What other travelers are saying about Nippon Budokan
This is a sports arena with comfortable seating and excellent views. Even from the highest seats, the playing field feels close, and all details are clearly visible.
Inside the building, a corridor surrounds the competition venue, with walls listing the winners of various martial arts competitions over the years.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Nippon Budokan hosts martial arts tournaments including judo, kendo, karate, and aikido competitions. It also serves as a concert venue and has been used for music performances since 1966. The facility additionally hosts graduation ceremonies and other large-scale events.
No. The building is only accessible during scheduled events such as tournaments, concerts, or ceremonies. There are no general tours or public visiting hours. You can photograph the exterior and walk through Kitanomaru Park without restriction.
Martial arts tournaments typically offer free entry or charge minimal fees. Concert tickets range from approximately 3,000 yen for smaller performances to 10,000 yen or more for major artists. Prices depend entirely on the specific event.
Take the subway to Kudanshita Station (Tozai, Hanzomon, or Toei Shinjuku lines) and walk five minutes through Kitanomaru Park. Alternatively, use Takebashi Station (Tozai Line) for a three-minute walk.
Iconic music/sports venue. Conveniently located in the center of Tokyo. Arena space is quite small, which is good if you are in it because it's close to the action.
We came at pretty late so it was close. But from the outside, AMAZING. It reminds of Taj Mahal because when I look on top of the building, it is kinda familiar. It’s like a huge stadium where events occur like sumos tournament, the Olympics, etc…
The Nippon Budokan, located in Tokyo, is a renowned concert venue that has hosted numerous important music performances since 1962, spanning various genres including rock, pop, jazz, and more. It's not only a holy ground for music enthusiasts in Japan but also attracts many internationally acclaimed artists to perform. Renowned for its unique design and excellent acoustics, it's a coveted stage for many musicians.
The designer of the Nippon Budokan is Kenzo Tange, one of the most important architects of the 20th century and a pioneer of modern architecture in Japan. The design emphasizes functionality and practicality to accommodate various types of activities, including concerts, martial arts performances, and sports events. It showcases modernist aesthetics with clean geometric shapes and clear structures, while also incorporating traditional Japanese elements such as courtyard-like designs and a harmonious natural environment.
Be joining a concert in Budokan is definitely a must do list for life!
