In Oji Station's north exit, along Kita-hon Street, there's a multi-cultural complex called "Kitatopia," a 17-story building.
I accidentally said "Kitatopia!" and got some strange looks (lol).
Speaking of landmarks in Oji, the south side has "Sun Square," and the north side has "Kitatopia."
Now, how to get to Kitatopia: It's located from the bus rotary at the north exit of Oji Station, past the direction of Mizuho Bank and Pronto.
(Source: Kitatopia Official Access)
If you're taking the Tokyo Metro Namboku Line, it's easily accessible as it's directly connected to exit 5.
Walking along Kita-hon Street, you'll see a tall building, so you'll know right away!
Wow! The building had quite an impact. In fact, it was the tallest high-rise building in Kita Ward when it was completed!
It has multiple large halls, and there were many visitors, especially on weekends and holidays, for various performances.
There are separate elevators for the high and low floors.
This time, we're heading to the Astro Plaza (rooftop garden) on the 5th floor, so let's take the elevator for the lower floors!
Please note that the rooftop garden is open from 8:30 to 17:00!
Also, it seems that the smoking area in Kitatopia is located in the rooftop garden on the 5th floor.
You'll come out to a futuristic-looking garden.
A distinctive feature is the "Space Yu Connector," a tube-shaped passage connecting the 6th-floor buildings.
I had a more traditional Japanese image of Oji, with Asukayama Park and Oji Shrine, but it seems that's not the case.
Just when you think it's an inorganic space, there's a lot of greenery in the center.
Near the fence on the Oji Station side, there were stone benches where you could sit and take a break.
It can also be used as a place to eat your lunch from Oji.
Hmm, it would have been nice to have some individual benches or tables since it's a rooftop garden...
Next, there were also a few benches near the planting area on the other side.
As it's the 5th floor, the view is somewhat blocked by the surrounding buildings, giving a subtle impression.
It's excellent that the toilets are provided separately.
But I feel like not many people use these toilets... There aren't many benches either, and there are no playground equipment for children.
Since the "space" is being created, it could become a popular place to relax if it were a little more innovative.
When you're shown a charming tube-shaped passage, you naturally want to go and see it, right?
So, I went up to the 6th floor and ventured into the passage!
The area is filled with space-related elements like Astro and Space, and for good reason: there's a planetarium.
There was a hall labeled "Planetarium" at the end of this tube-shaped passage.
However, there's some unfortunate news on Kitatopia's official website....
- Due to the deterioration of the projector unit, the planetarium projection ended in late March, 2014.
- From April 2015, it has been reborn as the "Dome Hall," a multi-purpose hall where movies and live performances can be held.
Konica Minolta, there are new projects! Please rent out a projector, even if it's on a lease.
Well, I looked down at the rooftop garden from the 6th-floor passage.
...I wasn't particularly impressed, but it was a shame for the resting place!
It's a waste that the planetarium, especially since there's a dome-shaped facility.
The rooftop garden is spacious, so it seems like it can be used for families with children who want to take a break.
Also, the free observation deck at Kitatopia is a great spot to take in the panoramic view of Tokyo, so please stop by!
So, how about using it as a place to sit and relax in Oji?
