One of the largest new urban developments in central Tokyo, “TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY,” has opened! Here are some of the most noteworthy highlights.
Directly connected to Takanawa Gateway Station, “TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY,” one of the largest new urban developments in central Tokyo, held its opening on March 27. This is Japan’s largest urban development project led by JR East, which has been garnering significant attention.
In this article, we will introduce a selection of particularly noteworthy spots within this new city!
Urban Development Overview
TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY was born in a “land of innovation” where Japan’s first railway once ran. Stretching approximately 1.6 km from north to south, it is one of the largest new urban developments in central Tokyo.
As a “testing ground for an enriched life 100 years into the future,” the project is committed to urban development where new businesses and cultures continue to emerge.
Since the opening, a variety of event programs have launched, including a marche, a future experience theater, and art installations. Additionally, there is a night museum and bar where visitors can enjoy Japan’s first kinetic art, contributing to the creation of a “night-time economy” (economic activities from sunset to sunrise).
During the opening on March 27, a portion of the high-rise twin towers “THE LINKPILLAR 1” and the Takanawa Gateway Station fully opened. Other buildings and surrounding areas are scheduled for completion in the spring of 2026.
A Lineup of Cutting-Edge Robots! Experience the Latest Technology
One of the visions for TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY is “Mobility: Coexistence of People and Robots.” Through experiences with autonomous mobility, security robots, and delivery robots, the project explores how to integrate robots into daily life and provide value to residents and visitors.
Autonomous mobility vehicles are operating at Gateway Park on the second-floor outdoor level. Accommodating up to three passengers, they offer a comfortable way to tour the area while listening to audio guides about the city’s attractions. While the experience feels futuristic, it is exciting to think that the day when traveling via autonomous mobility becomes the norm may be just around the corner.
Delivery, security, and cleaning robots can also be seen at THE LINKPILLAR 1. In addition to ongoing demonstration tests for a robot-led drink delivery service, functions are planned to expand as the city evolves.
“LiSH”: A Testing Ground for an Enriched Life 100 Years into the Future
“LiSH” is a nickname derived from the initials of “TAKANAWA GATEWAY Link Scholars’ Hub.”
With partners such as the University of Tokyo and the National University of Singapore, the facility aims to become a core hub for creating new businesses and cultures by bringing together “Scholars”—individuals with diverse and advanced knowledge and technology from domestic and international startups, academia, accelerators, and venture capital firms.
The facility also includes a lab equipped with experimental instruments necessary for basic research in environment and healthcare, allowing life science startups to operate with reduced initial investment. Furthermore, it is fully equipped with large-scale spaces that can be used for seminars and presentations.
Music by Popular Band Hitsujibungaku! TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY Future Experience Theater
A free, limited-time theater has opened where visitors can experience the future of TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY beyond its grand opening through stunning visuals and storytelling.
Visitors can enjoy an exciting video tour of the future TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY, accompanied by a special song written by Hitsujibungaku—an alternative rock band known for “more than words,” the ending theme for the “Shibuya Incident” arc of the TV anime Jujutsu Kaisen. (Available until June 28)
The curved screen provides a highly immersive experience, drawing you into the world. Admission is free, and the video is approximately 7 minutes long, making it easy to enjoy. Please come and take a look. *Same-day reservation required.
Gate-Shaped Art by Emmanuelle Moureaux Adds Color to the Opening
“100 colors no.53 ‘100 Colors Road'” by Emmanuelle Moureaux
A colorful gate stands tall in Gateway Park. This is “100 Colors Road,” the 53rd installment in the “100 colors” series by Emmanuelle Moureaux, a French architect and artist based in Tokyo.
Upon closer inspection, each of the countless lines in this 100-color installation is engraved with a year, spanning from 2025 to 100 years into the future.
This gate-shaped artwork represents the passage of time over the next 100 years, enhancing the festive atmosphere of the opening. (Available until July 21)
Experience Cutting-Edge Art and Music! Night Museum Bar Club “ZERO-SITE Takanawa Gateway”
Open for a limited 120-day period until July 31, “ZERO-SITE Takanawa Gateway” is a night museum bar and club. This multi-purpose event space is based on the concept of “HIGH-STAINABLE,” where high-end values and sustainability coexist, and it features Japan’s first permanent kinetic art installation.
Inside, a dynamic space unfolds, created by a high-quality sound system and light installations. During the opening period, events covering art, music, fashion, design, and sports will be held. Visitors can enjoy new experiences in art and music alongside food and drinks.
A New Tourism Hub Designing New Journeys: “TAKANAWA GATEWAY Travel Service Center”
“TAKANAWA GATEWAY Travel Service Center” was established as an unprecedented new tourism information hub by JR East. It features large digital signage where visitors can touch destinations of interest to view details.
Staff are stationed at the counter within the facility, so you can consult them about outings and travel. Please use this as a resource for trips to East Japan and for discovering tips to enjoy the scenery and culture of various regions.
Additionally, a 1/3 scale mockup of a “flying car” is on display right near this facility.
Flying cars* are a hot topic as a potential “new way to enjoy tourism” in the future. They are being exhibited based on JR East’s desire to implement new mobility for the near future into society.
*ASKA A5 by ASKA, an air mobility company based in Silicon Valley, USA; Range: approx. 400 km.
Learn the History of Railways! “Railways and Urban Development Exhibition: Connecting to the Future”
As mentioned at the beginning, Takanawa is a land of innovation where Japan’s first railway ran over the sea when the line between Shimbashi and Yokohama opened in 1872. This raises the question: what kind of history has been written, and how has life changed in the approximately 150 years since that opening?
The “Railways and Urban Development Exhibition: Connecting to the Future” features a wide array of exhibits organized by era and theme.
The exhibition is full of highlights, including locomotive models and diorama projection mapping that showcases the evolution of the Takanawa area’s development. Workshops for parents and children are also held on weekends, so please come and learn while having fun with your family. (Available until June 28)
Continuous Creation of New Value! Many Other Highlights to Explore
In the entrance area of THE LINKPILLAR 1, “Blue Bottle Coffee,” a cafe stand based on the concept of timelessness, and “Nicolai Bergmann,” a name synonymous with contemporary floral design, have opened early as part of the “NEWoMan Takanawa” development scheduled to open in the fall of 2025.
Furthermore, within Takanawa Gateway Station, “Eki Park”—a lawn area designed to foster park-like interaction—and four shops based on the concept of “Ekinaka (inside the station) Entertainment” have opened. These shops, each with their own unique worldview and connections to various business formats, along with an event space linking the region and the city, provide a fulfilling experience.
TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY is quite different from other commercial facilities. Doesn’t just learning about the city make you feel excited?
We invite you to visit and enjoy many unprecedented experiences.
Official Website: https://www.takanawagateway-city.com/
