“Tokyo Review 047” Shibuya area-1
One Milestone in the “Shibuya Massive Redevelopment Projects”― Shibuya Scramble Square Phase 1’s launch
Shibuya is a place where the image of a “fashionable city” has become established throughout Japan. It is attracting attention from young people in Asia and around the world as well. The scramble crossing in front of the dog “Hachiko” statue is called “Shibuya Crossing” and is a place where inbound tourists must visit. In Shibuya, “Hikarie” had opened in 2012, the Tokyu Toyoko Line’s Undergroundization and the beginning of the mutual direct operation with Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line in 2013, the “Massive Redevelopment Pojects which occur once in one century” is going on. Those who come to Shibuya after a long time will surely be surprised by the dynamic transformation.
Shibuya Station was born as a station on the Nippon Railway Shinagawa Line (part of the later JR Yamanote Line) in 1885. After that, private railways and subways had come to Shibuya one after another and the station structure became complicated. Between certain lines, the transfer duration times was long and barrier-free connection was incomplete, but it would be improved at once through this “Massive Redevelopment Projects”.
We went to the preview the other day, prior to the launch of Shibuya Scramble Square (Phase 1- East Building) on November 1, 2019. A super high-rise building with 47 stories, 230m in height, and a total floor area of approximately 181,000 square meters had arose on the former site of the Toyoko Line Shibuya Station, which became unnecessary due to its Undergroundization. It is a complex with the commercial in the lower part, office and innovation space in the middle and upper part.
The surrounding area is still under construction, but when viewed from the direction of Miyamasu-zaka, the innovative digital signage in the lower part attracts attention. It is connected to the Tokyu Den-en-toshi Line and Tokyu Toyoko Line – Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin line at the 2nd basement level, and to the JR Yamanote Line and Tokyo Metro Ginza Line at the 2nd floor level. It is not an exaggeration to say, “The address is Shibuya Station”.
At the top is “Shibuya Sky”. From the observation lounge on the 46th floor and the blue ceiling observing space, you can see Shibuya moving forward and the surrounding 360 degrees. When I laid down in the “Cloud Hammock” and looked at the sky, I was able to get a sense of freedom which no other place can provide. Shibuya is as such, and I would like to explore the past and present of Shibuya for a while.
