National Stadium is a multipurpose stadium located in Tokyo. The stadium opened in 2019 and features a maximum capacity of 80, 016 making it the largest in Japan and seventh largest across Asia. The venue is primarily known as having served as the main stadium of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic games.

The stadium was built to replace the former national stadium that was built in the 1950s and served as the centrepiece of the 1964 Summer Olympic games. Much like its predecessor, the stadium was built to serve as the centrepiece of the Olympic Games. Unfortunately, due to the Covid 19 pandemic, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were postponed to 2021 with the stadium virtually empty during the course of the two-week event.

The stadium was designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma incorporating Japanese design and materials into the design of the stadium. Wood is used throughout the interior and exterior areas of the stadium and is sourced from all 47 prefectures of Japan.

Post Olympics, the stadium continues to host high profile national and continental athletics events. The National Stadium has proven popular for association football serving as one of the Japanese team’s home grounds and hosting the annual Emperor’s Cup Final.

If your visit doesn’t coincide with an event, tours available offering visitors a behind the scene look of the interior and exterior areas of the stadium. Highlights include the players tunnel, a visit to the running track and the VIP section, used by the emperor and other high-profile visitors.

The stadium is easily accessible from anywhere in Tokyo via Japan’s comprehensive train network. Sendagaya Station on the Chuo-Sobu Line is the closest to the stadium and short 5-minute walk from gate A where tours depart.