Tokyo's Tallest Mansion: A Look Inside Toyosu's 3.8 Billion Won 'Branz Tower'

The Toyosu area, which began in 1937 with the meaning of 'a land of rich prosperity,' started its development with the Ishikawajima Shipyard. In the 1990s, office development progressed, and in the 2000s, large shopping malls like LaLaport and numerous large mansions were built. Subsequently, Shibaura Institute of Technology settled here, shaping the current atmosphere of Toyosu.

Cho Min-su evaluated that this shipyard project was not carried out by chance but was a thoroughly planned project. He analyzed that since the project was commissioned by the Mito Domain, one of the three great families of the Tokugawa clan, it has been able to develop without major problems until now. This suggests that there was a long-term and systematic strategy for Toyosu's development from the outset.

One of the key commercial facilities in the Toyosu area is KidZania Tokyo No. 1, located in LaLaport Toyosu. KidZania is a place where children can experience various professions in the real world, playing an important role in attracting family visitors from all over Tokyo. As a result, LaLaport Toyosu is always bustling with visitors, contributing to the revitalization of the local economy.

Toyosu has excellent access to the city center, being only a bridge away from Chuo Ward. It attracts a lot of attention due to its lower per-pyeong price compared to Chuo Ward, and the development of the Toyosu Center Building triggered a mansion boom. The Toyosu Center Building was the first development project in the process of Toyosu's transformation from a shipyard into a city, and it served as a starting point for subsequent large-scale mansion developments.

One special reason to introduce this mansion is that Shohei Ohtani once inquired about renting here. When Cho Min-su was working, Ohtani inquired about renting this mansion, and he mentioned that since Ohtani, who was already famous at the time, considered living in the area, Toyosu would be perceived as a friendly and comfortable neighborhood by many people. This is a good example showing the status of the Toyosu area.

In the past, Toyosu was an industrial area with a high concentration of docks, warehouses, factories, and shipyards. However, after 2000, Toyosu underwent rapid redevelopment, and the situation completely transformed. This change led to an explosive increase in the number of students, and as a result, Toyosu Elementary School became one of the largest elementary schools in Koto Ward. This shows that Toyosu is attracting young families as it transforms into a high-income residential area.

The population increase due to the development of tower mansions in the Toyosu area led to the establishment of new elementary schools. Cho Min-su emphasized that it's not simply that new schools were built, but clear evidence that the population around Toyosu Station has significantly increased. This indicates that Toyosu is emerging as an attractive residential area for young families.

Cho Min-su mentioned that grocery prices in the Toyosu area are not higher compared to other areas. This is one of the factors that enhance residents' living convenience, as prices for daily necessities remain reasonable despite its transformation into a high-income residential area. This price stability acts as an advantage for living in Toyosu.

In Japan, due to specific building regulations where land prices are included in the floor area ratio, it's common to construct above-ground parking lots instead of underground ones. Building underground parking lots is not only expensive but also subject to building area restrictions as they are included in the floor area ratio. For this reason, Branz Tower Toyosu also has above-ground parking rather than underground.

Branz Tower Toyosu offers a variety of shared facilities for residents. Guest rooms, study rooms, kids' rooms, fitness rooms, laundry rooms, personal rooms, and a consortium are provided as multi-purpose shared facilities. Guest rooms cost approximately 3,000 to 5,000 yen per night depending on size, while party rooms are 1,000 yen per hour. These facilities support residents' convenience and leisure activities.

The 48th-floor penthouse of Branz Tower Toyosu boasts overwhelming ceiling heights and offers an unobstructed view. From the living room, the Toyosu Center Building, a symbol of Toyosu, is visible directly ahead, and in the distance, Tokyo Skytree, Tokyo Station Torch Tower, and the Sumida River can be seen at a glance. Especially to the right, it offers an excellent view that includes Disneyland. Such a view provides a special experience that only top-floor residents can enjoy.

In Japan, home appliances such as refrigerators are often standardized, so special care is required when installing large appliances. It is essential to check the elevator movement space, door width, and indoor entry space in advance. This is to prevent the product from getting stuck in the pathway or being unable to enter the room.

The 48th-floor penthouse of Branz Tower Toyosu ensures complete privacy. Thanks to its high floor, it is free from external gaze, and the interior cannot be seen without a telescope or drone. Furthermore, due to its height of 48 floors, mosquitoes and pests rarely ascend, but with ami-door mosquito screens installed, residents can open windows with even greater peace of mind. This is emphasized as a privilege enjoyed only by top-floor residents.

The master room is equipped with a large built-in closet, alleviating storage concerns. It provides ample storage space for two people or two families and connects to the entrance from the living room. Additionally, underfloor heating is installed to provide a comfortable living environment, and facilities are equipped within the master room to respond to external visitors, enhancing convenience and safety.

One feature that differentiates this mansion from others is the number and location of its power outlets. Outlets are installed not only below the base cabinets but also above them, allowing electronic devices to be connected directly without opening the cabinets. This greatly improves living convenience compared to existing mansions that only had outlets in one of these locations.

The bathroom is equipped with a luxurious bathtub from Jackson. It reflects the philosophy of 'even a washing space can be a beautiful space' with a design that differentiates it from ordinary bathtubs. The rain shower faucet is the same Grohe product seen in the living room, boasting superior design and quality compared to standard rain showers. These high-end fixtures elevate the elegance of the bathroom space.

The entrance features a spacious L-shaped shoe storage area, slightly larger than one tatami mat. This ample space suggests that bulky items such as suitcases, boards, and golf clubs could be stored there. This would be a significant advantage, especially for residents who enjoy sports or travel.

Toyosu, which was a shipyard site in the 90s, has been developed into a complete city over 30 years. The building is a 5-minute walk from the station and a 5-minute walk from the large shopping mall LaLaport, with parks and hospitals within the same block, boasting excellent living convenience. With the groundbreaking of the Toyosu Minami Line in 2024 and aiming for opening in the mid-2030s, demand is expected to continue to be added to this already complete city.