MUFG PARK Library – Tokyo’s Forest Bookshelf Retreat

Tucked along a garden pathway in Nishitōkyō’s MUFG PARK—formerly a bank’s private sports ground turned public green space in mid‑2023—the MUFG PARK Library is a serene, open-air pavilion designed to deepen community bonds over books . The library’s centerpiece is a striking “forest bookshelf”: a 4‑metre-high wooden wall that houses donated volumes from local residents, curated to reflect layers of human knowledge and culture—from natural science to literature. Above, a broad slanted roof with deep eaves creates an inviting veranda where visitors can read by day and enjoy filtered natural light—without risking sun damage to the books . What makes this space so special is its thoughtful environmental design. Paths weave gently around existing trees, rainwater filters back into the ground, and the library’s low-energy footprint earned it a ZEB‑Ready green building certification. It’s less about stiff silence and more about casual warmth—you’ll find an easy-going atmosphere, self-serve coffee, and the freedom to read indoors or out . More than just a reading room, it’s a living community hub. The “time capsule book boxes”—small, book-shaped containers where visitors store photos, letters, and memories—sit alongside the shelves, often accompanying open-access events and storytelling moments. These boxes even won a Bronze in the global A’ Design Awards for creative packaging design . Open daily (park at 8am, library from 10 am–5:30 pm; closed Mon–Tue), the MUFG PARK Library offers a rare combo: a minimalist, eco-conscious space where architecture, nature, and community storytelling unfold naturally. Whether you’re there to read solo, join an event, or simply soak in the forest light—it feels quietly hopeful and unmistakably human. #tokyospots