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The Quick Guide to Yoyogi Park

        posted by John Spacey, Japan Talk, April 20, 2012

Yoyogi Park is the fourth biggest park in Tokyo (134 acres). It's beside Meiji Shrine — Tokyo's best known shrine (175 acres). Together they form Tokyo's biggest public green space.

Yoyogi park is known for it's festive atmosphere. It attracts musicians, artists, sports enthusiasts, cosplayers, fashion cliques and party goers. It's a lively spot (especially on Sundays in good weather).

Access

The best way to get to Yoyogi park is to take the JR Yamanote line train to Harajuku station. At the station exit take a right and walk about 200 meters — you will see the entrance to the park on your right.

Hours

Many large parks in Tokyo are closed in the evenings. Yoyogi park is no exception:

Summer Hours: 5:00 to 20:00 (May to September)
Winter Hours: 5:00 to 17:00 (October to April)

There are no admission fees or closed days.

Park Features

Yoyogi Park was once a military parade ground. At the (Harajuku) entrance to the park there's a large square that leads to a central pond and field. The park features:

- a cycling course
- several dog runs (separated by dog weight)
- a bird sanctuary
- gardens
- a observation deck
- police box
- soccer and athletic fields
- a stage
- facilities such as toilets and vending machines

What to Expect

It's well known that police in the park tend to be somewhat lenient when it comes to event and public performance permits. Yoyogi park is a popular place to hold small to medium sized events, performances and parties.

partytime in yoyogi park tokyo

performances yoyogi

this party

It's also a common spot for athletes, performers, actors and musicians to practice. Tokyo apartments don't (typically) allow musicians to practice at home.

violin in the park

flag practice in yoyogi park

Yoyogi park is well known for its relaxed and friendly international atmosphere. In Japan's highly regimented society — Yoyogi Park is one place where it's okay to express yourself and be a little different.

friendly guy yoyogi

more free hugs in yoyogi

parade

hanami girl yoyogi park

the color tape people yoyogi park

Park Seasons

Yoyogi park is a good location for hanami (cherry blossom viewing).

yoyogi park hanami

The park is also well known for the autumn colors (golden yellow) of its ginkgo trees.

autumn colors in tokyo at yoyogi park

Events and Festivals

Yoyogi Park is home to many well known festivals and events. The biggest is the Harajuku Omotesando Genki Matsuri Super Yosakoi.

yosakoi time in Tokyo

Japanese matsuri flag

serious dancer tokyo

A regular flea market is held in Yoyogi park in summer.

hip hop sales in yoyogi

There are also several ethnic festivals in the park such as the Thai Festival and Brazilian Festival. Check the Japan Event Schedule for details.

brazil festival yoyogi park

Nearby Attractions

Yoyogi park is beside the Harajuku and Omotesando shopping districts. It's also directly attached to the grounds of Meiji Shrine.

Yoyogi park is ranked #4 of 18 best hanami spots in Tokyo


 
 
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Hibiya Park   •   Inokashira Park   •   Rikugien Garden   •   Shinjuku Gyoen   •   Ueno   •   Yoyogi Park

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