Tokyo is more than a haven for anime fans, gamers, history buffs, and foodies. It’s also an incredible place for skaters, and there are many skate parks in Tokyo that you can choose from. Whether you’re am or pro, whether you’re using your decade-old board or you’ve just picked up some new wheels from Longboard Escapes, there are places for you to let loose.
This is especially important as, while bicycles are allowed to be ridden on sidewalks, skateboarding on public roads is not permitted. In all likelihood, as long as you’re not causing trouble, you might get away with it, but if the police decide to stop you, you could face a ¥50,000 fine, so better not to risk it.
So with that in mind, here are some of our favorite skate parks in Tokyo.
Outdoor Skate Parks in Tokyo
Komazawa Skate Park
Built specifically for the 1964 Olympic Games, this park — only a six-minute ride from Shibuya Station on the Tokyu Den-En-Toshi Line — is possibly the best known in Tokyo. It not only has manny pads and benches for getting ready, but fairly easy banks to get warmed up before you take to a quarter pipe or a mini halfpipe to really show off your stuff.
Jonanjima Skate Park
This is a park for those who want to see the ocean while they get some air. As well as being right in the middle of a family-friendly spot, this is a spacious park with plenty of room to practice if you’re a newbie, as well as having rails, spines, banks and quarter pipes for the more experienced to skate on. Omori Station on the Keihin-Tohoku Line is the closest station, though you may want to take a bus to the Jonanjima Yonchome stop.
Musashino Street Sports Plaza
Known for being on the cooler side of the skate parks, this place has bank to banks, spines, rails, and boxes. Wearing a helmet is not optional at this park, but is mandatory, and registration is required for first-timers. But after that’s done with, this is an opening and fun park for well-worn boards, as well as for beginners. Mitaka Station is the nearest transport link.
Miyashita Park
Redeveloped a few years ago by Nike, Miyashita Park has quickly developed a reputation among skaters for being one of the best parks in central Tokyo. Designed by P-Rod and Lance Mountain, this park boasts a 7-step, among its other stair sets, as well as a beautifully smooth concrete bowl. Mere moments from Shibuya, don’t worry if you forget your helmet: they can be borrowed for free.
Livedoor Urban Sports Park
The Livedoor Urban Sports Park in Ariake is a real gem of a skatepark: that’s why we saved it for last. It is an expansive area that has both a street section, with rails and stairs, as well as a “park” section, with bowls and curves. Accessible for skaters of all skill levels, it’s also a good spot for BMXing. It is a three minute walk from Ariake Tennis no Mori Station.
Indoor Skate Parks in Tokyo
Speaking of, there are times when the weather makes it impossible to skate outside, or perhaps you just prefer to skate with a roof over your head for the sake of comfort. In any case, Tokyo does have options for skaters who want to be inside without being shut-ins.
The Yago
The Yago is an indoor park with plenty of ramps, as well as bases and box skating. It is open to experienced skaters, but it offers a number of classes for less experienced skaters to learn the basics before they move on to more difficult maneuvers. It also has gear available for rent, so anyone who is just curious can come along. It is accessible from the Heiwajima Station on the Keikyu Line.
Trinity B3 Park & Shop
This is a large indoor park, with a lot of smaller ramps and banks for newbies to get their wheels spinning on. But those who’ve got a couple of spills under their belt won’t be disappointed, as there are stairs, a fun box, and a mini half pipe to practice tricks on. Plus, if you’re not lucky enough to get to Longboard Escapes, there’s a good pro-shop here.
Tips for skating in Tokyo
Japanese skaters are pretty chill people. Like a lot of places, you’ll need to have friends to really get into the scene, but it’s super easy to make friends with skaters here. Like with most of Japan, if you’re polite and open, people will open up to you quickly.
Skating is generally best done in the day, but it’s possible your new friends could show you some cool spots at night.
And that’s our list — and there are plenty more we could have chosen! So grab your wheels, and go find the best place for you!
