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yoyogi

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Updated: March 16, 2023

Sports and recreation in the center of Tokyo

Located between Shinjuku and Shibuya, Yoyogi is home to many of the city’s notable facilities, architecture, and greenery. When Tokyo hosted the Olympics for the first time in 1964, Yoyogi was the central gathering point, with the National Stadium and Yoyogi National Gymnasium functioning as the main venues. The area also served as a central hub when Tokyo hosted the Olympics for the second time. The Japan National Stadium was newly built for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and is conveniently located adjacent to the massive sporting park Meiji Jingu Gaien. In the fall, this park becomes a major destination for locals, who come to enjoy a stroll along an idyllic tree-lined street in the center of the grounds.

Japan National Stadium (exterior)

Copyright:JAPAN SPORT COUNCIL

Tips

  • Visit the Japan National Stadium, built as the main venue for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games
  • Walk down the ginko-lined avenue leading to Meiji Jingu Gaien in autumn
  • Relax in Yoyogi Park, one of the largest green spaces in Tokyo

How to Get There

The closest access point is Yoyogi Station via the JR Yamanote Line, JR Chuo Line, JR Sobu Line, and Toei Oedo Line.

From Haneda Airport: 50 minutes by train.
From Narita Airport: One hour and 45 minutes by train.
From Shinjuku Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line approximately five minutes to Yoyogi Station.
From Tokyo Station: Take the JR Yamanote Line approximately 35 minutes to Yoyogi Station.

The central hub of the Tokyo Olympics

The Japan National Stadium was built as the main venue for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and was designed by acclaimed Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and Associates.

Japan National Stadium (entrance)

Copyright:JAPAN SPORT COUNCIL

This stadium, which was built to replace the old National Stadium (the main venue for the 1964 Tokyo Games), hosted the opening and closing ceremonies as well as the track and field events. The design makes the most of the surrounding greenery with its arrangement of shrubs and trees, and use of wood from each of Japan’s 47 prefectures.

Japan National StadiumCopyright: JAPAN SPORT COUNCIL
Seating in the Japan National StadiumCopyright: JAPAN SPORT COUNCIL

 

Appealing architecture, serene greenery, and trendy shopping

The Yoyogi area is occupied by an abundance of notable architectural and nature attractions, from the towering Tokyo Camii, the city's biggest mosque, to a massive recreational sports park. While walking around the neighborhood, you’ll stumble on fresh attractions that cement Tokyo as a truly metropolitan city.

Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo’s most popular parks. It’s a great place for outdoor activities, a walk, or a relaxing picnic. It’s a pleasant spot for viewing the cherry blossoms in spring, and is also known for the lively colors of its ginkgo trees in autumn. The park contains various flower gardens, ponds, a clock tower, and an observation deck. To the south of the park you’ll find the Yoyogi Event Plaza, which hosts performances and festivals throughout the year.

Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park

Meiji Jingu Gaien

Take a walk through Meiji Jingu Gaien, a recreational park with numerous sports facilities. If you’re visiting in autumn, walk down the Jingu Gaien Gingko Avenue, a particularly famous tree-lined street that attracts hordes of eager visitors every autumn.
You’ll also find the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery within the grounds. Boasting an impressive exterior façade, head inside to view notable paintings documenting the country’s modern history.

Meijijingu Gaien
Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery

Meiji Jingu Gaien and Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery

Parks & Gardens

 

Historical Sites

 

Art & Museums

 

Nearby Attractions