JR East has announced details of the completion of the "Gran Roof" at Tokyo Station's Yaesu Exit and the development of the station plaza. Both projects are part of the Tokyo Station Area Development Plan, following the "Marunouchi Station Building Preservation and Restoration Project" completed last October. A key feature is that they emphasize the innovative and cutting-edge nature that symbolizes the future of Tokyo Station. The "Gran Roof" is scheduled for completion on September 20, and the station plaza in fall 2014. The Gran Roof development area is approximately 14,000 square meters. It includes a large roof approximately 230 meters long, a pedestrian deck, a "Green Window" (opening early on September 8), a store totaling approximately 1,900 square meters operated by the Railway Hall, and a highway bus stop (already in operation). The pedestrian deck, a new landmark for the Yaesu Exit, is a large, bright space with a design motif of "sails of light." The second-floor office lobby of the Gran Tokyo North Tower will be directly connected to the second floor of the Gran Tokyo South Tower (Daimaru Tokyo), improving convenience and mobility. The environmentally conscious design includes wall greening and dry mist installations. A commercial facility based on the concept of "Yaesu Sensational Scene" will open on the first through third basement floors. Each floor will be themed with a "Travel Zone," "Culture Zone," and "Health Zone," creating new opportunities for people to flow and meet. The station plaza will be renovated to facilitate smooth traffic flow around Tokyo Station, facilitate smooth transfers between rail and secondary transportation, and enhance pedestrian space. Specifically, the depth of the traffic plaza will be expanded from approximately 32 meters to approximately 45 meters to strengthen its transport hub function. Buses and taxis will be located on the south side, and general vehicles on the north side, clearly separating vehicle traffic. A taxi pool and general vehicle drop-off and pick-up areas will also be newly constructed.

Meticulous consideration has been given to the environment and history. In terms of the environment, around 80 tall and shrubs of around 10 different species, primarily Quercus myrsinaefolia, have been installed. Rainwater and recycled water that falls on the large roof will be reused for irrigation, reducing the burden on the environment. In addition, part of the stone wall of the outer moat of Edo Castle, which was excavated from the construction site of Gran Tokyo South Tower, has been reused. Remnants of the former Tokyo Station will be displayed along Sotobori-dori Street.