Imagine looking up at a colossal concrete arachnid. This is the Hakozaki Junction. It is not just a road but a symbol of Tokyo’s relentless energy.
Hakozaki Junction is located in Chūō, Tokyo. This is where the Mukojima Route meets the Fukagawa Route on the Shuto Expressway. It’s a critical point in Tokyo’s metropolitan expressway system.
The Hakozaki Junction is infamous for traffic congestion. Three routes converge here: the Inner Circular Route, Route 6 and Route 9. This creates a confluence of vehicles.
Between 1994 and 1998, the Hakozaki Junction underwent a major improvement project. This aimed to ease the heavy congestion. A new branch road was added to improve traffic flow.
From below, the junction’s complex structure is striking. It has earned the nickname “Yamata no Orochi”. This refers to a legendary eight-headed serpent in Japanese mythology. The Hakozaki Junction does look like a monster.
The lower level features the Hakozaki Rotary. This is a clockwise, one-way system. It connects the Hakozaki Parking Area, entrances, and exits. It links to both the Mukojima and Fukagawa Routes. Drivers on the main routes do not need to enter the rotary.
In December 2024, further improvements occurred. The Metropolitan Expressway removed the traffic lights within the rotary. Stop signs were installed. Lane markings were adjusted.
The Hakozaki Junction has a multi-layered structure. It is almost like an inorganic space. Private homes are nearby. This gives the area a unique feel. It is where the ordinary and extraordinary meet.
The Hakozaki Junction is more than just an interchange. It is a vital part of Tokyo’s infrastructure. It is a place where beauty and practicality meet. It embodies the energy of Tokyo. It is a testament to the city’s constant motion.