Musashi-Koganei North Exit Smoking Area Closing in June: Farewell to a Local Spot

A Simple Space Maintained by Local Spirit

The smoking area at the north exit of Musashi-Koganei Station is a place with a somewhat nostalgic, vacant-lot atmosphere.

Many people surely preferred its simple, handmade feel over neatly organized, modern facilities.

In fact, this space was not set up by the government or large corporations, but has been maintained for years through the goodwill of local volunteers.

As smoking restrictions around the station became stricter, this was a warm gesture to give smokers a place to take a breather.

We really must take our hats off to the locals who managed this space almost every single day.

It is a bit sad to hear the news that such a local space, full of Koganei's characteristic warmth, will soon be gone.

North Exit Redevelopment Aiming for 2029 Completion

The background behind the closure of this smoking area is the massive redevelopment project in the north exit area.

Walking along Musako Avenue, you can already see demolition work starting on many buildings.

A 33-story tower condominium and new commercial facilities are scheduled to be built here in the future.

The corner where the smoking area is located is included in this construction zone, so it will be removed to ensure safety.

Aiming for completion in fiscal year 2029, full-scale construction will finally start this summer.

In a few years, a completely new station plaza will be born, much like the area around SOCOLA Musashi-Koganei Cross at the south exit.

Let's make sure to burn the scenery of the old town into our memories before it disappears completely.

Mind Your Manners from July for a Better City

When this place becomes unavailable at the end of June, those who used to have a smoke during their commute will find it a bit inconvenient.

However, please absolutely refrain from secretly smoking on the street near the redevelopment fences or in the surrounding alleys.

Koganei City is calling for the prevention of secondhand smoke around the station, and smoking while walking is prohibited by ordinance.

The locals who provided this place until now surely do not want to see public manners deteriorate.

When you want to smoke near the station from July onwards, please use nearby cafes or restaurants that have smoking rooms.

A truly great city is one where both smokers and non-smokers can spend their time comfortably together.

Let's all support the new future of Musashi-Koganei, reborn in 2029, by strictly observing good manners.