This story appears in the April 2019 issue of National Geographic magazine.
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Tokyo became a megacity by reinventing itself
Walk through Japan’s energetic urban heart and see a vibrant, creative culture that bounced back from war and natural disaster.
Pedestrians, shoppers, and people-watchers stroll on Chuo-dori in Ginza, one of Tokyo’s busiest destinations. Cars travel on the street during weekdays, but on weekend afternoons a one-mile strip is closed to traffic and becomes a promenade. Cafés, high-end boutiques, and street performers attract local residents and visitors.
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