Omotesando Hills
 

Anybody been there yet? I went today just to check it out, and the place is (predictably) a mob scene. Rather interesting layout, lots of the space is actually underground. Most of the stores are open already, nothing really that exciting except some of the unusual high-end retailers that you don't see that often in malls (e.g. Harry Winston and Jimmy Choo). A few restaurants, didn't really explore that thoroughly, the crowds were incredibly annoying.

Which brings me to my newfound gripe about this place. The Omotesando subway station just opened the Echika, which has a couple of dozen stores, and Omotesando Hills itself has probably 50-60 more (maybe more). What this means is that the commercial density of Omotesando is such that there are a lot more people coming in than before, and on a weekend, this is no longer a nice "stroll", it is an ordeal. If I wanted to see the kinds of crowds I see in Shinjuku or Shibuya, that's where I would go. I don't need more crowds in an area that, although quite dense and crowded, always had a nice boulevard feel to it. Now, it is worse than Disneyland.

Also, there are now a bunch of apartments above the complex. I hear from mjm that rents by unit area are more than twice anything else going in the area. I really don't know what fool would want to live there. The place is a mob scene, and God forbid you have a car, you'll take 30 minutes getting your car in and out, since the parking exit is right on Omotesando, and there are plenty of people walking aorund.

So, mjm, I know you have Mori-san's ear. I know it is too late to put the genie back in the bottle, but you may suggest to the ol' boy that he have a talk with Ishihara-san and bring back the Sunday pedestrian area that used to be a highlight of Omotesando. That way, the crowds can disperse along the road, making the experience much nicer. Ginza has it, why not Omotesando? There aren't any Iranians anymore, and the bands already have their space in Yoyogi park, so what's the big deal?

I've stayed away for precisely that reason. Based on the other recently opened attractions in Tokyo ... my guess is that this one might take six to twelve months to calm down.

In about six months, the number of gawkers should start to come down... and then we will see what the long term impact of Omotesando Hills will be.

I agree that it would be nice if they could bring back the pedestrian zone on Sundays....

Perhaps I have a case of not seeing the trees for the forest (森） :) But that is one I had not thought about much. Excellent idea. Have spent all my time focusing on completion dates, prices, etc.

I think that would make for an excellent Ped zone. Have to have a word later today.

Mike

Ok, that is it.........you are both evil name droppers :D :p ......By the way, last night late I saw an expose about the complex and it's architect. Seemed to look very nice(but there weren't any people in it). I like the old bits and bobs from the old buildings that were re-used.

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!