Tourism Greater Tokyo to offer new tourist attractions in 2026

Several new tourist attractions and large commercial projects are set to open or reopen in the Greater Tokyo area this year, as officials and developers try to steer visitors toward less-visited parts of the city and tap into the post-pandemic rise in experience-focused travel. At the same time, stricter rules on Airbnb-style short-term rentals, known as minpaku, are fuelling debate over how to manage the surge in overseas visitors without harming residents' day-to-day lives.

- Along the waterfront, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government is constructing the tentatively named Odaiba Fountain on the artificial island of Odaiba in Tokyo Bay. The project is due to be finished in fiscal 2025, which runs until March this year. Officials expect it to generate an annual economic impact of about 9.8 billion yen ($62.6 million), with light displays aimed at drawing visitors in the evening and strengthening the area's nighttime economy. From October through December, Odaiba and the surrounding neighbourhoods will also host an international art exhibition, Tokyo Atlas, highlighting efforts to reposition the district as a cultural destination.



- In central Tokyo, the Edo-Tokyo Museum in Sumida Ward is set to reopen at the end of March after almost 4 years of renovation. The main highlight is a full-scale reconstruction of the former Hattori Clock Tower, rising 26 metres and recalling a well-known landmark of Ginza during the Meiji era (1868–1912). The redesign of both the interior and exterior was overseen by architect Shōhei Shigematsu, with the renewed spaces featuring large-scale projections of historical materials across ceilings and columns.




- Private-sector development is also moving ahead quickly. Japanese real estate firm Tokyo Tatemono is nearing completion of its mixed-use project, Tofrom Yaesu (トフロム ヤエス), located in front of Tokyo Station's Yaesu exit. The complex consists of two main buildings: the 51-storey Tofrom Yaesu Tower, with four basement levels, and the 10-storey Tofrom Yaesu the Front, with two basement levels. The tower is due to be completed in February and is expected to open in the autumn. Together, the buildings will include retail space, offices, medical facilities, and a theatre with seating for around 800 people.


- In nearby Nihonbashi, one of Tokyo's long-established commercial districts, a significant redevelopment project led by Mitsui Fudosan and Nomura Real Estate Development is set for completion in September. The plan includes a 52-storey tower and aims to make the Nihonbashi River area a more pedestrian-friendly part of the city.


More projects here:

Here is a clear explanation of the major urban redevelopment projects currently underway in Tokyo:

Major Urban Redevelopment Projects in Tokyo (Ongoing)

Tokyo is undergoing large-scale urban redevelopment across multiple districts, mainly focused on transport hubs, mixed-use high-rise buildings, improved walkability, and international competitiveness. Many projects are scheduled for completion between 2025 and the early 2030s.

1. Tokyo Station / Yaesu / Tokiwabashi Area
The Tokyo Torch Project is one of the largest developments in Japan.
It includes Torch Tower, planned to be about 385 meters tall, making it the tallest building in Japan (completion around 2028).
The area will feature offices, retail, hotels, and large public plazas.
The Yaesu side of Tokyo Station is also being redeveloped with new bus terminals and commercial facilities.

2. Shinagawa / Takanawa Gateway Area
Known as Takanawa Gateway City, led by JR East.
A large mixed-use development including offices, residences, hotels, convention spaces, and commercial areas.
Designed as a global business and innovation hub.
Major openings are expected around 2026.
3. Shibuya Station Area
Often called "Shibuya's once-in-a-century redevelopment."
Includes multiple high-rise towers, redesigned station facilities, pedestrian decks, and public squares.
The project aims to improve safety, accessibility, and urban flow.
Full completion is expected around 2034.
4. Nihonbashi Area
Redevelopment focuses on combining historical character with modern urban design.
Multiple projects are underway, including office, residential, retail, and hotel complexes.
The Nihonbashi Riverwalk Project is linked to the future underground relocation of the expressway, restoring the waterfront environment.
Development will continue in phases through the late 2020s and 2030s.

5. Oimachi Station Area
The OIMACHI TRACKS project is a station-front redevelopment.
It includes commercial facilities and public spaces directly connected to the station.
Scheduled to open around 2026.
6. Nishi-Shinjuku Area
Several high-rise redevelopment projects are planned or underway.
Focused on residential towers combined with offices and commercial facilities.
Completion is expected around 2029.

7. Local Station Redevelopments (e.g., Koiwa)
Suburban station areas such as Koiwa are being redeveloped with new residential and commercial complexes.
These projects aim to improve local livability and disaster resilience.
Many are scheduled for completion between 2025 and 2026.
Key Characteristics of Tokyo's Redevelopment
Transit-oriented development centered on major railway stations
Mixed-use skyscrapers combining offices, housing, retail, and hotels
Improved pedestrian infrastructure and barrier-free design
Revitalization of historic districts while modernizing infrastructure
Strengthening Tokyo's global competitiveness as a business and cultural city.