“What if I told you that Kasumigaokacho was once at the heart of a dream to modernize Japan?” That’s right. Kasumigaokacho, a district of Shinjuku in Tokyo, is more than just a location. It’s a testament to Japan’s journey through time.
Kasumigaokacho sits in the southernmost part of Shinjuku. Most of its area is taken up by Meiji Shrine Outer Garden. The Japan National Stadium and Meiji Jingu Stadium are located in Kasumigaokacho.
Let’s take a quick trip back in time. In 1946, Toei Kasumigaoka Apartment was built. It was a 100-unit metropolitan housing complex. Later, it was rebuilt in the 1960s for the 1964 Summer Olympics. Most residents had lived in Kasumigaoka before the Olympics. They moved into the apartment when the event was held. However, the Toei Kasumigaoka Apartment was later demolished. This was to expand the site for the construction of the National Stadium for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Kasumigaoka Town Council closed on January 31, 2016.
Before that, the land housed barracks. The stables were damaged during the war. Only Hayagriva remained. Part of the site was redeveloped. Gaien House in Kasumigaoka was dismantled. It was rebuilt into the luxury condominium “THE COURT Jingu Gaien”.
Kasumigaokacho also has educational facilities. The Shinjuku City Board of Education runs public schools here. Specifically, children in Kasumigaoka attend Yotsuya No. 6 Elementary School. They then go on to Yotsuya Junior High School.
Although Kasumigaokacho has transformed over the years. It continues to hold an important place in Tokyo. Its blend of history, sports, and modern living makes it a unique area. The area is a vibrant part of Tokyo’s ever-evolving story. So, remember Kasumigaokacho. Think of it as a place where the past and future meet.