#Japan #Tokyo #Shibuya #Ebisu Minami Park #Green Environment Award

Renewal of Ebisu Minami Park

Ebisu Minami Park, managed by Sapporo Real Estate Development Co., Ltd. and located in Shibuya, Tokyo, has recently celebrated a significant renewal, transforming it into a vibrant green oasis. The renovation, which was completed as part of a project led by the Shibuya Playground Thinking Association, received prestigious recognition, winning the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism Award at the 36th Green Environment Plan Awards.

The park underwent a major renovation and re-opened in September 2022. However, the combined challenges of extreme weather, such as heatwaves, and the aging of trees led to safety concerns that resulted in tree removals. Consequently, these issues made the park less comfortable for visitors, especially during the sweltering summer months, prompting the imposition of temporary closures and restrictions.

In response to these challenges, a collaborative effort between the park's managing bodies — Sapporo Real Estate, the Shibuya Playground Thinking Association, and the Shibuya Ward — was initiated. Their goal was to create a more sustainable and enjoyable environment for park users that would minimize the influence of climate conditions. They devised a comprehensive landscaping plan focusing on creating shaded areas through new tree plantings and constructing roofs and wooden pathways.

The outcome of this joint planning led to the