Tokyo 2020 Venues: Yoyogi National Stadium (Handball, Para-Badminton & Wheelchair Rugby)
With the 2020 Summer Olympics adding some new events to an already extensive list of sports, it will require many venues to host. There are 40 venues each staging at least one event, with some hosting a multiple. The opening and closing ceremonies will take place at the New National Stadium being built, however many of the events will be played out of already existing infrastructure within Japan. The venues are broken down into two main groups, The Heritage Zone and The Tokyo Bay Zone. Despite being named the Tokyo Olympics, there is actually venues in Fukushima, Rifu and Sapporo as well. The majority however are within a fifty kilometer radius of Tokyo.
One such venue is Yoyogi National Stadium and is the second closest venue to the New National Stadium. It will host sports both in the Olympic and Paralympic Games during Tokyo 2020. It is currently under renovations by the Shimuzu Construction Company and will be finished in time for the games. Here is a simple guide of the events, location, venue and nearby attractions.
Events
Olympic Games: Yoyogi stadium will host the Handball tournament in Tokyo 2020. Indoor handball has been a part of the Olympics since 1972, with Yugoslavia winning the first gold medal. The defending champion from Rio 2016 is Denmark. Sixteen teams will be pitted in a tournament to crown the 2020 champion. If your not familiar with the rules of handball, here is a link below.
Handball Rules:
Paralympic Games: For the Paralympic Games, Yoyogi will host two sports. That will be para-badminton and wheelchair rugby. Para-badminton will make its first appearance at the Paralympic Games in 2020. There will be six different classes, each with a different requirement to participate. Wheelchair rugby has a much longer history and was first introduced as a medal status sport in the 2000 Summer Paralympics. The Australian team was the first team to ever win the gold medal and is the current defending champions. Rules of wheelchair rugby is linked down below and the requirements of each divisions for para-badminton as well.
Para-Badminton Divisions:
Wheelchair Rugby Rules:
Location/Directions
The most effective method to get to the Olympic games will be public transportation. If you have lived in Tokyo, you already know that the public transit systems at times can be much better than driving. During the Olympics, roads will most likely be tremendously busy with the extra traffic on top of the daily commuters.
Yoyogi Stadium is located in Shibuya and is just across from the famous Yoyogi Park. The closest train station nearby, is the small Harajuku Station, just a five minute trip by foot. It is also in walking distance of Shibuya Station(15–20 minutes) and Shinjuku Station(25–30 minutes).
A very short ride from the busiest station in Japan. To get to Harajuku station from Shinjuku, you simply need to take the JR Yamanote line on platform 14. If you decide to bus instead, then take Bus 81 which will let you off at Harajuku. Taking the subway is also an option and get off at Meiji Jingumae Station, about a five minute walk.
If you take a train to Harajuku Station, exit the train station and head south. This most likely means going straight or taking a right out of Harajuku station. You should reach a bridge that leads to Yoyogi park. Walk over the bridge and instead of walking straight into the park, look to your left where you should see a dome like structure. That is Yoyogi Stadium. Use the small pedestrian overpass to get to the stadium.
This is not the only method as the facility has many entrances but this may be the most effective when commuting by train. The adress is posted below if you wish to take an alternative path.
Address: Yoyogi stadium address is 2–1–1 Jinan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
The Facility of Yoyogi Stadium
The stadium was built prior to the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. It was made with a futuristic design to show the modernity of Japan following their independence being given back a decade before. It was designed by Kenzo Tange and is owned by the Japan Sport Council. It would host two events during the 1964 games, basketball and aquatics. Since then, Yoyogi stadium has played host to a variety of large sporting events, including the 2006 and 2010 Women’s Volleyball World Championships.
The site itself is not just a single facility but consists of two gymnasiums, a futsal court and even a cafe. The current capacity pre-renovation, of the 1st gymnasium is 13,291 and the 2nd gymnasium is 3,202. There are five entrances, but it is unclear if all will be available for spectators. One would assume athletes, volunteers, security and workers will have a designated entrance, separate from fans.
Unfortunately due to heavy construction of the gymnasiums, there is currently no access to inner facilities. The futsal court and cafe still remain open to the public during construction.
Nearby Attractions
If you plan on watching one of the events, then you have a chance to visit the surrounding attractions. This includes the famous Yoyogi Park which is a beautiful forest amid the gigantic metropolis that is Tokyo. In stark contrast, a mere five minute walk away is Harajuku, one of the most trendy districts.
Yoyogi Park: Just a few minute walk from Yoyogi National Gymnasium is the serene Yoyogi Park. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tokyo. This is due to the unique massive forest in the middle of the city. Within the forest you will find the famous Meiji Jingu shrine. A shintoist shrine that is a beautiful spot hidden in the leaves. There is also a place to grab some food as well.
Harajuku: A renowned spot among both foreigners and Japanese youth. There is plenty of shopping and has a history of fashion. The over the top outfits and dyed hair similar to those in Japanese anime and manga was staple for a long time. The style that helped establish the fame of the district has deteriorated over the years, but is still a great place to grab some food and do some shopping. Famous Takeshita St, is packed with things to do for a fan looking to kill some time.
With renovations not being set to be complete until next year, it will be interesting to see the final product of the facility. With the sixteen team handball tournament, introduction of para-badminton and the always exciting wheelchair rugby, it will be an exciting atmosphere to be around.
If you wish to get in touch, feel free to email me at: Shotarohmoore@hotmail.com
