Yoyogi Park
This pleasant green space is located between the lively urban centers of Shibuya and Shinjuku and constitutes one of the largest parks in Tokyo. It became a park in 1967 after serving as an Olympic village for athletes during the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
The large open green area in the middle is just perfect for playing and you will quickly forget that you are in the heart of the excitement of Tokyo. Some of the fountains in the middle are illuminated after dark. There is a jogging track, a bicycle path and a separate bicycle area for children. You can rent a bike at the bike center at the west end of the park. Try the one next door if you’ve never done it before.
If you are not in the mood to play or do sports, you can just stroll around watching the dance bands and musicians, enjoying the atmosphere and relaxing on the grass.
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The entertainment street (especially on weekends) is right in front of the Harajuku Gate, at the eastern end of the park. The most popular event is certainly the Elvis dance, during which the Japanese Elvis, who seem to have come straight out of the musical Grease, show their movements. This event takes place every Sunday afternoon from about 14 o’clock. Other street performances are more irregular, but can include juggling, martial arts, silent comedy or cosplay. Another feature of the park is a group of drummers/percussionists who can be found almost every weekend on the white stone benches along the large fountain. The sound of the drums, which at one point mingles with the laughter of the children and the singing of the crows, creates an incredibly welcoming atmosphere.
If the winter is generally calm, thanks to the sunny weather in Tokyo, Yoyogi Park still receives its share of visitors. As soon as the cherry blossom season begins, it becomes a privileged place for hanami celebrations. In the summer, people relax somewhere under the trees, trying to escape from the heat. The autumn visit offers a fantastic variety of colors, the bright yellow of the ginkgo leaves and the bright red of the maples creating a wonderful contrast.
How to get to the park
Yoyogi Park is a 5-minute walk from Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line. It is located next to the Meiji Shrine.
Opening hours: Always open
No closing days
Admission: free
2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya City, Tokyo 151-0052, Japan
