TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY RESIDENCE - A Full Look at the JR East Group’s International-Standard Residence

In spring 2026, all 847 residences in TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY will be completed—within a next‑generation district conceived as a global co‑creation hub. Beyond its exceptional connectivity and the unusually green, park‑rich environment already visible in the parts of the district that have opened, the project offers a range of distinctive features rarely seen in conventional developments in Japan. 

In this article, Naoko Fujimura (Senior Leader, JR East Urban Development Corporation) and Tsubasa Watanabe (Manager, Planning Division, KEN Corporation), who supports product planning as a consultant, introduce what makes TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY RESIDENCE unique—from the unlikely panoramic views enabled by the site, to community‑minded shared amenities, material‑driven interiors, expansive unit sizes, and large‑scale, resilient infrastructure that allows daily life to continue even in emergencies. 

Watanabe, Ken Corporation: The residence stands at the northern tip of a long, north–south site. JR’s Yamanote and Keihin‑Tohoku lines run along the east, and the land fans out in a triangular shape to the north. On paper, that might sound challenging for residential design. In reality, the site geometry and location create signature advantages: open views, deep shared spaces that follow the building’s form, and green, low‑rise terrace units you wouldn’t expect in central Tokyo. 

For views to the east, there are no buildings for roughly 100 meters beyond the Shinkansen lines. To the north, the site extends about 150 meters beyond the residence—and a biotope is planned within the grounds, blending water and greenery. The result is a layered outlook where natural scenery gives way to a soft urban panorama in the distance.

Fujimura, JR East Urban Development Corporation: To the south lie a park recreating part of the historic Takanawa Embankment and the MoN Takanawa: The Museum of Narratives (opening spring 2026). Farther beyond is a mixed‑use complex of retail and offices, yet it sits about 100 meters away from the residence. Residents enjoy green views of the park and museum, without feeling watched by visitors.

Watanabe: Considering this is ultra‑central Tokyo, it’s rare that upper floors enjoy clear outlooks in all directions. Whichever orientation you choose on the higher levels, you’ll find a distinct view. We also used the building’s form to carve deep, flowing common areas. Given the 44‑story scale, we established two amenity clusters—on 3F–4F (low‑rise) and 29F–30F (high‑rise). Floors 3 and 29 are double‑height, creating dramatic volume. Within these long‑span spaces, we laid out differentiated zones that support multiple ways to use the same continuum.

Fujimura: Separate from the resident amenities, Tokyo International School (TIS) will open on 1F–2F, in a location designed with safety in mind—an attractive option for many families. Naturally, retail, clinics, and childcare support within TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY will be vital to daily life.

Watanabe: Another defining feature is the low‑rise section on the north: floors 3–7 step back to form terrace‑type residences. Eight years ago, when we began the building concept, lush, green‑integrated properties were still rare in Japan, though increasingly seen abroad. We planned with that in mind—urban living wrapped in greenery.

Watanabe: A closer look at those deep, tall common spaces:

• 3F: The GATEWAY LOUNGE faces the Yamanote Line with a double‑height opening and includes a 24‑hour multilingual concierge. Also on 3F are a CAFE LOUNGE and two CONFERENCE rooms suitable for client meetings.
• FITNESS & LOUNGE features sofas inside the fitness area—ideal for unwinding after workouts or chatting with neighbors, encouraging natural communication.
• 29F: Facing the bay, SKY TERRACE and SKY LOUNGE are double‑height, designed for breezes and views. A SKY KITCHEN with a large central island seats around 10—perfect for inviting a chef, hosting cooking‑centered gatherings, or entertaining.
• 30F: The SKY THEATER offers a high‑brightness projector and 120‑inch screen, seating around 20 for movies or sports.
• In addition, there are two smaller PARTY LOUNGES.
• B2F: A COACH ENTRANCE with a doorman serves arrivals. The mechanical parking uses a high‑spec system (separate in‑ and out‑bays, all high‑roof compatible) akin to those found in premium commercial facilities.

On the 29th floor on the ocean side is the two-story SKY TERRACE and SKY LOUNGE. You can enjoy the views and feel the ocean breeze in these spaces.

Fujimura: In these common facilities, to encourage their use, we included amenities that are difficult to install in ordinary homes. We hope residents will enjoy what they don’t have at home.

Fujimura: The interior expression differs from typical high‑end rentals. The district’s overall metaphor likens each building to a ship awaiting departure along the coastline. In the residences, that idea becomes two moods: SUPERIOR (floors 5–28): “Living with the Sea,” and EXECUTIVE (floors 29–42): “Living with the Sky.” 

Design is led by HBA (Hirsch Bedner Associates)—a global firm selected via competition. Over 50+ years, HBA has completed 1,500+ projects in 80+ countries, with countless awards. They not only excel in luxury but define trends.

Watanabe: HBA’s approach here departs from the heavy, classic hotel luxury of the past. TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY RESIDENCE blends authentic, timeless notes with a fresh, modern sensibility—a bright luxury. We emphasize honest materials, tactile quality, and composed harmony—the kind of finish that discerning residents will recognize at a glance. 

This direction reflects today’s core high‑end rental audience— increasingly active professionals in their 30s–40s (with many residents in their 50s and beyond as well). They are design‑literate and expect modernity; our aim is to meet that high bar. 

Fujimura: Fittingly for a global gateway, we also curated art throughout the building, aligned with the district’s international stature.

Watanabe: There are 76 floor‑plan types in total. Within a community of 847 units, even units with the “same layout” differ meaningfully by size and floor, creating very distinct living experiences in two categories

Fujimura: With expatriates and international families in mind, the EXECUTIVE floor provides the scale and finish expected at a global level. We designed the lineup so the residences become the preferred choice for them.

Fujimura: On resilience: the residences are equipped with a dual‑fuel emergency generator to secure power during disasters. 

If the grid goes down, the system runs on gas; if gas supply stops, it can continue for 72 hours on stored oil. That two‑tier backup means residents can keep using electricity at home during emergencies.

Watanabe: Specifically, portions of common‑area lighting, select elevators, and in‑unit power—including some lighting, refrigerators, and designated outlets—remain usable.

Fujimura: The automatic switchover requires no resident action; life can continue in place.

Fujimura: For JR East Group, this is our first project combining such a large‑scale district with high‑grade residential. We believe we’ve achieved a truly international standard—not only in safety but in overall quality. Still, the sense of material richness is something photos and text can’t fully convey.

Watanabe: With completion planned for spring 2026, we intend to prepare on‑site model homes so you can experience the spaces directly. In many ways, this will showcase a world‑leading style of living—we hope you’ll look forward to it.