Shibuya massive makeover aims to be finished by 2035 says Tokyu
- Adam German
- Jun 4, 2025
- 2 min read
One of Tokyo’s largest urban redevelopment programs is entering its final stage. Construction has begun on the Central and West towers of Shibuya Scramble Square, moving forward a transformation of the station area that has been underway for more than two decades.
At a press briefing on June 3rd, Tokyu Corporation said the Central and West towers are scheduled for completion in fiscal 2031. The wider Shibuya Station area redevelopment, including work around Hachiko Square, is expected to be completed in fiscal 2034.
Finished project CG rendering with Hachiko Square in the foreground. Rendering courtesy of the Shibuya Station Area Joint Development Group.
Shibuya Scramble Square is being developed jointly by Tokyu, East Japan Railway Company and Tokyo Metro. Its East Tower opened in 2019, while the Central and West towers will complete the project’s second phase.
The redevelopment extends beyond new buildings. By fiscal 2030, the project partners plan to largely complete a multi-level pedestrian network linking areas around Shibuya Station. Work also includes improvements to JR Shibuya Station and a new east-west passage more than 20 meters wide at its widest point.
Tokyu has described these changes as part of a wider effort to improve movement through Shibuya, a district divided by railway lines, major roads and changes in elevation.
The company has also highlighted the area’s expanding commercial base. In an investor presentation released in May 2025, Tokyu said the number of employees in Shibuya Ward had increased by 33.3% over the previous decade. The population within two kilometers of Shibuya Station also rose from 153,397 in 2013 to 163,508 in 2021.
Retail indicators point to tight demand for space. CBRE reported a 0% vacancy rate for high-street retail property in Shibuya in the first quarter of 2025, while average rents had risen above pre-pandemic levels.
Tokyu’s plans extend beyond Shibuya Scramble Square. The company said cumulative development investment in the Shibuya area from 2009 through 2040, including public-sector projects, is expected to exceed ¥2 trillion, with Tokyu-related projects accounting for around half.
Eleven major redevelopment projects have been advanced around Shibuya, including Shibuya Hikarie, Shibuya Stream, Shibuya Scramble Square, Shibuya Sakura Stage and Shibuya Axsh.
At the June 3rd briefing, Tokyu also highlighted the Shibuya Upper West Project and the Miyamasuzaka redevelopment. Shibuya Upper West was scheduled for completion in fiscal 2029, while both the second phase of Shibuya Scramble Square and the Miyamasuzaka project were scheduled for fiscal 2031.
Even after those projects are completed, work around the station and public spaces will continue toward the overall fiscal 2034 completion target.
Further Reading:
Tokyu Corporation, East Japan Railway Company and Tokyo Metro - Shibuya Station District redevelopment announcement, May 9, 2025 (Japanese only)
