Aoyama-Kitamachi Apartments, Public housing complex in Minato, Japan
The Aoyama-Kitamachi Apartments are a residential complex of 25 buildings with 586 apartments in the central Omotesando district. The four to five-story structures are spread across a large area and form a dense residential neighborhood.
The complex was built between 1957 and 1968 during Japan's post-war urbanization period. It responded to the growing housing needs of the rapidly expanding Tokyo at that time.
The buildings show the danchi housing approach, which brought modern community living to urban Japanese neighborhoods. Visitors can still see today how residents live close together and share common spaces.
The buildings have no elevators and many original units lack integrated bathrooms, so visitors should expect simple facilities. Since many units currently stand empty, it is advisable to check current accessibility before visiting.
Since 2006 the complex has undergone gradual emptying and renovation, with about half of the units now vacant. This makes the site a striking example of how a once-living neighborhood transforms as the city reshapes itself.
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