Yoyogi Park:

Tokyo’s Favorite Urban Oasis for Picnics, Dogs, and Seasonal Beauty

2-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya, Tokyo 151-0052

April 28, 2025

Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo’s most iconic green spaces, beloved by both visitors and locals alike. Whether you’re going for a casual stroll, planning a laid-back picnic, or taking your dog to the dog run, Yoyogi’s central location and expansive grounds make it one of the easiest — and most enjoyable — places to add to your itinerary.

Located right next to bustling Harajuku, it’s a refreshing break from the fast pace of the city. If you’re craving some downtime surrounded by nature, Yoyogi Park is one of the best spots to unwind.

What to See and Do at Yoyogi Park

Yoyogi Park is huge and has several different areas, so it’s worth deciding ahead of time which sections you want to visit depending on how much time you have.

Harajuku Entrance: Live Music and Dance Culture

If you enter the park from Harajuku Station, just before the main gates you’ll come across a lively open space known as the hiroba. On weekends, it’s common to see dance groups practicing — everything from breakdancing crews to older groups decked out in 1950s-style clothing, dancing to rock-and-roll hits.

It’s a charming glimpse into Tokyo’s subcultures and one of the reasons Yoyogi feels so alive.

Food Trucks, Gardens, and Open Spaces

Once inside the park gates, you’ll first pass a section with food trucks, small garden plots, and plenty of benches if you want to sit down for a snack or rest your feet. The food selection inside the park is fairly limited, so if you’re planning a proper picnic, it’s best to pick up something beforehand.

Depending on the day, you might stumble across groups playing Mölkky, a Finnish throwing game that’s gained a surprising following in Japan, or families tossing frisbees on the open lawns.

Sakura Zone and Dog Run

Further into the park, you’ll reach the area where most of the sakura trees are located — a popular spot during hanami season.

Keep going and you’ll eventually find the dog run, one of Yoyogi’s most beloved features. Dogs are separated by size, and it’s a rare chance to see bigger breeds in Tokyo, where small dogs are much more common.

Finding a Quiet Spot

Despite its popularity, Yoyogi Park is so large that it’s usually possible to find a quiet pocket away from the crowds.

One of my favorite places to relax is the tennbou deck (observation deck) area, where long benches are shaded by trees. On weekends, you might hear live music drifting through the air — casual performances by local musicians add an extra layer of charm.

A small word of warning: crows are much more common here than in some of Tokyo’s other parks like Shinjuku Gyoen, so be mindful if you’re bringing food with you.

Enjoying Yoyogi Park in Every Season

Each season offers a slightly different experience at Yoyogi Park, and visiting at different times of year can completely change the vibe.

Spring: Hanami Season

If you’re visiting during spring, Yoyogi Park becomes a popular destination for hanami (cherry blossom viewing). While it doesn’t have quite as many sakura trees as nearby Shinjuku Gyoen, there is one specific area in the park that fills with vibrant blossoms.

During peak bloom, you’ll see the lawns absolutely packed with picnic blankets, food, and groups of friends and families enjoying the fleeting beauty of sakura season.

Local tip: Before heading over, stop by Flying Tiger for a colorful picnic blanket and pick up some snacks or drinks from the conbini. That way you can enjoy hanami like a true Tokyo local, blending right into the festive atmosphere.

Autumn: A Golden Wonderland

Autumn is another fantastic time to visit. In November and early December, the park transforms as the ginkgo trees turn a brilliant golden yellow.

One thing to be careful of though — fallen ginkgo berries are scattered on the paths, and while beautiful, they’re famously unpleasant-smelling if stepped on!

Even if you visit in the winter, the fallen golden leaves blanket the ground, offering a soft, nostalgic feeling even when the trees are bare.

Yoyogi Park throughout the seasons

Yoyogi Park isn’t just a park — it’s a small window into the daily life and rhythms of Tokyo. Whether you’re visiting in the middle of cherry blossom season, catching the last glows of autumn, or simply looking for a peaceful place to relax after shopping in Harajuku, Yoyogi is a must-visit.

It’s free, it’s full of life, and there’s always something new to discover if you take your time.

If you're lucky you might even catch a glimpse of the famous dog walker who somehow manages a pack of ten or more dogs at once.