A Perfect Day in Tokyo 2/2021

^{A town with historical and cultural charm}
The former Kunitachi Station building and the surrounding area
(Kunitachi City)

The restored former Kunitachi Station building stands in front of
the south exit of the current JR Kunitachi Station
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Kunitachi Station was created between Kokubunji and Tachikawa stations on the JR Chuo Line about a century ago when the area was still thickly wooded land. Real estate company, Hakone Tochi (the present Prince Hotel, Inc.), and the Tokyo University of Commerce (currently, the Hitotsubashi University) came up with a plan to develop this area as a university town. The former Kunitachi Station building with its distinctive red triangular roof was built to serve as a symbol of the town.
After Kunitachi Station’s opening in 1926, the town continued to develop. In 2006, its 80-year history came to an end when it was demolished to accommodate the elevation of railway tracks on the JR Chuo Line. But many residents called for its restoration, which eventually led to Kunitachi City’s decision to restore the former station to its original state within a stone’s throw of its original location.
Last April, the former Kunitachi Station building was rebuilt with a mission to promote the appeal of the town. The reborn station building is operated with strict infection prevention measures in place, and is open to visitors to freely enjoy themselves. The facility is made up of the “hall,” perfect as a meeting spot or for holding events, the “information center” with a souvenir shop and staff who give sightseeing tips, and the “exhibition room.” Reproductions of Taisho and Showa-era wooden ticket gates, ticket windows, and other fixtures in the old station enhance its nostalgic atmosphere. A recently added attraction is an upright piano made available in the hall from last December for anyone to play.
On the green belts along Daigaku-dori stretching straight south from the station, and beyond that, Sakura-dori running east and west, you will find a total of 16 selected “outdoor sculptures” from the Kunitachi Art Biennale displayed in harmony with the beautiful nature of Kunitachi. Take a walk around this attractive town. You will surely discover things that make your heart dance.

A grid-patterned globe, Team Bizan’s,
“Kaze no kyutai (The Sphere in the Wind),”
appeared on the street corner.

[Former Kunitachi Station Building] Phone: 042-505-6691 (Japanese only) The hall is open from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (from 9:00 a.m. on weekends and public holidays). The information center and the exhibition room are open from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (from 9:00 a.m. on weekends and public holidays). The piano can be played from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Former Kunitachi Station Building twitter (external link) /Website (external link) (in Japanese)

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