Tokyo’s New Central Road: General MacArthur Road

Poste date: Thursday, April 10, 2014

On March 29th, 2014, a part of the Tokyo Annual Planning Road, Circular Route 2 (Ariake, Koto-ku to Kanda via Shinbashi and Yotsuya) was opened.  At the opening ceremony, Tokyo Metropolitan Governor, Mr. Masuzoe stated “It is our goal to develop an international promenade that is equivalent to Champs d’Elysees in Paris by developing fashionable storefronts and open cafés around it.


 

The road between Shinbashi and Toranomon has been nicknamed as “illusory General MacArthur Road” after General Douglas MacArthur, Chief Commander of GHQ because of the rumor that during the occupation the American military was planning to develop a 100 meter wide road from the American Embassy in Toranomon to Takeshiba past Shinbashi.  In reality, the American military was not engaged in the development at all - the planning was done by the Construction Bureau of Tokyo before the war.

 

*Map Image from Mori Building 


But after the war, the land prices in Shinbashi and Toranomon areas escalated due to increased commercialization. Residents protested the road and landowners persisted against selling their land, and the development process became stagnant. Thus, the plan was abandoned for a long time.  The revision of regulations in 1989 allowed the construction of buildings above the road, which finally re-activated the development plan. 
Although the name of this section of the road was decided as “Shin Tora Dori” (Shinbashi - Toranomon Road) according to the public solicit in 2013, it is still commonly referred to as “General MacArthur Road”.  The General MacArthur Road was finally completed after 68 years of planning. 

 

 

The section that was opened recently (1.35 kilometers from Shinbashi to Toranomon) is only a part of the 14 kilometer long Circular Route 2.  Part of this section, as well as a 900 meter long section to be opened in June 2014 including the Toranomon Hills premise, is a double layered structure of above ground road and an underground tunnel limited to cars. Both the Ariake-Toyosu as well as Toranomon-Kanda Sakumacho sections are already open. At the moment, the 3.5 kilometer long section between Toyosu and Shinbashi is under construction and aiming to open in 2016. 

 

*Map Image from Mori Building 


The Olympic Village and stadiums for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are to be constructed around the Koto-ku and Harumi areas.  In addition, Tsukiji Fish Market known as “Tokyo’s Kitchen” is scheduled to relocate to Toyosu.  The opening of the Shinbashi-Toyosu section continuing the General MacArthur Road will improve access to the Bay Shore areas around Koto-ku, Harumi, Toyosu, etc.  Further developments in these area are bound to be in the close horizon.  Further, the Toranomon Hills development is impacting the neighboring areas such as Kamiyacho, Toranomon and Shinbashi areas.  These areas are also expected to be revitalized and to increase their international appeal. 

 

Exterior of BRANZ AZABU MAMIANACHO
Sale Property tag

It is a luxurious brand-name apartment that stands gracefully next to Tokyo American Club. All of the earthquake resistance structures, security systems and design are in high quality. In addition, it is located near by Azabudai Hills, and it also offers a variety of functional and practical specifications and equipment that assist comfortable living of the residents.

JPY 428,000,000

Exterior of THE ROPPONGI TOKYO CLUB RESIDENCE
Sale Property tag

Landmark 39-story tower condominium. Sold by Mitsubishi Jisho Residence Co., Ltd. and Completed by Taisei Corporation. .It provides residents as “Club Member” with high grade hotel-like services. The services are thorough and impressive including front desk services such as reservations of restaurants and any tickets, a valet parking and porter service of putting cars in and out, 24 hours room services, housekeeping services, etc. Public facilities are also provided such as Entrance Lounge and Fitness Gym available 24 hours and free of charge, paid and reserved Guest Suites and Sky Lounge, etc. Dwelling units are from 1R to 3LDK for wide range of dwelling plans from single to family with children supporting the premium living of the big city.

JPY 198,000,000 - 599,000,000

Exterior of WELLITH TOWER ATAGO TORANOMON
Sale Property tag

Kamiyacho Sta. is only 2 min. walk away. It is a high-grade tower apartment that stands next to the Netherland embassy. It overlooks Tokyo Tower closely. Toranomon Hills can be reached on foot. It is a beautiful residence that has openness and great view.

JPY 698,000,000