The Miyamasaka District First-Class Urban Redevelopment Project is planned to revitalize the aging urban area around the Miyamasaka-shita Intersection in the Shibuya Station East Exit Area, with the aim of enhancing the overall urban functions of Shibuya. Through the implementation of the urban redevelopment project, the project seeks to achieve rational and healthy high-density land use, update urban functions, expand the transportation hub functions of Shibuya Station, and create a vibrant pedestrian-friendly streetscape. Additionally, promoting spillover effects throughout the Shibuya area and developing Shibuya as an international business exchange city are also important objectives of this project. Previously, Shibuya lacked large-scale halls and international-standard accommodation facilities, and this redevelopment project aims to supplement these missing urban functions. In addition, local landowners formed a preparatory association in June 2019 to discuss the project, and on April 28, 2025, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Bureau of Urban Development announced that the establishment of this redevelopment association had been officially approved and announced.
The redevelopment area covers the eastern side of the Miyamasaka-shita intersection in Shibuya 1-chome and 2-chome, Shibuya Ward, with a total area of approximately 1.4 hectares. The area is divided into three districts: District A to the north of Miyamasaka-shita intersection, District B to the south, and District C around Miyamasaka-mitake Shrine. Currently, the area is densely populated with small and medium-sized buildings, with over 20 structures standing side by side, forming a mixed-use urban area comprising commercial and office buildings, bank branches, and shrines. The area is designated as a commercial zone, a fire prevention zone, and a parking lot development zone, and is located within the planning area of the Shibuya Station East Exit Area District Plan. Additionally, this area is included in the “Shibuya Station Surrounding Area,” designated as a “Specific Urban Regeneration Emergency Development Area” of national strategic importance, and is positioned as a hub for urban regeneration as part of the Shibuya Station area, a secondary urban center in the city center. The surrounding area has developed by leveraging its undulating terrain to concentrate commercial and business functions, and this redevelopment project aims to significantly reorganize the environment along Miyamasaka Street.
This project will divide the site into three blocks (A, B, and C) and carry out large-scale mixed-use redevelopment consisting of multiple buildings. The central A block will feature a super-high-rise main building, the B block will include mid-rise buildings, and the C block will house low-rise facilities including a shrine. The overview of each block's plan is as follows:
The total floor area of the entire redevelopment area is planned to reach approximately 201,300 square meters, making it one of the largest development projects in the Shibuya Station area. A notable feature of the facility plan is that it includes public infrastructure development in addition to the construction of private buildings. For example, in Block A, a “vertical mobility space” equipped with elevators and escalators will be installed to guide people from ground level to low-rise and high-rise areas, creating a smooth pedestrian flow between floors. Additionally, a pedestrian deck (skyway) connecting Block A and Block B, as well as an underground plaza, will be developed to establish a three-dimensional pedestrian network. Furthermore, multiple plaza spaces will be arranged around the site, particularly along Miyamasaka (formerly Ooyama Street), creating pedestrian-centric lively axes with open spaces that can be used for relaxation and events. In addition to the aforementioned hall and accommodation facilities, A Block will also introduce public-private partnership-based industrial development support facilities, serving as a hub for startup support and industrial innovation. The hall will be a large-scale multipurpose facility suitable for concerts and conferences, while the accommodation facilities are planned as high-quality hotels meeting international standards. These will provide Shibuya with the large-scale hall functions and high-grade accommodation facilities that have been lacking until now. Additionally, the Miyamasu-goyama Shrine planned for Block C will be redeveloped as an integrated complex with the plaza on the third floor of Block A, preserving and integrating the shrine and its grounds into the site. By preserving the historic shrine within the district and revitalizing it in a modern manner, the redevelopment project takes into consideration the identity of the local community.
The overall schedule for this project is long-term. The following are the major milestones.
Since the preparatory association was established in 2019, the project has progressed through procedures such as the formulation of a project plan and urban planning decisions, leading to the approval of the establishment of the main association in 2025. Going forward, after obtaining approval for the right conversion plan, construction will commence, with completion (completion of construction) targeted for within the 2031 fiscal year after approximately four years of construction. Construction is expected to begin in the 2027 fiscal year, making this a long-term project spanning approximately eight years. Following completion, each facility will undergo preparation for opening, with operations expected to begin sequentially from around 2031.
The project implementer (project operator) for this redevelopment project is the “Miyamasaka District Urban Redevelopment Association,” composed of local landowners, leaseholders, and other relevant rights holders. The association has approximately 36 rights holders participating, and the project is being carried out under an agreement based on the Urban Redevelopment Act. As project collaborators (developers), Tokyu Corporation, which has experience in development around Shibuya Station, and Hulic Corporation, a major real estate company, are participating and providing support to the association in terms of project planning, funding, and technical expertise. On the administrative side, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Urban Development Bureau (Urban Renewal Division) is responsible for project approval, guidance, and advice, while Shibuya Ward is cooperating with urban planning procedures and local coordination. Additionally, this area is designated as an “Urban Regeneration Special Zone (Miyamasuzaka District)” under the urban planning regulations, enabling flexible planning such as relaxed floor area ratios. The urban planning draft and decision for this special district were reviewed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Urban Planning Council, and the necessary approval rates and consent from relevant agencies were obtained, leading to the establishment of the association. Under national systems, the project is positioned as part of the “Specific Urban Regeneration Emergency Development Areas,” making it eligible for tax incentives and fiscal support (future national government subsidies for public contribution components are anticipated).
The Miyamasaka District Redevelopment Project is expected to have not only direct effects through the renewal of urban infrastructure but also various economic effects and social significance for the entire Shibuya area.
Creation of a lively atmosphere and improved accessibility: The plaza spaces and pedestrian decks to be developed under this plan will create a comfortable and accessible environment for pedestrians. The flow of people from the east exit of Shibuya Station toward Miyamasuzaka will be guided, bringing new vitality to the roadside stores along the route. In particular, the large and small plazas located along Miyamasuzaka can be used for events and street performances, contributing to the revitalization of the city by attracting people to linger throughout the day and night. The development of the “urban core,” which will serve as the key pedestrian network connecting the station and the surrounding urban area, will also create a new gateway space in front of Shibuya Station. These measures are expected to increase circulation and retention not only in this area but also in the entire Shibuya area, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the region.
Improved disaster prevention and safety: Replacing aging, miscellaneous low-rise buildings with earthquake-resistant high-rise complex buildings will greatly improve urban disaster prevention. The replacement of buildings with non-combustible structures will reduce the risk of fire spreading, and the high seismic performance of the structures will make the neighborhood safe even in the event of a major earthquake. In addition, the expansion and improvement of plazas and pedestrian walkways will secure evacuation spaces and emergency vehicle routes, creating an environment that facilitates smooth evacuation guidance and rescue operations in the event of a disaster. In the event of a large-scale disaster, the plazas will function as temporary evacuation sites, contributing to the safety of local residents and visitors. Furthermore, the installation of the latest disaster prevention equipment, emergency power supplies, and storage warehouses is also planned, contributing to the creation of a disaster-resistant city.
Enhancing international competitiveness: Shibuya is known worldwide as a hub for youth culture and the IT industry, but there have been challenges in terms of infrastructure as a business center and international exchange hub. The large-scale hall and international-standard hotel to be developed through this project will become facilities that can attract a diverse range of visitors and events from both Japan and abroad, serving as a trump card for enhancing Shibuya's international competitiveness. This will enable Shibuya to host large-scale international conferences, conventions, and exhibitions that were previously difficult to hold, contributing to the overall appeal of Tokyo in terms of business and tourism. Public-private partnership industrial development support facilities will also serve as hubs for the creation of new industries and the cultivation of start-up companies, promoting innovation from Shibuya to the world. Overall, this redevelopment project is expected to serve as a driving force for developing Shibuya into an “international business exchange city” and contribute to enhancing its status as one of Tokyo's leading business and exchange hubs.
Economic Ripple Effects: The total project cost for the redevelopment is approximately 243.1 billion yen, a significant investment that is expected to generate economic ripple effects through construction demand. During the construction period, the project will create numerous jobs related to design, construction, and material procurement, thereby revitalizing the local economy. After completion, ongoing economic benefits will be generated through the business activities of companies attracted to the new office floors, as well as the operations of commercial facilities and hotels. Increased tax revenues from rent, accommodation, and commercial sales are also anticipated, contributing to the strengthening of the fiscal foundation of Shibuya Ward and Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Furthermore, a wide range of economic benefits are expected, including the creation of new business opportunities, spillover effects on related businesses, and increased asset values due to rising land prices. Through the synergistic effects of these economic benefits and enhanced urban functions, Shibuya is expected to achieve further growth and development.
Social significance: This redevelopment is a large-scale project involving collaboration between the public and private sectors, and the process itself will serve as a model case for urban regeneration. The know-how gained through the coordination of numerous stakeholders in the community to develop the city will be useful for redevelopment in other areas. In addition, creating a new landmark in Shibuya, a global hub for information, will contribute to enhancing the urban brand value of Tokyo as a whole. By utilizing halls and plazas as venues for cultural and artistic events unique to Shibuya, it will be possible to showcase the city's charm and diversity to the world. In summary, the Miyamasaka District Redevelopment Project has social significance in that it will achieve both economic development and cultural revitalization of the city, realizing a sustainable urban environment that future generations can be proud of.
The Miyamasuzaka district plan is closely related to the large-scale redevelopment of the area around Shibuya Station, which has been underway in recent years. A major redevelopment project, described as “once in a century,” is being promoted through public-private partnership around Shibuya Station, with the reorganization of the railway terminal and the development of multiple high-rise complex buildings proceeding in an integrated manner. Since the 2000s, the underground relocation of the Tokyu Toyoko Line served as a catalyst for the overall reconstruction of the Shibuya Station district, with the opening of Shibuya Hikarie (34 stories above ground, approximately 182 meters tall, opened in 2012) followed by Shibuya Stream (2018) and Shibuya Scramble Square Phase I (47 stories above ground, approximately 230 meters tall, opened in 2019), among other large-scale facilities. Currently, multiple redevelopment projects are underway, including the Shibuya Station Sakuragaoka Area (Shibuya Sakura Stage, 39 stories above ground, scheduled for completion in fiscal year 2023) and the Shibuya Station Central and West Exit Areas (Shibuya Scramble Square Phase II, Central and West Towers, scheduled for completion in fiscal year 2027). The Miyamasuzaka District Redevelopment Project is also part of the major transformation of Shibuya, and is expected to become a landmark in the area east of Shibuya Station. The construction of a new skyscraper of approximately 180 meters, almost the same height as the adjacent Shibuya Hikarie, will significantly change the skyline of the area east of the station and refresh the landscape.
Physical connections with surrounding redevelopment projects are also being planned. The plan includes the construction of a pedestrian deck connecting to the existing deck (Hikarie Deck) at the east exit of Shibuya Station. Once completed, pedestrians will be able to move seamlessly from Shibuya Station to the east exit area. This will allow people to move between Hikarie, which is directly connected to the station, and the Miyamasuzaka area without having to climb any steps. The existing Shibuya Station front square and pedestrian deck network (connecting decks between Hikarie Deck and Miyashita Park, etc.) will be integrated with the Miyamasuzaka area, expanding the circulation routes centered around the station in all directions. This enhancement of the pedestrian network will increase synergy between surrounding redevelopment facilities and evolve Shibuya into a city that can be enjoyed on foot.
In terms of soft infrastructure, the development of the Miyamasuzaka area will have a greater impact when coordinated with surrounding areas. For example, the government and developers are working together on area management activities (such as holding events, unifying the landscape, and implementing crime prevention measures) around Shibuya Station, and the new Miyamasuzaka district plaza and hall will also be incorporated into these efforts. By holding events and circulation campaigns in conjunction with other new facilities in Shibuya (such as the observation deck at Shibuya Scramble Square and the hall at Shibuya Stream), it will be possible to increase the overall appeal of the city. With the redevelopment of the Miyamasuzaka district, a new hub of activity will emerge on the east side of the station, and the area around Shibuya Station will develop into a multi-polar urban space with attractions on the west and south sides as well.
This redevelopment project involves many landowners, so careful consideration is being given to the impact on stakeholders. First, landowners, building owners, and tenants will have their rights converted through the urban redevelopment project, and they will be allocated space (such as store or office space) in the new buildings that is commensurate with their previous rights. This will enable long-standing local businesses to continue operating in the same location after redevelopment. In fact, careful adjustments were made regarding future occupancy and compensation conditions during the process of reaching agreement with rights holders. Two developers, who are project collaborators, are providing specialized support to facilitate the agreement process. Additionally, regarding the Miyamasu Mikasa Shrine, a historical asset of the area, plans have been established to reconstruct and preserve the shrine within Block C, ensuring that the site remains a place of worship for local residents and worshippers.
Minimizing the impact on nearby residents and surrounding areas is also a key challenge. During the construction period, the work area will be covered with temporary fencing to suppress noise and dust, and sufficient consideration will be given to the entrance and exit of construction vehicles and the route for transporting materials to minimize the impact on commuting and school routes. Considering the high traffic volume and pedestrian traffic around Shibuya Station, measures such as the deployment of security guards and the establishment of detour routes are also being considered to ensure pedestrian safety. Prior to construction, information was provided to nearby residents and tenants and their opinions were heard through local briefings and public viewing of the project plan. The opinions and concerns raised were reflected as much as possible in the urban planning review process and project plan formulation stage, and measures such as noise and shadow mitigation and changes to construction vehicle routes were implemented. While there were some objections to the construction of high-rise buildings, efforts were made to explain the benefits of improved disaster prevention and public contribution in detail to gain understanding.
Even after completion, consideration for the local community will continue. The lower floors of the redevelopment building will include commercial facilities and a leisure plaza accessible to local residents, creating an open space where everyone can gather. The plaza will also be available for events such as local festivals and markets, and is expected to serve as a hub for community activities. Additionally, proposals have been made to open the newly constructed hall for community events and school functions to contribute to the local community. Barrier-free access will be thoroughly implemented, including slope-free pedestrian paths, multi-purpose restrooms, and guide blocks for visually impaired individuals, providing a facility environment that is friendly to the elderly and those with disabilities. These measures will contribute to the creation of a universal city where everyone in the surrounding area can use the facilities with peace of mind.
Finally, we would like to touch on regional cooperation throughout the redevelopment project. The association is collaborating with Shibuya Ward and local neighborhood associations to sponsor regional events and share information. Even after redevelopment, the new facility managers plan to continue participating in regional disaster prevention and beautification activities as “community development partners.” As a result, it is anticipated that the revitalized neighborhood and the existing local community will coexist and thrive, enjoying sustained vitality and safety. The Miyamasaka District Urban Redevelopment Project serves as an excellent example of enhancing urban functions while considering the needs of local residents, and is likely to become a model case for future urban redevelopment projects.