Komazawa Olympic Park

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The park was designed by architect Yoshinobu Ashihara, who also contributed to the design of the 1964 Olympic Gymnasium.

2. 2

   The park is built on land that was formerly a golf course, converted into a sports complex specifically for the 1964 Olympic Games.

3. 3

   The Olympic Memorial Tower at the park serves as a landmark commemorating the Tokyo 1964 Olympics.

4. 4

   The park's layout was intentionally designed to encourage high-volume pedestrian flow between various athletic facilities.

5. 5

   It remains one of the few Tokyo parks where specific zones are strictly dedicated to high-intensity training versus leisure activities.

Overview

Komazawa Olympic Park is a major sports complex constructed as a secondary venue for the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics. It serves as a hub for competitive sports and casual recreation, featuring dedicated tracks for jogging and cycling. The park spans approximately 41 hectares and contains a stadium, gymnasium, and ball sports fields. Distinctive concrete architecture, including the 50-meter-tall Olympic Memorial Tower, defines its mid-century modernist aesthetic. The park provides specialized zones for children and extensive paved pathways for non-motorized transport. It is managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association and remains one of the largest public sporting grounds in Setagaya. The site is notable for retaining original structures that showcase the architectural style of the 1964 games.

Insider tips

• Bring your own bicycle if possible, as the cycling course is one of the park's most popular features.

• Check the official Tokyo Metropolitan Park website for facility maintenance schedules that may temporarily limit track access.

• Utilize the designated 'Cycling Road' rather than the pedestrian paths to avoid congestion during peak weekend hours.