Yūrakuchō, Commercial district in central Chiyoda, Tokyo, Japan
Yūrakuchō is a commercial district in central Chiyoda situated between Ginza and Hibiya Park, nestled beneath the elevated JR Yamanote Line tracks. The area contains numerous restaurants, shopping centers, and shops organized in this distinctive under-rail space.
The district's name comes from Oda Nagamasu, known as Yuraku, who received land from Tokugawa Ieyasu in the 16th century near Edo Castle and built his residence there. The location later transformed into a commercial hub as modern Tokyo developed.
The Gado-shita area hosts hundreds of traditional izakayas and yakitori restaurants tucked beneath the railway tracks. These casual dining spots remain a key gathering place where locals unwind and socialize after work.
The area is accessible through Yūrakuchō Station, which connects to multiple JR lines and Tokyo Metro stations, with easy access to Ginza and Hibiya stations. The crowded pedestrian passages beneath the tracks can get quite busy during morning and evening rush hours.
The DN Tower 21 building served as headquarters for Supreme Commander Douglas MacArthur during Japan's post-war occupation period. The location thus carries marks of this important chapter in Japan's recovery after World War II.
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