Taito Ward x Daimaru Matsuzakaya Rooftop-Garden Compost Cycle (Ueno)
Tokyo, Japan · Operator: 台東区・株式会社大丸松坂屋百貨店・ローカルフードサイクリング株式会社
Overview
A public-private food cycle in central Tokyo where Taito Ward, the Daimaru Matsuzakaya department store, and Local Food Cycling partner to compost household food scraps and grow vegetables at the Matsuzakaya Ueno rooftop garden.
Citizen participation
Residents learn composting in ward workshops while the department store collects their finished compost; the rooftop garden uses the compost to grow vegetables that feed menu offerings and tours.
Operating model
Based on a tripartite cooperation agreement among the ward, the department store, and a compost company—combining public outreach, the store's venue and collection, and LFC's workshops and compost know-how.
Impact
Turns a downtown department store into a food-scrap cycling hub, nudging residents toward circular lifestyles and repurposing under-used rooftop space for food education and community.
Crops
- seasonal vegetables
- leafy greens
- herbs
Scale
松坂屋上野店の屋上菜園を舞台に、区民向け講座・堆肥回収・屋上菜園見学会を組み合わせた官民連携の循環プロジェクト。
Sources(3)
This entry is compiled from the public sources, official sites and research below.
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