Today, in the third part of a seven-part series highlighting some of the events of this year's Tokyo Summer Games and Para-Sports Games, we focus on track events, one part of Athletics, and some of the most exciting and varied collection of competitions!
Athletics, the combination of track, field and road events, is the largest group of sports at the Games, with multiple competitions taking place at the same time, creating an unmatched atmosphere of excitement and drama! And while field events are largely about distance or height, track events are all about speed.
With a capacity of 68,000, the Japan National Stadium, newly constructed for the world’s largest sporting event, will host the majority of the track events. Extensive use of wood has been incorporated into the structural support and aesthetic design, creating a warm ambience.
But the track events will be much more than ‘warm’! Things will get hotter with each heat, as winners in each event proceed to semi-finals and then to finals. New innovations in track covering are expected to give an edge to all the athletes, and new records are highly anticipated.
The entirety of events in Athletics will be held during the final 10 days of the Summer Games. With some of the most widely watched competitions, the track races will bring the celebration of sports to a crescendo, and usher in the closing ceremony, which, like the opening ceremony, will also be held in the Japan National Stadium.
Aside from the Summer Games, one of the best things about the Japan National Stadium is its location, and all the exciting activities that can be done within such a short distance.
Less than 10 minutes away on foot, you will find Shinjuku Gyoen Park, one of Tokyo’s largest and most popular. It is known for its cherry blossom trees, as well as having three kinds of gardens; traditional Japanese landscape garden, French garden with symmetrical designs, and English garden.
Experience a traditional tea ceremony right in downtown Tokyo while dressed in a traditional kimono. Brighten your visit with colorful kimonos. Perhaps even head to the park for a fun walk and photo shoot! Many options include casual clothes, Japanese sweets making, private ceremony, all available in English! For even more information about experiences, look here：
https://www.sportsjourney.jp/areas/shinjuku
Visiting a government building may not sound like the most fun thing to do, but we’re certain your view will change when you visit the observation decks on the 45th floor and take in the vast expanse of the largest metropolis in the world! The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building offers great views at the best price – free!
A short walk from Harajuku Station, Meiji Shrine offers another free activity, but one with a totally different flavor. Created in 1920, and rebuilt after WWII, Meiji Shrine was dedicated to the Emperor Meiji, known as the first emperor of modern Japan. The tranquil forest is a strong contrast to the bustle of the city. You’re sure to feel a quiet peacefulness as you pass the giant torii gate, and take part in Shinto activities such as “ema” ( writing your wish on a wooden token with some picture drawn on it) and offering a prayer in a traditional way,or simply take in the coolness of the forest as you walk among the trees.
You will also find the Meiji Jingu Museum and Inner Garden, both of which require an entrance fee to enter, and offer their own unique attractions.
The track events of the Tokyo Games and the activities available in Tokyo are as varied as they are exciting. And we have introduced only a small portion of both of them. This summer, celebrate the thrills of the Summer Games, and revel in the amusement and sensations of Tokyo!
ACCESS
The Japan National Stadium is within walking distance from the following stations:
• Shinanomachi Station or Sendagaya Station on the JR Sobu Line
• Aoyoma-itchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line or Toei Oedo Line
• Kitasando Station on the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line
• Gaienmae Station on the Tokyo Metro Ginza Line
• Kokuritsu-kyogijo Station on the Toei Oedo Line
