Tokyo Metropolitan Yoyogi Park (referred to hereafter as “Yoyogi Park”) is an urban oasis where visitors can enjoy seasonal nature along with open event spaces and sports facilities. Its spacious grounds, filled with greenery, also make it a popular spot for forest bathing in the city.
Just steps from Harajuku Station! Escape into nature at Yoyogi Park
The park is just a 3-minute walk from Harajuku Station’s West Exit.
Beyond the buildings in the surrounding area, you’ll find the Harajuku Gate—the main entrance to Yoyogi Park.
Entrance to Yoyogi Park
The grand entrance makes it easy for first-time visitors to find their way.
Step inside, and you’ll be greeted by towering trees stretching their branches into a cool, refreshing canopy.
Concession stand inside the park
There are four concession stands in the park, offering everything from light meals and snacks to simple outdoor toys.
You’ll even find items perfect for a picnic, so be sure to stop by and take a look.
Map of Yoyogi Park
Yoyogi Park has a mostly flat landscape, making it an easy place to visit without any special preparation.
The walking path around the central plaza is about 2 km (1.2 miles), and at a relaxed pace it takes around 30 minutes to complete.
If you take the larger loop around the outer edge of the plaza, the walk takes about an hour—perfect for enjoying the seasonal changes and the park’s natural beauty.
Available in English, Chinese (Simplified/Traditional), and Korean
Right next to the Harajuku Gate, you’ll also find a multilingual digital information display, which provides details not only about Yoyogi Park but also nearby attractions.
A stroll from Harajuku Gate surrounded by flowers and greenery
Step through the Harajuku Gate and the first sight that greets you is the National Olympic Memorial Youth Center.
National Olympic Memorial Youth Center
Once the venue for the Tokyo Park Garden Award flower contest, the square still welcomes visitors with vibrant seasonal blooms today.
Even in summer, the colorful flowers are so vivid that you’ll want to reach for your camera.
The ever-changing floral displays throughout the year are thanks to the care and dedication of the park’s gardeners.
Continue westward and you’ll come to the Cherry Garden, lined with large sakura trees, and the spacious Hill Plaza.
In spring, the cherry blossoms bloom; in summer, fresh greenery thrives; in autumn, the leaves turn brilliant red; and in winter, the crisp, clear air enhances the scenery—each season offering its own charm.
Plenty of benches and picnic tables make this a perfect spot to take a break or enjoy a picnic. Sit back with a drink in hand and savor the leisurely atmosphere.
Entrance to the Tree Grove near the West Gate
Pass through the Hill Plaza and you’ll find a grove of native trees, preserved in their natural state.
Here, you’ll walk among gentle hills, unpaved dirt paths, and trees that are more than half a century old.
The deep greenery and stillness make it easy to forget that just minutes ago you were in the heart of one of the world’s busiest cities.
The Tree Grove
Since some paths are unpaved, comfortable walking shoes—like sneakers—are recommended. It’s a chance to enjoy a little hiking mood right in central Tokyo.
Picnics, cycling, and more: the many charms of Yoyogi Park
If you’d like to experience Yoyogi Park’s open scenery and unique features, be sure to head toward the Central Plaza area.
The Statue of Quetzalcoatl
The sculpture pictured above, the Statue of Quetzalcoatl, was gifted to Tokyo by Mexico in 1990. It represents the ancient Mesoamerican deity and is one of the park’s more unusual highlights.
Rest area
Large rest shelters are scattered around the plaza, offering plenty of space for groups to relax together. They’re also convenient spots to duck into if the weather changes suddenly.
Each plaza, including the Central Plaza, is equipped with free public drinking fountains, making it easy to stay hydrated while exploring.
Cherry trees, maples, ginkgo, and zelkovas transform the scenery with each season. In spring, the park is one of Tokyo’s most popular cherry blossom viewing spots, but throughout the year it offers countless ways to enjoy—whether strolling, picnicking, or taking photos.
Central Plaza
The Central Plaza is a wide, grassy field that’s perfect for picnics. Spread out a blanket to enjoy a meal outdoors, or simply relax and take in the open space.
On weekends it’s lively with families, but if you visit early on a weekday morning, you might find you have the entire expanse almost to yourself.
It’s also a popular spot for yoga and stretching, making it an ideal place to refresh both body and mind.
Signpost for the cycling course
On the north side of the park, you’ll find a dedicated cycling course where you can ride through the trees in refreshing comfort.
Bikes can be rented at the on-site Cycling Center for just 210 JPY (tax included) per hour. Tandem bicycles for two riders are also available.
Rental hours are from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The center is closed on Mondays (or the following day if Monday falls on a national holiday).
Conveniently located near some of Tokyo’s most popular neighborhoods, Yoyogi Park is easy to drop by between shopping and sightseeing.
It’s a true urban oasis—a place where you can reset your mind and body with a dose of forest air. Be sure to add it to your itinerary when visiting Tokyo.
Information
| Name | 都立代々木公園 Tokyo Metropolitan Yoyogi Park |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-1 Yoyogi Kamizono-chō, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo |
| Phone number | 03-3469-6081 Yoyogi Park Service Center |
| Hours | 24 hours |
| Closed | No holidays |
| Admission fee | Free excluding some paid facilities |
※All information in this article is accurate as of August 2025.
