“Flat, wooded place.” That is allegedly the ancient Ainu meaning of Kitamigata. Today we stand in Kitamigata 1-chome in Tokyo. Our tour explores this unique area.
Kitamigata 1-chome is more than just an address. It is a place with a history. The Odakyu Railway’s Kitami train depot lies to the east. The Nogawa river flows alongside it.
Nearby is Kitami Station. It is a minor stop on the Odakyu Electric Railway Odawara Line. The station straddles the border between Setagaya Ward and Komae City. Kitami Station is the 14th station from Shinjuku Station. It is about 12.7 km away.
Imagine the station’s early days. Kitami Station opened on April 1, 1927. The 1990s brought big changes. The Odakyu Line underwent a track doubling project. The platforms were once at ground level. An overhead bridge connected them. Now, the station is elevated.
Picture the trains. Express trains bypass Kitami Station on the innermost tracks. Local trains stop at the outermost tracks.
Consider the daily life around Kitami Station. A koban stands just outside the North Exit. A supermarket is to the south. A shopping street stretches out. In 2020, about 34,207 passengers used Kitami Station daily. In 2005, the average was around 32,000.
Don’t miss the Catholic church north of the station. Tsurumatsu Toshimitsu built it in the early 20th century. He was the founder of Odakyu. It was a gift for his daughter.
Station numbering arrived in January 2014. Kitami Station became OH15. This made it easier for travelers to navigate the line.
Kitamigata 1-chome offers a glimpse into Tokyo life. It is a blend of residential calm and convenient transport. As we move on, remember the layers of history beneath our feet. From ancient meanings to modern transit, Kitamigata 1-chome tells a story.