Easily one of the best examples of recent good urbanism in Tokyo is the Atari in Ueno (上野桜木あたり). Three old houses were refurbished to restaurants and shops. The space around them opened up to form a tiny courtyard with a private alley where guests and visitors can mingle. 
The houses and how they are used, even the guests, fit perfectly together. From the paving of the alley leading into the open courtyard to the hand pump, a huge hit with the city kids, most of whom have never seen or used one before.
The lot with the three houses is perfectly used, the borders are either walled, fenced, or lined with trees and greenery. Today they are used as a beer hall, a shop and a community center/event space.
Architects, town planners, people on city councils and developers should visit this gem of urbanism if they find themselves in Tokyo. uenosakuragiatari.jp/toppage_en
