Overpass, Underrated

Tokyo, Japan - Chris Jongkind - Wednesday, August 9th, 2006 : goo

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Westernized and utilitarian to the point of being drab, the skyline and architecture of Tokyo is a bit disappointing to anyone naturally expecting an exotic and eye-catching Asian metropolis. Though if you go in search of architectural gems or lofty heights in Tokyo, you certainly can find them; the Tokyo International Forum, Tokyo Tower, City Hall, the Edo-Tokyo Museum, all are impressive via either their beauty or height. Though where the Japanese especially express themselves is in the engineering; a somewhat less eye-catching trait of course, but a key Japanese strength due to their threat from (and experience with) earthquakes.
And it may not get any drabber than one of their finest examples of structural engineering, the Shuto Expressway. It is a series of roughly 25, most elevated freeways that encircle and pierce the city. Started in 1962, it has expanded to almost 300 kilometres of admittedly bland but underrated and extraordinary engineering marvel.
Engineering aside, the placement of these strips of pavement is the most thrilling part (if pavement could possibly be considered thrilling); curves, merges, and off ramps swoop in over the sidewalks, a scant few metres from building facades in a configuration that would surely give foreign urban planners chills down their spines. This elevation allows for interesting underside viewpoints, such as the east/west bloom where the Edobashi Junction splits in Nihombashi, or on the riverbanks where activity paths are aligned underneath.
It’s certainly understandably overlooked, being a roadway and all, but be sure to take notice; soft-spoken, practical, efficient, a microcosm of the Japanese spirit.

Looking south on the Arakawa

Mukojima Line splitting at the Horikiri Junction

Part of the Chuo Loop Line

The Mukojima Line, along the Sumidagawa in Ryogoku

Pavement script on the Ikebukuro Line

Underside of the Chuo Loop Line

For images of Tokyo’s skyline and other urban scenes, please visit shiodome.deviantart.com/store. For other related projects I invite you to visit www.chrisjongkind.com. Thanks for reading!

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