The Transformation of Hamamatsucho: Tokyo's Next Major Urban Hub

At E-Housing, we’ve been tracking some of the most exciting developments in Tokyo’s urban landscape, and the Hamamatsucho area is at the top of our list. It’s undergoing an extensive transformation that will reshape the way people live, work, and play in this bustling part of the city. From brand-new luxury hotels and towering office spaces to enhanced public transportation and thoughtfully designed green areas, Hamamatsucho is set to become one of Tokyo's premier districts.

Here’s a closer look at the incredible projects underway and what they mean for anyone considering Hamamatsucho as their next place to live or invest.

Major Development Projects

Reimagining the World Trade Center Building

One of the most iconic structures in the area, the World Trade Center Building, closed in 2021 for a complete redevelopment. Its reimagined design will be nothing short of extraordinary:

• Size and Structure: The new building will reach 46 stories high, soaring to 235 meters.
• Luxury Hotel: Japan’s first-ever Raffles Hotel will occupy the top 10 floors, bringing 130 luxurious rooms and stunning city views.
• Office and Medical Spaces: The building will include office spaces from the 7th to the 35th floor, a multilingual medical center on the 5th floor, and digital experience facilities on the 2nd floor.

This redeveloped World Trade Center will be more than just an office building—it’s set to become a destination, drawing business travelers, residents, and tourists alike with its mix of convenience, luxury, and world-class amenities.

BLUE FRONT SHIBAURA Project

In addition to the World Trade Center, the BLUE FRONT SHIBAURA Project is a massive two-tower development set to make waves. Formerly known as the Shibaura Project, it’s designed to bring together the best of urban living with convenience and style.

• Two Towers: The S Tower, scheduled for completion in early 2025, will have 43 floors, while the N Tower, set to finish around 2030, will stand 45 floors high.
• Mixed-Use Facilities: With 550,000 square meters of space, these towers will feature everything from residential units to office spaces, hotels, and a wide array of commercial facilities.

This project will be a one-stop destination for living, working, and leisure, making it one of the most attractive places to live and do business in Tokyo.

Enhanced Infrastructure and Connectivity

One of the standout features of the Hamamatsucho redevelopment is the focus on making the area more accessible and connected. The aim is to turn Hamamatsucho into a model for urban mobility and connectivity.

Transportation Hub Enhancements

The new design includes improved pedestrian pathways and connections to surrounding transportation networks:

• Pedestrian Networks: Enhanced pedestrian walkways will link Hamamatsucho Station to the Tokyo Monorail, subway lines, and bus terminals.
• Station Core: A “Station Core” area will feature a large atrium, serving as a central connection point with seamless transitions between JR lines, subway routes, and buses.
• Barrier-Free Access: Accessibility improvements ensure that everyone, from families to those with mobility challenges, can easily navigate the area.

These transportation upgrades will create a smooth experience for commuters and travelers, making Hamamatsucho a top choice for those looking to live in a well-connected part of Tokyo.

Public Space Development

New public spaces are a major element of the redevelopment, adding fresh green areas and pedestrian-friendly pathways:

• Central Plaza: Right in front of Hamamatsucho Station, the new plaza will be a central meeting point for residents and visitors.
• Rooftop Gardens and Pedestrian-Only Roads: A rooftop garden on the 7th floor and a pedestrian-only road along the former Shiba Rikyu Gardens add green spaces where people can relax and unwind.
• Covered Walkways: To connect key facilities, several covered walkways will allow for easy navigation, rain or shine.

These enhancements will add beauty and functionality to the area, fostering a sense of community and accessibility.

Exciting Retail and Entertainment Options

Living in or visiting Hamamatsucho is about to become even more vibrant, with a broad array of new retail and entertainment options.

• Atre Shopping Complex: The Atre complex, spanning floors 2-5 of the terminal building, will offer a variety of shopping and dining options to cater to diverse tastes.
• Dining and Cultural Experiences: Around 40 new retail outlets will be available, emphasizing food, culture, and experiences for locals and tourists.

These additions make Hamamatsucho a convenient and entertaining destination, adding to its appeal as a lively neighborhood with something for everyone.

Key Project Milestones

Here’s a timeline of some major completion dates to look out for in the Hamamatsucho redevelopment:

• World Trade Center Building and Terminal: Set for completion in the fiscal year 2026.
• Tokyo Monorail Hamamatsucho Station: Expected to be completed by 2029.
• BLUE FRONT SHIBAURA S Tower: Anticipated completion by February 2025.
• BLUE FRONT SHIBAURA N Tower: Scheduled for completion by 2030.

These milestones mark the start of a new era for Hamamatsucho, and we at E-Housing are excited to see the area’s potential unfold.

Economic Impact and Investment Potential

The Hamamatsucho redevelopment has already generated significant interest, with its promise to boost the area’s economic appeal in multiple ways:

• International Business Hub: Hamamatsucho is primed to become an international business district, attracting global companies and talent.
• Property Value Increase: With the quality of infrastructure and amenities on the rise, property values in the surrounding areas are expected to follow suit.
• Job Creation: New office and retail spaces will generate thousands of jobs, adding to Tokyo’s economy and making Hamamatsucho an attractive location for career growth.

These developments signal strong investment potential, making Hamamatsucho an appealing option for both residential and commercial real estate investment.

Raffles Tokyo: Luxury in the Skies

One of the most exciting additions to the Hamamatsucho area is Raffles Tokyo, which will bring world-class luxury to the neighborhood as part of the World Trade Center redevelopment. Here’s what you can look forward to:

Location and Opening

Scheduled to open in 2028, Raffles Tokyo will occupy the top 10 floors of the new World Trade Center. Located with direct access to Hamamatsucho Station, the hotel will offer breathtaking views and a unique perspective on Tokyo.

Hotel Specifications and Amenities

The hotel will be a beacon of luxury, with 130 rooms, including 27 luxury suites, all designed by the acclaimed Layan architecture firm. Rooms will be over 60 square meters, providing ample space and comfort. Amenities will include:

• Dining Options: Six food and beverage outlets, with three high-end restaurants and two signature bars—the Long Bar and Writers Bar.
• Wellness Facilities: A state-of-the-art fitness studio, swimming pool, spa, and bathhouse.
• Event Spaces: Over 1,150 square meters of multifunctional meeting spaces will cater to events, business gatherings, and social occasions.

With these offerings, Raffles Tokyo will be more than a hotel—it’s poised to be a destination within itself, adding luxury and appeal to the area.

WORLD TOWER RESIDENCE: Premier Living in Hamamatsucho

For those looking to make Hamamatsucho their home, the World Tower Residence offers high-end residential options in a prime location.

Building Highlights

• Specifications: Standing at approximately 185 meters, the building will include 46 floors above ground, with 389 residential units.
• Unit Options: Residents can choose from units ranging from 1LDK to 3LDK, with floor sizes from 40 to 148 square meters.
• Parking and Amenities: The building will offer 119 mechanical parking spaces for residents.

Timeline

Construction started in 2021, and the high-rise portion is expected to be completed by late 2024, with move-ins beginning in March 2025. Full project completion is anticipated by the end of 2026.

Ideal Location

The World Tower Residence is strategically located just minutes away from key transportation hubs, with easy access to JR Hamamatsucho Station, the Tokyo Monorail, and Daimon Station.

Conclusion

Hamamatsucho’s transformation is one of Tokyo’s most ambitious redevelopment projects, offering a mix of residential, commercial, and public spaces that will redefine the area’s character. With improved transportation, luxurious hotels, vibrant shopping areas, and stunning residential options, Hamamatsucho is set to become a leading destination in Tokyo.

Here at E-Housing, we’re thrilled to see Hamamatsucho grow into a modern, connected, and attractive hub. Whether you’re considering a new home, an investment, or simply want to explore, Hamamatsucho’s new developments have something to offer everyone. Stay tuned for more updates as this remarkable transformation unfolds!