Pedestrian Scramble in Asakusa

On May 6th, the crosswalk in front of Asakusa’s famous Kaminarimon was converted into a pedestrian scramble:

The decision was made to increase the safety and convenience of the crossing. The original crosswalks had often been so clogged with tourists that some people would walk across the middle of the street. It also wasn’t rare to see people standing out in the intersection to get the perfect photo of Kaminarimon.

People seem happy about the change, but there is one problem right now: there aren’t many tourists visiting Asakusa. Since the earthquake and tsunami, the number of Japanese and foreign tourists have greatly dropped.

One shopkeepr has a suggestion that might help improve the situation. Why not go a step further than a scramble crossing, and just block off automobile access to the street in front of Kaminarimon?

—

Akihabara News – Gadgetry from Japan (Subscribe)
Dannychoo.com – Your portal to Japan (Subscribe)

http://profiles.google.com/tcsuliv Timothy Sullivan

Great eye for an interesting story, James! I’ve always found it frustrating to have to wait for two series of light changes when a diagonal cross would solve all worries. Been wondering about the question of making that street “pedestrian-only” on weekends as well, especially as a major thoroughfare with bridge access is just some 3 blocks or so to the south.
Anonymous

It was effectively a scramble-shiki crossing before May because all lights turned red at once. Of course this was likely done purposely in preparation for converting the crossing.
Hamachiman

Is this the same crosswalk that has annoyingly become one of Japan’s biggest cliches in terms of foreign filmmakers and photographers?

http://nihonburp.com Michael Warren

No that is probably the Shibuya crosswalk, that is the most famous one in Japan. It has hordes of people crossing at a time. They even based a crosswalk in London off it

Hamachiman

That’s right, I forgot about that one. I wonder if tourists ‘substitute’ this one for the Shibuya one.

http://nihonburp.com Michael Warren

I think more people are interested in the gate in asakusa then the crossing, the shibuya crossing is still as busy as ever with tourists

iago

…and a pain to cross, especially in summer when those tourists come to a full stop in the middle, cameras held up over their heads, to photograph or film the scramble.

Ap

I wonder if the prices for Hotels in and around Tokyo have dropped since the earthquake.
Does anybody know ?
John

Block off that road to automobiles?! What!? lol I live in Asakusa, I don’t see how that is possible. That road is too big and too busy. What alternative is there?

Pedestrian Scramble in Asakusa

Recent Comments

Further Reading

Bikini Atoll: Lessons For Fukushima?

Complaints From Loony Parents Cancel Event: Okinawan Children Not Allowed to Play With “Radioactive” Aomori Snow

Remembering the International Media’s Post-Fukushima Hysteria: Radiation Scare Stories Ignored Real Victims of 3/11

A Look Inside Osaka Prison

Dead Shark Found in Yoyogi Park

Japanese Fart Battle Scroll

Dinosaurs Wear Traditional Japanese Clothing

Canada Rejects Refugee Application From Japanese Who Feared Radiation

Ishinomaki: Then & Now

Radioactive Seafood? Miyagi Fishing Industry Works to Prove Safety of Their Fish

Categories

Archives

Subscribe

Japan Blogs

Korea Blogs

Linkroll

Other Asia Blogs