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Following a number of reddit users fawning over the greenery topped architecture of Namba Parks, this photo of a tiny single car parking complex in Tokyo also made a splash in different way.
Located by a pedestrian near Kanda Station, people all over were perplexed and amused by this little business. Many were confused over the inclusion of a vending machine, security camera, extensive signage, and space numbering system – for one space.
For others, this lot’s relatively low price of 100 yen for 15 minutes during the day and 90 minutes during the evening for a major city makes them reconsider their own cities’ parking rates.
There were a lot of users commenting on the business strategies of such a lot saying things like a “company would go to major cities in Japan, buy several odd shaped and unbuildable lots for dirt cheap and then setup parking lots. Although not a sexy business, the company went public for $600 million.”
At the other end of the spectrum, some people were convinced that a giant robot or tentacles would take the car into a secret location for storage. Although that’s not uncommon for Japan, it’s not going on in this particular case.
Whatever the technical or financial details of these smallest possible parking lots, they are a testament to how valuable space is in the cities.
Unfortunately if you want to check out that particular spot in person, don’t bother. Another reddit user broke the sad news that all the equipment was already cleaned out.
Worry not though. It lives on in Google Maps and places like in that photo are quite common. People who live in Japan hardly notice them unless we’re looking for somewhere to park. So if you’re in a big city just keep your wits about you and you should be able to find your very own micro-lot.
Source: Google Maps via reddit (English) via Byokan Sunday (Japanese)
© RocketNews24
9 Comments
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nath
What a waste of space of valuable city land. You could probably fit 50 bicycles in that spot.
Harry_Gatto
I believe that more tax has to be paid on empty land than on land which is in business use; that is why these car parks come and go all the time, all over Tokyo.
Wakarimasen
Probabaly makes a decent bit of pocket money for its owner
islandboy
Although not a sexy business, the company went public for $600 million.”
Can you really say sexy business....I think the photo shown should be exhibited and it looks like an installation art piece.
basroil
Sounds like a slow news day to me...
And yes, make it a bicycle parking spot instead, fit 20 bikes and charge 100 yen per hour, and watch the cash roll in.
Charles M Burns
Seems like you could fit a micro house in that spot.
Serrano
Couldn't they have squeezed a house onto that lot?
YuriOtani
basroil, who would pay 100 yen per hour to park a bike? The city should have free lots to encourage the use of bikes. The bikes are good for the balance of trade, good for the ecology and good for the rider. It is also good for traffic and more. A car in Tokyo is a liability due to the high costs. Take the train, bike or walk and you will feel better.
Elbuda Mexicano
I think this is a great idea! Tokyo is full of these tiny up to now "useless" lots of land, and I think I will tell my friend who was forced to take over some land now near Tachikawa station to no make a house, but one of these tiny parking lots that for us who do DRIVE around Tokyo, are a blessing, because a couple of hundred yen may sound expensive to our only bike riding friends here on JT but compare that to paying for a traffic ticket in Tokyo or having your car hauled off by a tow truck????