Yoyogi Park – Where The World Comes to Tokyo

Apr 30, 2024

Yoyogi Park – Where The World Comes to Tokyo

Situated south of Shinjuku, north of Shibuya and just west of Harajuku, the expanse of lush greenery, rolling hills and clear ponds known as Yoyogi Park serves as an oasis of refreshing nature in the concrete jungle known as Shibuya Ward. It’s also the home of Meiji Jingu, the shrine dedicated to the Meiji Period Emperor and a national landmark. But did you know that during the warmer months, Yoyogi also becomes a place where you can visit the world just by taking a stroll in the park?

Countries from Thailand to Brazil hold bazaars and festivals in Yoyogi Park almost every weekend at this time, usually sponsored by their embassies, tourism boards and corporations both domestic and abroad. It is a great chance to learn about other places, listen to some good music and of course, eat lots of different food! Here’s a short list of what’s on deck at Yoyogi Park in the next few months:

May

3rd, 4th: Cambodia Festival 2024

Cambodians from around the community always gather at this event. Expect lots of stands selling tasty Cambodian food along with stage shows.

11th,12th: Thai Festival 2024

Oh boy, sooooo many food stands selling yummy curry and Thai coffee! And the performances are not to be missed!

18th, 19th: Okinawa Festival 2024

Okinawa actually used to be a different country and its native people share a different history; this is part of the allure of Okinawa that Japanese still have to this day. Here’s a chance to check it all out without needing to go to Haneda Airport!

25th, 26th Lao Festival 2024

Rounding out the month will be a chance to learn about Laos and its culture.

June

1st, 2nd: Vietnam Festival 2024

Any excuse to try all the different kinds of Pho and Vietnamese deli sandwiches are not needed – just come to Yoyogi on these days!

8th, 9th: Turkish Festival 2024

Kebabs and Turkish Ice cream? Sounds like a good day in the park.

15th, 16th: Thai Food Festival 2024

If you weren’t satisfied with the Thai festival in May, you get a second chance at this food-centric event in June

21st, 22nd: African Festival

Celebrate West African cultures and have a taste of food and music from Senegal, Ghana and Cote D’Ivore including a fashion show and drum performances.

July

6th, 7th: Arabian Festival 2024

This also is a great chance to see a taste of food and music from the Arabian Peninsula.

20th, 21st: Festival Brazil 2024

If you have a love for samba, capoeira, and hanging out with a few representatives from one of Japan’s largest immigrant communities, then you can’t miss this one. Sometimes over 100,000 attend. I can attest to having some of the best plantains and BBQ at this one myself.

August

17th, 18th,  Thai Expo 2024

A third chance to enjoy all things Thai this summer. 

September

28th, 29th,  Namaste India 2024

A festival celebrating Indian food and culture as summer winds down.

Yoyogi Park (代々木公園)

Map: https://goo.gl/eYMS3j

Access: 3 mins walk from Harajuku, Yoyogi Koen, or Meijijingu Stations. (JY, C, F Subway lines)

Website: https://www.yoyogipark.info/

 

Syced, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons