Yoyogi Park in Photos
Yoyogi Park is right next to busy Harajuku. It’s a vibrant blend of natural beauty and urban charm. For photographers, this green haven is a playground of inspiration. From cherry blossoms in spring to rockabilly dancers, every corner offers a story. Are you drawn to serene landscapes, lively cultural scenes, or candid moments? That’s all there. It’s a living, breathing canvas. Are you ready to explore this great Tokyo photo spot? Let your camera lead the way.
On warm days, Yoyogi Koen (to use the Japanese) is crowded. People have picnics all over it. Couples leisurely chat on benches. Many enjoy a simple walk. Others play musical instruments or enjoy games.
People practicing dance or yoga there aren’t rare. You’ll see all kinds of things. Photographers with models are a common sight. It’s a fun place.
Spring has the most to offer with its cherry blossoms. You’ll find them sprinkled throughout the park. Masses of people come to see them. The trees are good! They are high quality.
Autumn is close behind with its fabulous red and gold leaves. It’s a great time for a romantic walk. This season might be Yoyogi’s most beautiful!
Even winter is great. On the coldest days, Yoyogi Park is lonely and empty. But I find that attractive. I love the wide spaces devoid of people.
In the weeks leading to Christmas, there is often an illumination event. That brightens things up. It brings people back to the park on cold nights.
I would say summer is my least favorite. It can be very green, which is rather drab. The park can also be brutally hot and humid in that season.
You wouldn’t call Yoyogi a great flower park. I doubt many go there to enjoy them as they would with, say, Showa Memorial Park. They are there, but other places are better. Having said that, the cherry blossoms are great.
Yoyogi is a people park. They go there to relax or have some fun. It has space for them to do what they want. There is room to interact with others.
A Brief History of Yoyogi Park
- During the Edo period, several daimyos had homes there. It was only a few kilometers from Edo Castle (now the Imperial Palace), so it was in a convenient place. History says that rice fields covered much of the area.
- In the Meiji period, the military used it as a drill ground. It was ideal for this purpose as the imperial estates were nearby.
- The occupation forces took over the Yoyogi area after WWII.
- American forces occupied the grounds from 1947. A complex of 800 houses was built for the families. It was named Washington Heights. They moved to Chofu when the area was to be used for the Olympics.
- Yes, Tokyo was the host of the 1964 Summer Olympic Games. The Athlete Village was once in the park!
- Between 1966 and 1971, Yoyogi Park was created. It opened in 1967, even though it wasn’t finished until the early seventies.
Things to photograph at Yoyogi Park
- Birds – there is a dedicated birding area
- Buskers
- Cherry blossoms (2024 photos here)
- Christmas lights in December
- Dogs (a dog run is there)
- Festivals (Tokyo Pride, food, and various international events)
- People watching
- Rockabilly dancers (at the Harajuku entrance)
- Seasonal flowers
- Sports (there are rentable spaces for basketball and soccer)
- Summer Olympics fans can photograph the Dutch athlete’s house which is still there.
Photography tips
Yoyogi Park has a rose garden, but I don’t bother with it much. There is no barrier between the flowers and the public. That leads to them getting crushed and often damaged early in the season, which is a pity.
Other photo spots near Yoyogi Park
- Harajuku
- Meiji Shrine
- Takeshita-Dori
- Tokyu Plaza Omotesando Harajuku (the mirrored entrance!)
Where is Yoyogi Park?
Address: 2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train station:
Harajuku on the Yamanote Line.
Opening hours:
Never closed
Admission costs:
None
Conclusion
Yoyogi Park is excellent. It is a people place. They have more to offer the photographer than the park itself. Walk around, and find interesting photos. The best idea would be to go in spring when the cherry blossoms bloom.
I’ll drop into Yoyogi Koen more regularly from now. I’d like to keep the photographs on this page fresh if possible. Let’s see how it goes. Leave questions and comments below.
Here are more park articles:
External related websites:
- Yoyogi Park (official website)