Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium

The Tokyo Metropolitan Gymnasium stands as one of Japan's premier indoor sporting venues in the Sendagaya district of Shibuya, adjacent to the National Stadium and within walking distance of Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Originally constructed in 1954, the facility underwent a major reconstruction completed in 1990 by renowned architect Fumihiko Maki, whose distinctive suspended roof design has become an iconic feature of Tokyo's architectural landscape. The gymnasium served as a key venue during the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and returned to the Olympic stage in 2020 (held in 2021) when it hosted table tennis competitions.

The architectural significance of the gymnasium lies in Maki's innovative design, which features a sweeping curved roof suspended by cables, creating a dramatic silhouette that exemplifies modern Japanese architecture. The main arena can accommodate approximately 10,000 spectators and regularly hosts major sporting events including basketball, volleyball, and wrestling championships, as well as concerts and cultural performances. The complex includes a sub-arena, swimming pool, training rooms, and fitness facilities that are open to the public for recreational use.

Visitors can tour the exterior and public spaces of the gymnasium, though access to the main arena is typically limited to ticketed events. The facility's public swimming pool and training facilities welcome daily users for a modest fee. The architectural design is best appreciated from the outdoor plaza, where the interplay of the suspended roof structure and surrounding landscape creates striking visual compositions throughout the day. The venue's event calendar features international sporting competitions, concerts, and exhibitions that attract both domestic and international visitors.

The gymnasium is located approximately 5 minutes on foot from JR Sendagaya Station on the Sobu Line and Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station on the Oedo subway line. JR Shinanomachi Station on the Chuo-Sobu Line provides an alternative access point roughly 10 minutes away by foot. General admission to public facilities like the swimming pool costs around ¥600 for adults, while training room access is approximately ¥450. Event ticket prices vary significantly depending on the performance or competition. The facility operates as a public sports complex, making it accessible year-round except during private events or maintenance periods.