Water City Tokyo. What happens when we enhance the appeal of waterfront areas?

Dentsu Inc.'s 'Urban Future Design Unit' is a specialized team that envisions the future of cities and lifestyles, supporting projects from conception to realization across various fields (details here ). This series has explored, from various angles, what is required for future urban and community development, as well as what makes cities with high levels of happiness.

This installment focuses on the utilization of urban waterfronts.

I have been involved in Tokyo's water transport revitalization and waterfront utilization projects for over seven years since 2016, witnessing the changes in Tokyo's waterfront areas during that time. Morikazu Natsume, a member of the "Urban Future Design Unit" and Representative Director of Suito Sōzō Partners, considers the future of Tokyo's waterfronts and the potential they hold for urban living. Signs of "Urban Life Transformation" are beginning to appear along the waterfront!

<Table of Contents>
▼Urban Life Transformation: Living Close to Sky, Water, and Nature in the City Center

▼Enhancing Urban Appeal and Value with Comfortable Spaces and Utilization Systems

▼Tokyo's Waterfront Areas Continue to Transform

▼Beyond Tokyo: Other Japanese Cities Can Also Increase Value Through Waterfront Utilization

▼Various Approaches to Utilizing Waterfront Areas: Toward "Cities and Communities with High Happiness Levels"

Urban Life Transformation: Living close to sky, water, and nature in the city center

On weekend afternoons, parks surrounding Toyosu Market and Harumi Pier are filled with families, groups of friends, couples walking pets, and individuals enjoying free time. Despite being in the heart of the city, many people savor the open feeling of wide skies and the sea. And on the sea side, Rainbow Bridge comes into view.

Before the Toyosu Market opened in 2018, the Toyosu area, an artificial island, was dotted with sports facilities, housing exhibition centers, and corporate PR facilities, but it wasn't an area people visited regularly. After that, over time, the "Gururi Park" was developed around the island's perimeter, and facilities like BBQ areas were opened at the island's tip. Gradually, improvements progressed, leading to the current state mentioned earlier.

Originally an industrial zone, the area completed its role. From the early 1990s, development progressed around the current Toyosu Station area, featuring office buildings, condominiums, and mixed-use commercial facilities. Approximately 30 years later, Toyosu Market opened. Through park development and other improvements, it evolved into a space used daily.

The Harumi area, looking back, was home to the Tokyo International Exhibition Center until 1996, when its role was handed over to Tokyo Big Sight. During the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games held in 2021, it served as the Athletes' Village. In spring 2024, "Harumi Flag," a residential complex comprising 5,632 units, is scheduled to open.

Tokyo, formerly Edo, was a city that flourished from its origins through waterways and river transport. During the Edo period, this land crisscrossed by numerous canals and rivers saw waterfront activities as the center of its economy and culture, with water routes functioning as the city's lifeblood. In this era, the waterfront thrived not only as a living space for people but also as a vital hub for trade and logistics.

Times changed, and especially upon entering the Showa era, Tokyo's waterfront underwent a major transformation. Alongside the city's rapid industrialization, many waterways and waterfronts were filled in. The reclaimed land became industrial zones and warehouses, while rivers were covered by elevated highways, transforming from water routes to land routes. The once-vibrant waterfront scenery gradually changed its appearance alongside industrial development. However, in recent years, it is beginning to transform once again into a place for people's lives.

Today's Tokyo waterfront embodies a concept that could be called "Urban Life Transformation." It is a place that strikes a balanced harmony, offering the convenience of the city combined with the open feeling of proximity to nature, creating just the right comfortable atmosphere. These integrated waterfront areas—where living, working, playing, and healing converge—are bringing new value to urban life. People who recognize this are beginning to enjoy a lifestyle where city and nature coexist. Furthermore, even inland, with projects like the removal of the elevated expressway over the Nihonbashi River, Tokyo's waterfront continues to evolve with the times, playing an important role in urban life.

Enhancing Urban Appeal and Value Through Comfortable Spaces and Utilization Systems

Tokyo's bayfront and river areas offer new opportunities for urban development through their expansive spaces and dynamic waterfront landscapes. As mentioned, these areas traditionally served as centers for industry and logistics, but in recent years, they have seen increasing multi-purpose use integrating recreation, residential, and commercial functions. The harmony between natural waterfronts and urban comfort combines livability, workability, and playability, holding significant potential to greatly enhance a city's appeal and value.

The transformation around Brooklyn, New York, stands out as a notable success story in waterfront-driven urban development. Similar to the Toyosu area, this region, which developed as an industrial zone, has undergone vigorous redevelopment in recent years, transforming into a vibrant community blending residential, commercial, and park spaces.

Brooklyn's waterfront, once largely inaccessible to the public, is now a valuable asset that enhances New York's brand power as a place for citizens to relax and a tourist attraction. It serves as an excellent example of the value creation that effective waterfront utilization brings to a city.

For the development of Tokyo's waterfront areas, improving transportation infrastructure is a critical challenge alongside spatial planning. Enhancing access to bayfront areas and riverbanks is key to maximizing their appeal. In New York, ferries connecting Brooklyn and Manhattan run frequently during morning commutes, serving as both a daily transportation option for residents and an iconic feature of the cityscape.

While Tokyo plans to enhance public transportation, such as extending subway lines, and improve road networks, reactivating water transport—which historically played a vital role—is also an effective measure. A water transport-based transit system holds potential as an environmentally friendly, sustainable mode of travel and, by its very presence, could enhance the appeal of waterfront areas.

Private companies recognizing this potential have launched new initiatives: in October 2023, a regular route connecting Nihonbashi and Toyosu was established (by Kanko Kisen Kogyo and Mitsui Fudosan), and in spring 2024, coinciding with the opening of Harumi Flag, a regular route linking Harumi and Hinode will begin (by Tokyo Bay Cruising and Nomura Real Estate).

Furthermore, the future envisioned by the author includes autonomous vessels operating 24 hours a day, connecting port areas and river sections. Examples include the Tokyo Bay Route linking Tsukiji and Takeshiba, Harumi, Toyosu, Ariake, and Odaiba—areas undergoing large-scale development—and the Tokyo River Route circulating between the Nihonbashi River (Nihonbashi, Marunouchi), the Kanda River (Korakuen, Akihabara), and the Sumida River. Vessels capable of carrying bicycles could differentiate themselves from trains and buses. Autonomous operation would also bring benefits like reduced staffing needs and lower operational costs. Furthermore, hydrogen fuel cell ships—currently under development for the Osaka/Kansai Expo—operate silently, making nighttime service near residential areas feasible.

Marunouchi and Nihonbashi already have excellent systems like the "Marunouchi Shuttle" and "Metrolink Nihonbashi," free buses circulating within their areas, made possible by sponsorship from surrounding businesses. A similar system for circulating boats could potentially be established through collaboration between the city and private entities.

While water transport may be inferior to trains in terms of passenger capacity and travel time, utilizing existing waterways for boat routes ( ) is certainly worth considering when compared to the costs and duration of constructing subways or expressways.

Tokyo's Waterfront Areas: Still Evolving

Tokyo's waterfront areas are large-scale development zones that continue to evolve. Having undergone decades of transformation, this region is expected to expand as a multifunctional urban space blending residential, commercial, cultural, entertainment, and park facilities, becoming a new face of Tokyo.

Furthermore, the author believes aquatech (water-related technology) could become a crucial theme in Tokyo's waterfront area development. This refers to new technologies addressing various challenges in urban development, such as water quality management, flood control, marine life conservation, new energy supply sources, food production facilities, streamlining water transportation, and hubs for flying cars. For instance, utilizing the Osaka-Kansai Expo as a platform to socially implement new technologies and services scheduled for introduction there could accelerate the practical application and widespread adoption of these technologies.

As an example of our actual initiatives, we are simplifying administrative procedures for water transport through digitalization, enhancing convenience for stakeholders and promoting labor-saving measures. Operating a boat requires a reservation at a landing site. Previously, reservation management involved phone and fax for booking and payment, but we have now built a system enabling constant online access. This system also integrates with ticket reservation and sales functions and is already operational. Furthermore, centered around this system, we are considering various future functional expansions, such as enabling smartphone-based key operation for dock access.

Such technologies hold the potential to achieve sustainable urban development by simultaneously enhancing city functions and reducing labor requirements while minimizing environmental impact. By actively introducing and implementing Aquatech, Tokyo's waterfront areas can be promoted globally as a "model case demonstrating the future cityscape where technology and nature harmonize" .

Beyond Tokyo, Japan has other cities where waterfront utilization can enhance value

① Yokohama
Yokohama's Bay Area is a region where the atmosphere of its former port town coexists with modern urban development. Through developments like Minato Mirai 21, this area has been reborn as a hub for business, shopping, and entertainment. Viewed from the sea, its appeal stands out and differentiates it. Yokohama's waterfront landmarks—the Landmark Tower, cruise ship terminal, Ferris wheel, and Red Brick Warehouses—serve as symbols, creating a seascape that feels competitive on an international scale.

Furthermore, alongside recently completed attractions like the 20,000-seat music hall "K Arena Yokohama," the development of parks and green spaces utilizing the waterfront serves as a model for enhancing the city's cultural and economic value while improving the living environment.

② Osaka (Starting with Expo and IR)
Osaka is seeing active waterfront redevelopment spurred by the 2025 World Expo and Integrated Resort (IR) development. These projects are expected to revitalize the appeal of the Osaka Bay area, transforming it into a new hub for economic and cultural activities. Efforts to revive boat routes between the Expo site on Yumeshima and Nakanoshima have already begun, with the prefecture planning a terminal facility called Nakanoshima GATE.

The Expo and IR have the potential to transform "Osaka, City of Water" into an internationally spotlighted destination. They also hold the promise of broad collaboration with the Seto Inland Sea region, contributing to enhancing the brand value of the entire city and region. These projects are anticipated to significantly contribute to revitalizing the local economy and creating jobs, making this a highly watched area expected to provide numerous business and tourism opportunities.

③ Fukuoka
Fukuoka City, particularly the Hakata area, offers the appeal of beautiful coastal scenery combined with proximity to a vibrant city center. Recent redevelopment of the city center under the "Tenjin Big Bang" concept, coupled with its geographical position as a gateway to Asia, further enhances its development potential. Hakata Port, linked to the downtown redevelopment, holds the potential to further enhance the city's appeal through the development of waterfront commercial facilities, restaurants, and residential areas, guiding the Hakata area toward becoming an international city.

④ Other Ports: Kobe, Seto Inland Sea, Nagoya Port, etc.
Kobe is advancing waterfront development that leverages its charm as a port town with a long history. In spring 2024, the "Kobe Arena" will open, creating daily vibrancy through B.LEAGUE games, concerts, and events. The city aims to advance new urban development centered around the arena.

The Seto Inland Sea area is gaining international attention through the fusion of beautiful natural landscapes and art, with initiatives expanding to connect these locations via water transport.

Nagoya Port is also undergoing redevelopment as a waterfront area enriched with commercial facilities and attractions, alongside efforts to utilize the Nakagawa Canal area connecting the port to central Nagoya. Nagoya, which previously lacked a strong image as a port city, holds significant potential for transformation.

Diverse Approaches to Utilizing Waterfront Areas: Toward "Cities and Communities with High Happiness Levels"

Going forward, opportunities exist for companies beyond those directly involved in urban development and construction—such as developers and general contractors—to engage in town planning and waterfront utilization from diverse perspectives.

For example, technology companies can contribute to building aquatech and smart cities, or developing digital environmental monitoring systems. The leisure industry has opportunities to revitalize local tourism resources by planning new attractions and events in waterfront areas, or pioneering new boating experiences. Furthermore, the healthcare industry could contribute to urban welfare and health promotion by developing health enhancement programs and rehabilitation facilities utilizing waterfront areas.

This multi-sector utilization of waterfront areas becomes a crucial element in further enhancing a city's diversity and appeal.

Since 2016, we have collaborated with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government on various initiatives focused on revitalizing water transport and utilizing waterfront areas in Tokyo. During this period, we have witnessed tangible progress in Urban Life Transformation along Tokyo's waterfront, realizing the potential for significantly enhancing the city's value. The development of areas like Tsukiji, Toyosu, Harumi, and the Bay Area holds particular significance as attempts to harmonize urban convenience with nature.

We will continue to reevaluate the potential of waterfronts and observe how they can improve the quality of urban life. Integrating waterfront nature with urban functions is crucial not only for enhancing the well-being of local residents but also as a model for sustainable urban development. With this perspective in mind, we encourage everyone to experience the waterfront areas for themselves.

【Contact for Inquiries】
Urban Future Design Unit
Website: https://www.dentsu.co.jp/labo/futuredesign_unit/index.html
Email: futuredesign-unit@dentsu.co.jp

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