Shinjuku Gyoen green space effect - October 2024

Shinjuku Gyoen green space effect - October 2024

Green Space Effectiveness and Current Status of Shinjuku Gyoen
Shinjuku Gyoen, located in Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, is a vast green space in the center of Tokyo, covering an area of approximately 58.3 hectares. This green space plays an important role in mitigating the urban heat island effect. Recent surveys have shown a temperature difference of approximately 3.5 to 5 degrees Celsius compared to the surrounding Shinjuku Station area, maintaining a cool environment not only during the daytime but also at night. Particularly during the summer months, the area provides a comfortable environment for visitors, alleviating the extreme heat of the urban area.

According to 2023 data, the green space in Shinjuku Gyoen is reported to absorb approximately 1,500 tons of CO2 per year, making it one of the most effective green spaces in Tokyo. The Gyoen contains a variety of broadleaf and coniferous vegetation, all of which contribute to urban air purification and CO2 absorption. It is especially famous for its many cherry trees and maple trees, which allow visitors to enjoy the scenery of the four seasons.

In terms of environmental technology, the Gyoen is also taking a progressive approach. A joint project between Tokyo Electric Power Company and Hitachi Landscaping Co. is underway to manage the plantings using low-emission electric equipment. In addition, solar panels were installed in some of the administration buildings in 2019, providing approximately 50 MWh of electricity annually, which is used for lighting and facility operations in the Gyoen. In addition to this, a rainwater reuse system has been installed, which is used for watering plants and toilets.

Furthermore, Shinjuku Gyoen has been positioned as a "model urban green space" by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and has been featured in international environmental conferences as part of sustainable urban development since 2020. In this way, Shinjuku Gyoen continues to attract attention from Japan and abroad as a model case in heat island countermeasures and urban CO2 reduction.