Walking and the pedestrian environment
December 18, 2007
Pedestrian Signs 2 (Tokyo)

Almost a year back, I featured a few pedestrian-oriented signs in Tokyo.  Here are some more.

Stop, look both ways appliques On a make-shift sidewalk/shoulder in a major construction zone, there is a bike "stop" sign painted on the left, a pedestrian "stop" sign with feet painted on the right, and then heat appliques for a red "stop" sign and a blue "look left and right" sign.


Stop for Shrines This is a unique painted pedestrian stop sign.  It's in the shape of a shrine gate.


Lilliputian stop sign This must be the tiniest pedestrian "Stop" sign in the world.  The real foot is only a size six and a half womens (US size).


Look up for bridge Along the same under-constrction highway, this sign says "This way to the entrance to the pedestrian overpass."


pedestrians only At the beginning of a pedestrian mall, this sign says "Pedestrian only street.  3pm to 7pm.  Yoyogi Police Department and City of Shibuya."


Momotarou road only At the entrance to a narrow street not open to motorized vehicles is this picture of Momotarou on a bear, with "Pedestrian Road" above.


Pedestrian afternoon road "This street is a pedestrian only road from 2pm to 6pm."  It lights up at night.


Pedestrian push button The sign says "Pedestrian Use Push Button."  They have to put the sign up to draw attention to the button because, well, people don't expect them.  Push buttons are scarce in Tokyo, and only used when necessary.


Double push buttons I'm confused by this crosswalk.  On the left is a white, accessible pushbutton for use by elderly and the visually impaired.  It's covered over haphazardly with duct tape and some paper.  On the right is an older, common pedestrian button.  Maybe they're in the process of upgrading?


Pedestrian priority This is a narrow street, one way for cars, that gets quite a bit of quick traffic.  So this sign reminds them, "Pedestrians have priority."


Stop you crazy two wheelers This sign, and the one up ahead, are at a pedestrian underpass below the JR Chuo Line, which is under construction to raise the rails and remove crossings.  The near sign says "We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the Chuo Line elevated construction.  Please work with us toward compromise as we pass through."  The far sign says "PEDESTRIAN PRIORITY.  Bicycles, scooters are HAZARDOUS so please DISMOUNT and pass through."  This tunnel is dangerous, as community members, delivery people, and postal workers all race through on both kinds of bikes.  With barriers on both sides you wouldn't think they could do it, but the gouges in concrete and metal attest to the number of collisions.  Luckily the construction will be done in a couple of years and this tunnel can be removed.


Posted by Rob Ketcherside at December 18, 2007 8:57 PM
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