Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park (代々木公園, Yoyogi Kōen) is one of Tokyo’s largest and most versatile green spaces, located just steps away from the bustling neighborhoods of Harajuku and Shibuya. Known for its wide-open lawns, tranquil ponds, and wooded groves, the park provides an inviting space for jogging, cycling, yoga, picnicking, and impromptu performances. While it has fewer cherry trees compared to parks like Ueno Park or Shinjuku Gyoen, Yoyogi still attracts springtime visitors during hanami season with its lovely cherry blossom displays in late March and early April. In autumn, the park’s ginkgo tree forest steals the spotlight, transforming into a sea of golden leaves that creates one of Tokyo’s most photogenic seasonal landscapes. On weekends, it becomes a lively gathering place filled with street performers, dancers, dog walkers, and open-air events.

Yoyogi Park also boasts a rich and dynamic history. Before becoming a public park in 1967, the site hosted the Olympic Village for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and previously served as a military parade ground and residential area for U.S. occupation forces after World War II. Echoes of this past remain in its expansive layout and its proximity to the iconic Yoyogi National Gymnasium. Today, Yoyogi Park is a beloved urban oasis that draws both locals and visitors year-round. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful escape, a cultural encounter, or simply fresh air, the park offers a refreshing experience that transforms beautifully with each season.