The role of pedestrian greenways in urban child-rearing: insights from observational surveys of Kodaira Green Road, Tokyo

This study examines the role of pedestrian greenways in Japanese urban spaces as environments for child-rearing and community cohesion, focusing on Kodaira Green Road, Tokyo, a culturally significant greenway recognized in the “500 Beautiful Places in Japan You Want to Walk” (2004) and the “100 New Japan Walking Roads” (2015). Addressing three research questions— (1) How is Kodaira Green Road utilized for childcare? (2) What experiences do children have in the greenway? (3) How do these spaces promote intergenerational community interaction? – the research employed a mixed-method approach, using observational surveys, interviews with childcare workers, and observations of outdoor childcare activities. Conducted along a 4-km section of Kodaira Green Road, the study found that many nearby childcare facilities frequently use the greenway for outdoor activities, making it a key resource for childcare. Children engaged in diverse activities, including observation of nature, creative play like making leaf masks, and physical play, fostering developmental growth. The greenway also facilitated intergenerational interaction through shared spaces like benches, promoting social bonds. These findings highlight Kodaira Green Road’s multifunctional value in supporting child development, community cohesion, and sustainable urban planning, aligning with Japan’s cultural emphasis on childcare that values connections with nature and the community.