Yoyogi park is located in Western Tokyo, nestled between the concrete and neon jungles of Shibuya and Shinjuku. With a surprising history, Yoyogi park is a great spot to visit any time of the year.

Yoyogi park has a surprising history, being the first place in Japan that a powered aircraft took off, in December 1910. Following this historic event the area became army grounds, later becoming barracks for US military personnel during the occupation of Japan. With an ever changing purpose, the park was next utilised to house those competing in the summer Olympics in 1964. Today only a few buildings remain of this rich history, but in their place stand cherry trees and gingko trees, making Yoyogi park a beautiful spot in spring and autumn.

Although Yoyogi park doesn’t have as an impressive amount of cherry blossoms as Ueno park does, it is still a top spot for locals to enjoy hanami, the act of flower viewing. With blue tarps in hand, simply relax under the gentle blossoms whilst enjoying hanami snacks and sake! The park also is stunning in autumn, where the gingko trees become a vivid yellow. Enjoying the autumn leaves is called “koyo” and is a popular activity in the autumn months.

Along with beautiful a wonderful place to enjoy the beautiful of nature, Yoyogi park also offers a place for the people of Japan to let their hair down and relax. Seeing as most Japanese apartments are on the small side and have thin walls, it is hard to let out your creativity, playing an instrument or practicing gymnastics would inconvenience the neighbours. Yoyogi park has become a melting pot for creativity and self-expression.

Every weekend you will find people practicing acting, instruments, singing, performing… the list goes on. With the space and freedom to do so, the stereotypical view of the Japanese dissolves, bringing out the individuality of everyone. One of the biggest draws in Yoyogi park are the Yoyogi rockabillies who come down each Sunday. Clad in leather jackets with slicked back hair and a comb in hand, the rockabillies of Yoyogi never disappoint. Join in the dancing or ask for a picture, Yoyogi is the place to make new friends and try new things.

Access: From the Yamanote line at Harajuku station, or Yoyogi station. Yoyogi park is also accessible on foot from Shibuya and Shinjuku.

Yoyogi park never closes and it is legal to drink alcohol in the park.