Explore: Yūrakuchō

TOKYO, TOKYO, JAPAN

03.01.2018

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Matthew C. Duncker    

Naval Air Facility Atsugi

Sandwiched between the glitz and glamour of Ginza, the peaceful tranquility of Hibiya Park and the grand stature of the Imperial Palace lies one of the few remaining remnants of post war Japan in Tokyo, Yūrakuchō.
Yūrakuchō was established as a district of Chiyoda during the start of the Meiji era in Japan. The district was named after Sengoku samurai Oda Nagamasu, the younger brother of famed warlord, Oda Nobunaga. Nagamasu owned a residence in the area called “Yurakuhara” and was the major landmark in the city which was named in its honor when zoning the new district. In 1910 the Yamanote rail line was built and its train tracks extend across the district. Following World War II, Yūrakuchō was used as the headquarters of Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP), Gen. Douglas MacArthur during the American occupation of Japan. MacArthur chose the district as it was in close proximity to both the Imperial Palace and the Japanese Diet (congress).
Upon arriving at Yūrakuchō station, visitors will immediately notice that the station is still made of the original brickwork from when the train line was first built. While it is surrounded by neon signs and storefronts of Ginza, what truly makes the area worthwhile for travelers is the assorted restaurants underneath the tracks called “Gaado-shita” or beneath the girders. Amongst the many alleyways, or yokocho, are assorted izakayas, noodle shops and other shops designated by the red lanterns outside of their establishments. These areas are popular among people getting off work in the evening looking for a cheap bite to eat and to socialize with friends and coworkers.
Further down the tracks is Yakitori Alley, this area is comprised of various vendors grilling chicken, pork and vegetables outside allowing customers to eat in tents under the tracks. The air is thick with charcoal smoke and the smell of chicken grilling over open flames. Visitors walk along the narrow tunnels, greeted by the various vendors asking them to come in and eat.
At the center exit, the train station opens into a very large shopping plaza featuring camera shops, department stores and other various goods and souvenir shops. The 21-story Yurakucho Itocia is the largest building in the district and features everything from food courts to clothing stores to a movie theater.
On the edge of the district lies what is arguably the most iconic building in Yūrakuchō, DN Tower 21. What makes it unique is that the tower includes the Dai-Ichi Seimei building which was used as the headquarters of Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers (SCAP) by MacArthur. Construction was completed in 1938 and the building faces the moat around the Imperial Palace. In 2004 DN Tower 21 was named a historical landmark by the government of Japan.
While most visitors are quick to look over Yūrakuchō for the other attractions in the area, such as Ginza or the Imperial Gardens, the district has its own distinct presence that makes it stand out amongst the surrounding areas. From the post war architecture to the numerous food vendors underneath the train station, visitors will enjoy exploring a piece of Japan’s past in the present.

• Date Taken: 03.01.2018
• Date Posted: 12.04.2018 01:09
• Story ID: 302122
• Location: TOKYO, TOKYO, JP