Comments on: The No-Car Life

By: Dave Faulkmore

Dave Faulkmore — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:26:36 +0000

The strength of the yen could be attributed to the reliable and extensive train infrastructure which the US lacks.

BTW “i’m waiting for cars to drive me”.

Not driving a car is a privilege

By: Phil

Phil — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 14:16:49 +0000

Yes I do drive a car in Tokyo suburbs, and find it helpful for a family. Many places we go are not near train station and who wants to navigate bus lines with 3 kids? Grocery shopping pretty difficult by bike also unless you have time to go every day.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:09:18 +0000

Yeah, totally agree with shotengai – they are perfect for big cities. Have you been to any of the ones in Takamatsu? Some of the ones there are insanely long…something like 5km or so, and covered the whole way!

By: Ad Blankestijn

Ad Blankestijn — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 10:09:03 +0000

Daniel, Tornadoes28,

Your point is taken! Nowadays I come regularly in Fukushima, and you are right, you need a car there, and driving in Tohoku can be quite pleasant. I just wanted to make my remark about the Shotengai, because I am really sad that these are being replaced with soulless Aeon malls that look alike wherever you go…

Adam, Kjeld,

Nice to hear I am not alone in my opinion!

By: Tornadoes28

Tornadoes28 — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 20:41:44 +0000

I have spent a lot of time in rural Tochigi and a car is necessary. And not because we need to get to a shopping mall. People and friends and other places are spread out. Their homes are in diferent locations down quiet streets or rural roads. No trains or subways. Buses would be impractical.

I agree that living in a city you don’t need a car in Japan. But in rural areas. It is not practical to not have one. And it is not because of shopping malls.