Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is one of the Tokyo’s largest open spaces located adjacent to JR
Harajuku station and Meiji Shrine; which is the Shinto Shrine that is
dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress
Sh??ken. When both Emperor Meiji and Empress Sh??ken had died, the
Japanese people wished to pay their respects to the two influential
Japanese figures. It was for this reason that Meiji Shrine was
constructed and their souls enshrined.

The Park is the perfect place for picnicking and sporting activities due
to wide lawns, forested areas and ponds.
It makes a romantic viewing spot for cherry blossoms during spring even
though it has relatively fewer cherry trees than other spots. During
autumn it is well known for it???s intense golden glow from the Ginko tree
forest.

Yoyogi Park is not a manicured Japanese garden, but more of a place for
activities??? such as walking your dog. If you do not have a dog, that???s
not a problem you can just simply rent one. The Park has a fenced off
dog run, one of the very few areas in Tokyo where dogs are allowed to be
off the leash. The run is divided into three sections depending on size
and only dog owners are permitted to enter this area.

During the post World War 2 occupation the site was used to house
American Military personnel. Then in 1964 the site was converted to be
the main Olympic athletes village and the Basketball, Diving and
Swimming venues.

It is divided into two sections by the main road with smaller part of
the park containing Yoyogi National Gymnasium famed for it???s suspension
roof design which is now primarily used for Ice Hockey and Basketball,
and an open theatre where community groups hold festivals and concerts.
On Sundays a myriad of bands and individuals play music whilst troops
of performing artists limber around the outer perimeter of the Park.
It is truly an experience worth seeing such a diversity of sub cultures
all gathered in one place and best of all, it is free.

In autumn the Shibuya festival in Yoyogi Park is not to be missed. It
has just about everything you would expect from a communal festival from
parades, food, children’s events and more. Of course, all with a
Japanese twist set against the backdrop of Tokyo’s most happening borough.
Japanese schoolchildren clad in perfectly pressed uniforms open the
festival with a parade of drums, flutes and brass bands, while crowds of
descend upon the park to enjoy a myriad of family events and eat
delicious food.