Yūrakuchō

Oda Nagamasu built his mansion here on land granted by Tokugawa Ieyasu near the Sukiya-bashi Gate of Edo Castle.

Unlike its tonier neighbor Ginza, Yūrakuchō provides a glimpse of Japanese life from the early postwar period, with its many izakaya (Japanese-style bars, denoted by their red lanterns known as akachochin) and outdoor yakitori restaurants, many of which are located near or under the train tracks serving Tokyo's JR Yamanote Line.

Because of its easy access to Tokyo Station, Yūrakuchō bars and restaurants are popular among businessmen on their way home from work.

Home of The Dai-ichi Mutual Life Insurance Company, the building, across the moat from the Imperial Palace, was the headquarters of Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers under Douglas MacArthur during the Occupation of Japan.

The Hibiya Mitsui houses the home offices of the Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation, Japan Steel Works, and Asahi Kasei, while the Shin Yūrakuchō Building is home to Asahi Glass Co., Nippon Paper Industries, and Nichiro Corporation.

[1] Japan Airlines operates a domestic and international flights ticketing office on the first floor of the Yurakucho Denki Building in Yūrakuchō.