Tokyo Expressway

Tokyo Expressway Co., Ltd. is a private company that manages rental spaces under elevated structures and promotes the Roof Park Project to regenerate the former expressway into a pedestrian-centered public space. The company was established in December 1951 by 23 business leaders to contribute to the reconstruction of Ginza and alleviate traffic congestion. It operated a 2km-long toll-free automobile-only road, known as KK Line, which was the first in Japan built with private initiative. The road was abolished on April 5, 2025, except for the Higashi-Ginza exit, and the company now focuses on real estate leasing and the regeneration of the upper space into a pedestrian promenade.

Tokyo Expressway Co., Ltd. was established in December 1951 with capital of 30 million yen. In August 1952, it obtained a license for general automobile road business between Naniwa Bridge and Kon'ya Bridge. Construction began in August 1953 on the Yamashita Bridge to Shinkyo Bridge section. The road was opened in stages, with full operation between Horai Bridge and Shinkyo Bridge starting in July 1966. The company managed the road and 14 buildings under the elevated structure. In March 2021, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government formulated the 'Tokyo Expressway (KK Line) Regeneration Policy,' indicating a shift from automobile road to pedestrian-centered public space. In December 2023, urban planning decisions were made to abolish the KK Line and designate the upper space as a 'major public facility (plaza).' The KK Line was abolished on April 5, 2025, except for the Higashi-Ginza exit.

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