Tokyo National Stadium

The main stadium for the 2020 (actually 2021) Tokyo Olympics was built at a cost of US$1.4 billion, the most expensive venue in history. Designed by the Kengo Kuma, the use of wood throughout the stadium helps to create a cozy atmosphere to what is otherwise a dull and characterless track & field stadium.

Despite the tracks getting in the way, the view from the stands aren't all that bad - even from the area behind the goalpost, you get a fairly okay view of the field thanks to the steep angle of the stands.

The concourses are wide and completely covered which is a huge improvement from the old stadium, but the seats have very little legroom, especially those in the third tier. 

The long term usage of this stadium is unclear at the moment. The tracks will remain as is, despite initial plans to remove it after the Olympics and change to a more ballgame-friendly configuration. No that any J-League team would want to use it anyways as the capacity is too large and most of its seats would remain unused.  

For most Tokyoites it will be a sad reminder of all the money that got wasted in hosting a event that nobody got to see in person.

 

Hours

The exterior can be accessed at all times of the day with nice benches to sit and relax. There are a few monuments from the old 1964 Olympic Stadium.

 

Teams

There is no team that uses the stadium as its permanent home. Only some important games for amateur sports are scheduled here for now. 

 

 

Tokyo National Stadium

Location

5 min from Sendagaya Station (JR Sobu Line, two stops from Shinjuku)

1 min from Kokuritu Kyogijo Station (Toei Oedo Line)

10 min from Gaienmae Station (Tokyo Metro Ginza Line)

 


Impressions