Highlights Map of
Ichigaya no Mori (Ichigaya Forest)
Ichigaya sits on the border between Shinjuku and Chiyoda wards, where bustling office districts, lively student neighborhoods, and upscale residential areas coexist.
Within this urban landscape, DNP has created Ichigaya no Mori (Ichigaya Forest), a corporate green space that has emerged in the heart of the city.
Now cherished as a place of relaxation for local residents, Ichigaya no Mori (Ichigaya Forest) raises the question:
How did it come into being, and how has it been nurtured over time?
Let us look back on its journey so far.
Let's Discover the Secrets of the Soil!
1. Green Space on Artificial Ground
To create soil that allows trees to put down strong roots, a soil depth of at least 1.5 meters is secured. The base of the soil layer is reinforced to withstand its weight, and drainage measures are incorporated to allow rainwater to flow properly.
Green space on a reinforced artificial ground
Was There a Model from Long Ago?!
2. Recreating the Musashino Woodlands
In 2015, more than 20 species of tall trees, over 70 species of shrubs, and native groundcover plants—each indigenous to the region—were selected and planted to follow the natural contours of the land. As of March 2024, the trees had grown an average of approximately 1.3 meters over eight years, with some reaching growth of up to 4 meters in height.
Recreating the musashino woodlands using native species indigenous to the region
Crystal Clear – Tokyo’s Right Here!
3. Walking Path with Clear Visibility
This area serves as a place of relaxation for nearby residents and as a regular walking route for children from local nursery schools. Since many people pass through, ensuring clear sightlines and safety is essential. For this reason, trees with foliage at heights that would obstruct visibility are avoided.
A clearly visible walking path designed for a sense of security
An Unexpected Gift from Nature!
4. Naturally Growing Clerodendrum trichotomum (Harlequin Glorybower)
A clerodendrum trichotomum that DNP did not plant took root naturally and bloomed for the first time in the summer of 2022. The spontaneous growth of other native species—such as the Japanese angelica tree and butterbur shoots—has also been confirmed.
I really like the
soil here!
Clerodendrum trichotomum (Harlequin Glorybower)
-
Petasites japonicus(Butterbur shoots)
-
Aralia elata(Japanese angelica tree)
Welcoming Visitors with Refreshing Greenery
5.Quercus serrata (konara oak)
A bright, refreshing grove of Konara oak trees has been arranged near the entrance, where visitors pass through. The fresh green leaves of early spring are one of its highlights.
A bright, refreshing grove of Konara oak trees
We’re Particular—Even About the Grasses!
6. Miscanthus sinensis(Japanese Silver Grass)
Miscanthus sinensis—one of the key species used to recreate the Musashino woodlands—has been planted in front of the DNP Ichigaya-Kagacho Building No. 2 as well as in several other areas.
The foliage and silver grass
are beautiful,
so come enjoy a walk!
Japanese silver grass, representing the Musashino forest
My Home Is in a Prime Spot!
7. Nesting Wild Birds
Birds such as hypsipetes amaurotis (brown-eared bulbuls), streptopelia orientalis (oriental turtle doves), and columba livia (feral pigeons) have been observed nesting in several locations on the premises, and chicks hatched here have been confirmed.
Nesting Wild Birds
Chloris sinica (Oriental greenfinchs)
Supporting the Cycle as Natural Fertilizer
8. Returning What the Green Space Generates Back to It
Fallen leaves and small branches are loosely piled within the green space, while materials gathered from paved areas are placed in compost bins (containers used for producing compost). These practices help foster a natural plant cycle within the green space.
Our Corporate General Affairs team
is dedicated to
sustaining the forest.
A compost bin filled with fallen leaves and twigs
Ichigaya no Mori (Ichigaya Forest)
- Address
- 1 Ichigaya-Kagacho,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0062 - Access
- 10-minute walk from Ichigaya Station
(Tokyo Metro Namboku & Yurakucho Lines)
15-minute walk from JR Ichigaya Station
We Look Forward to Seeing You at the
Clock Tower
A small factory within the forest — a recreated letterpress printing workshop
Ichigaya no Mori Hon to Katsuji-kan(Ichigaya Letterpress Factory)
Ichigaya no Mori Hon to Katsuji-kan opened in February 2021 as part of the Ichigaya district redevelopment project.
Its concept is the “Real Factory.”
Shueisha, the predecessor of DNP, was founded in 1876 in Ginza, then a hub for newspaper companies.
Ten years later, the company expanded its operations by establishing an additional factory in Ichigaya, where its founder, Teiichi Sakuma, and his brother-in-law, Hisanari Yasuda, lived.
DNP later significantly expanded its business areas, focusing on printing technology, but it continued to produce books here in Ichigaya. (Printing is one of Shinjuku Ward's local industries, and it is said that this is because DNP was located here.)
The Ichigaya HQ Redevelopment Plan was finalized, and large printing presses were to be relocated to the suburbs as part of factory restructuring. One of the conditions for the redevelopment was the creation of a public open space—Ichigaya no Mori (Ichigaya Forest)—and cultural facilities that would be accessible to the public.
As Shinjuku Ward was hit hard by air raids and there are few pre-war buildings, we decided to restore the building, affectionately known as the "Clock Tower," which has been in use since 1926, to its original appearance and open it to the public as a cultural facility called the "Ichigaya Letterpress Factory."
The design of this building, which was originally constructed as a sales office, reflects the characteristics of the Secessionist movement. The interior has been restored based on photographs from the time of its construction.
The facility is staffed with artisans who hand-set type, create typesetting forms, print, and bind books, and visitors can observe them at work.
There is also a café stand offering refreshments for visitors. Enjoy a cup of tea while gazing at the greenery of the forest in the pleasant courtyard.
How about taking a relaxing break
at the café?
Ichigaya no Mori Hon to Katsuji-kan(Ichigaya Letterpress Factory)
- Address
- 1-1-1 Ichigaya-Kagacho,
Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
162-8001 - Business hours
- 10:00～18:00
- Phone
- 03-6386-0555
- Opening hours
- 10:00～18:00
- Closed
- Mondays and Tuesdays (Open
if it’s a public holiday), and New Year holidays - Access
- 10-minute walk
from Ichigaya Station (Tokyo Metro Namboku & Yurakucho Lines)
15-minute walk
from JR Ichigaya Station
Why Not Explore the Possibilities
Together?
Imagine a Wonderful Future That Sparks Joy and Excitement.
DNP PLAZA
DNP Plaza is a facility where we listen to your ideas and work with you to shape products and services that make the future more convenient and comfortable.
The questions or small uncertainties we feel in everyday life become the driving force that creates “future standards.”
Our aim is to transform everyone’s casual conversations and lively exchanges into excitement for the future.
DNP Plaza is open to all visitors—please feel free to stop by and enjoy the experience.
Experimental Bookstore “Sotobori Bookstore”
Sotobori Bookstore is an experimental bookstore designed to spark broader interest in books by offering new and unexpected ways to encounter them.
Everyone relates to books differently—some love reading, some rarely pick up a book, and others read mainly for work.
At Sotobori Bookstore, we hope visitors will pick up a book and discover that there are many different ways to enjoy them and many possibilities waiting to be found.
Toi Cafe
DNP Plaza Cafe is open to all and offers thoughtful features designed to spark reflection on a better future. Guests are welcome to write their questions or lingering thoughts on sticky notes or explore Minna-no-Toi Bunko: Everyone’s “Questions” Library, a curated book corner for inspiration. Enjoy coffee and light snacks while spending your time here in whatever way suits you best.
Find the answers
to your questions here!
DNP PLAZA
- Address
- 1-14-1 Ichigaya-Tamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 162-0843
DNP Ichigaya-Tamachi Building - Phone
- 080-2388-5523
- Opening hours
- 10:00～20:00
- Closed
- Sundays, New Year holidays, facility inspection days
- Access
- 1-minute walk from Ichigaya Station (Tokyo Metro Namboku & Yurakucho Lines)
5-minute walk from JR Ichigaya Station
People and Nature Coexist, Creating the "Future Standards"
A New
Urban Forest
, Nurtured by Human Hands
Where Diverse People Gather and
“Seeds of New Value” Begin to Grow
DNP releases information such as news releases and videos through its official accounts. Please take a look.