Yoyogi Park, Tokyo

Yoyogi Park, located near Harajuku Station and Meiji Shrine in Shibuya, is one of Tokyo's largest parks. On Sundays, it serves as a gathering place for various activities such as music performances, cycling, and martial arts practice. Inside the park, you'll find the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, often used for hosting concerts and other events.

Interestingly, Yoyogi Park has historical significance, as it occupies the site where Japan's first successful powered aircraft flight took place on December 19, 1910, by Captain Yoshitoshi Tokugawa. Later, it became an army parade ground and, from September 1945, served as the "Washington Heights" military barracks for U.S. officers during the Allied occupation of Japan.

In 1964, during the Tokyo Olympics, this area was transformed to accommodate the main athletes' village and the Yoyogi National Gymnasium. This distinctive building, designed by Kenzo Tange, hosted swimming and diving events, with an annex for basketball. Then, in 1967, most of the land between the gymnasium complex and Meiji Shrine was converted into Yoyogi Park.

Today, Yoyogi Park remains a popular destination for residents and tourists in Tokyo. During the spring, thousands of people visit the park to enjoy cherry blossoms during hanami (cherry blossom viewing) season. The park offers a landscaped environment with picnic areas, bike paths, bicycle rentals, and public sports courts for visitors to enjoy.