Yoyogi Park: The Best Picnic and Cherry Blossom Spot in Tokyo

Get to know Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is one of the largest city parks in Tokyo, consisting of a forest park area with an iconic fountain, and one with event facilities and an open space for sports and picnics. Although this park is located in the middle of the city, it’s the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo.

You can access Yoyogi Park easily from four nearby train stations: JR Harajuku Station and Tokyo Metro Meiji-jingumae Station on the east side, Tokyo Metro Yoyogi-Koen Station, and Odakyu Railway Yoyogi-Hachiman Station on the west side.

The history of Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park was originally a training camp for the Japanese army, then became a residential area for the U.S. military after the Second World War. During the 1964 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, it served as the site for the Olympic Village. For this event, the neighboring Yoyogi National Gymnasium was built as well—an architectural masterpiece of the 20th century. Three years later it turned into Yoyogi Park and opened to the public.

Adjacent to Yoyogi Park—Meiji Jingu Shrine

Adjacent to Yoyogi Park you’ll find one of Tokyo’s most sacred shrines, Meiji Jingu. The entrance is framed by a large torii gate, a popular photo spot among visitors. The shrine was built in 1920 and is dedicated to Emperor Meiji and Empress Shoken. The structure was destroyed during the Second World War, but rebuilt shortly after.

Meiji Jingu Shrine
Address: 1-1 Yoyogikamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: 3-minute walk from JR Harajuku Station (Yamanote Line); 15-minute walk from Yoyogi Koen Station exit C02 (Chiyoda Line); 5-minute walk from Meiji-jingumae Station exits C03, F15 (Chiyoda, Fukutoshin lines); 15-minute walk from Yoyogi-Hachiman Station (Odakyu Line)
Official website: https://www.meijijingu.or.jp/en/

Best things to do at Yoyogi Park

You can relax at the spacious forest park, have fun at the athletic facilities, or join exciting events happening in and around the park, with many events taking place on weekends.

Enjoy viewing cherry blossoms and the fall foliage

Yoyogi Park is known as one of the best places to view cherry blossoms and the fall foliage. In the spring, people enjoy hanami (cherry blossom viewing) at the spacious green area in the center of the park. Many varieties of cherry blossoms can be found, starting with the early-blooming kawazu-zakura at the end of February.

During fall, approximately 1,300 trees turn red and golden—another great time to take a stroll in Tokyo’s most popular park.

Picnicking at Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is also a popular picnic spot. Bring your own food, or pick up some snacks, meals or drinks at the on-site shops. You might also find food trucks on weekends when events are happening.

Join events and festivals

Yoyogi Park hosts events almost every weekend, from flea markets and antique markets, to ethnic food festivals. During the Christmas season, don’t miss magical illuminations around the area—perfect for making precious memories with your friends, family, or partner.

Jogging and cycling

While it can be difficult to get some exercise while traveling, Yoyogi Park is your solution. There are plenty of jogging courses and cycling courses, with bike rental available at the park’s Cycling Center. Why not take a break from sightseeing and experience Tokyo from a local’s perspective?

Great cafes around Yoyogi Park

There are numerous cafes in the area that will satisfy any coffee and food lover. The cafe scene in Tokyo is vibrant, and discovering your favorite among all the exceptional cafes is a fun activity. Why not take your coffee to go and take a walk in the park?

365 Days

This bakery offers about 40 kinds of delicious pastries and seasonal specials, which will make you want to drop by frequently. It’s a perfect place to stop by before visiting Yoyogi Park.

365 Days
Address: 1-6-12 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: Short walk from Yoyogi-Koen Station (Chiyoda Line) and Yoyogi-Hachiman Station (Odakyu-Odawara Line)
Official website: http://ultrakitchen.jp/projects/#item80

Fuglen Tokyo

Fuglen is a cafe and bar originating from Norway. Its Tomigaya branch near Yoyogi Park features a vintage Scandinavian-style interior design. Pastries are also available to pair with your cup of coffee.

Fuglen Tokyo
Address:1-16-11 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5-minute walk from Yoyogi-Koen Station (Chiyoda Line), 8-minute walk from Yoyogi-Hachiman Station (Odakyu-Odawara Line)
Official website: http://www.fuglen.com/

Rostro

Rostro is known for its specialty coffee, complete with a roastery next door. The coffee’s unique flavor balances acidity and bitterness with a hint of sweetness. Its seasonal coffee ice cream is also a popular treat in the summer. Those who’re not into coffee can sip on a cup of high-quality tea.

Rostro
Address: 1-14-20 Tomigaya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5-minute walk from Yoyogi-Koen Station (Chiyoda Line), 6-minute walk from Yoyogi-Hachiman Station (Odakyu-Odawara Line)
Official website: http://rostro.jp/

Little Nap Coffee Stand

Located in a quiet residential area along the edge of the park, Little Nap Coffee Stand is a popular cafe among both locals and tourists. You can savor excellent coffee and organic lemonade, ice cream, and muffins. The cafe’s own mug makes for a great souvenir to commemorate your trip to Tokyo.

Little Nap Coffee Stand
Address: 5-65-4 Yoyogi, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: 5-minute walk from Yoyogi-Koen Station (Chiyoda Line), 5-minute walk from Yoyogi-Hachiman Station (Odakyu-Odawara Line)
Official website: https://littlenap.jp/

Yoyogi Park: Details and access information

Yoyogi Park
Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizono-cho, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Access: Short walk from JR Harajuku Station (Yamanote Line), Yoyogi-Koen Station exit C02 (Chiyoda Line) and Meiji-jingumae Station exit C03 and F15 (Fukutoshin Line); 6-minute walk from Yoyogi-Hachiman Station (Odakyu Line)
Official website: https://www.tokyo-park.or.jp/park/format/index039.html

Get around Tokyo with the Tokyo Subway Ticket and enjoy unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines.

Explore more areas of Japan by using one of the many different transportation passes.

Create Memorable Moments at Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo and offers plenty of opportunities to relax and have fun for both young and old. Don’t forget to visit Meiji Jingu Shrine and Tokyo’s funky Harajuku neighborhood.

*The information in this article, such as prices and business hours, was accurate at the time of publication but is subject to change. Please refer to the official website(s) for the latest information.

Tokyo Subway Ticket (24/48/72 hours)

・Unlimited rides on all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway lines.
・Pick up your ticket at all Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway line stations by scanning a QR code.