Originally Posted by Scifience

I may be the only one here that actually *likes* some of the "ugly" aspects of Japanese cities. The crisscrossing overhead wires, narrow, barely-wide-enough streets, the juxtaposition of old and new, wood and concrete, beautiful and ugly: these things give the cities a very real, intimate feeling. They aren't a showplace designed for tourists to come and marvel at a style of architecture from centuries ago, they are places where people live and work. I'm not sure quite how to describe it, but I think that Japanese cities tend to have a very interesting character that can't be found in most other places.

Much of Japan's "beauty" comes, in my opinion, not from just the physically gorgeous temples and shrines, but from the people, their attitudes, and culture. The garish neon of parts of Tokyo perfectly illustrates the often frantic, fast-paced nature of Tokyo and its citizens. Yet walk a few blocks away (or even just next door, in many cases) to some temple, shrine, or other patch of green space, and you'll also be provided with a wonderful example of peace and tranquility that Tokyoites also appreciate.