Revitalization of the Tokyo Expressway (KK Line) Transforming an Urban Highway into a Green Space for Pedestrians

 

• Two-kilometer Shimbashi–Kyobashi expressway to become a green, elevated walkway to enable pedestrians to enjoy Central Tokyo in an entirely new way
• GINZA SKY WALK2024 event on May 4-6 will let the public experience the new site

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government （TMG） has been promoting walkable urban development, focused on creating people-centered spaces that are easy to enjoy on foot and that people will want to use on a regular basis. A key element of this project is the transformation of the Tokyo Expressway （KK Line） into the “Tokyo Sky Corridor”; turning the traffic artery running through the heart of the city into a pedestrian-friendly aerial corridor full of greenery.

Urban Space Transition

This two-kilometer stretch from Shimbashi to Kyobashi has played many roles over the years, always acting as a form of social infrastructure and supporting the needs of the people and the local economy. Until the early 20th century it served as a transit way for boats, while in the postwar era it supported road traffic. In the Tokyo of the 21st century, it will become a green link connecting several of the city’s districts.

Present-day KK Line

• A pedestrian network connecting different districts will be created.

• Tokyo will have a new green network.

• This public space will become a center for enjoyment and activity.

Shuto Express relocation creates unique opportunity

The idea to convert the KK Line into the green Tokyo Sky Corridor followed from the planned relocation of the Nihonbashi section of the Shuto Expressway, which will be moved below ground to connect with a new section of the Inner Circular Route called the Shin-Kyobashi Underground Connecting Road. The diversion of road traffic and greatly reduced role of the KK Line created a unique opportunity for urban revitalization, which will enable pedestrians to enjoy Central Tokyo in an entirely new way befitting a sustainable 21st-century metropolis.

Revitalization Goals and Future Image

By revitalizing the KK Line into a space for pedestrians, Tokyo seeks to enhance its attractiveness to visitors from around the world. The project rests on three principles:

• “From car-centric to people-centric” by creating an open pedestrian network
• “People co-existing with nature” by creating green infrastructure as a symbol of our developed city.
• “Regional values and beauty” by creating open recreational areas to enhance communities.

Schedule

Construction will begin in the mid-2020s, with a target completion date for the entire section in the 2030s or 40s. To improve the value and attractiveness of these urban spaces quickly, some sections will be opened to the public as soon as possible through a phased maintenance plan.

Upcoming event: GINZA SKY WALK 2024（May 4-6,　2024）

GINZA SKY WALK 2024 will offer the public a glimpse at an exciting new Tokyo and enable them to experience the future site of the KK Line firsthand while relaxing, playing, eating, and drinking. Visitors will be able to walk along the two-kilometer expressway from Shimbashi to Kyobashi, enjoying the view of the city.

Event details

Name:

GINZA SKY WALK 2024

Dates and Times:

• May 4 (Sat), 3:00pm – 6:00pm
• May 5 (Sun), 9:00am – 6:00pm
• May 6 (Mon), 9:00am – 5:00pm

Participants:

15,000. Last year’s event had 3,000 participants.

Location:

Tokyo Expressway (KK Line), upper section

How to apply:

Apply for free at the link( External link ) , or via the QR code. Participants will be selected by lottery (Round 2 will be first-come, first-served)

Application period:

Round 1: From 10am Monday, March 18 until Sunday, March 24
Round 2: From 10am Friday, April 5 (if there are available spaces after Round 1)

Please note that advance registration is necessary to join the event.

Event site （artist impression）

• Attachment sheet(PDF:1,092KB)

Reference information

Policy regarding the Tokyo Expressway （KK Line） Revitalization

※Please click here for the original Japanese release