Nabeshima Shōtō Park: A Tranquil Oasis in Shibuya

Nabeshima Shōtō Park provides a tranquil retreat in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo. The park's history is rooted in the Meiji Restoration when the lands, once belonging to the Kishu-Tokugawa clan, were transferred to the Nabeshima clan of Saga in 1876. The 11th head of the Nabeshima clan, Naohiro, established tea fields in the area to support his retainers, naming them Shōtō Garden. The name evokes the sound of wind through pine trees or boiling tea water, and Shōtō tea became a sought-after luxury. The park features a pond that once belonged to the Tokugawa family, benches, and play equipment. During the bombings of Tokyo in 1945, the park served as a refuge for those displaced. Today, it offers a peaceful atmosphere, a welcome contrast to the bustling city outside. Recently, the park has gained attention for its public toilet, a part of THE TOKYO TOILET project, redesigned by architect Kengo Kuma. Kuma designed a 'toilet village' comprising five separate structures with cedar louvers, connected by a path. Each toilet caters to different needs, including family use, wheelchair accessibility, and baby care. The design promotes natural ventilation and aligns with post-pandemic sensibilities.