Yoyogi Park is one of the largest public parks in Tokyo, Japan, covering an area of 54.1 hectares. It is located in the Shibuya Ward, west of Shibuya Station. It is surrounded by many tourist attractions such as the Meiji Shrine, Meiji Forest, and Omotesando Avenue.
History of Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park has a rich and interesting history. Before World War II, the Imperial Japanese Army used the site as a training ground. After the war, the American forces took possession of the site and used it as a military base until 1964, the year the Summer Olympics were held in Tokyo.
At that time, the authorities transformed the site into an Olympic Village for athletes. After the Games, they demolished the village and converted the land into a public park. The park opened in 1967 and quickly became a popular spot for Tokyo residents and tourists alike.
Things to See and Do
Yoyogi Park offers many activities for visitors. It features vast green spaces, walking trails, sports fields, picnic areas, and children’s play areas. The park is also home to numerous cultural and musical events throughout the year.
On Sundays, the park hosts a wide variety of groups and individuals who gather to enjoy various activities. You might see groups of all kinds of dancers, including musicians, street performers, jugglers, stilt walkers, and many more.
The rose gardens are another popular attraction in the park. Visitors can admire beautiful roses of different varieties and colors during the blooming season, which runs from late May to mid-June.
Yoyogi Park is also an ideal place for sports enthusiasts. It has soccer, baseball, basketball, and tennis courts. There’s also an indoor gym where visitors can enjoy various sports.
Meiji Shrine is located right next to Yoyogi Park. It’s a Shinto shrine dedicated to Emperor Meiji and his wife. Visitors can stroll through the shrine grounds and admire the traditional Japanese architecture.
Finally, Omotesando Avenue is a popular shopping spot near Yoyogi Park. It’s famous for its fashion boutiques and cafes.
Access and Hours
Yoyogi Park is open every day of the year and admission is free. The park’s opening hours vary slightly depending on the season. Generally, however, the park is open from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. or 9:00 p.m.
Visitors can use several means of transportation to get to the park. The most convenient way is to take the train to Harajuku Station or Yoyogi Station. Both are within walking distance of the park.
Visitors can also take the Tokyo Metro to Meiji-Jingu-Mae Station. It is located right next to the Meiji Shrine and a few minutes’ walk from the park.
Finally, visitors can also use the bus lines serving the Shibuya area, with stops near the park.
