Under the Bridge II.

One of my favorite things about Tokyo is the way in which spaces are used: under bridges, highways, expressways - any place an opportunity exists. In most cities, major transit routes effectively create walls or dead zones in the urban fabric. Here, the richness and vitality of Tokyo's urban character is allowed to extend in a relatively continuous fashion as automobiles and trains pass overhead.

Eatery Clinging to Overpass.
Small-scale spaces bring a strong sense of intimacy and humanity to a metropolitan area of nearly 35 million people. Economically, these spaces are more egalitarian. They have relatively lower rents which allow more people to own and run businesses, often in high-profile places.

Ginza 9.
Conversely, even upscale boutiques and restaurants occupy the spaces below expressways and railways - especially in Ginza.

Yamanote Train Line Above, Ameyoko Market Below.
Below these tracks lie some of my favorite haunts, from inexpensive and delicious kaiten-zushi, or conveyor belt sushi restaurants, to yakitoris that serve scrumptious BBQ on skewers, edamame, and tasty cold Sapporo or sake. And let's not forget my favorite noodle place, which serves up piping hot soba, or buckwheat noodles with crispy tempura on top.

Before I get carried away on a culinary track - the importance here is that in Tokyo, highly memorable spaces are created in spaces that are ordinarily ignored by many other cities in the world.

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Light at the End of the Tunnel.

After a long cavernous journey on the Yurakucho subway line, large Japanese maples and a brilliant blue sky are framed by an exit back into the city.

Massive Transit.

The expanse and usage of Tokyo's metro and rail line is nothing less than staggering. Tokyo's subway lines carry over 7 million passengers per day and are operated by various private companies and government agencies. Additionally, the East Japan Railway (JR East) line, which serves Tokyo and connects to other large cities in the region, carries 16 million passengers daily. Annually, that comes to 5.9 billion passengers per year on the JR East, making it the largest passenger railway company in the world . Nationwide, 21.6 billion passengers use the JR system per year, compared with 1.7 billion in Germany and 1 billion passengers per year in the U.K.

Other facts for the JR East:
Number of stations: 1,697
Average Daily Train Runs: 12,527
Passenger Line Network: 7,527 km
Number of Employees: 77,009 (57,975 at parent company)

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Welcome to Tokyo. Why blog?

Why Blog?

For the next several months, I'll be living in Tokyo, the world's largest mega-city at roughly 35 million people according to United Nations statistics. It has the sprawl and expressway network of L.A., with the energy and density of New York City. We can learn much here about the future of cities. Add to that an extraordinary appreciation for design and craftsmanship, and Japan becomes an ideal setting for a student of architecture to visit.

I hope this site helps me to do a better job of keeping in touch with those who aren't near. Join me on the journey!

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