I don't really like driving per se, but public transport, regardless of its sophistication (for example, as seen in Tokyo), has its challenges, particularly when it comes to grocery shopping. Transporting a large quantity of goods can be impractical, if not impossible, without a car. Even carrying a moderate amount can be exhausting due to the 'last 100 meter' issue, which persists even if one lives close to a metro station, say within a five-minute walk.
Moreover, public transport often isn't as comfortable as your own vehicle (which I understand is a luxury).
Conversely, when it comes to driving in a large city, finding a parking spot can often be a major hassle.
I see, but then you don't need large quantity shopping at all when the supermarket is just a 5 minute walk away. I live in Tokyo, usually buy at most 3-4 days of food with a 30 minutes detour when I get off the station from work.
From what I've seen, the main reason why people want a car here seems to be wanting to travel with small children. Moving within Tokyo with car is not very convenient.
> particularly when it comes to grocery shopping. Transporting a large quantity of goods can be impractical, if not impossible, without a car. Even carrying a moderate amount can be exhausting due to the 'last 100 meter' issue, which persists even if one lives close to a metro station, say within a five-minute walk.
For a five-minute walk (or even a longer ten-minute or fifteen-minute walk), pulling a small cart is not exhausting at all. I do it every week when buying food: I choose one of the several supermarkets in one of the nearby blocks, walk to it pulling my empty cart, after paying for the goods I put everything into the cart, and walk back home pulling the full cart. No public transport needed, though I've seen people carrying these carts into public transport too (this is easier when it's a low-floor bus, instead of the high-floor ones).
You can also get things delivered when it's a larger amount than can fit on your cart: while paying at the supermarket you ask for delivery, and they'll use a cargo tricycle to bring it to your building.
Moreover, public transport often isn't as comfortable as your own vehicle (which I understand is a luxury).
Conversely, when it comes to driving in a large city, finding a parking spot can often be a major hassle.