Yoyogi Park

Overview

Yoyogi Park is a massive, very popular public park adjacent to Meiji Shrine, famous as a weekend gathering place for musicians, dancers, cosplayers, and picnicking families.

Highlights

• Sunday Performers: On weekends, the park entrance transforms into an open-air stage for rockabilly dancers, drum circles, cosplay groups, and amateur bands.
• Open Fields: Vast, flat grassy areas perfect for picnics, frisbee, and simply lying in the sun — a rarity in hyper-dense Tokyo.
• Dog Park: One of the few large off-leash dog areas in central Tokyo, drawing an extraordinary variety of breeds.

History

The site served as a military parade ground, then housed American military housing ("Washington Heights") during the post-war occupation. It was converted into the Athletes' Village for the 1964 Olympics before becoming a public park in 1967.

Visitor Tips

• People Watching: The park is best on Sundays when the energy peaks. Bring a blanket and settle in near the entrance plaza.
• Meiji Shrine Combo: Walk through from the park directly into the Meiji Shrine forest for a nature-to-culture transition.
• Duration: 1–2 hours.