I've been hunting for Japanese-themed city builds and I am FLOORED by the talent folks have to create builds that capture the feel of a vibrant city like Tokyo.
I'm not an expert at anything and maybe I should shut up because I am an unbelievably crap builder even with floaties in the shallow end of the pool, but if I had tips for any builder planning on recreating a Tokyo scene it's this:
There are no trash cans on the streets. People carry their trash with them or find a convenience store (kombini) they can toss it at.
For that matter, there is no trash on the streets. Very, very seldom is there trash on the ground. I remember walking by empty beer bottles left on a low wall and feeling shook by the transgression.
It's a vertical city. Zoning is pretty wild- a building will host many different kinds of businesses: hair salons and restaurants and maid cafes and shops- it's a wonderful mishmash of stuff. And by vertical- it goes up and underground. Don't be afraid of going a couple floors down. If Tokyo Station can do it, so can you!
Kombinis are everywhere. EVERYWHERE. 7-Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson, etc. Sometimes a block away from each other.
Add vending machines. Jihanki are widely accessible-especially off main streets. They'll literally be next to the entrances of businesses and apartment buildings. Often, two or three next to each other.
It's urban but it's very green. There are lots of parks and trees and temples.
And there you have it. Thanks for coming to my presentation.