Tokyo’s New National Stadium is a landmark of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, but its story did not end with the closing ceremonies. The venue remains a working stadium for sport, concerts and other events, and its wooden architectural design makes it interesting even to travellers who do not follow athletics. In January 2026 the venue began using the name MUFG Stadium, while its formal name remains Japan National Stadium. This updated guide explains the naming change, what you can see, how stadium tours work and how to get there without assuming the venue is open for unscheduled walk-ins.
Key Takeaways
Japan National Stadium at a Glance
Official name: Japan National Stadium (Kokuritsu Kyogijo). Current venue name: MUFG Stadium, also referred to as MUFG Kokuritsu. Address: 10-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Nearest transport: Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station on the Toei Oedo Line, and Sendagaya or Shinanomachi stations on the JR Sobu local line. Best reason to visit: a scheduled event or an authorised stadium tour. The venue is near Japan Olympic Museum and the wider Meiji Jingu Gaien area.
Why Is It Called MUFG Stadium in 2026?
The stadium operator announced that the venue would use the MUFG Stadium name from 1 January 2026 under a national-stadium partnership. The formal name, Japan National Stadium, remains in place and may still appear in sporting regulations, maps and historic coverage. This distinction matters when searching for events: an older article might call it the New National Stadium, a tourism page might say Japan National Stadium, and the current operator may advertise MUFG Stadium. They refer to the same venue at Kasumigaokamachi, not three different stadiums.
The stadium operator’s January 2026 announcement explains the name change, and the official stadium partnership page distinguishes the formal and operating names. Avoid changing the article’s established permalink merely to follow a sponsorship name that may evolve in future years.
From Tokyo 1964 to Tokyo 2020
The original National Stadium
The previous stadium at this site was associated with the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, a pivotal moment in Japan’s postwar international profile. Over subsequent decades it hosted sport and cultural events before being replaced. Understanding that earlier history gives context to the decision to build a modern venue in roughly the same location rather than treat the present building as a completely new cultural landmark.
Designing the replacement
The replacement project was debated for its cost and appearance. An earlier proposal by architect Zaha Hadid was set aside, and a team led by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, working with Taisei Corporation and Azusa Sekkei, developed the design that was built. The result combines timber, steel, sloping stands and layered eaves. It aims to create a recognisably Japanese visual identity without copying a traditional temple.
Tokyo 2020, held in 2021
The stadium was the principal venue for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, which were held in 2021 following the pandemic postponement. It hosted major ceremonies and athletics events. Articles written before the Games sometimes still say that it ‘will host’ those competitions; that wording is now historical and should be corrected. The venue’s present role is as an active stadium with its own contemporary event calendar.
Architecture: Timber, Eaves and Greenery
One of the most distinctive features is the layered wooden exterior. The design references traditional Japanese architectural elements such as eaves while using modern structural methods. Wood from different parts of Japan was incorporated to symbolise a nationwide connection. Greenery on the building’s terraces and concourses softens the appearance of a large sports facility. The materials and proportions are especially noticeable when walking around the perimeter, where you can appreciate the stadium without needing to enter a ticketed event.
The seating bowl was designed to keep spectators connected to the field, while ventilation was considered for Tokyo’s warm and humid conditions. Architectural features can help manage the environment, but they do not eliminate summer heat. If attending an event, plan for the weather, follow the organiser’s guidance and use the actual seating information on your ticket rather than generalised descriptions of the stadium’s capacity.
Can Tourists Visit the Stadium?
Attend a scheduled event
One way to experience the venue is to buy an authorised ticket for a football match, athletics meeting, concert or other scheduled event. Events and entry arrangements change throughout the year. Check the official stadium events calendar and then follow the relevant organiser’s ticket instructions. Do not assume a venue listing means general public entry is available at any time; stadium access is controlled during preparation, rehearsals and private functions.
Book the MUFG Stadium Tour
The official stadium tour offers an opportunity to see selected areas normally inaccessible to casual visitors, potentially including athlete facilities and trackside spaces. The exact route depends on event preparation and maintenance. The operator’s 2026 tour page lists adult weekday admission at ¥3,200 and weekend/holiday admission at ¥3,500, subject to the published calendar and booking conditions. Check the official MUFG Stadium Tour schedule and tickets before planning around these prices. Tour dates are not continuous, and some areas can be closed or substituted.
See the architecture from outside
Even without an event or tour ticket, the exterior and surrounding public routes can be of interest. Respect any barriers and security notices; do not treat service entrances or restricted terraces as public attractions. The operator and official Tokyo tourism guide mention the stadium’s landscape features, but public access to particular areas may change with events or maintenance.
How to Get to Japan National Stadium
By subway and JR train
The closest listed subway access is Kokuritsu-Kyogijo Station on the Toei Oedo Line, with Exit A2 near the stadium. Sendagaya and Shinanomachi on the JR Sobu local line are roughly five minutes away on foot. Gaienmae on the Ginza Line is another option for travellers exploring the surrounding district. Use the station and exit appropriate to your ticketed gate: large events can impose different pedestrian routes or entry points.
From Shinjuku, Harajuku and Shibuya
The stadium is a useful stop while exploring western and central Tokyo. You could combine a visit with Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden on a different part of the day, or continue to Harajuku and Omotesando and Aoyama for shopping and architecture. If you are based around Shibuya, compare train routes and walking distances before travelling. The official GO TOKYO stadium listing and the operator’s site provide location guidance.
What to See Near the Stadium
Japan Olympic Museum and sports heritage
Japan Olympic Museum is a natural companion for visitors interested in the history of the Games. It adds context that a quick exterior photograph cannot provide. Other Tokyo sporting venues include Nippon Budokan, Tokyo Dome and Ryogoku Kokugikan, but these are in different neighbourhoods and should be treated as separate visits rather than adjacent stops.
Meiji Jingu Gaien and nearby green spaces
The wider area includes tree-lined streets and public spaces. Icho Namiki Avenue is particularly associated with ginkgo foliage in autumn, while Meiji-jingu Shrine and Yoyogi Park can form part of a longer west-Tokyo itinerary. These places are not all next door to the stadium, so allow for travel and check seasonal conditions. For a different garden experience, consider Shinjuku Gyoen’s cherry-blossom season only when the timing is appropriate.
Tokyo neighbourhoods and culture
After the stadium, travellers interested in design might visit the Nezu Museum or explore the Omotesando–Aoyama area. Those more interested in city views could consider the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building on another outing. Sports fans can compare the atmosphere of the Tokyo sumo tournament experience with a football or athletics event, keeping in mind that calendars and ticket systems differ.
Planning a Stadium Tour or Event Day
Before you book
First check whether the stadium has an event or tour on your intended date. Confirm which gate or meeting point applies, and review prohibited items, bag restrictions and photography rules. Stadium tour routes may change because of maintenance or rehearsals, so treat published example photographs as illustrative rather than a guarantee of access to every room.
On arrival
Allow time to navigate the surrounding streets, especially on event days when crowd control can alter normal pedestrian routes. Keep your booking confirmation accessible and follow the venue’s signage. If you need step-free access or other assistance, consult the operator or event organiser in advance rather than assuming that every entrance has identical facilities.
After your visit
Consider an unhurried walk through the neighbourhood instead of trying to cover distant Tokyo sights immediately. The stadium is an architectural and sporting destination, not a theme park with continuous public activities. Combining one confirmed experience with a nearby museum, garden or restaurant generally makes a more reliable day than building an itinerary around unverified walk-in access.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MUFG Stadium the same as Japan National Stadium?
Yes. MUFG Stadium is the name used since January 2026; Japan National Stadium remains the formal name.
Can I enter without an event ticket?
Not as a general assumption. Public access depends on scheduled tours, events and any areas explicitly opened by the operator. Check the official calendar.
How much is a stadium tour?
The 2026 official page lists adult weekday and weekend/holiday rates, but prices and dates can change. Confirm the total when booking through the authorised provider.
Which station is closest?
Kokuritsu-Kyogijo on the Toei Oedo Line is very close; Sendagaya and Shinanomachi are also convenient JR options.
Was the Tokyo 2020 Olympics held here in 2020?
The event kept the Tokyo 2020 name but took place in 2021 after postponement. The stadium hosted important Olympic and Paralympic events.
Official Sources and Further Reading
For the most reliable current information, consult the stadium operator’s event and visitor website, official stadium tour booking guidance, Japan National Tourism Organization’s historical stadium overview and GO TOKYO’s updated stadium listing. Venue naming, events, tour dates and entry rules should always be checked close to your visit.
Address And Maps Location:
10-1 Kasumigaokamachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo-to
Find Location And Direction On Google Maps
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