Outline of KITTE
KITTE is a commercial facility developed by Japan Post and is located in front of terminal stations, especially in major cities. The brand was the first commercial facility created by the Japan Post Group and serves as an important commercial hub in the heart of the city; KITTE also functions as a place to promote local culture and specialties, offering discoveries to visitors.
KITTE is operated by Japan Post Real Estate and its wholly owned subsidiary, JP Building Management. This management structure enhances the quality of facility management and services, providing visitors with a pleasant shopping experience. The management company also contributes to local revitalization by developing events and promotions that meet local needs.
The KITTE concept has two meanings: "stamps" and "come. This represents the desire to provide visitors with a unique experience by adding value to products and services. The facility carries traditional Japanese crafts and regional specialties, allowing visitors to enjoy shopping while experiencing Japanese culture.
KITTE facilities are located in major cities such as Tokyo, Nagoya, Hakata, and Osaka and offer products and services specific to each region. Each facility has a design and concept that reflects the culture and characteristics of the region and conveys to visitors the area's unique attractions. In this way, KITTE is more than just a commercial facility; it also functions as a place for local cultural exchange.
KITTE in Tokyo
KITTE is a commercial facility directly connected to the Marunouchi South Exit of Tokyo Station, utilizing the historical building of the former Tokyo Central Post Office. This location is highly convenient for visitors and allows them to fully enjoy the attractions of the Marunouchi area, the heart of Tokyo. The facility houses more than 100 stores offering shopping, dining, and tourist information, providing visitors with diverse experiences.
KITTE's facilities are diverse. From the first basement to the sixth floor above ground, seven floors feature general merchandise stores that reflect traditional Japanese craftsmanship and restaurants featuring regional specialties. In particular, the first basement floor features a ramen battleground where visitors can enjoy various styles of ramen. Each floor also has restaurants where visitors can enjoy the flavors of different regions of Japan, making food a major attraction for visitors.
One of the highlights of KITTE is the rooftop garden, "KITTE Garden", located on the 6th floor. This garden covers an area of approximately 1,500m² and is a lush green space for relaxation and enjoyment many visitors enjoy. From here, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the Marunouchi Station Building of Tokyo Station, making it a popular tourist attraction. It is a spot where visitors can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and spend a relaxing moment.
The attraction of KITTE as a cultural facility lies in the "Inter Media Tek," a free admission museum operated in cooperation with the University of Tokyo's Museum of Integrated Arts and Sciences. This museum offers a variety of exhibits, providing visitors with new knowledge and experiences. In addition, the former Tokyo Central Postmaster General's office is reproduced on the 4th floor, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to experience the office's atmosphere as it was when it was first built.
Historical Background
KITTE is where a portion of the former Tokyo Central Post Office, completed in 1931, was preserved and revitalized as a commercial facility. This historic building was the first commercial facility created by Japan Post and is in front of the Marunouchi South Exit of Tokyo Station. KITTE attracts many visitors with its modern shopping experience and design that evokes the legacy of the post office.
In terms of architectural design, KITTE follows the typical Showa Modernist style. In particular, the interior environmental design by renowned architect Kengo Kuma provides a comfortable space for visitors to experience the diversity of cultures within KITTE. Stores sell specialty products from all over Japan, as well as fashion and sundry goods that reflect the Japanese aesthetic.
The KITTE preservation and revitalization project involved preserving two spans on the north and northeast sides of the former Tokyo Central Post Office while constructing a new 38-story office building. This new building, called "JP Tower," is an integral part of KITTE. It enables the building to provide a modern business environment while preserving its historical value, offering new attractions to visitors.
Recommended Restaurants
KITTE offers diverse restaurants, from Japanese to Western and even Asian cuisine, allowing visitors to enjoy tastes from all over Japan. In particular, many of the dishes make use of local ingredients, making KITTE a favorite spot not only for tourists but also for locals. Each restaurant has its concept and embodies the diversity of culinary culture.
Two popular restaurants are Mansaku, which serves Miyazaki cuisine, and the French restaurant Arcana Tokyo. At Mansaku, diners can enjoy dishes made with fresh Miyazaki ingredients, with chicken Nanban being a particular delicacy. On the other hand, "Arcana Tokyo" offers the taste of an auberge in Izu in a casual setting, with sophisticated French cuisine. These establishments offer a rare opportunity to experience local culture through dining.
The restaurant floor is located on the 5th floor and offers a relaxed atmosphere for dining. The space is decorated in Japanese, with counter seats, table seats, and even private rooms available, making it the perfect place to spend a special moment. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful view of Tokyo Station, providing a pleasant dining experience for all.
Attractions of KITTE Garden
KITTE Garden is a rooftop garden located directly above Tokyo Station, covering an area of approximately 1,500 square meters. This vast space provides visitors with a sense of openness and a place to relax and forget the hustle and bustle of the city. It is a beautiful spot for tourists and locals, offering a close-up view of the Tokyo Station building and the Shinkansen bullet trains coming and going.
The view from KITTE Garden is known for its beautiful scenery, especially at night. When the Tokyo Station building is lit up, its beautiful red brick exterior comes to life fantastically. When combined with the lights from the windows of the surrounding buildings, the scene looks like a scene from a movie. This makes it a popular date spot, and visitors are sure to be impressed by its beauty.
KITTE Garden provides a relaxing space for visitors. Benches are on the well-maintained lawn, where visitors can relax and enjoy the refreshing breeze. Walking on the wooden deck, visitors can enjoy the view of Tokyo Station and the surrounding scenery, making it an ideal place to relax with friends and family.
Access and Hours of Operation
KITTE is just a minute's walk from the Marunouchi South Exit of JR Tokyo Station. This commercial facility, created by Japan Post, includes a tourist information center, a museum, and the Tokyo Central Post Office. Visitors can enjoy some of the most unusual exhibits in Tokyo, as well as stores selling local specialties from all over Japan and a variety of restaurants that specialize in regional specialties.
KITE is open from 11:00 to 21:00 for stores and from 11:00 to 23:00 for restaurants. Restaurant hours are shortened to 22:00 on Sundays and national holidays, so please be careful when visiting. With a diverse selection of restaurants, this is an ideal place for lunch and dinner for many tourists and business people.
KITTE Garden, KITTE's rooftop garden, covers an area of approximately 1,500 square meters and offers a beautiful view of Tokyo Station. It is usually open from 11:00 to 23:00 but may be closed depending on weather conditions. Visitors can enjoy this garden free of charge, and the night view is especially exceptional, allowing visitors to walk along the wooden deck and enjoy the night in Tokyo.
Event Information
KITTE hosts many cultural events, with Bunraku events by the National Theatre of Japan especially attracting large audiences. Bunraku is a traditional Japanese puppet show, and its exquisite techniques and storytelling leave a deep impression on visitors. Regional specialty product fairs are also held regularly, providing a rare opportunity for visitors to get a firsthand look at fascinating products from different regions. These events demonstrate that KITTE is more than just a shopping center; it is a place for cultural exchange.
Seasonal events are another of KITTE's attractions. In particular, a special event titled "WHITE KITTE" is held during the Christmas season, featuring fantastic illuminations and unique decorations. This event provides visitors a warm atmosphere and a place to spend special time with family and friends; KITTE's Christmas event attracts many people yearly and has become an established winter tradition in Tokyo.
Participatory events are another major attraction of KITTE. In particular, the rooftop garden "KITTE Garden" offers different garden events each season, allowing visitors to connect with nature. In addition, special exhibitions are held at the museum, providing visitors with opportunities to experience art and culture. These events allow visitors not only to shop but also to discover new things through experience, symbolizing the diversity of ways to enjoy KITTE.
Official Site (English)→KITTE
