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Nippon Budokan
Nippon Budokan is a covered, octagonal stadium 42 metres high, with a roof evoking the slope of Mount Fuji and topped by a golden sphere, located in Kitanomaru Park in central Tokyo, a two-minute walk from Kudanshita metro station and close to the Imperial Palace and Yasukuni Shrine. Built for the 1964 Olympic Games, it is run by the Nippon Budokan Foundation and its main purpose is to promote Japanese martial arts, hosting the national championships of disciplines such as judo, kendo, karate and aikido every year. The venue is also famous for its concerts: the Beatles played here for the first time in 1966, and it has since hosted numerous international artists, many of whom have recorded live albums there. It is also the venue for events such as the annual memorial ceremony for those who died in the Second World War, attended by the Emperor and the Prime Minister, and the Japan Self-Defense Forces Music Festival in November. Capacity is 11,525 for sporting competitions and up to 14,471 for concerts.
Add it to your trip on Wanloria →Things to do at Nippon Budokan: 4 missions
- Attend large-scale music concerts at the Nippon BudokanThe Nippon Budokan is also known for hosting large-scale music concerts.
- Take part in Japanese calligraphy workshops at the Nippon BudokanThe facilities include Japanese calligraphy workshops.
- Watch martial arts tournaments at the Nippon BudokanThe Nippon Budokan hosts various martial arts tournaments.
- Visit the Nippon BudokanVisit the Nippon Budokan in Tokyo and get to know the place in person.