A large-scale urban redevelopment project known as the “Kannai Station Front Area First Type Urban Redevelopment Project” is underway around JR Kannai Station in Naka Ward, Yokohama City. The project targets an approximately 2.2-hectare area spanning the station front area north and south of Kannai Station (including the Port Town District), with the themes of “international industry-academia collaboration” and “tourism and visitor attraction,” aiming to create a new urban landscape. Plans include the construction of a new transportation plaza capable of accommodating high-speed buses and tourist buses, as well as the pedestrianization of the station front road and other infrastructure improvements. The project seeks to attract global companies by establishing their headquarters and research and development facilities, as well as developing high-quality rental housing and commercial facilities, thereby creating a hub that attracts people from both domestic and international markets. This redevelopment is expected to transform the Kannai Station area into an international and vibrant urban hub. In addition, a separate redevelopment project (Yokohama City Former City Hall District Utilization Project) is underway in the adjacent former Yokohama City Hall district, and a total of three high-rise complex buildings are planned to be constructed in the Kannai Station area.
The Kannai Station Front Redevelopment Project will be carried out in two districts: the “North District” on the north side of the station and the “Port Town District” on the southeast side of the station. High-rise mixed-use buildings will be constructed in each district. The main plan overview is as follows.
Both areas will utilize prime locations near the station to develop mixed-use facilities integrating offices, residential spaces, and commercial facilities, creating an attractive space that attracts people day and night. Additionally, as part of the redevelopment, plans include the construction of a high-speed bus terminal and a pedestrian-only road near the station, enhancing public transportation convenience and pedestrian accessibility. These improvements to public spaces are expected to ensure safe and comfortable access to the station area.
This project has been under consideration for many years. In 2013, a town planning council was established in the local community, followed by the establishment of an urban redevelopment preparatory association in the Minatomachi district in November 2018. In November 2022, a preparatory association was also established in the Kitaguchi district. Following these preparations, the urban planning decision by the City of Yokohama was announced on May 24, 2024, and the redevelopment project has officially commenced.
In the Port Town area, the Urban Redevelopment Association (implementing entity) was officially established and approved on April 25, 2025. In the North Exit area, procedures for establishing the association are currently underway. The schedule calls for obtaining approval for the right conversion plan by the fiscal year 2025 (Reiwa 7), commencing demolition of existing buildings, starting new construction in the fiscal year 2026, and aiming for completion by the fiscal year 2029. As of spring 2025, the project operator is currently advancing the formulation of detailed plans and coordination with rights holders, and preparations for demolition are underway. Within the redevelopment area, preparations for construction are gaining momentum, and changes to the station front landscape are expected in the future.
This redevelopment project is expected to significantly enhance the urban functions and landscape of the Kannai Station Front Area. The new mixed-use facilities will attract diverse talent and visitors from both domestic and international sources, creating a vibrant station front while serving as a hub to stimulate foot traffic to surrounding areas. The strengthening of business hubs through the attraction of offices and the development of research and development centers are expected to contribute to the improvement of industrial competitiveness in central Yokohama and lead to the revitalization of the local economy. In addition, the introduction of residential functions to promote urban living is expected to create a “lively city center” where people gather even in the evenings and at night, contributing to the continuity of the local community and improving security.
There will also be positive effects on transportation. The development of a new transportation plaza will consolidate the boarding and alighting of express buses and sightseeing buses, which were previously scattered, in front of the station, improving convenience as a transportation hub. The pedestrian-only road and station square will optimize pedestrian traffic, making it easier to walk and improving safety. This will facilitate smooth movement between the station and surrounding facilities, improving the overall accessibility (walkability and ease of navigation) of the Kannai area. Furthermore, in conjunction with the development of high-rise buildings, the landscape and disaster prevention functions will be modernized, creating a comfortable and safe urban environment.
The redevelopment of the Kannai Station area will bring various benefits to local residents and users. First, there will be an improvement in the living environment. Old buildings will be replaced with new offices and residences that meet high standards for earthquake resistance and disaster prevention. This will provide high-quality housing in the city center where people can live with peace of mind, creating an attractive living environment for those who desire a lifestyle where work and residence are close together. The creation of green spaces and open spaces, as well as the expansion of pedestrian areas, is also expected to create an open and comfortable streetscape that does not feel like a station area.
Next is improved convenience. Commercial facilities directly connected to the station will be developed, making daily conveniences such as shopping and dining more accessible. Newly established nightlife hubs, entertainment facilities, and museums will provide local residents with accessible places to enjoy entertainment and culture. Events and tourist attractions will bring vitality to the city, which citizens will also be able to enjoy. Additionally, the new high-speed bus terminal will make long-distance travel (such as airport access and trips to other cities) more convenient. Improvements to the station area's pedestrian flow will also make it easier to move around comfortably even in rainy weather, contributing to an overall improvement in the quality of daily life.
Overall, the Kanai Station Front Area First-Class Urban Redevelopment Project aims to enhance the value of Yokohama's downtown area in terms of business, residential, and tourism aspects, contributing to the creation of an attractive city that is both livable and accessible for general consumers. The City of Yokohama plans to revitalize the Kanai area as a “gateway befitting a station front” through this project, and there is significant anticipation for the progress of construction and the future appearance of the area upon completion.