Tokyo is famous for its extensive train network, a web of lines that can take you almost anywhere with both speed and precision. However, there's something special about slowing down and seeing the city on foot. Away from the rush of the stations, you can stumble upon quiet residential streets, tiny neighborhood shrines, and cafes so small they might only have room for a handful of people. Walking gives you the chance to see how Tokyoites really live, far beyond the neon signs and skyscrapers.
For those who are interested, recent research by Compare the Market (reported on by Forbes) highlighted Tokyo's pedestrian appeal on a global scale. Out of 90 cities analyzed, Tokyo ranked among the safest places in the world for walking, earning a composite safety score of 75.29. The study considered factors such as the proportion of people who commute on foot, the presence of car-free zones, and overall pedestrian safety.
For a city that is home to millions, Tokyo's calm and sense of order really does stand out. Crosswalks are clearly marked, traffic lights are well timed, and drivers are generally respectful of pedestrians. Even in busy areas like Shibuya or Shinjuku, the chaos has a sense of organization to it. Additionally, late-night walkers can often move through the city without feeling uneasy, which is not something every major capital across the globe can claim.
