Yokohama Nishi Ward

Description

Strolling through Nishi-ward: Resting at the Paradise on Roof



I take pride that I go to West Exit area of Yokohama station very often. However, there is one place I’ve never visited.



That is “JOINUS Forest” which is located on the roof of JOINUS. Its construction was completed in Showa 53, so it has very calm atmosphere in the park. When you rest on bench, you can hear birds humming and sound of wind blowing between trees. You can feel as if you were in natural forest.



Tokyo metropolitan government has started an experiment of roof-greening as a measure against urban heat-island effect. Kawasaki city is also promoting groof-greening by providing subsidy under the concept of “make rooftop as paradise of the city”. In that sense, JOINUS Forest is ahead of the trend for 20 years.



I like that there are some sculptures by famous artist from Japan and overseas at the park. I recommend you to check them out.



Writing and picture by Tai Hasewaga (Nishi ward Cultural Association/Chairman of Kiko Society)



※This is a sketch and writing published in Yokohama Public Relation Nishi ward edition between November 1997 and April 2004. Please be noted that there’s a possibility that information in the article may be changed.



(Published August in 2003)