Tsubakimori Komuna to Reopen in Chiba with New HISHIDA Design

Tsubakimori Komuna, a well-known treehouse cafe destination in Chiba, is set to undergo a significant transformation, reopening on June 19, 2026. The project marks a transition from a temporary outdoor venue to a permanent architectural landmark, introducing a dedicated indoor dining area and an exclusive one-group-per-day accommodation. The redesign focuses on hand-carved timber and traditional craftsmanship, situating the facility as a central piece of the local neighborhood revitalization efforts.

The new Tsubakimori Komuna building in Chiba.

A Masterpiece of Craftsmanship by HISHIDA

The renovation was led by the world-renowned carpenter artist HISHIDA, who sought to harmonize 15th-16th century French wooden structural traditions with the techniques of Japanese temple architecture. The design is rooted in the philosophy of keinen bika (the concept of beauty that deepens with age), ensuring that the natural materials and hand-carved details become more aesthetically significant over time. Every element of the structure, from the heavy beams to the intricate joinery, has been finished by hand to create a space that feels integrated with the surrounding small forest.

Traditional wooden joinery and hand-carved details.

Artisan HISHIDA uses traditional tools for the project.

The construction process utilizes manual assembly techniques.

Permanent Forest Cafe and Signature Dining

The first floor has been converted into a permanent indoor cafe space, allowing guests to enjoy the forest atmosphere regardless of the weather. Previously operating primarily with food trucks, the new venue offers a refined menu centered on the “Homemade Meat Sauce Burger.” The dish features a juicy patty and specialty buns sourced from the sister shop, Bakery Toit. To accompany the meal, the cafe offers an expanded selection of beverages, including craft beers such as Choshi Beer, providing a quiet retreat for both morning visitors and evening diners.

The Homemade Meat Sauce Burger with specialty buns.

A selection of craft beers and soft drinks.

The permanent indoor dining space with forest views.

Exclusive Overnight Stays in the Heart of the Forest

The second floor introduces a private accommodation designed for a single group of up to four adults per day. The space is intended to offer an immersive experience where guests can wake to the sound of birds and explore the adjacent Chiba Park. This initiative is part of the “Neverland Project,” an urban development scheme aimed at revitalizing the Chiba Park area through community-focused hospitality. While the current capacity is focused on adults and up to two preschool children, the facility plans to introduce pet-friendly stays for small dogs in the near future.