What a Typical Tokyo Neighbourhood is Like

If you were to move to a typical neighbourhood in Tokyo, what would it be like? How would you get around? What would you see and do? Today I'll take you around Shin-Koiwa station.
Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:37 Transportation
03:55 Station life
07:12 Zoning
08:53 Safety
12:08 The hectic life
Tokyo Neighbourhood Tour • Tokyo Neighbourhood To...
Tokyo by Bike • Tokyo by Bike
Tokyo by Train • Tokyo by Train (2016) ...
Tokyo by Boat • Tokyo by Boat
Land use zoning English www.mlit.go.jp/common/0010504...
Land use zoning Japanese www.mlit.go.jp/crd/city/plan/...
Video Gear I Use
📷 Camera: amzn.to/2NEokdl
📷 Drone: amzn.to/2GAURv8
📷 Wide Lens: amzn.to/2BcJCGJ
📷 Prime Lens: amzn.to/2C2LEpt
🎤 Microphone: amzn.to/2BJi114
📺 Monitor: amzn.to/2E8XzUI
📷 All the rest: kit.co/lifewhereimfrom/youtub...
Connect
🗲Patreon: / lifewhereimfrom
🗲Life Where I'm From X Channel: bit.ly/ytlwifx
🗲Website: www.lifewhereimfrom.com
🗲Facebook: / lifewhereimfrom
🗲Instagram: / lifewhereimfrom
🗲Twitter: / lifewhereimfrom
Music by Epidemic Sound www.epidemicsound.com/referra...

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

I started filming thins in March, where I did a walk around tour of the neighbourhood on the X channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZ-3kKRqbtCpd9U Some other related videos touring neighbourhoods that you might like are: Tokyo by Bike kzbin.info/www/bejne/q2HbaXh3m5l6ick Tokyo by Train kzbin.info/www/bejne/o524nY1-fN2Wl9E Tokyo by Boat kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5KUl5ewrpyLbpY I already got most of the footage for the zoning and how Japan keeps clean videos, so those will be out sooner than later. Hope you enjoy!

[@RAZGR1Z]

Thanks!

[@valecious7552]

Great job as always. Looking forward to sento video.

[@sirBrouwer]

for the Zoning video it might be interesting for you to have a chat with Dave Amos (City Beautiful) He is a KZbinr dedicated in everything about cities and city planning. (even just off camera)

[@l96ai]

Hi Greg! Good video as always. By the way, what's the "tax house" on 13:00? Can you talk more about it?

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

@@sirBrouwer Yeah, would love to chat with City Beautiful about this kind of stuff.

[@zzrhardy]

It's almost as if they design their neighbourhoods for human beings to live in, rather than automobiles to travel through... how radical.

[@tomotrono242]

you can really see the difference when the majority of a society has common sense

[@Coplanersirtax9]

@@turntski1337 greedy bastards lol

[@lawdzane]

God bless Asia!!!

[@liberalbias4462]

It's almost like they don't have to deal with black people.

[@hottakeswithpancakes774]

They did this in the middle ages too, sometimes society must advance. Tokyo is way too over-populated and overcrowded it literally regresses.

[@popgas3821]

Among the reasons why living in Japan makes you thin: lots of walking. Which honestly, personally, I don’t mind. The less car makes for a dream neighborhood, frankly. You have no idea how a quiet neighborhood can do to your sleep’s quality and probably on an overall, everyday livelihood.

[@Jordan-inJapan]

Agreed!

[@OfficiallyErling]

Unfortunately, I already did lots of walking before I moved to Tokyo, so it didn't help me lose weight at all! There was a lot of exciting new food though, so my weight went a little the other way instead.

[@ArnoldPranks]

I'm convinced it's mostly genetics tho, although I'm starting to see some obese McD-loving native Japanese.

[@pengajianrutin540]

@Belltown Daisy Is it like lazy genetics?

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@pengajianrutin540 😂

[@sunnyscott4876]

What a lovely video. I am a 73 year old American lady and I am always so lonely with few friends and nothing to do. Our culture has always emphasized privacy and isolation As you age and don't have family, this can be very unfortunate. After watching your video, I can understand more why so many young Americans are drawn to Japan. Thanks for a very interesting insight into such a vast cultural difference.

[@edwardfletcher7790]

That's a really lovely insightful comment Sunny, thank you for sharing....

[@sunnyscott4876]

@@edwardfletcher7790 Thank you for your kind words. Merry Christmas to you. 🌲

[@cynickal7430]

@@sunnyscott4876 Merry Christmas 🎄

[@skittlescopes4832]

What? Americans are the most social people on earth. By far.

[@le_meme_man8983]

@@skittlescopes4832 how?

[@aidengoesham3970]

I'm American, but when I was a kid I lived in japan due to my parents being in the military. It was a perfect childhood, playing with friends everyday until the bell rang.

[@danielgonzalez7541]

That does sound like a glorious childhood.

[@blacklyfe5543]

Where do you live now?

[@mariusmatei2946]

Well, how old are you, now?

[@user-do6eu2qc6l]

今でも安全です。🇯🇵

[@kingdoge69]

Man, that sounds like an awesome childhood, growing up to military parents who were stationed in another country always sounded cool to me

[@Prathik1989]

that bicycle escalator is genius

[@frog382]

The whole bycicle game is genius... Massive city needs least cars necessary, plus its healthy, cheaper, safer, less space consuming on the road and less stress about it than cars or motorcycles overall - if something breaks its not 1000$

[@VV-xe4ym]

@@frog382 The problem in America is that while in Japan you can park your bike all day for about $1, that would easily be about $6 for 3 hours here...and it will be stolen lol

[@zoekenny3619]

And the jingle to prompt kids to head home! 💡

[@frog382]

@@VV-xe4ym Because thesre is no market... America has a philosophy of path of least resistance, where they say its easier and faster without consideration for environmental issues. Some European countries with bicycle cultures have bike parkings everywhere and they are free... Some countries have rent a bike, that you take as a taxi, when you lock it to the station, someone can pick it up and they are everywhere. Many solutions, but the will power is not there :) Also, we both misspelled bicycle earlier haha

[@yukko_parra]

my bike is smiling at that escalator

[@GG-fm8is]

Love how the neighborhoods just kind of flow together. Even though Tokyo has millions of people they seem so safe, peaceful, and quiet.

[@ruhulamin9513]

Man how you are keep Supporting Manchester United after Fergie Era 😭💔 they only gave me pain and nothing more

[@GG-fm8is]

@@ruhulamin9513 old habits die hard lol

[@elvin5304]

When I watch this video it is kind of made me think that everything and everyone in Tokio is in harmony that things work the way desired in very small details. Hope this makes people in their harts more satisfied with the life which matters most.

[@doomedbringer]

Well that’s more because of the Japanese culture demanding being respectful of others and not making trouble for others

[@hecec7785]

The thing I love the most about Japan is how clean and safe it is. It always impresses me. Of course it's not perfect but it's really amazing compared to others.

[@ShonenJapan]

Couldn't agree more.

[@vilegoat1401]

Yeah compared to California this place is like heaven.

[@_Just_Another_Guy]

I agree. Japanese cleanliness is one of the top things I've always been impressed about regarding their culture ethics. Most of the streets look so clean that they look almost newly paved all the time. No garbage, no discarded gum, no dog poop, etc.

[@lucascoval828]

@@vilegoat1401 California just needs to provide more funding to help the homeless there.

[@lucascoval828]

@@_Just_Another_Guy Homogenous Population.

[@edgar8497]

“Tokyo” makes me nostalgic for a childhood that I never had

[@johngablesmith4671]

I'm always amazed as to how SPOTLESS the streets are - absolutely clean. It's amazing to see.

[@alexheise110]

Those streets and little parks would be polluted in any western country Edit: some people disagree, what I meant to say was that all those little beatiful parks, shrines and narrow streets simply have a higher chance of pollution in any western country. When I walk through parks where I live, although they look clean at first sight, there's always a spot where people dispose of their garbage. Shrines would probably have graffiti on them somewhere.

[@alexheise110]

@uta gordon ok

[@Lucasjamespetersen]

@uta gordon Burying power lines is expensive. Personally I'd rather the city saved money on power lines and spend the cash on better services.

[@mattsoca1]

@uta gordon The primary reason many power lines are not underground in Japan is simply because in the event of a major earthquake, it is so much easier and quicker to "repair" damage to above ground power lines (such as being able to visually see where the break is located). Unlike city areas with a dense concentration of high rise buildings, most residential neighborhoods do not have the associated developed underground infrastructure (such as utility tunnels). In these "low-rise" residential communities, repairing damage caused by an earthquake would probably mean digging up huge lengths of terrain in order to find where mending needs to be made for any buried underground power lines. Japanese planners must always consider the effects of a major earthquake. That being said, as the cities become more dense with taller buildings (that are constructed to withstand severe earthquakes), they are gradually incorporating underground systems and removing above ground power lines.

[@rasalghul8195]

The world should follow Japan's lead, why mess up your home, it makes no sense. But people in a lot of places just don't care.

[@ChrisDragon531]

I'm currently living in Japan (Not Tokyo, I live the next prefecture over, but It's only a 15 minute train ride to get to Tokyo), and even here I can access everything I need within a 5 minute walk. I actually love how the neighborhoods are set up with the multiple zones in one area. I live in an apartment building that has a grocery store on the first (it also covers second) floor, and a gym on the third (and fourth) floor. Next door is a house and next to that is a Dentist Office. on the other side of the building is a Bank. Across the street is a Drug Store, the Train Station is a 5 minute walk and in that 5 minutes I pass a Temple, 3 Convenience stores, a post office, some specialty stores, two Pachinko Places, another Drug Store, a few specialty shops and restaurants, a couple Izakaya, a couple smaller apartment buildings and several houses. There is also a Koban right outside of the Train Station and a Fire Station, another dentist, and a clinic in the area. I love how easily accessible everything is without the use of a bike or car, compared to where I grew up in the USA. In the USA I lived in a Residential Area (two story family houses), so the nearest grocery store was a 10 minute walk (2 minute drive) from my parents' house in the Commercial Area. Also, I love how much safer Japan is as well! I'm an Elementary School ALT, and I always see my students walking around with their friends freely outside of school (BTW I LOVE running into my students outside of school it makes me happy). I also enjoy being able to run to the Conbini at 10 at night when I run out of toilet paper without worrying about someone mugging me.

[@stevevasilica6187]

How lovely... thank you for sharing... 💝

[@sussybakamogus]

awesome!

[@voyager619sd]

Back in the day, I like visiting the multi story 100Y stores. So many items for sale. And when I wanted an electronics item, Akihabara, the electronic retailers area was where to go. Again multi story buildings with endless items for sale. When I bought a digital camera, sales rep spoke English, asked if I wanted the one with multi language display mode or Japanese only. Laughed. Show your passport and you didn't pay the taxes.

[@Shadow0fd3ath24]

Not all of the USA or I'll even say a lot of the USA has places where you dont need to worry about mugging. Those worry free places just just tend to not be big cities, or in certain rich neighborhoods of those cities. Location is everything here

[@johnkertzregino9065]

sana all

[@kuromifluff]

The “silver jinzai” brought tears to my eyes. I’ve never heard of them before but it’s so wholesome. I live in the US and it’s just terrifying how unsafe it is for young children and women to be anywhere by themselves. It is heartwarming to know that the elderly in Japan do this kind of volunteer work to keep their communities safe. I’m moving to Tokyo in a few weeks to attend university and I’m so happy that I’ll be able to travel and enjoy things by myself without fear of being hurt. And now I know that there’s always someone looking out for me. :,)

[@2456tack]

Please allow me to reply to your comment, as it was posted quite a while ago. I guess that you’re in Tokyo right now and I just wanted to say that I hope that you have been enjoying your life in Japan!

[@lolah3838]

The silver jinzai remind me of crossing guards, a common sight in the US. Curious where you live in the US that you are so deathly afraid. I've lived in the US all of my life and have never felt this. There are dangerous areas of most big cities in the US and worldwide that you know to avoid but other than that, no worries.

[@Britonbear]

I don't think they showed it here but they also keep areas clean.

[@danielgonzalez7541]

"It is heartwarming to know that the elderly in Japan do this kind of volunteer work to keep their communities safe." It is not volunteer work, they get paid for it (as it should be). " I’m so happy that I’ll be able to travel and enjoy things by myself without fear of being hurt." It's not just Tokyo, SIngapore, South Korea, China, are much safer for people than the US. East Asian cities are in general much better run than their US/Western European counterparts.

[@dydx_]

They get paid (not much, but paid). Though it is a sort of "volunteer" job. You see, these jobs exist such that old people who are retired still can feel as if they are contributing to soceity and their families even if not by much. Their jobs are worthless, and Tokyo would function without them the exact same way and this is what makes it even more beautiful because it's a "useless" (so to say) job that exist entirely out of consideration for the people who otherwise would feel as if their life lost meaning (because they can't be an active part of the community anymore). It's a job which brings the employer no gain, because it exists thanks to compassion.

[@mesmerino]

Mixed used zoning is way better than what is in most American suburbs, single family housing zoning. SFH zoning is a scourge that led to all this urban sprawl, congested freeways, soul crushing suburbs with cookie cutter houses and boring strip malls with corporate owned stores.

[@krunkle5136]

America needs to chin up and find ways to gravitate away from excessive car culture.

[@Nuvendil]

Japan doesn't have "mixed use zoning," it zones by intensity. There's no dedicated uses or dictated uses. In over half the land in Tokyo, you can build by right basically anything that isn't a heavy industrial facility, from a single family house to a skyscraper office building to a grocery store. The blend of uses and intensities is a natural product of market forces permitted to act on their own, more or less. And even in the lowest intensity zoning, rental housing, small scale apartments, and retail are still permitted. The fundamental issue in the US and other nations in the West is the obsession with planning uses. Use specific zoning in general, the entire Euclidean Zoning regime, is a cancer in the States.

[@krunkle5136]

@@Nuvendil illuminating.

[@ojcubz]

Mixed zoning is honestly genius, of course with some moderation. Having essentials being walking distance to most people will easily highlight a neighborhood. The benefits of enticing people to actually walk or ride bikes in small streets/non car crowded streets adds to the overall health of people living in that neighborhood too.

[@Lucasjamespetersen]

The irony is that mixed zoning is the default. Single use zoning (common in North America) is a relatively new concept that has absolutely ducked us. Well except for keeping heavy polluting industries away from residential areas... That was probably a good call

[@dantheman3022]

MIXED zoning is NOT good. Imagine living next to an industrial workshop with hammers, saws, welding going on allllll day ???????? Theres a reason why every other country spaces out zoning is so people can relax a bit !!!! But to japans defense, the people are considerate there so ....maybe.....it might work ???

[@morphkogan8627]

@@dantheman3022 I think that level industrial workshop is probably in its own zone.

[@ilcubo32]

@@dantheman3022 It depends what kind of industry and industrial building you have.

[@zackakai5173]

That's the thing though, it's only "genius" if you're from North America or maybe Australia. In the rest of the world, that's just how you build a city. The single dumbest thing we ever did in the US was decide that residential and commercial areas should be kept separate at all costs.

[@Jordan-inJapan]

This is so much more interesting to me than than seeing landmarks or flashy shopping districts. It’s just a totally different feeling than the rural part of Japan I live in. (Overall, I think I prefer living in “Inaka”, but I do crave urban stimulation now and then.) Anyway, thanks for the high-quality upload, as usual. Kp! 🍻

[@sowmindful1501]

As someone from the States, I really would like to visit Rural parts of Japan. Places that work with the land, and don’t over populate.

[@blindpilot3849]

Yea I love strolling around these slower paced neighbourhoods and discovering hidden gems be it food/craft/culture/people and just see how real people live their daily life.

[@iamthinking2252_]

I swear I saw someone mention Inaka in a different video (I think it was about ten different phrases not to say to the boss?)

[@Bones12x2]

agreed, I've visited several times and as neat as the historic or trendy spots can be for visiting...this video made me just as if not more nostalgic than videos of the famous sites. The feeling and experience of these charming neighborhoods was something I never expected to be so endearing but I look forward to just wandering around them again in the future as if they were an attraction of their own.

[@Jordan-inJapan]

@@iamthinking2252_ It just means a rural area, “countryside” etc. Sorry. English speakers who’ve lived in Japan for a long time start to use these kind of words like they’re English. 😆

[@dariusq8894]

Even as a tourist, Tokyo definitely felt safer late at night than my home neighbourhood. I often reminisce about growing up in Canada and feeling that same level of security.

[@johncookez8216]

Eastern Canada, particularily Quebec, is extremely safe. But even our low homicide rates in Quebec don't compare to Japan's. People simply do not get attacked there, and it not only probably feels safer but it is much safer aswell.

[@helloyou5549]

ya because theres no blacks there

[@Robert-jb3hg]

@Emme-ro7hw don't compare blacks in america and japan. It's hard to get into Japan, which means that black people there are educated people, and not idiots who listen to rap all day and loot stores

[@user-ck5is2pg9y]

@@Robert-jb3hg saw black person on Osaka who was working at Family Mart convenience store. Very friendly.

[@mariusmatei2946]

Well, where do you live, now?

[@statelyelms]

Tokyo just feels like a completely different world. The buildings take up most of the city, so the streets are narrow and people-based.. the tiny specialty shops are such a nice thing to see as well.

[@JdeC1994]

"Tokyo just feels like a completely different world." Why? Demographics? Hmmm. 🤔🤔

[@Padlock_Steve]

@@JdeC1994 americans cant fathom the idea of a city that you can walk around in

[@JdeC1994]

@@Padlock_Steve Yeah, Americans can be very soft, and physically lazy. Then again, how often have you walked around Detroit, Baltimore, Memphis, Newark, New Orleans, St. Louis, East St. Louis, Cleveland, K.C., Philadelphia, Little Rock, Milwaukee, Oakland, Gary, Mobile, Jackson, Camden, Birmingham, Flint, Louisville, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Buffalo, etc.? 🤔🤔

[@NotJustBikes]

This was an exceptional summary of life in Tokyo! Japan really takes walkability to the next level, and I'm definitely looking forward to the future video about zoning, as Japanese zoning is fascinating. I've been to Japan (usually Tokyo) about a dozen times, but always for business trips. I'm planning my first vacation to Tokyo next year because I want my kids to experience what life is like there, because they do so many things so well.

[@tommysalami28]

I would really like an in depth zoning video too

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

Love your channel! Would be cool to do something together sometime.

[@NotJustBikes]

@@LifeWhereImFrom yes, definitely! Let's figure something out. Maybe we could even meet up when I'm in Tokyo in the Spring!

[@NoMorePedals]

Once zoning entered the discussion I thought immediately of your channel

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

@@NotJustBikes Ok, sounds great!

[@Cuatalata]

I find Tokyo similar to how I grew up in Madrid, Spain, just much cleaner and safer in spots. I love visiting and spending my time in less central neighborhoods :)

[@sirBrouwer]

for me being Dutch it also feels familiar with the only odd thing is seeing people cycle on the site walk. But that is the Dutch person being used to full independent cycle path.

[@ramzanninety-five3639]

@@sirBrouwer I find it pretty safe to cycle on the roadway in Japan since 90% of the streets are quite slow and narrow by design. There are issues but really only a few, mostly in more American-style areas built in the '70s-'90s. I also find that cycling on sidewalks is more of a cultural thing since Japanese tend to cycle relatively slow and thus do not want to slow down road traffic that often takes most of the space on the narrow roads. Unlike North America today and Netherlands in the 1970s, there often aren't really extra car lanes you can convert for use by cyclists

[@sirBrouwer]

@@ramzanninety-five3639 it's more that it comes so close to that Dutch norm in most ways. with both how streets (especially side streets) are made for slow traffic and how they are used. I know that Tokyo does have dedicated cycling lanes but I understood that you can use them but also use the sidewalk. here in the Netherlands its a no no for anyone above the age of 8 to do so. (below 8 a kid could be seen as playing and the bike can be seen as a toy).

[@homelylad]

Lived in outer Madrid a few years back and buildings also were much uglier than in Tokyo ,they looked almost like huge projects straight out the outskirts of Kyiv.

[@Cuatalata]

@@homelylad you're not wrong 🤣

[@luva_carnincatsnmusic]

I got lost in Tokyo Metropolis once. In Kashiwa in Chiba Prefecture while I was residing in Abiko. It was the most amazing experience even though my Japanese was very limited. I could order coffee reasonably well and that calmed my nerves somewhat until I re-oriented to the train station. This video brought back some amazing memories of small alleys where I had the best curry I've ever tasted and I had always wondered about the residential areas with the small shops and businesses interspersed throughout. I thought that was neat. And now I know why.

[@rishyfishy8799]

Despite how congested and packed in everything is, everything looks so neat and clean and aesthetic. The west needs to up its game. Wish we had cleanliness and manners like that

[@deadlyoneable]

It’s called having a homogenous society.

[@rishyfishy8799]

@@deadlyoneable this has been said many times and been debunked with simple examples. Go to any african or east european country. It’s literally just scandinavian and east asian countries that are able to do this. Its culture

[@Reapehify]

@@rishyfishy8799 yes, a homogeneous culture, which manifests from a homogeneous people. Africa is very culturally divided because of ethnic differences and lower IQs. Some homogeneous cultures are better than others. That's not debunked, it's the bell curve in action.

[@rishyfishy8799]

@@Reapehify correlation doesn’t equal causation. The more obvious explanation for some things working well is the fact that a specific ethnic culture may be more likely to be a certain way. Eg. Japanese people have a culture of cleanliness, politeness, always being organised, community oriented etc. Do you think if arab nations or African nations would suddenly be utopias if one ethnic group wiped out every other ethnicity. Many have tried and it has never worked.

[@Reapehify]

@@rishyfishy8799 I don't think you understand what I said. Higher IQ homogenous societies will produce better sociocultural practices. I never at all said causation. Just that, following the bell curve, homogeneity wins out. Even a poor homogeneous Africa would be better than the multi-ethnic tribalism that exists now. No difference between third world or first world would change that--North America is quickly becoming impoverished culturally and economically thanks to a lack of homogeneity. Would homogeneity cause success? No, but pluralism guarantees failure. It's asymmetrically causal; much different than what I indicated. Remember that. The shrinking of Democracy across the world year over year is directly related to the decline of sociocultural practices. Internationalism is a joke. Nationalism, homogenous culture, organicism, these are the things that preserve Japan--preserve Israel, Switzerland, China.

[@perlen5227]

I've recently become obsessed over KZbin channels that talk about urban planning and walkable cities. Which is why I am sooooo glad you made this video! Those channels talk about European cities almost all the time, so it's very refreshing to see a video all about Japan. It might not be what the whole video is about but I'm still glad.

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

Yeah, I've been watching a lot of those urban planning channels as well. I have some more urban planning videos lined up, so please be patient!

[@perlen5227]

@@LifeWhereImFrom Ahh! Looking forward for them, then!

[@yusux]

Same, I really like the channel Not Just Bikes which is in The Netherlands and this video really gave similar vibes

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

@@yusux Yeah, the guy is Canadian as well. Seems like we'll have to arrange some type of international collab!

[@yusux]

@@LifeWhereImFrom he just did an international collab with another Canadian KZbinr today lol (channel is Shifter)

[@wraitholme]

"Why do I keep asking questions that need a dedicated video..." - I think that's called 'planning content', and I'm looking forward to them :D Also, I really like how you did the bits of text to hilight structures etc. It blended in so well and felt so natural I was barely aware of how I was getting extra information. Very smooth. And an upcoming 'day in the life of'! I cannot wait, I _love_ those!

[@Arkiasis]

One thing that is noticeable is that while it is very dense, it's not loud. Most of the noise in cities is from cars. Less cars means less noise. So that's why even these very narrow dense areas with apartments, businesses and everything are so quiet.

[@leaacosta5903]

One thing I have noticed is how clean the streets are. No litter anywhere!

[@chloejankowski2087]

I know no country is perfect and each has flaws/negatives, but I would love to experience life in Japan, even just for a little while! Thanks for your amazing videos and content.

[@Ashaliyeva]

I totally agree with you! This video really made me want to live in a nice, quiet, little Tokyo neighborhood!

[@user-rx7uh9mg4f]

Yeah exactly! For maybe two to three years that would be amazing.

[@JohnAdams-qc2ju]

Korea is very similar, China is a bit similar but not really. Much better then the US system where even in a city most are places no one wants to live in and still requires a car once you basically hit the age of 16-18 (unless your lucky and live at a college where everything you need is found at the campus). Kinda sucks to force every teen to start worrying how to afford a car, get a job to get one and pay insurance and gas and then spend your time and money between work and school with little social life (unless your from a mid-to-upper middle class or higher family who can buy/pay one for you. Honestly I'd love to raise a family in a similar neighborhood where everyone can walk to work/school and have somewhat of a social life and everyone knows each other in the neighborhood. Its provides better social life and mental illness vs the US where most people don't talk to each other and everyone is alone (outside of the home unit).

[@peterbelanger4094]

I don't think I could deal with Japan or anyplace in Asia, WAAAAAY too crowded!!!!

[@thenanlife1141]

Me me too would love to visit Japan . It looks such a clean and organised country xx

[@raycrou8837]

Everyone in Los Angeles, Phoenix and Houston needs to see this. Those cities are starved of good urban planning. Sad to say, they voted for the policies that have shaped their cities the way they are for decades.

[@bugrist]

Want to see Europe i.e. the worst?

[@ColumbiaThink]

Yep people are ignorant

[@jerrywu4837]

They know. Unfortunately, zoning changes can affect property values so this won't happen.

[@sowmindful1501]

Which is exactly what keeps me from moving to a larger city, even though I love the diversity of people, it’s just too chaotic.

[@benkoskinen3871]

@@bugrist Can you give me examples of really bad urban sprawl in Europe?

[@casakaiser]

When people ask me what I like about living in Tokyo, I often answer that I like the relaxed and orderly way of living. To think of a metropolis of 40 million as a relaxing place always gets a surprised look, but that’s how Tokyo feels to me.

[@angelaburroughs4584]

I lived in Japan for three years and I absolutely loved it… I’d go back in a heartbeat

[@dawnhero6439]

This to me was one of the most surprising/interesting parts about living in Japan. Everything in your little neighborhood felt so homey and it all revolved around the local station. Just walk to the station, and boom, you can to go anywhere in Tokyo. I miss it.

[@s70driver2005]

Visiting Japan was the one time I didn't really miss not having my car, I am a car enthusiast even, which is something I did not expect to happen. Where in Japan did you visit/Stay? For how long?

[@dawnhero6439]

@@s70driver2005 Hey! Yeah it's weird isn't it? I stayed in Tokyo for 6 months right before covid and I got to visit Oita and Sendai too. Best time of my life. Now I live in Osaka! I'm kind far out though, in more of a small town, so I need to bike around everywhere. Lucky for me I absolutely love biking. :D

[@s70driver2005]

@Dawn Hero wow so awesome dude. When we visited it was only for 20 days this September and October. I'm thinking of doing a study abroad just so I can really kearn the language and spend time there. I actually distribute in the US for a motorcycle gear company based in Osaka.

[@dawnhero6439]

@@s70driver2005 Hey that's awesome man. Yeah I love it here! And best wishes, that sounds like a great idea.

[@lindholmaren]

Haha, the talk about the walkability, zoning and everyday living accessibility makes me think you might have found the various channels showing how terrible some cities are designed (in particular in the US and Canada) or how nice some places with decent bike and subway infrastructure are to live in, and also gotten obsessed with it just like me

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

Yep, I definitely have. But I also was thinking these things way before I knew those channels existed.

[@Nuvendil]

What I love about how Tokyo is "designed" is that it isn't. Tokyo is more free market about development than pretty much any city in the US, including Houston. This is because of the highly liberal zoning, the very strong protection of private property, ease of permitting (nearly all construction outside heavy industry is "by right"), and the lack of stupid restrictions like parking minimums. But what makes the planning side work is actually all the things they CAN'T plan. Land use regulatory power is heavily concentrated with the national government. So most development cannot be controlled by local municipalities. As such, they have to focus their infrastructure planning on accommodating the natural growth driven by markets rather than cooking up some delusional ten year master plan to super impose on the whole city. Which is, of course, how American cities got to where they are: hammered into irrational shapes by bureaucrats convinced of their glorious vision.

[@hypothalapotamus5293]

This video got me thinking. My neighborhood is fairly densely populated by US standards. Q. What would people do if it were rezoned for mixed use? A. Somebody would renovate a townhouse garage and turn it into a storefront. Q. What would that do to neighborhood character? A. Make it awesome.

[@ramsesclviii2584]

@@LifeWhereImFrom please do these neighborhood series. its so better on its own right

[@ramsesclviii2584]

relocating lives and spaces would be a mission to mars endeavour on all fronts. civil war of national concern.

[@lovelove-55s]

I like that you can reach anything you need by foot, bicycle, or train. It produces less green house gases and gives a sense of community I wish the US was more like Japan in this way

[@justdrewzxc]

Japan one of the most beautiful country

[@geraldbaria]

Tokyo neighborhoods looks so cozy, they have really figured things out. This is urban life perfection.❤️

[@Tzitzemine]

I love your videos. The calm voice, the realism, the unvarnished look at things ... You are amazing and the content you produced over the years is too. I still remember the "What Owning a Ramen Restaurant in Japan is Like"from back then!

[@Tbelly4]

Being from the US, and unfortunately never been outside of, this is a complete cultural shock. I’ve never wanted to visit a place more than Tokyo. The way of life is completely different and I’d love nothing more than to experience this. I hope one day I’ll be able to have an extended stay there to really be able and take it all in.

[@Will-ql5db]

america sucks

[@thomasnew8606]

The grass isn’t always greener on the other side. But it can be different!

[@twelve11]

The security/safety aspect is so foreign to almost everyone who hasn't lived in Japan. Also, never been so impressed by the cleanliness and orderly nature of everything and everyone, but its about the Japanese culture. Truly a remarkable place with remarkable people.

[@JdeC1994]

Is Japan's culture basically a reflection of its demographics? Hmmm. 🤔🤔

[@jsmith434w]

theyre also fdeeply racist and are forced to work 996 or be quietly fired. and because of a culture of pride, they can never admit they're wrong and change. so now the country is dying. very nice culture.

[@tritruong8125]

The 'Silver Jinzai' concept is incredible.

[@criedtofu]

I cried watching this video because it makes me miss Japan so much. I hope things will get better soon so we'll be able to travel freely again.

[@michaelbrown7561]

Perhaps it's the zoning and transportation set up I like about Japan. One thing I notice in North America is that you have to drive everywhere. We have satellite cities/suburbs with space in between destinations. You want to go to the mall-get into your car and go. Then, it's off to a restaurant-get in the car again. In Japan, you can walk outside of your apt. and the world is at your fingertips. Each block is a universe in itself with shops, restaurants, small parks, etc.

[@wizzard5442]

You have to remember Japan is a small country. Its total area is smaller than California with population of 125 million people (Cali - 39 million) And because of its small area, houses and apartments are small and squashed up and with narrow streets.

[@jerrell1169]

@@wizzard5442 Or maybe California just wastes the space afforded to it by constructing 12 lane highways?

[@fyre.]

@@wizzard5442 na just look carefully bro the parking lots are the problem they space everything out

[@krunkle5136]

@@wizzard5442 it's as long as the north American coasts though.

[@KittenBowl1]

@@wizzard5442 lol Japan is twice the size of the UK. Compare it also with the rest of European countries. Japan is much larger than most European countries by far. Yet European cities are very much behind it on every level. You want to compare it with the U.S.? 🤣 Sure go ahead. America isn’t really comparable to other G7 nations. Way too corrupt and in reality it’s not as rich. You know why? 1% rips off 99% of average Americans. I mean what can you expect from a country that only runs on money without any morals proudly calling the extortion of 99% “capitalism”. America is a land of corruptions, not land of opportunities and not really free, only entitlement.

[@akshats]

Not only it explains what it explains, The video and the narrator really does shine light on exactly what one may require to live a happy and peaceful life. In simple terms.

[@bitsandbytes16]

I love how the mixed-use zoning means you'll always stumble across something interesting while walking through a local neighbourhood. I've seen izakayas mixed in among houses and apartments, with a park and warehouse just around the corner, and a patisserie a block further along. It's strange and wonderful at the same time.

[@bugrist]

How quiet it is though when the warehouse and the patisserie start working at 5 am beside your room?

[@j134679]

@@bugrist it's why you're only walking through 🤣 best spot is in the middle of a strictly zoned low rise residential area, ~20mins away from station, so redevelopment doesn't overtake your sanctuary. Not too near, not too far. If you're too far the expressway construction can hit you or cut your route off or just remove the peace & quiet.

[@mathewng1988]

And mixed in together with tge electric town Akihabara, there is a shrine.

[@elipandaman]

this! nearly every street is fun to explore.

[@pumpkinhill4570]

@@bugrist Pretty quiet still. How much street noise would a patisserie need to make? No one is honking or shouting in Japan, people just go about their business.

[@Mayotta]

When working bad shifts makes you wonder "why I am even doing this?", these kind of videos show up to remind me where I want to go and to keep fighting. Thank you lots, and great video! looks like an AD for Tokyo hahaha :)

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

Thanks! I'll make sure to send the Tokyo Metropolitan Government the bill!

[@OreoTheWolf]

Speaking of safety, the one time I visited Tokyo, I stayed at an AirBnB in Shinjuku for 10 days. I heard from people beforehand that Shinjuku was the red light district, and one of the more dangerous places in Tokyo. The day I arrived, I walked around at 11 PM, by myself, for several hours and felt completely safe. The worst thing I ran into was a few groups of harmless drunk people.

[@notsharingwithyoutube]

I think it's really sweet that they play music for the kids to go home. 😊

[@piplup10203854]

I just love how efficient everything and the layout makes sense. If you take a bike there is a biking parking garage/spot, if you use said bike there is a bike escalator assist, it all makes sense and works great at accommodating a variety of transportation for the employees.

[@tinkcreates]

PS If you’re a coffee drinker, Shin-Koiwa has a little shop where you can choose your beans and have them roasted to your liking. It was excellent!’

[@azabujuban-hito8085]

Koiwa also has 😁

[@Draxis32]

The secret to such amazing development: *MIXED USE ZONING* The same thing goes to European cities. They all have mixed use on their streets. Houses at the top, stores at the bottom. Hospitals occupy nearby buildings, same for police stations, trains what have you. When you visit a developing nation you'll see everything is wrongfully divided, broke apart or isolated. Mostly because the laws there don't allow for such structures to exists. While I live in a developing nation myself, I look at Japan's simplicity of living and see that you don't have to spend billions in tax payer revenue to build a developed neighborhood. All you need is good zoning laws, good public workers that are not corrupt, and a functioning public transport infrastructure. The rest the citizens will almost always produce. The stability, the cleanliness, the organization. All will sprout out of simple planning and a little bit of public investing.

[@mariooo88]

Japan's zoning is nowhere close to our European one. We have a draft, they got it working as it really should.

[@mariooo88]

@Michelle It is indeed! Those who dont realize are the ones with a narrow mind view or simply too brainwashed from their country's government\medias.

[@sillyname6808]

Chief the secret to such amazing development is Japan is full of 110 IQ average Japanese people. You could have the best zoning laws in the world in Lagos or Karachi and they would still be awful places to live.

[@georgelabe-assimo4365]

Bro we need this here in the US lol

[@krunkle5136]

@@sillyname6808 also their culture is virtually centered around passing entrance exams. Yes there's cramming, but there's a genuine love of learning from the best the world can offer.

[@CrapKerouac]

I loved Tokyo's mixed zoning, but I did live too close to a cardboard box manufacturer when it caught fire a burnt to the ground. Much to my surprise, the fire department contained it from spreading to the neighbouring homes. My mind was blown by that. The fire department was just that good.

[@alpha3836]

The neighbourhoods look so vibrant and lively, there are so many things going on in such a small area, I love it. I wish i could live here :D

[@luneta3081]

About the safety section, I really love it. Even if the US is not as safe as Japan, I think it's really obnoxious how neighbors and random people keep policing other people's children like Karens without the need to. You can live in the safest American neighborhood, but god forbid you let your kids play outside for 5 minutes without adult supervision, the cops will be all over your house. Ridiculous

[@MeanLaQueefa]

Not in my neighborhood. Kids play outside all day unsupervised nobody cares it’s safe. I live in the upper Midwest

[@AlohaBiatch]

@Bob Ross it's not. I think In many US states it's illegal and considered child abuse if you leave a child under 13 unsupervised. Absolutely ridiculous.

[@wurzzzz]

@@AlohaBiatch never heard of any laws like that. Can you quote a state law that makes it illegal?

[@norwegianblue2017]

Never heard of this. I live in one of the biggest cities in the country and If you called the cops to complain neighborhood kids were playing outside without an adult they would laugh and hang up.

[@rhysstanley7387]

@@AlohaBiatch ye which law is that?

[@ika894]

Wonderful country, build by wonderful people. Love from 🇺🇸🇬🇪

[@lavalampluva55401]

The nice thing about Tokyo City is you really never need to leave your ward. Everything is there.

Wow, Greg, your cinematography skills just keep getting better and better! Your videos are so *beautiful* that time just flies by. I feel almost hypnotized, lol. Congrats!

[@HiroFoodinJapan]

I was born and raised near Shin-Koiwa. The city has everything you need and great access to downtown Tokyo. Thank you for featuring the city!

[@David_P132]

I did a foodie tour of Japan in 2018; I frequented three excellent restaurant chains: Lawson, Family Mart, and 7 Eleven.

[@Ed_Okin]

What’s really amazing is that although not everything is brand new it is always well-maintained and I see no trash of any kind. I don’t know why it is so hard and so many city say it is dates for people to do something so simple as pick up their trash or not throw things on the street.

[@Koato]

I'd love to see a video on cars in japan: as it relates to their popularity, brand perceptions, cultural differences in ownership/shopping/maintenance/etc! The real-estate/property management/ laws or system of governance are maybe good topics too! Love the way you explain things.

[@hypothalapotamus5293]

As an American visiting a small sized Japanese city, I passed by Nissan, Honda, Toyota, and Mazda dealerships. I also noticed manufacturing and shops for Bridgestone and Yokohama tires. Gas stations were not self service and staff would often wipe down cars (Cars were much cleaner than in America). They favored much smaller vehicles than we do, with a Honda fit being a normal sized car. Subarus weren't popular. In places where it snows, winter tires were mandatory but they didn't really seem to care much for 4WD. Note: I use many of the same brands in North America. They are quite good. Stick some good Japanese winter tires on a Japanese subcompact and it'll take you through some really scary winter weather.

[@Blanket_Towel]

This looks amazing! Sadly it will be the closet I’ll be to Japan in a while 🥲

[@yellowrain3601]

The most advanced country is also the most healthy and safest. Japanese, absolutely show loyalty to honor and respect their own culture! This is a very well done video, bravo to the youtuber!

[@Mr.ChadRodriguez]

Japan it's just so unique. I visited Japan for about a month couple years ago(film audio gig) and I fell in love by it's beauty and unique (to me at least) lifestyle. Amazing beautiful country!

[@kichapi]

Been there last 2019, and seeing Ueno made me miss Japan (stayed there and got 'lost' around the neighborhood). For someone who loves to walk (like me), it's heaven. I can walk by myself until midnight and I still feel safe.

[@__-fx1nu]

Please come again ! from Japan 😉

[@Svenssonxx]

So nice having these videos back! Looking forward to even more!

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

Yeah, I'm very happy to be back in the swing of things!

[@robbin2824]

Welcome back!

[@jimflagg4009]

They walk and ride bikes so much more than we do in the US. It is no wonder why they live longer than us.

[@leaf4267]

With over 13 mil people, this is a paradise if compared to other busy cities. A leaned, safe, organized, no shouting, yelling, many more things to love than there is only 1 thing to hate is houses are so expensive. lol

[@rext8949]

Yes, if you're from the states this will give you a culture shock. I suppose this is what freedom is all about in the truest sense. This is possible only in societies where discipline is ingrained in the minds of the people and you see yourself as part of the community thereby eliminating discord. You've done a great job in showing the different aspects of the way that the neighbourhood functions.

[@harukrentz435]

Freedom doesnt mean you can do anything you want anything you like to the point of detriment to society. I hate that this US misleading freedom also arrived in my country.

[@kenziedayne4234]

@@IcyTorment It is completely taboo to say that but...yes.

[@davenirline]

@@IcyTorment That's doesn't seem to be the case in a lot of countries. Just take a look at southeast asian nations and India.

[@hogatiwash7750]

@@davenirline India has over 2,000 ethnic groups. SE countries are a case by case scenario. I don't know enough about them to give a clear answer but... certain countries are not doing great.

[@lindsaybelderson7735]

The price of this "freedom" seems to be very poor mental health, no space to be different, institutions for disabled people (hence why you never see them in public) and crippling misogyny. I would find Japan hell on Earth to live in.

[@kiks536]

I saw for myself what you said about elementary school kids being out after dark because my husband and I were so surprised to see a probably 8-yo girl riding her bike in Kyoto. She was waiting with us by the traffic light. Amazing country!

[@bionx9098]

7:51 that restroom is so unbelievably clean that I thought it was fake

[@nespoladesigns9618]

Mixed use buildings and zones, especially in the suburbs: that’s how other countries should solve problems such elderly people loneliness and lack of safety. There are too many new neighborhoods that are only residential. It’s sad because neighborhoods are built following just lucrative reasons. Great video, cheers from Italy!

[@Kevin-xz4jq]

I love videos like this so much. When i moved from a US suburb to a Chinese megacity it was equally surprising how many green, quiet areas you could find. And i loved seeing all the grandparents and little kids everywhere in the neighborhoods. It just feels so much more like a community than being surrounded by cars everywhere in a suburb. Its hard not to love these kinds of cities!

[@eparkerv3]

I am most charmed by silver jinzai, the freedom children have to feel autonomous, and the special song that reminds them to go home at night.

[@leonguyen7139]

Love how peaceful it is!

[@sheilahiggins6427]

Love learning more about livable cities. Love the biking and walking culture. Looking forward to you going into more depth on some of those topics.

[@ZACKSONFIRE]

it's soo clean! From NYC here ... weird seeing it

[@froggywam]

NYC is a hell hole, I went there for about 30 minutes to catch a boat, and witnessed a car crash

[@azabujuban-hito8085]

I live in Tokyo, and when I went to NYC for the first time, I was shocked to see a big rat in a subway station😁

[@curiousaboutanything2454]

Come to Kolkata . U will be thoroughly amazed. U know what I mean?😂😂 BTW I'm from Kolkata.

[@clobberelladoesntreadcomme9920]

@@azabujuban-hito8085 our rats are famous 😃 they must be some kind of special breed.

[@big-ass-nugget]

This is so peaceful to watch

[@derger6753]

Moving to Japan is one of the reasons that motivate me to study hard.

[@MrCoolAttitude]

Love these types of short documentaries. Looking forward for the upcoming stuff.

[@photokunstler]

I'm always enamored by Japan and the insanely wonderful and well-planned-and-well-laid out cities. Efficiency SUPER CLEAN and soooo SAFEEEE. and THE FOODDDDD! I'm ready to leave the US ASAP lol

[@iminarea5158]

As a fellow American, please take me with you

[@smugcorvo5829]

Get ready to deal with the massive xenophobia lmao

[@photokunstler]

@@smugcorvo5829 lol yah I’m sure they don’t want anymore people moving in. Like Sweden haha

[@iminarea5158]

@@smugcorvo5829 oof

[@diegovega6545]

JUST GO !! AND NEVER COME BACK !!

[@ruiyu9787]

His videos are so clear and smooth and very relaxing!

[@mssagebydavelmt]

wonderful video .I was so amazed at how clean and safe the neighborhoods are

[@mikemike4705]

I used to live in Ealing common London. Where lots of Japanise live, I noticed how clean the roads are, how neat the recycling stuff is clean, folded and well arranged, it looks like Items for sale in regular shops, they do wash their spent food containers and cans before putting it outside. in the morning when crossing paths with the Ladies you could smell their Soap essence. Even during the coldest day in winter, they manage to Shower

[@Stephneechan]

For me it's always so strange to hear people being surprised over not needing a car in certain countries XD a lot of Europe is like that as well. I lived in Belgium for 29 years where I was born and raised, and afterwards move to the UK where i've now lived for 3 years, and not ONCE have I actually really needed a car. Belgium is also rather big on bikes, and trains will bring you to most cities if you need to go farther away. Living in the UK now I mostly take a bus to work, and most things, including groceries, you can just have delivered to your home.

[@beardedshadow]

I visited Japan a couple of years ago, am learning the language, and plan on going back again, hopefully more than once. I found the cities to be the cleanest cities I've ever experienced (especially compared to Europe), and with the friendliest and most polite people (again, looking at you, Europe). Granted, I'm 6'2" and male, but I felt totally safe and totally at home, wherever I went.

[@JimNichols]

I live in Thailand and there are huge similarities in the diversity apparent in the cities here and there and there are diametric oppositions as Tokyo is so clean where cities here, not so much. I loved the ride along and personally appreciate the time and effort involved in the videography, editing and uploading, bows to you in appreciation.

[@johnmc3862]

Though Thailand is multicultural, Japan isn’t.

[@Ruzvel]

oh, i really love this type of the videos. They are so calm and informative in the same time. and you can see a true parts of Tokyo, not only popular areas. Can't wait to see upcoming videos! Thanks Greg!

[@RupanagudiRaviShankar]

Thanks for making such a nice video. Enjoyed the same and felt relaxed seeing children running on roads, old people supporting the neighborhood and generally a peaceful environments.

[@jorgearenas872]

Thanks for sharing...lucky you to be there enjoying a nice city!!!

[@Vayetsii]

I find these videos and the way you narrate them calming and blissful. Keep up the good work.

[@DieAlteistwiederda]

The thing about children is the same here in Germany and I live in a city of 600k people so it's not really small either. You see elementary school kids use public transport on their own all the time often in small groups to get to school and back home without their parents. I walked on my own too and so did all of my classmates. That is still a normal thing.

[@LifeWhereImFrom]

Glad to hear!

[@kikibadger]

This video was so informative, thank you! You answered a lot of questions I’ve had when watching other videos of people taking walks around Tokyo or other places in Japan. The neighborhoods are so different from what I’m familiar with in small town America, but now I have a name for those shopping streets, and now I know why all the buildings look so different in residential areas. How neat!

[@zyzyzx3352]

Great series. Thankful.

[@danielst.4386]

I have had this video on my watch-list for a while now. I was excited to watch it and I'm so satisfied that I did. The title and video "cover" gave off the impression that it would feel fairly real and explain everything well and make it cohesive and structured. I loved the video. Felt like a introduction to class as I were taking some huge course. [Kept it simple but touched on every aspect]

[@UniquelyUnseen]

Hey, I'm really happy to see more content based around Tokyo's walkability and zoning structure. Great work! I wish I was in Japan to get this kind of footage.

[@shayrow9480]

This is just so beautiful to me. My heart rate goes down when watching these type of videos, it's so relaxing.

[@jennifertozer-pz7li]

This is a very well constructed video with English subs too. I loved it. Many lessons other cities could learn. Kind regards (UK)

[@katien3022]

This is such a wonderful video! It’s so in depth while also showing clips of daily life, which I love! Japan is so beautiful to me 💗

[@lizsavage1178]

Tokyo seems like my idea of the perfect city. Thanks for showing us this beautiful and vibrant city!

[@MarkTitus420]

I so remember this when I was stationed there in Yokosuka back in the 90's; we used to always find our way to the Roppongi district by way of train...and lots of walking not so soberly most of the time. I want to go back again. Japanese people are great.

[@dragonfye1]

So different here in the US…particularly here in Vermont. Not having access to a car here can make life quite difficult, unless you live in Burlington (Vermont’s biggest City), or downtown in a bigger village or town. My family has to travel five minutes by car to get groceries or Medicine or see our General care Doctor…with out a car a simple trip like this could take several hours. And if you need to see a specialist, by a video game, see a movie…or really ANYTHING, We need to take the 30-45 minute car ride north to Burlington. Having everything withing walking distance sounds GREAT.

[@AlexandarJL]

Hands down the best every day Japan content you got here on KZbin, Love your videos! Cheers from Europe