Activity Report: Student-led Seminar on the utilization of personal maps in locating the sense of place in Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi areas in Tokyo
by Solymosi Tamás (D2), University of Tsukuba
2024.07.07, Sunday, 14:00~16:30
Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi Areas, Tokyo, Japan
14 participants
1. Introduction
1.1 Purpose of the Fieldwork
The objective of the fieldwork was to provide an opportunity for an experimental and personal mapping experience for the participating master's and doctoral students. The aim was to locate and attempt to capture the sense of place and the character of the Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi (Yanesen) areas in Tokyo. The concepts of 'sense of place', 'genius loci' and 'spirit of place' are prominent within the third regime of cultural heritage discourses, as evidenced by several standard-setting documents (such as the Burra Charter and the Québec Declaration on the Preservation of the Spirit of Place) which explicitly emphasise their importance. Nevertheless, there is a notable gap in the creation of practical, hands-on explanations and understandings of these concepts, largely due to the elusive nature of their meanings. In this particular seminar, which was led by second-year PhD student Tamás Solymosi with the assistance of fellow PhD student Daishi Wakizono, the objective was to explore the potential for capturing the sense of place through personal mapping. The mapping of personal experiences may facilitate a more profound comprehension of the distinctive character of the Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi areas of Tokyo and may provide an opportunity to situate the sense of place in the area.
1.2 Location and Date
The fieldwork and workshop were conducted in the Yanaka-Nezu-Sendagi districts of Tokyo, located in the city's downtown area, on Sunday, 7 July 2024. The temperature reached 38 degrees Celsius, accompanied by high humidity levels and a lack of cloud cover, which contributed to the overall discomfort of the participants. The conditions under which the workshop was conducted were suboptimal.
2. Why Yanesen Was Chosen for the Fieldwork
2.1 Historical and Cultural Significance
Yanesen, an abbreviation for Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi, is a district in Tokyo that holds unique historical and cultural significance. This area was chosen for the fieldwork due to its distinctive characteristics:
Preserved Pre-War Atmosphere: Unlike much of Tokyo, Yanesen largely escaped the destruction of World War II bombings and the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. As a result, it retains much of its pre-war architectural and urban fabric, providing a rare glimpse into Tokyo's historical cityscape.
Cultural Continuity: The area is known for its numerous temples, shrines, and traditional shopping street, which have maintained their function and significance over time. This continuity offers an excellent opportunity to study the concept of 'sense of place' in a long-standing urban community.
Contrast with Modern Tokyo: Yanesen's low-rise, human-scale environment stands in stark contrast to the high-rise, fast-paced areas of central Tokyo. This contrast makes it an ideal location to explore how traditional urban forms and contemporary city life interact.
2.2 Urban Morphology and Kevin Lynch's Theory
The choice of Yanesen aligns well with Kevin Lynch's theory of urban forms:
City Branding and the Tourist Gaze: City Branding for Tourism Development - Scientific Figure on ResearchGate. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Kevin-Lynch-diagram-of-the-Five-Physical-Elements-Source-Sonia-Jojic_fig2_331300356 [accessed 19 Jul 2024]
Paths: The area's narrow, winding streets and shopping arcades provide diverse path experiences.
Edges: Clear boundaries exist between Yanesen and surrounding areas, as well as between its sub-districts.
Districts: The three neighborhoods (Yanaka, Nezu, Sendagi) each have distinct characters.
Nodes: Places like Yanaka Ginza serve as important community focal points.
Landmarks: Numerous temples, shrines, and historical buildings act as landmarks.
This rich urban morphology makes Yanesen an excellent site for applying and testing Lynch's concepts in a real-world setting.
2.3 Sensory Landscape
Yanesen offers a unique sensory landscape that is particularly suited to our multi-sensory mapping approach:
Soundscape: The mix of quiet residential areas, bustling shopping streets, and the sounds of temple bells creates a diverse acoustic environment.
Smellscape: Traditional shops, and green spaces and cemeteries contribute to a rich olfactory experience.
Visual Landscape: The juxtaposition of historical and modern elements, along with the area's topography, creates a visually interesting environment.
Tactile Experience: The variety of architectural styles and materials provides diverse tactile sensations.
2.4 Community and Tourism Dynamics
Yanesen presents an interesting case study in the balance between local community life and tourism:
Living Heritage: The area is not a museum piece but a living, evolving community, allowing us to study how heritage is maintained in daily life.
Tourism Pressures: Increasing popularity among tourists raises questions about authenticity and community preservation, making it relevant to contemporary heritage debates.
Generational Changes: The area is experiencing demographic shifts, with younger residents and businesses moving in alongside long-time inhabitants, providing insights into urban social dynamics.
2.5 Accessibility and Research Practicality
Location: Yanesen's central location in Tokyo makes it accessible for fieldwork.
Size: The area is compact enough to be explored thoroughly in a limited timeframe, yet diverse enough to yield rich data.
Previous Research: While Yanesen has been the subject of various studies, its complexity allows for new perspectives and approaches.
2.6 Relevance to Contemporary Urban Issues
Studying Yanesen allows us to engage with several pressing urban issues:
Heritage Conservation: How can historical areas be preserved while allowing for necessary development?
Sustainable Tourism: What strategies can balance tourism benefits with community needs?
Urban Livability: How do traditional urban forms contribute to quality of life in modern cities?
Community Resilience: What factors enable long-standing urban communities to adapt to changing circumstances?
By choosing Yanesen for our fieldwork, we positioned our study at the intersection of urban heritage, community dynamics, and sensory experiences of place. This choice allows us to contribute meaningfully to discussions on urban conservation, development, and the evolving nature of city life in historical contexts.
Prior to the commencement of the workshop, a brief in-house explanation and discussion was held in the format of a classroom seminar. This provided an introduction to the background of the research and the neighbourhood. Following the workshop, a two-hour discussion and idea exchange seminar was conducted, during which all participants shared their maps and personal experiences of living and moving in the neighbourhood as temporal actors. The discussion yielded a productive exchange of ideas and memories, as well as insights into the spatial connections at the individual level.
2.7 Participants
A total of 14 students, at both the MA and PhD levels, from a variety of supervisors participated in the activity over the course of the workshop and fieldwork. The diverse community of the heritage studies degree programme provided an excellent foundation for mapping practices, given the presence of individuals with varying linguistic and cultural backgrounds, as well as differing academic backgrounds. Collectively, these constituted a rich pool of expertise for conducting mapping research. The students were randomly assigned to groups, with the requirement that they undertake the assigned activities. The students proceeded collectively as a group, but each student recorded their findings and experiences individually.
3. Background Information
3.1 Context
In the field of heritage research, the concept of sense of place and personal mapping are no new inventions, but in the regular curriculum of university classes a more hands-on and sensory and spatial survey are not common occurrence. The first reason behind this workshop was to provide opportunity for the participating students to explore a more out of classroom research activity as well as to test and experiment the utilization of mapping practices.
Cultural heritage research, personal mapping, and sense of place are interconnected concepts that explore how individuals and communities relate to their cultural and social environments. Cultural heritage often has strong ties to specific locations, landscapes, or built environments, shaping people's cultural identities and their sense of belonging. When individuals engage in personal mapping exercises, such as creating mental maps of their neighborhoods or important locations, they often reflect on the cultural and historical significance of these places, deepening their understanding of their heritage.
It's important to note that cultural heritage isn't just about physical artifacts or sites. It includes intangible elements like traditions, stories, and practices. Personal mapping can help capture these intangible aspects by associating them with specific locations. This process contributes to the preservation of collective memories and local knowledge, which are crucial components of cultural heritage research.
Both cultural heritage research and personal mapping can evoke strong emotional connections to places. While heritage research can explain why certain locations hold significance for communities, personal mapping allows individuals to explore their own emotional geography. This emotional dimension is a key aspect of developing a sense of place – the subjective and personal relationship one has with their environment.
As physical landscapes change over time, cultural heritage research and personal mapping become valuable tools for tracking how people's relationships with places evolve. They help preserve memories of past landscapes while documenting new meanings ascribed to changing environments. This dynamic interplay between past and present contributes to ongoing identity formation, both at individual and community levels.
Community engagement often plays a significant role in cultural heritage projects, frequently incorporating personal mapping exercises. This participatory approach strengthens communal bonds and fosters a shared understanding of place. It also highlights the importance of spatial narratives – stories tied to specific locations. While cultural heritage research might focus on broader historical narratives, personal mapping reveals individual stories and experiences within those larger contexts.
The intersection of cultural heritage research, personal mapping, and sense of place offers a rich field for exploration. It provides insights into how people connect with their environments, how cultural identities are formed and maintained, and how communities preserve and transmit their heritage through space and time.
3.2 Research Questions and Hypotheses
The research project started with an in-depth investigation into the urban design concepts proposed by Kevin Lynch (1960) in his seminal work, The Image of the City. In this groundbreaking publication, Lynch delineates five fundamental urban forms: path, node, landmark, edge, and district. These elements serve as essential building blocks for a comprehensive understanding of urban environments and how people perceive and navigate through them.
By integrating Lynch's concepts with the emerging insights from sensory research in heritage studies, our objective was to develop a multidisciplinary workshop that would facilitate the capture and localization of the sense of place through the individual mapping efforts of each participant. This approach aimed to bridge the gap between urban planning theory and the lived experiences of city dwellers, acknowledging that a sense of place is not just about physical structures but also about the sensory and emotional connections people form with their environment. The integration of sensory research from heritage studies brought an additional layer of depth to Lynch's framework. This body of research emphasizes the role of all senses – not just sight, but also sound, smell, touch, and even taste – in how people experience and remember places. It recognizes that cultural heritage is not merely about preserving physical artifacts or structures, but also about maintaining the intangible aspects of place that contribute to its unique character and significance.
Our workshop design aimed to encourage participants to consider both the visual elements of Lynch's urban forms and the multisensory experiences associated with these elements. For instance, when identifying a landmark, participants were prompted to consider not just its visual prominence, but also any sounds, smells, or textures that might be associated with it. Similarly, when tracing paths, they were encouraged to reflect on the sensory journey experienced along these routes.
By combining these approaches, we sought to create a more holistic understanding of urban spaces, one that acknowledges both the structural elements of city design and the deeply personal, sensory experiences that contribute to an individual's sense of place. This multidisciplinary approach promised to yield rich, nuanced data about how people perceive, interact with, and form attachments to their urban environments, potentially informing future urban planning and heritage conservation efforts.
Our research seeks to understand how individual mapping exercises that incorporate both visual and sensory elements differ from traditional urban analysis methods in capturing sense of place. We will explore the relationship between the physical urban forms identified by Lynch and the intangible, sensory aspects of place experience in shaping an individual's connection to their urban environment.
Furthermore, we aim to investigate how a multidisciplinary workshop approach, combining urban design theory and sensory heritage research, can enhance our understanding of how people form attachments to and navigate through urban spaces. Finally, we will consider the ways in which the findings from this integrated approach might inform future urban planning and heritage conservation efforts.
These hypotheses and research questions are designed to guide our investigation into the complex interplay between urban design elements, sensory experiences, and individual perceptions in shaping sense of place. By addressing these questions, we hope to provide new insights into urban experiences and potentially inform future practices in urban planning and heritage conservation.
4. Methodology
4.1 Approach
The approach was straightforward. Prior to the mapping workshop, the participating members were provided with instructions to assist them in adequately preparing for the event. During the field visit, all participants were provided with a prepared pack of documentation tools, which they were instructed to utilise during their two-hour experience of the neighbourhood.
4.2 Tools and Equipment
During the fieldwork, the students were provided with clipboards, a printed map of the area under investigation, basic instructions and an inspirational quote to provide the overall concept to them:
「仕事の帰り道に嗅ぐ中華屋さんの匂い、高架下の電車の音、昔友達と喧嘩をした場所の公園・・・。街を歩くとき、私たちの五感はフル稼働しています。
Googleマップやガイドブック、観光地図など、私たちが利用する地図の多くは、ニュートラルに編集されています。地図に書かれているのは、あくまで「情報」であり、その街に暮らす人の「感情」や「思考」はありません。
もし、感想や経験、記憶、五感で感じたことなど、「普段のなんでもない日常の断片」が記された地図があったら？一般的な地図からはこぼれ落ちてしまう何かをすくい上げるのが、「主観的地図」です。」
"The smell of a Chinese restaurant on the way home from work, the sound of a train under the elevated railway tracks, the park where you had a fight with a friend in the past.... When we walk through a city, our senses are fully engaged. Many of the maps we use, such as Google Maps, guidebooks, and tourist maps, are edited neutrally. What is written on the map is only 'information' and not the 'feelings' or 'thoughts' of the people living in that city.
What if there were a map with 'fragments of ordinary, everyday life', such as impressions, experiences, memories, and sensory impressions? It is a 'subjective map' that scoops up something that would otherwise fall through the general map."
A map was provided, which had been derived from the original data set through the application of a set of filters. The resulting map displayed only the main train stations, the starting point, and the outline of roads. In order to maintain a neutral approach to the area, the outline of buildings and other supplementary information have been removed. It was requested that participants refrain from utilising alternative sources of mapping, such as Google Maps.
In addition to the map and the fundamental data, the members were equipped with a theoretical and practical guide, which they could use during the course of their fieldwork. The guide provided an overview of the interrelationship between sensory experiences (hearing, smelling, seeing, tasting, touching) and a modified version of Lynch’s conceptualisation of urban forms (dot, area, linear space, community). This incorporates the diverse understandings and regimes of the UNESCO heritage discourses and its associated preservation system.
In possession of these instruments, the participants were able to write their own interpretations of the intricate heritage system in the Yanesen neighbourhood.
4.3 Procedure
The workshop commenced at the periphery of the Yanesen area, at a local designated cultural property where a concise briefing session was conducted. During the briefing, each participant was randomly assigned a card indicating which of their senses they were to focus on. These included hearing, smelling, seeing, tasting, and touching. Once all participants had received their cards, the groups were formed with the objective of including all the different senses in each group. Once the groups had been established, each participant received a card indicating the specific urban form (dot, area, linear space, community) that they should focus on, with the instruction to utilise one of their specific senses at the corresponding scale. Additionally, each participant was provided with a map of the area, and they were instructed to mark specific locations based on their personal experiences and in relation to the information on their cards. They were also asked to indicate the route they had taken during the fieldwork. Following the briefing, the fieldwork period lasted for a total of two hours, during which all the necessary tools were collected, and the fieldwork officially concluded. A week later, a post-workshop discussion was held at the university, during which all participants were given the opportunity to share their ideas and thoughts about the fieldwork and the neighbourhood. The discussion was moderated by Daishi Wakizono and focused on identifying the sense of place in the given area and the role of shopping streets in shaping it and
5. Observations and Findings
5.1 Sensory Experiences
The sensory experiences reported by participants painted a rich, multifaceted picture of Yanesen. One student focused on smells, noting a diverse olfactory landscape that included the scent of summer vegetables, perfume from well-off older women, and the aroma of incense. They also observed the interesting contrast between a scentless old man in a cool bookstore and the enticing meat smell wafting from an inaccessible café.
Sound played a significant role in shaping participants' perceptions. One observer noted the prevalence of natural sounds, particularly cicadas, which contributed to the summer atmosphere. They also remarked on the quietness of residential areas, contrasting with the livelier sounds elsewhere. Another participant provided a more detailed soundscape, describing birds chirping in small streets, the noise of cars and motorbikes on larger roads, and the distant sound of trains audible from the cemetery. They also noted human sounds: people exclaiming "UMAI!" in Japanese, the tinkling of glass wind chimes, and the rhythmic breathing of joggers.
Visual observations highlighted the area's unique character. Some participants noted the stark contrast between areas near the station and those further away, particularly the lack of tall buildings in the latter. The inconspicuous nature of signage, even for significant locations like art museums, was also observed. The variety of architectural styles and materials was noted to provide a diverse tactile experience, adding another layer to the sensory richness of the area.
5.2 Urban Forms and Characteristics
The urban layout of Yanesen proved to be a key point of interest for many participants. One student focused on finding and exploring narrow streets, particularly those likely to have more pedestrian activity. This approach allowed them to experience the area's intimate scale and community-oriented design.
Several participants identified Yanaka Ginza as a significant node within the area, describing it as 'very special'. The train stations, particularly Nippori and Sendagi, were also noted as important nodes, each with its own distinct characteristics that influenced the surrounding areas.
Landmarks played a crucial role in defining Yanesen's character. Multiple participants commented on the abundance of temples and shrines, noting that their presence seemed more pronounced here than in other parts of Tokyo. Cemeteries were also highlighted as characteristic features of the area, contributing to its unique atmosphere.
The distinct nature of Yanesen's sub-districts - Yanaka, Nezu, and Sendagi - was observed by several participants. Each area was noted to have its own character, contributing to the overall diversity of experiences within Yanesen.
5.3 Sense of Place
The sense of place in Yanesen emerged as a complex interplay of various factors. One participant poetically described the area as feeling like a "forest" within Tokyo, emphasizing its closed, intimate atmosphere that contrasted sharply with the typical urban experience of the city.
The area's socioeconomic character was noted by some, with observations of apparent wealth and leisure. This was evidenced by expensive-looking graves and a general lack of hurriedness among the people. However, this was balanced by descriptions of a good "shitamachi" (downtown) atmosphere, suggesting a mix of social classes and lifestyles.
The community aspect of Yanesen was a recurring theme. One participant noted a comfortable mix of residents, including families, elderly people, and a small percentage of foreigners. They emphasized the area's livability and its unique position as a "visitable downtown" - a place that maintains its local character while being attractive to outsiders.
However, this balance between local life and tourism emerged as a point of concern. Some participants expressed worry about areas like Yanaka Ginza potentially losing their local character due to increased tourism, drawing comparisons to more commercialized areas like Takeshita Street.
The human element of Yanesen was particularly emphasized by one participant, who noted the warmth felt when interacting with locals in a coffee shop. This personal touch was described as a crucial component of the area's character.
Finally, the contrast within Yanesen itself was noted by many. The juxtaposition of quiet, temple-filled neighborhoods with the more commercialized Yanaka Ginza highlighted the area's dynamic nature. Some participants noted a lack of liveliness in certain parts, observing mostly elderly people and families, which contributed to the area's calm, residential feel.
Overall, the sense of place in Yanesen emerged as multifaceted and sometimes contradictory - a unique blend of historical significance, community warmth, and the pressures of modern urban development and tourism.
6. Yanesen Experience: A Group Perspective
Walking through Yanesen, our group discovered a neighborhood full of surprises. Some of us stumbled into what looked like a well-to-do area, complete with fancy-looking graves and people who didn't seem to be in any hurry. We saw folks strolling with their kids, giving the impression that it's a nice place to live. This laid-back vibe was a far cry from the usual Tokyo rush, though we wondered if it was always like this or just because of the time of day and weather when we visited.
We took an interesting approach to explore Yanesen. Instead of sticking to the main roads, many of us chose to wander down smaller, narrower streets. This led us to find trendy shops hidden away and gave us a closer look at neighborhood life. The winding roads caught our eye, and we learned they used to be waterways and rivers. Apparently, there were old dye houses here where people used to do their laundry - a little glimpse into the area's history.
We noticed a big difference between the areas near the train stations and the rest of the neighborhood. Around Nippori station, it felt like typical Tokyo with tall buildings and lots of infrastructure. But Sendagi station was much smaller and felt more personal, especially since the station is underground. As we moved away from the stations, the buildings got shorter, making it feel more like a residential area.
One thing that really stood out was the number of temples and shrines. It seemed like there were more here than in other parts of Tokyo. We thought this might be because of the nearby cemeteries, which some of us were curious to check out. We also spotted some art museums, but their signs were so small you could easily miss them if you weren't paying attention.
Yanaka Ginza was a highlight for many of us. Some called it 'very special'. It's great for walking, and you really get a sense of local life there. The smells from the shops and restaurants were strong, and you could hear people shopping, eating, and chatting. A lot of us wished we had more time to explore this lively street.
We also paid attention to the people living in Yanesen. We saw a mix of families and older folks, but also noticed quite a few foreigners - maybe about 10% of the people we saw. This mix gave the area a "nice downtown" feel, though it got us thinking about what a "not-so-nice downtown" would be like. Maybe a place where the houses don't connect well and nothing new is happening?
Interestingly, some of us found it hard to put our finger on what makes Yanesen, well, Yanesen. We could see that locals seemed to live comfortably here, but it's also a place that attracts tourists. This mix of everyday life and tourist appeal seemed to be what makes Yanesen special, but it also made us wonder how the neighborhood manages to keep its unique character while dealing with changes in the city.
7. Interpretation of Findings
7.1 Evolving Urban Landscape
The observations reveal Yanesen as an area in transition, balancing its historical character with modern urban development. The contrast between the quiet, temple-filled neighborhoods and the more commercialized Yanaka Ginza highlights this evolution. This raises questions about authenticity and preservation in urban settings:
What aspects of Yanesen should be preserved to maintain its unique character?
How can the area adapt to modern needs while retaining its historical significance?
7.2 Sensory Mapping and Sense of Place
The multi-sensory approach to mapping revealed nuanced perceptions of the area:
The prevalence of natural sounds and smells, despite being in Tokyo, contributes to Yanesen's distinct atmosphere.
Visual elements, particularly the abundance of temples and traditional architecture, strongly influence the area's perceived character.
The varying experiences of participants demonstrate the subjective nature of "sense of place" and the challenges in defining it uniformly.
7.3 Community and Tourism Dynamics
The fieldwork uncovered tensions between local community life and tourism:
Concerns were raised about Yanaka Ginza becoming "like Takeshita Street," potentially losing its local character to tourism.
The observed mix of residents and tourists suggests a delicate balance that may be shifting.
Questions arise about the sustainability of traditional shopping streets (shōtengai) in changing urban environments.
7.4 Comparison with Literature
7.5 Kevin Lynch's Urban Elements
The findings align with Lynch's theory of urban forms, with clear identification of paths, nodes, landmarks, edges, and districts. However, the sensory approach adds depth to these elements, suggesting that Lynch's framework could be enhanced by incorporating multi-sensory experiences.
7.6 Sense of Place in Heritage Studies
The difficulty participants had in defining Yanesen's sense of place reflects the ongoing challenges in heritage studies to quantify and describe this concept. This study supports the idea that sense of place is a complex, multi-layered phenomenon that resists simple categorization.
7.7 Challenges and Limitations
Subjectivity: The personal nature of sensory experiences and mapping makes it challenging to draw broad conclusions.
Timing: The hot summer day and specific time of visit may have influenced perceptions, particularly regarding the number of people observed.
Limited interaction: The brief nature of the fieldwork may not have captured the full complexity of community life in Yanesen.
Participant bias: The academic background of participants may have influenced their observations and interpretations.
7.8 Implications and Future Directions
Urban Planning: This study suggests the importance of considering sensory experiences and local character in urban development and preservation efforts.
Heritage Conservation: The findings highlight the need for flexible approaches to heritage that can accommodate evolving community needs and perceptions.
Tourism Management: Balancing tourism development with community preservation emerges as a key challenge for areas like Yanesen.
Methodological Development: Further refinement of sensory mapping techniques could provide valuable tools for understanding and preserving sense of place in urban environments.
8. Conclusion
This fieldwork in Yanesen provides valuable insights into the complex interplay of history, community, and urban development in shaping sense of place. It underscores the importance of multi-faceted approaches in understanding and preserving urban heritage. This fieldwork in the Yanesen area of Tokyo provided valuable insights into the complex nature of urban heritage and sense of place. Through a multisensory mapping approach, participants explored the interplay between Kevin Lynch's urban elements and the area's unique sensory landscape. The study revealed Yanesen as a neighborhood in transition, balancing its historical character with modern urban development and tourism pressures. Key findings highlighted the importance of considering sensory experiences in urban planning and heritage conservation, as well as the challenges in defining and preserving a community's sense of place. The research underscored the need for flexible approaches to urban heritage that can accommodate evolving community needs and perceptions. While the study had limitations due to its subjective nature and brief duration, it offers promising directions for future research in urban studies, heritage conservation, and tourism management. Ultimately, this fieldwork demonstrates the value of interdisciplinary, experiential approaches in understanding and preserving the unique character of urban environments.
Acknowledgement
Thank you to all the participants for their time and support. This workshop would not have been possible without all the members and their hard work.
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