Takeshiba Tidal Flat and Takeshiba District Pier Development Project

WATERS Takeshiba: A new leisure destination in Tokyo

In 2020 JR East opened the WATERS Takeshiba complex in Takeshiba, Tokyo, featuring a rich natural waterfront right outside Hamarikyu Gardens. As part of the complex, the Takeshiba Tidal Flat and Takeshiba District Ferry Pier (WATERS Takeshiba Mae stop) were established within river waters used exclusively by the Takeshiba Area Management Corporation to create a place for learning that could restore life to the local environment, vitalize boat transportation, and create a lively river atmosphere.
Yachiyo Engineering worked with the tidal flat and pier project from start to finish, starting with the basic plan and completing various surveys, basic and implementation designs, approval procedures, preparation of construction contract documents, construction supervision, and more.
Among the issues in developing the spaces, the tidal flat required a causeway installed on top of thick layers of cohesive soil, and the pier needed to accommodate ships of various sizes. For JR East, there was a lot of concerns around as this was their first redevelopment project outside of a station area, and first waterfront development project.
For this reason, we proposed solutions to their issues and propelled the project forward while leveraging our strengths as a general consultant to generate collaborations in the port and environmental fields.

Stone levees on tidal flats
Wooden causeway for tidal flat
Full view of tidal flats

Developing a place loved by many

Our proposals and adaptations for the developed facilities include:

(1) Tidal flat
- To prevent consolidation settlement in the cohesive soil, soil-retaining sheet piling was embedded down to the bearing layer, and lightweight banking material was used.
- To ensure a wide intertidal zone, the height of the tidal wetland was set to mean sea level facing the ocean and high tide level facing land.
- Stone levees were made and greenery planted to create a habitat for wildlife to grow. In addition, a wooden causeway was installed to enable viewing in the tidal flat at high tide and other times of high water.
(2) Pier
- The deck height to the left and right of the floating pier were changed to accommodate both water buses and small boats.
- The pier specifications comply with barrier-free standards for the pier to accommodate regular and irregular routes.
- Colored lighting is installed to provide lighting for events and awareness colors.
(3) Others
- To get as close as possible to the water surface, retained earth at the crest of the tidal flat was utilized to install a deck (promenade).
- For the safety of visitors, all gaps, steps, protrusions, etc. were eliminated throughout the area.

Currently, the tidal flat is normally closed, but opens to the public once a month for an event called Takeshiba Tidal Flat Open Day. Nature observation events and activities are also held on an irregular basis. On the pier, regular ferries, night cruise ships, and Haneda Airport Access boats offer service to Asakusa, Toyosu, Odaiba, Ryogoku, and Kasai.
We hope that many will continue to use and grow fond of WATERS Takeshiba.

*Information as of September 2021.

Boat approaching the pier
Boarding/unloading at the pier
Full view of pier