My impression of Tokyo, a metropolis of 13 million inhabitants, is a bustling city of glamor, high energy and endless activities. When I did a Google Street View tour, I am surprised to find Tokyo is predominately a city of low rises and narrow alleys.

I use Google Map to drop in some random, mid block location in Tokyo. These places are not in the peripheral area. They are fairly central and close to rail lines and shopping districts. I see low rises crisscross by narrow alleys. Across the vast Tokyo metropolitain area is the repeated pattern of alleys and small houses.

2014.01.31 comments