Hirosaki Castle | Review by Norton Liang

The design of KITTE, especially KITTE Tokyo, was handled by master architect Kengo Kuma. Based on preserving the original appearance of the former Tokyo Central Post Office building, it was transformed into a mixed-use commercial complex that combines nostalgia with innovation.

The interior design makes extensive use of materials such as natural wood and brick. A triangular atrium was carved out of the pure white building to bring in natural light, giving the old structure new life.

Key design features of KITTE Tokyo

Preservation of the old building: Based on the former Tokyo Central Post Office building, completed in 1931 and designed by Tetsuro Yoshida, its exterior was preserved and integrated with the newly built JP Tower.

Interior space and materials: Designed by Kengo Kuma, it uses Japanese materials such as natural wood, brick, and washi paper to create an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and stylish.
Distinctive atrium: The building has a triangular atrium with decorative lighting that brings light indoors, making the space feel more open and comfortable.

Nostalgia and innovation: The meaning of “postage stamp (kitte)” is combined with the sound of “come (kite).” Modern creativity is displayed beneath the retro exterior while preserving the spirit of the post office and offering uniquely themed floors and products.

The design of KITTE Hakata
Exterior design: The glass curtain wall and louvered panels feature a checkered pattern inspired by Hakata-ori textiles, presenting different looks as the light changes throughout the day.

Pedestrian flow: The first- and second-floor circulation design uses single-support frames and curved louvered ceilings to create an open and visually expressive space, guiding people from the station to the surrounding area.

At night, Tokyo Station displays a blend of classical and modern beauty that is completely different from the daytime. Here are some key points for nighttime photography and viewing:
📸 Best free nighttime viewpoints
If you want to capture a panoramic view of the station, these three free spots are the top choices:
KITTE Rooftop Garden (6F): Located in the former Tokyo Central Post Office building, it offers an excellent close-up view of the red-brick building at the station’s south entrance. You can also see the busy sight of multiple Shinkansen trains arriving and departing.
Shin-Marunouchi Building (7F) Terrace: This outdoor terrace directly overlooks Tokyo Station and the plaza in front of it, creating a very romantic atmosphere.
Marunouchi Building (5F) Observation Deck: Its moderate height makes it suitable for photographing the station entrance straight on.

💡 Lighting and lights-out times
Weekday lighting: The nighttime illumination of the station’s red-brick exterior usually continues until 21:00. It is best to arrive before the lights are turned off so you don’t end up photographing complete darkness.
Seasonal: During winter, nearby Marunouchi Naka-dori hosts the Marunouchi Illumination, with the entire street covered in champagne-gold LED lights, creating a very Christmas-like atmosphere.

🚶 Recommended walking route
Marunouchi Station Plaza: This is the classic spot for photographing the station’s symmetrical beauty. If it has just rained, puddles on the ground reflect the red-brick station and the high-rise buildings behind it, creating another popular photography angle.
Wadakura Fountain Park: About a 10-minute walk from the station toward the Imperial Palace, this is where you can photograph a dreamy night view of the surrounding modern office buildings reflected in the water.

Blue Bottle Coffee Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Flagship Cafe is Blue Bottle Coffee's first location opened outside the United States and is known as a “pilgrimage site” for the specialty coffee wave in Tokyo's old downtown neighborhoods. Converted from an old lumber warehouse, this high-ceilinged industrial-style space gets excellent natural light and perfectly blends California minimalist aesthetics with Japanese craftsmanship.