“&Here TOKYO UENO” , a long-stay hotel developed and operated for the first time by NIPPON STEEL KOWA REAL ESTATE CO.,LTD., held its grand opening on 15 March 2024.
The hotel was created with the hope of becoming a place that draws together everything essential to travel – enjoyment, relaxation, and meaningful time spent with loved ones – symbolised by the character “&”, representing connection and togetherness.
To deliver the unique and memorable experiences only “&Here” can offer, Green Wise was responsible for the landscape design, supervision, and maintenance of the exterior greenery, as well as the design, installation, and upkeep of plants in the courtyard and interior spaces.
The glass-walled courtyard, Shinobazu Pond Terrace, features 19 potted plants that warmly welcome guests as they check in at reception. Some of these plants were once used in our managed green spaces and events and were later revitalised in a greenhouse – contributing to a more sustainable environment.
Taking advantage of the open atrium space, we installed a symbolic Schefflera tree standing over 3 metres tall – a tree so tall you can’t help but look up. A custom-made table was built around its trunk, offering a relaxing spot beneath its branches.
On the ground floor, the lobby is connected to &Here Cafe, which showcases collaborative artwork created with a local studio. The planting design uses fresh, uplifting greenery that connects seamlessly with the exterior landscape. Ceramic planters by Atelier Vierkant and artisan-made pots add a handmade warmth to the space, while coffee bean sacks made from hemp are reused for mulching – highlighting sustainability.
For the exterior landscape, we combined native species – such as Japanese maple (momiji), Japanese holly (soyogo) and Japanese kerria trees (yamabuki) – with species familiar to international guests, including Schefflera, Tupidanthus, and Dicksonia. Reflecting &Here’s core value of connecting travellers with the local community, this mix ensures seasonal beauty all year round.
We also choose the tree species with future use in mind, aiming to make use of the pruning branches left over after maintenance.We are considering hosting events such as swag and wreath-making workshops, as well as distribution activities to share these materials with the public.
March 2024
Exterior greenery : Design, supervision, and maintenance
Courtyard and Indoor planting : Design, supervision, and maintenance
&Here TOKYO UENO
2-11-18 Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo