Ichigaya no mori (Ichigaya Forest)
Sightseeing Map
Ichigaya sits on the border of Shinjuku and Chiyoda wards, where bustling office districts, lively student neighborhoods, and upscale residential areas coexist. Within this urban tapestry, DNP has created Ichigaya no mori (Ichigaya Forest),
a corporate green space that has emerged within the city.
Ichigaya no Mori (Ichigaya Forest) has now become a much-loved place of relaxation for local residents.
How did it come to be, and how has it been nurtured? This is its journey so far.
Let's Discover the Secrets of Soil!
1. Green space on artificial ground
To create soil that allows trees to take root firmly, a soil depth of at least 1.5 meters is necessary. The base of the soil layer is reinforced to withstand its weight, and measures are implemented to enable proper rainwater drainage.
Green space on a sturdy artificial ground
Was There a Model from Long Ago?!
2. Recreating the Musashino forest
In 2015, we selected and planted more than 20 species of tall trees and 70 species of native shrubs and groundcover, all indigenous to the region, following the land’s natural contours. By 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.
Recreating the Musashino forest using native species unique to the region
Perfect Visibility! This is Tokyo!
3. Walking path with good visibility
This area serves as a peaceful retreat for local residents and a regular walking route for children from nearby nurseries. Given the high volume of pedestrian traffic, clear visibility and safety are top priorities, so we refrain from using trees with a canopy that would block the view.
A clearly visible walking path designed for a sense of security
An unexpected gift from nature!
4. Naturally growing harlequin glorybower
A harlequin glorybower that was not planted by DNP took root naturally and bloomed for the first time in the summer of 2022. We have also confirmed the spontaneous growth of other native species, such as the Angelica tree and butterbur shoots.
I really like the
soil here!
Harlequin glorybower
-
Butterbur shoots
-
Angelica tree
Welcoming you with refreshing greenery
5. Konara oak
A refreshing, bright Konara oak forest has been created near the entrance, where visitors come and go. The fresh greenery of early spring is one of its highlights.
A refreshing and bright Konara oak forest
We’re particular—even about the grass!
6. Japanese silver grass
In front of the DNP Ichigaya-Kagacho Building No. 2 and in several other areas, Japanese silver grass, one of the key species used to recreate the Musashino forest, has been planted.
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. Wild birds nesting
Brown-eared bulbuls, Oriental turtle doves, and feral pigeons have been observed nesting in multiple locations on the premises, and chicks hatched here have also been confirmed.
Wild birds nesting
Oriental greenfinch
Sustaining the Cycle as Fertilizer
8. Returning what is generated by the green space to the green space
Fallen leaves and twigs are loosely piled within the green space, while materials collected from paved areas are placed in compost bins (containers used to produce compost). Our goal is to establish a plant cycle within the green space itself.
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.
We have recreated a traditional letterpress printing site.
Ichigaya Letterpress Factory
The Ichigaya Letterpress Factory was opened in February 2021 as part of the Ichigaya district redevelopment project.
The concept is "real factory."
Shueisha, DNP’s predecessor, was founded in 1876 in Ginza, a district then home to many newspaper companies. Ten years after its founding, the company expanded its operations by establishing a factory in Ichigaya, where the company’s 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. However, one of the conditions set out for the redevelopment was that a public open space Ichigaya no mori (Ichigaya Forest) and cultural facilities be created 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 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?
A wonderful future that will make your heart dance with excitement.
DNP PLAZA
DNP Plaza is a facility where we listen to your voices and work together with you to develop products and services that enhance convenience and comfort for the future.
The questions and everyday uncertainties we casually encounter become the driving force behind creating new future standards. We aim to turn everyone’s lively ideas into excitement for the future. The facility is open to all, and we invite you to stop by at your convenience.
Experimental Bookstore Sotobori Bookstore
Sotobori Bookstore is an experimental space designed to inspire greater interest in books by offering a unique way to engage with them.
We recognize that everyone interacts with books differently, whether for pleasure, work, or not often at all. We invite you to visit and discover the many possibilities that books can offer.
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 the 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 Working Together to Shape
Future Standards
A New
Urban Forest
, Nurtured by Human Hands
Where Diverse People Gather and the
Seeds of Value Begin to Grow
DNP releases information such as news releases and videos through its official accounts. Please take a look.