Originally constructed for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Komazawa Olympic Park continues to serve as the preeminent locale for athletes and fitness enthusiasts in the city. The crown jewel of this massive facility is the Komazawa Olympic Park Stadium, which will serve as the practice venue for Olympic football this year. Surrounding it are a gymnasium, an indoor ball sports court, a tennis court, two baseball fields and three outdoor pitches for sports including lacrosse, football and field hockey.
With features including a children’s playground and the Jabujabu Pond – a shallow fountain area designed for splashing around in – the park makes for an ideal family outing as well as the perfect place to go if you are looking to get in shape. The tennis courts, gymnasium and playing fields are reserved for children’s lessons and the pros, but anyone can use the stadium’s archery range or fitness centre – just book your session (from ¥450 an hour) through the website.
You should check out the iconic monuments of the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games here, which include Yoshinobu Ashihara’s Olympic Tower as well as the Tokyo Olympics Memorial Gallery. Pro tip: come here in autumn for the boulevard of yellow ginkgo trees. The scenery can rival that of the popular annual ginkgo festival at Meiji Jingu Gaien, but with far fewer crowds.