Nippon Budokan

Nippon Budokan

The Nippon Budokan is located in Kitanomaru Park, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. It was originally built as the venue for the judo competition during the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics. Today, it serves as a major hall for promoting traditional martial arts and the cultivation of mind and body in Japan. The annual National Memorial Service for War Dead, held on August 15 (the date of Japan’s surrender in World War II), also takes place here, with the attendance of both the Emperor and the Prime Minister.

The Budokan was completed on October 3, 1964. It is situated near facilities such as the National Museum of Nature and Science and the National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo, in an area with fresh air and rich cultural atmosphere, making it a prime tourist spot. The Nippon Budokan features an octagonal design, with two underground floors and three above-ground levels, and can accommodate up to 14,000 spectators and performers. In addition to hosting judo, kendo, karate, and other martial arts competitions or training sessions, the venue regularly stages large-scale events such as dance performances, orchestra concerts, martial arts demonstrations, music concerts, professional boxing, professional wrestling, and major graduation and commencement ceremonies. Major domestic events held here include the All-Japan Judo Championships (an open-weight division competition and national championship held annually on April 29), the All-Japan Kendo Championships on November 3, and the Japan Self-Defense Forces Marching Festival held in late November.

Nippon Budokan

Must-visit reason: Japan’s premier venue for judo competitions

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Tokyo Metropolis [Tokyo Metropolis]

City where the attraction is located: Chiyoda [Chiyoda]