Relationships between the Use and Environment of an Unagi-nonedoko-like Green Space in Downtown Kyoto City

It is becoming necessary to consider the effective use of vacant lots that have developed due to the demolition of Kyo-machiya (traditional houses) in Kyoto. These long, narrow lots are called Unagi-no-nedoko (“beds of eel”). Their spatial characteristics might make them unsuitable as green spaces because there is the possibility of creating a dark, small, exclusive, and dangerous atmosphere. Thus, we investigated the influence of the environment of an Unagi–no-nedoko-like green space on user awareness and behavior. The results found that the inner area of the green space was as quiet as an indoor room and was recognized as a “relaxing” environment, which caused users to stay longer. Moreover, users found the whole area “large” and “open.” These findings demonstrate that the spatial characteristics of Unagi-no-nedoko do not necessarily make them uncomfortable as green spaces, and it is possible to use such lots as green spaces in downtown Kyoto.