Hokoten

Hokoten is a shortened version of the Japanese phrase Hokousha Tengoku (歩行者天国) which means "pedestrian paradise". In Japan, the term is used to refer to streets that are closed off to vehicle traffic so that people (pedestrians) can enjoy walking on the road, watching street performers and musicians, having a bite to eat in the middle of the road, and socializing.

Tokyo Pedestrian Paradise Locations

In Tokyo, as of 2008, there are three active Hokoten and one very famous Hokoten that was shut down several years ago, but still remembered fondly by many people. Here is a list of Tokyo Hokousha Tengoku:

• Akihabara Hokoten - Part of Chuo Dori is closed every Sunday to vehicles in Akiba.
• Ginza Hokoten - Part of Chuo Dori is closed every Sunday to vehicles in Ginza.
• Shinjuku Hokoten - Shinjuku Dori near Shinjuku Station is closed every Sunday to vehicles in Shinjuku
• Harajuku Hokoten - Perhaps the most famous of all Tokyo Hokoten, the Harajuku Hokoten used to take place on the part of Omotesando Dori that runs through Yoyogi Park. Unfortunately, this Hokoten was shut down by the Tokyo Government around 1995 and is no longer active.

External Links

• Tokyo Government Page On These Streets (Japanese)