Yoyogi Park
If a local goes to Yoyogi park, it is almost always to have a picnic while drinking (alcohol is allowed and the park never closes and is free). As it is free, don’t expect the splendor of Shinjuku Gyoen, but for a free part that never closes, Japan can’t be beat.
As a free, open public facility, the park attracts a lot of fringe groups who will use the park as a public stage. Apart from the constant Drum Circle next to the water fountains (you’ll hear them), and the Rockabilly dancers who congregate on Sunday’s by the Harajuku entrance (regardless of the summer heat), other groups also find an audience in the park. “When Japan” has seen teenage dance groups (often practicing under the bridge to the event space), stand-up comedy double acts, samurai sword fighting, and a guy with 4 adorable dogs.
Access and pro-tips
Official Yoyogi Park homepage (terrible auto translation so don’t use it). There is no map in English however everyone seems to have saved an old copy that was in English and posts it on their site. So “When Japan” will too.
The ★ are toilets. They are pretty grotty for Japanese standards (although perfectly acceptable compared to any other country) and the lines get long on busy days, especially the one next to the Harajuku entrance. Try the toilet here for less queues as very few people know about it as the only people who use that entrance are locals.
Most people picnic around the edges of the central field, under the shade of the trees. There are a few other premium spots along the path from Harajuku Station to the Observation deck, but there are no Cherry Blossoms here so during spring most people head to the Central field. If you plan a picnic in Yoyogi Park then read this first.
The dog run is next to the cycling center. Hiring a bike is fairly pointless as the allowed route is short and nothing special.
The outdoor stage has regular weekend events so always check out what is happening there should you be visiting at the weekends. English information is limited however this site seems to be fairly up to date.
