Skip to content

Friday Video: What the U.S. Can Learn About Street Design From Tokyo

No sidewalks? No problem.
Friday Video: What the U.S. Can Learn About Street Design From Tokyo
Photo: Still from City Beautiful

With just 12 percent of trips taken by car and one of the densest development patterns in the entire world, Tokyo is worlds away from most auto-dominated U.S. cities. Some advocates argue, though, that American urbanists can learn more from the Japanese capital than we think — if we open our minds to a new set of solutions.

Check out this recent City Beautiful Video, where host Dave Amos reflects on a recent trip to the Big Mikan and how simple actions like slashing parking, focusing on transit, and cracking down on bike theft have resulted in streets so safe and accessible they don’t even need sidewalks.

Streetsblog has migrated to a new comment system. New commenters can register directly in the comments section of any article. Returning commenters: your previous comments and display name have been preserved, but you'll need to reclaim your account by clicking "Forgot your password?" on the sign-in form, entering your email, and following the verification link to set a new password — this is required because passwords could not be carried over during the migration. For questions, contact tips@streetsblog.org.

More from Streetsblog USA

Wednesday’s Dense and Walkable Headlines

June 3, 2026

Washington is Creating the Most Expensive Traffic Jam in the World

June 3, 2026

Does Your City Need a ‘Department of Sidewalks’?

June 2, 2026

‘Death Trap’ Scooter Maker Adds Warning To Website After Deadly NYC Bridge Crash

June 2, 2026

Tuesday’s Headlines Don’t Drink and Drive

June 2, 2026
See all posts