

their way home

[Music]

our Tokyo's neighborhoods completely

safe and devoid of crime

no

for example a shockingly high number of

Japanese females I talked to have

experienced groping while riding on the

trains

on the other hand in terms of petty

theft and threat of assault I feel

confident that the raids are lower than

in Canadian cities

I would roll out a bunch of stats but

because of reporting differences and

under-reporting the best I feel

comfortable saying is that in Tokyo I

have a much bigger feeling of safety in

regards to my family and my possessions

than I did when living in Vancouver or

Winnipeg

is it not hectic living in a typical

Tokyo neighborhood I think what a lot of

people don't realize is that Tokyo's

Mori collection of neighborhoods than it

is a mega City you probably wouldn't

know it from looking across it from one

of its many Towers though

and even in the busiest of neighborhoods

there's usually some calmer spots which

you can find at parks at shrines

at temples and among many of the

Riverbanks

although not this particular part of

NACA River where they operate one of the

highways and a train line is crossing it

but hey they do have a nice park right

beside it and behind it public housing

run by the Tokyo Metropolitan government

and behind that it's a five minute walk

to the train station

however I agree that this area is a bit

hectic which is why within a 10 minute

walk from the station you can find a

river park like this

completely different atmosphere

in my Tokyo by bike video I highlighted

many of the spots around Tokyo where you

can find such Greenways

oh and if you're looking for an indoor

place to unwind you can try going to the

local bathhouse the sento

these local institutions are

disappearing at an increasing rate

even though you must be annoyed with me

saying this I filmed a day in the life

of owning a sento with Sakai song so

look out for that video

there are so many aspects of Japanese

life that I'll be digging deeper into so

if you want to make sure you'll see them

please subscribe to see those videos

when they come out

so yes even in busy Tokyo you can get

some relative peace

you're not going to find yourself

completely alone in the wilderness

but maybe in certain areas with the

masses of people you may feel that way

foreign

[Music]

foreign

[Music]

thanks for watching see you next time

peace