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Urban Oasis: Tokyo Towers Grow Forests, Beat the Heat
22 Sep
Summary
- Tokyo buildings are incorporating forests to combat urban heat.
- Temperatures in Otemachi Tower's forest were 3.3 C cooler than a nearby crossing.
- Green spaces in Tokyo offices benefit employee well-being and creativity.
Tokyo is actively combating the urban heat island effect by introducing dense greenery into its business districts. Near Tokyo Station, Otemachi Tower showcases a remarkable forest with over 200 trees, creating a cooler microclimate. A survey in August 2025 revealed ground temperatures in this forest were 31.9 C, compared to 47.3 C at a nearby crossing, with ambient temperatures also showing a significant difference.
Developed by Tokyo Tatemono Co., Otemachi Tower dedicates a third of its site to green space, fostering biodiversity with numerous plant, insect, and bird species. While costly to maintain, these green areas are highly valued by businesses for their positive impact on employee physical, mental, and social health. The company plans to expand this green initiative in future projects.
Another significant green development is Otemachi One, created by Mitsui & Co. and Mitsui Fudosan Co. in 2020. This 6,000-square-meter space, featuring around 300 trees and thousands of shrubs, demonstrably cools stone surfaces by 10 C to 20 C under its shade and absorbs substantial carbon dioxide. These urban forests are redefining office spaces, promoting them as hubs for collaboration and innovation.
