[cynicalkane]

Tokyo also has the greatest public transit system in the world, and fewer restrictions on building near transit hubs. That probably helps a bit.

The SF peninsula is full of commuter rail stations that should be surrounded by mid-rises, but aren't. It's an economic tragedy.

[Tempest1981]

If only our commuter rails were a unified system, vs CalTrain, VTA LightRail, BART, and Altamont Express.

[ac29]

3 of the 4 of those go to the same station (San Jose Diridon), and the last one (BART) is planned, though unclear if the money will ever be found.

[Tempest1981]

Sort of a star topology, vs. a grid. I guess rail is that way.

[ekianjo]

it helps but theres far not enough high rise habitations in tokyo itself. its crazy when you see the number of small shacks and 4 stories building in many places.