Green Walk Tama. A vibrant hub in the heart of Tama New Town. It’s more than just a shopping center. It’s a testament to urban planning and community growth. Opened on April 18, 2007, Green Walk Tama welcomed nearly 50,000 visitors on its first day. This sprawling complex, covering roughly 86,500 square meters, is a significant retail space within the Tama New Town development. Here you’ll find everything from large anchor stores like Kohnan, Yamada Denki, UNIQLO, and Nitori, to smaller specialty shops and restaurants like Sushiro. Belc supermarket offers a wide array of groceries. Right-on provides fashionable clothing. You can even grab a bite at McDonald’s or satisfy your sushi cravings at Sushiro in the restaurant area.
Green Walk Tama’s development was a strategic response to the population growth spurred by the expansion of Tama New Town. The planners envisioned a spacious area that catered to the community’s diverse needs beyond just residential spaces. Before construction, the site was divided by the city border between Hachioji and Tama. However, the entire area was incorporated into Hachioji prior to building Green Walk Tama, streamlining the development process. Previously, commercial facilities in Tama New Town were clustered around stations like Tama Center Station and Minamidaira Station. Green Walk Tama offered a new model, a shopping center strategically located away from the immediate station area, drawing in a broader clientele. To attract customers from further afield, Green Walk Tama offers free parking and convenient bus access from Keio-Yomiuri Land Station.
Initially, the shopping center had planned to feature a large yellow bird as its original character. But to mark the third anniversary, a naming competition was held. The charming little bird was officially named “Guritchi” in January 2011. Green Walk Tama is more than just a shopping center. It’s a vital part of the community fabric. It brings together a variety of stores and services, catering to the evolving needs of Tama New Town. It demonstrates how urban development can create vibrant spaces. These spaces serve both residents and visitors alike. So, next time you’re in Tokyo, take a detour to Green Walk Tama. Experience this bustling hub of commerce and community spirit for yourself. You might be surprised by all it has to offer.