Families enjoy cherry blossom season under sakura trees in Yoyogi Park, one of the best picnic spots in a Tokyo itinerary with kids.

Yoyogi Park is one of Tokyo’s best spots for families who need room to roam, relax, and recharge. Locally known as Yoyogi Koen, this spacious stretch of greenery sits right between the bustle of Harajuku and the quiet of Meiji Jingu Shrine. With wide paths perfect for scooters, seasonal flower gardens, and plenty of open lawns, Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park offers something for every kind of kid adventure. Whether you’re entering from the Shibuya side or wandering over from Takeshita Street, Yoyogi Park blends big city energy with peaceful playtime. Some people even call it Yogi Park Tokyo, we just call it one of our favorite escapes.

As you plan your trip to Tokyo with kids, this guide is a great place to start! For comprehensive information on where to stay, how to get around, and what to eat with kids, begin with our Tokyo Family Travel Guide. You can then visit the Tokyo with Kids Hub to find all our guides, adventure stories, and age-specific tips conveniently in one easy place.

Why Yoyogi Park is Great for Families with Kids

  • Huge grassy fields give kids space to run, toss a frisbee, or roll down hills.
  • Paved walkways are perfect for scooters, strollers, and balance bikes.
  • Seasonal flowers, street performers, and open-air musicians add extra magic.
  • Easy access to Meiji Shrine, Harajuku, and nearby snacks makes it a great half-day combo.

Best Things to Do at Yoyogi Park with Kids

  • Open Lawns & Picnic Spots: Bring a mat and some onigiri! Kids can race around while parents relax under giant zelkova trees.
  • Scooter-Perfect Paths: Smooth, looping paths are great for wheeled adventures, but don’t forget your helmet!
  • Seasonal Nature Zones: See cherry blossoms in spring, ginkgo leaves in fall, and quiet beauty year-round in the park’s wooded areas.
  • Sunday Street Performers: On weekends, catch dancers, musicians, and the occasional Elvis impersonator near the Harajuku Station entrance.
  • Nearby Harajuku Treats: Grab crepes, yakisoba, or fresh fruit drinks nearby to fuel your park time (or celebrate your adventures after).

Practical Tips for Visiting Yoyogi Park with Kids

  • Cost: Free
  • Best Age Range: All ages
  • Stroller-Friendly? Yes, wide paved paths throughout
  • Rest Areas: Plenty of benches, shade, and grassy areas
  • Food: Bring your own or pick up snacks from nearby Harajuku; food trucks sometimes appear on weekends

How to Get to Yoyogi Park with Kids

  • By Train: 3-minute walk from Harajuku Station (JR Yamanote Line) or Meiji-Jingumae Station (Tokyo Metro).
  • By Bus: Multiple local buses serve the Harajuku area.

Family-Friendly Hotels Near Yoyogi Park in Tokyo

  • Luxury
    • Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu – Directly connected to Shibuya Station, 16 minutes walk or 14 mins train to the park. High floors offer city views and large family rooms.
    • Trunk Hotel Tokyo Cat Street14 minutes walk from the park. A stylish Harajuku escape with large rooms and family-friendly vibes.
  • Mid‑Range
    • Tokyu Stay Shibuya Shin-Minamiguchi – Smaller rooms with kitchenettes, great for longer stays and families on a budget-conscious mid-range plan. 22 mins walk or 20 mins train from the park.
  • Budget
    • APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae – Approximate 22‑minute walk or 19 mins train from Meiji Jingu Shrine. A clean, reliable business-hotel style option offering compact family rooms and consistent quality without stretching the budget.

As you finalize your Tokyo plans, you might be considering your accommodation options. Our Tokyo Hotel Guide features top-rated family options across every budget, whether you’re planning to stay near Shibuya, Asakusa, or Disneyland. After securing your stay, explore our Best Things to Do in Tokyo with Kids guide for ideas on epic museums and neighborhood gems, from the vibrant streets of Harajuku to the scenic bay area.

FAQs: Visiting Yoyogi Park with Kids

Planning a visit to Yoyogi Park with kids? These family-focused FAQs cover what to do, how to get there, and tips for making the most of your day.

Q: Where is Yoyogi Park located in Tokyo?

A: Yoyogi Park is located in the Shibuya ward of Tokyo, just beside Harajuku Station and Meiji Jingu Shrine. It sits between Shibuya and Shinjuku, making it one of the most accessible parks in central Tokyo.

Q: What are Yoyogi Park’s opening hours?

A: Yoyogi Park is open daily from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM during winter months, and typically until 8:00 PM in spring and summer. The park is free to enter and open year-round, though hours may vary slightly by season.

Q: What happens at Yoyogi Park on Sundays?

A: Sundays at Yoyogi Park are lively and energetic. You’ll often see live music, street performers, dance groups, and locals picnicking or playing sports. It’s one of the best times to experience Tokyo’s youth culture and creativity in the open air.

Q: When is the best time to see cherry blossoms in Yoyogi Park?

A: The cherry blossoms in Yoyogi Park typically bloom from late March to early April. This is one of Tokyo’s favorite hanami spots, with over 600 cherry trees creating beautiful picnic areas perfect for families and photographers alike.

Q: Does Yoyogi Park have playgrounds for kids?

A: Yes, Yoyogi Park has a dedicated children’s playground near the Harajuku Gate. It includes swings, climbing structures, and slides, plus open grass areas perfect for running and playing.

Q: Are there rides or amusement facilities for kids at Yoyogi Park?

A: No, Yoyogi Park does not have amusement rides, but it offers plenty of family-friendly features including a large playground, scooter-friendly paths, shaded picnic spots, and open fields where kids can play freely.

Q: How do you get to Yoyogi Park by train?

A: The easiest way to get to Yoyogi Park is via Harajuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line or Yoyogi-Koen Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line. Both stations are within a short walking distance from the park’s main entrances.

Q: Is Yoyogi Park free to enter?

A: Yes, entry to Yoyogi Park is completely free. There are no admission fees for any part of the park, including the playground and open grass areas.

Q: Can you ride bikes or scooters in Yoyogi Park?

A: Yes, scooters and bikes are allowed on most of the wide paths in Yoyogi Park. While there are no dedicated bike trails, the park is safe and spacious enough for children to ride under supervision.

Q: Are there toilets and baby-changing facilities at Yoyogi Park?

A: Yes, Yoyogi Park has multiple restrooms, including accessible toilets and baby-changing stations, especially near the main entrances like Harajuku Gate and the central fountain area.

Until Next Time…

Whether you’re playing tag in the grass, chasing bubbles near the pond, or just soaking in the quiet between Tokyo’s bustle, Yoyogi Park offers one of the city’s best family breaks. It’s proof that you don’t need a ticket to make a memory, sometimes, all it takes is a scooter, a shady tree, and a little time together.

Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~

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