Travel Around Tokyo & Surroundings
Budokan Tokyo
TRAVEL TOPIC: B-Movie Style of Attractions in Tokyo
You must have heard of the world famous Nippon Budokan Hall in Japan, known as a performance hall for cultural events including music concerts and sports events. Have you ever heard of the Tokyo Budokan?!
Yes, that is correct the Tokyo Budokan, in north Tokyo.
In Japan, traditionally, the Budokan is an arena for martial arts, so there are many Budokan buidlings in Japan. The main Nippon Budokan Hall near the Imperial Palace in central Tokyo is also knowon for martial arts, but it is mainly used for big music concerts with the mega-seating capacity. On the other hand, the Tokyo Budokan is a genuine arena for martial arts and is only exclusively for martial arts. The Tokyo Budokan is not so big, but is unique in structure. Besides, it is a great place to visit if you feel like experiencing real Japanese martial arts.
The Tokyo Budokan is used for many martial Tournaments and is also a training facility for martial artists. If you ask Kengaku dekimasuka and sign your name at the reception in the building on the left of the arena, you can look around the inside of the arena. You will see people practicing various martial arts like Kendo, Judo, Karate, Kyudo and others.
Yes, admission is free for the free tour.
But please, don't forget to take off your shoes when you enter the building and make sure your socks have no holes in them :-)
As for Kyudo (Japanese archery), there is a shooting gallery next to the arena. On the day I visited, a Kyudo Tournament was being held and I couldn't go inside the gallery since players need complete silence for the high degree of concentration required. Only players were allowed to go inside.
When I visit Tokyo Budokan, a Kendo Tournament for High school students was being held.
Unfortunately, the Tokyo Budokan is not located in the center of Tokyo. It is located in Adachi-ku, in the north of Tokyo. If you have a strong interest in the martial arts of Japan, this is a must place to visit.
Tokyo Budokan Location
3-20-1 Ayase Adachi-ku Tokyo
The closest subway Station is Ayase of the Chiyoda subway line. It is only 5 minutes walk from the station. The Tokyo Budokan website (only In Japanese)
All Travel to Japan articles were written by staff of digi-escape.
