JR East to open 1st phase of Takanawa Gateway City in Tokyo

East Japan Railway on Thursday will open the first phase of one of Tokyo's largest urban redevelopment projects.

The Takanawa Gateway City adjoins a station of the same name on the Yamanote train line that loops around Tokyo.

The project comprises several skyscrapers of offices, residences, a hotel and cultural facilities on a 9.5-hectare site.

JR East says a 30-story and a 29-story building are complete.

They include what the company calls the "Link Scholars' Hub" where staff from startups and universities can meet to exchange ideas on new businesses.

The complex will eventually have autonomous robots and vehicles for transporting goods and people.

Takagi Koichi, JR East Department Director of Community Development, says the complex is a model that can be emulated across Japan to nurture startups and develop new businesses.

All of the facilities in the Takanawa Gateway City are scheduled to open in spring next year.